Day 20 – January 24 – Panama Canal, Panama
Photos
Sunrise as we approach the Panama Canal
Atlantic Bridge in background with ships waiting to transit the Panama Canal
Breakwater at North entrance to Panama Canal
Selfie as we approach the Atlantic Bridge
Closer view of Atlantic Bridge (completed in 2019)
Panorama of Atlantic Bridge
NCL Norwegian Jewel approaching Northern Panamax locks of Panama Canal
Approaching the Northern New Panamax locks of the Panama Canal
Videographer operating drone taking video of MSC Magnifica as we transit the Panama Canal
Tug that traveled with us through the locks
Drone used to video our transit of the Panama Canal
Approaching the 1st or 3 locks to raise the ship 85 feet
Selfie with Simon – a friend from our 2025 World Cruise
Yogi – our cabin steward as we enter the 1st lock
3 cabin stewards including Yogi (center – our steward) and Prisca (right – Kelsey’s steward)
Selfie in lock 1 as we begin to be raised
Gate opening to enter 2nd lock
Control tower for Northern New Panamax locks
Canal workers attaching dock lines for stability during lock transit
Lock in front emptying water into our lock to raise the ship
Panorama of ship in lock 2
Observation platform overlooking exit from Northern New Panamax locks
Gate opening to 3rd lock – final lift to reach 85 feet above sea level
Nearly at the level of Gatun Lake
Gatun Dam built to form Gatun Lake which allows travel between the Panama Canal locks
Pilot for transit from Caribbean to Gatun exiting MSC Magnifica
NCL Norwegian Jewel anchored with tenders – Atlantic Bridge in background
Ships approaching and in the Panamax locks (original Panama Canal locks) with Atlantic Bridge in background
Approaching the 1st lock on the Panama City side of the canal
Getting closer to the 1st lock
Inside the 1st lock at the Southern end of the canal
Moving into the 2nd lock on the Southern end of the canal
Waiting for tanker to exit lock so we can be lowered
Height before water is lowered in the lock – note position of lights on pole in front of blue ship
Height after water is lowered in lock – note position of same lights relative to blue ship
Ready to enter final lock on Southern end of Panama Canal
Getting closer to final lock
Securing dock line for final lowering
Nearly ready to open gate to the Pacific Ocean
Water from the Pacific Ocean now entering the lock
Man on pilot boat taking a photo of MSC Magnifica
Pilot leaving oil tanker that transited through Panamax locks
Skyline of Panama City
Bridge of the Americas with ships waiting for canal transit in distance
Panorama of the Bridge of the Americas – completed in 1962
Selfie with Pacific Ocean
Wider view of Panama City skyline
Sunset as we sail toward Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Jan’s dessert this evening