www.1001TopWords.com |
Panama Cruise Expert Guide
Situated in the country of Panama in Central America is the Panama Canal - a manmade waterway connecting the great oceans of the Pacific and the Atlantic together. It is 80 kilometers in length and is wide enough to accommodate a whole host of ocean-going vessels, including Panama cruise ships. The Panama canal marks the only point at which the landmass of the North American continent and South American continent are physically separated from each other - a fact that distinguishes the canal as a true wonder of the 20th century engineering world. The Panama Canal was initially designed to cut travel time for vessels that needed to cross between the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans. It first opened its commercial doors on 15 August, 1914 and is now used by more than thirteen thousand vessels each year. Along the canal's length are three sets of locks. The locks act as water elevators, enabling vessels to traverse upslope/downslope across the canal terrain. A Panama cruise takes in the full length of this magnificent canal, revealing some awe-inspiring views of an incredible feat of engineering, as well as offering a tantalizing selection of tour options along the canal. These include sailing or kayaking on Gatun Lake, through which the canal passes. Visitors can also book a tour of the Panama Canal railroad, which takes in dramatic views of the canal itself and the Central American rainforests. Vibrant Panama City with its eclectic mix of architecture, people and culture is an essential excursion to take while on a Panama cruise. The historical district of Casco Viejo is well worth a visit, if only to see the remnants of the 17th century Spanish fortifications there. For sports-minded cruisers there is a world-class golf course located just 20-minutes away from Panama City. Panama cruises depart from many of the coastal seaports around the U.S. The most popular cruise routes are one-way cruises departing from one port on the Atlantic or Pacific side and ending at a U.S. port on the opposite coast. Round-trip cruises are available too. These provide passengers with more 'at sea' time, and use the Panama Canal as the furthest destination point on the cruise. Whether one-way or round-trip, Panama cruises incorporate other stops en-route to the Panama Canal and are often of between 10-20 nights in duration. A typical 12-night round-trip Panama cruise itinerary departing from Florida includes calls at Mexico, Jamaica, Costa Rica and Columbia as well as taking in the entire length of the Panama Canal. With so much variety on offer, its no wonder a Panama Cruise is top of the vacation wish list of many an American! John Metcalfe is the author and web publisher of A to Z Cruises your #1 source
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Are you Ready for the Cruise of a Lifetime? Cruises are one of the best ways to unwind and relax. It's the ultimate in vacations. Is a cruise for you? Do you know what there is to do on a cruise? Its not just a ride on a boat you know. Take a Wine-Tasting Tour While Yachting Just think of it, the world of opulence and leisure: You're on a luxury yacht. You're sailing the ocean blue, not a care in the world. You're being served a taste of different varietals of fine wines by waiters wearing white gloves and tuxedos with tails. You're catching the scintillating scent of fresh sea air from your overstuffed chaise lounge on the yacht's deck. Strawberries dipped in chocolate and truffles glide by on gleaming sterling-silver trays. Family Cruise and Family Cruises Family cruises are a special time for families to connect and spend time together. With the busyness of work and sports programs, dance lessons, dentist visits, and youth group, it's hard for families to spend quality time together. All the more reason to get away from the hustle and bustle and go on a family cruise. What Is Best For You; An Inflatable Kayak Or A Hard-Shell Kayak? If you are buying a kayak for the very first time it is very exciting but there are a lot of things that you need to consider and to think about. You will need to consider what type of kayak you need for the type of activity you will be doing with it. The Reluctant Sailor - Tips for the Sailing Beginner Stroll around any marina and you will soon spot the classic sailing characters: the old enthusiast, patiently restoring a wooden shell to its sleek former self; the dedicated racer, tweaking his stripped out, cutting edge craft; or even tanned BMW man, who turns up on sunny weekends to take his latest woman out for a spin in his souped-up power boat.Move to the bar, and you'll find them easily. The old hand, scruffed down, ready for that all important anti-fouling job. The smart executive, shades in hand, leading an enthusiastic team-building session. Or the sun-bleached student, fresh from his gap year spent taking boats down to the Med.But what about the rest? What about the unsung sailors? What about those resigned individuals who, worn down after years of hints, huffs and sweet-talking, finally utter the fateful words: 'Oh, for God's sake, alright then!'In less time than it takes to hoist a mainsail, these women (for they are usually women) find themselves huddled nervously on the deck of a boat, trying to come to terms with the fact that yachts are supposed to tip over, and that this is good thing.There are a surprising number of these reluctant sailors. Most, like me, would prefer never to set foot on a boat but, driven by the need to see their sailing-mad partners on at least one weekend out of twenty, occasionally venture out onto the water.In my case, my 'Reluctant Sailor' status comes largely down to a fear of venturing into an alien environment, where I am not in control.I do not like not being in control. When a yacht tips over, I want to know that it ? that I! ? can do something to correct it. When we are picking our way through a narrow channel, I want to know how to avoid hitting unseen rocks or other boats, and when my children are sitting on deck, I want to know how to rescue them if they fall into the water.Education is the key and unfortunately this means that I, as the terrified new owner of a yacht, now face the prospect of learning to sail, so that I am not frightened of sailing.But my reluctance stems not only from fear. There are many other reasons why I have no interest in sailing. It is cold. It is wet. It is usually raining, and always uncomfortable. Be honest now. How many good nights' sleep have you ever had on a yacht?And yes, while there are around three days out of every year when weather, location and company combine to make sailing a blissful experience, does that really make up for the other 362 days when it is not?My husband thinks it does. And so, nine years after we exchanged our dinghy for a baby and a pair of patio doors, I have finally relented. We have bought a yacht.He is happy. The kids are happy. And I?. I have come up with some ground rules to keep me happy?The Force Four Rule ? The Reluctant Sailor will not set foot on the boat if the forecast even hints at winds above force 4. [This rule is an adaption of the existing 12 ° C rule for dinghy sailing]The Sunshine Rule ? The Reluctant Sailor will not go sailing if there is no prospect of sunshine over the period of the sailing expedition.The Anchorage Rule ? No anchorage will be acceptable to the Reluctant Sailor unless it is within 100 metres of a pub/restaurant/hotel, and preferably a small town with a guaranteed escape route.The Fair's Fair Rule ? The Sailing Fanatic will match every week/weekend that the Reluctant Sailor spends sailing with a week/weekend somewhere warm, dry and comfortable - preferably abroad.The Don't Shout Rule ? The Sailing Fanatic must not shout excitedly when asking the Reluctant Sailor to do something. The Reluctant Sailor reserves the right to tell the Sailing Fanatic where to stick his boat if he raises his voice.The Rain Rule ? Unless the presence of the Reluctant Sailor is required on deck to avoid capsize, collision or other near-death experience, the Sailing Fanatic will deal with all work on deck while it is raining. The Reluctant Sailor will be having coffee and Kit-Kat's in the cabin.The Maintenance Rule ? The Reluctant Sailor shall not be expected to maintain the boat under any circumstances. The words 'anti-fouling', 'sanding' and 'painting' are of absolutely no interest to the Reluctant Sailor.The Too Much Time Rule ? The Sailing Fanatic is not allowed to go into a huff when the Reluctant Sailor casually mentions that the Sailing Fanatic has spent the last four weekends 'fiddling with that wretched boat', and that the handsome divorcee from next door has moved in to keep the Reluctant Sailor company.The Packing Rule ? The Sailing Fanatic will keep his mouth firmly closed on the subject of packing for a sailing expedition. The Reluctant Sailor reserves the right to bring along anything and everything needed to sustain her through the ordeal, but will, if pushed, draw the line at the handsome divorcee from next door.The Children Rule ? The Reluctant Sailor will not be solely responsible for entertaining/controlling the children in the cramped and un-child friendly environs of a boat. The Sailing Fanatic wished for a family sailing experience and a family sailing experience he shall get.The Money Rule ? The Sailing Fanatic accepts that once the sailing budget is gone, it is gone. He will just have to wait for that essential bit of kit. Any suggestion that this is not fair will cut no ice with the Reluctant Sailor, who is perfectly aware of her moral high ground on the subject of sailing and money, and will calmly point to the outrageous expense of buying the bloody boat in the first place. Tropical Cruise Expert Guide A tropical cruise in the Caribbean or in the Gulf ofMexico is an ideal choice of vacation for couples ofall ages. Whether you're looking for a short romanticbreak or if you'd like a longer voyage with more timeto explore tropical islands and soak up the Caribbeansunshine, then a tropical cruise is for you. Survival At Sea: What You Need To Do, What You Need To Have Two boys from South Carolina made headlines a few weeks ago. They had spent six days adrift at sea before being rescued ... off the coast of North Carolina. Atlantic Ocean at Great Depths The Atlantic Ocean is Earth's second-largest ocean. It covers approximately a fifth of the earth's surface. The name Atlantic Ocean came from Greek mythology; it means the "Sea of Atlas". How A Boat Can Make Retirement A Pleasure Boats are a fine part of any man's retirement. They give us something to do, offer us new places to see and keep us active mind, body and spirit. We in turn need to care for our boats. Repair and maintenance, proper crewing and proper financing including boat insurance are all things that we need to do to keep our boats safe. Celebrity Cruise! Opulence Perfectly Staged Each generation of Celebrity ships has emerged to assume a leadership role in the cruise industry. From the contemporary elegance of Horizon to the stylish and high-tech Century, to the latest epoch, Constellation, Infinity, Millennium and Summit, all are five-star vessels of incomparable allure. In true Celebrity style every conceivable luxury awaits you. Every stateroom is a sanctuary; culinary standards are impeccable, entertainment a masterpiece! There's poetry to be found in the perfect symmetry of grace and strength, which is the hallmark of Celebrity's trim, powerful ships. The ships are designed for your complete fulfillment and beauty is in every detail. In every painting and sculpture, in foyers so grand they resemble Venetian courtyards, in the exotic fabrics tinted to rich jewel tone colors, in the handsome accommodation, and in the sophisticated restaurants and stylish lounges and bars. Polished mahogany, etched glass, soft leather and crisp linen harmonize with immaculately maintained public areas and perfectly prepared staterooms. The Best European Cruise Travel Vacation! So, you are contemplating a European cruise. You are looking for the cruise to be a luxury travel vacation. Europe tours must be part of the vacation package. Then the European cruise travel vacation for you is a European river cruise! Meguiars RV and Marine Boat Cleaners and Waxes; Test Results One of the most famous and popular brands in the wax industry is Meguiar's. Meguiar's has stood the test of time as a brand name. Some of the after market competitors of theirs as well as the larger users of the product have complained that Meguiar's has turned their back on the professional user market for the consumer market through their newest and largest customer Wal-Mart. Many in the auto, aircraft and boat detailing industries have even been critical of Meguair's recently because they feel this is a slap in the face to the loyal operator who has paid premium prices for quality products and now can see those with the Meguiar's brand name on the shelves. Boat Detailing - Stainless and Chrome Cleaning Good quality deck hardware of stainless steel or chrome is highly resistant to corrosion and the marine environment, but it still needs some maintenance if you want to keep it looking good. Make sure you offer this service if you notice small streaks of surface corrosion due to oxidation of the fasteners. This type of corrosion can be easily removed with a good metal polish. After you are done, protect it with a light coat of marine wax or a light coat of moisture displacing corrosion resistant lubricant. The wax will last longer. On aluminum fittings, polish until the applied polish turns black. Sprinkle Arm & Hammer baking soda on a rag and wipe the black right off or use mineral spirits and squirt it on and wipe it off. Celebrity Cruises for All-Inclusive Vacations Why Take a Cruise Vacation? Well, with all the cruise lines available, all the cruise destinations,and the range of prices, there exists a cruise to please even the most jaded traveller. The Merchant Navy and the Internet A web site dedicated to the writings of the sea, ships and all those that sail on them? It sounds strange as who knows what the Merchant Navy is or what those at sea actually do all day, those who work in the Industry that is. Isn't the Merchant Navy something to do with fishing or fighting? What is interesting about that? "Get a real job", some would say and others would ask "and so why haven't you got a sun tan". So why would anybody be interested in a web site filled with things that nobody is interested in ? beats me. Whats Involved With Honeymoon Cruise Packages? With so many honeymoon cruise packages to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which one will provide the most romantic and relaxing environment for you and your loved one. The following tips should be helpful to anyone planning for honeymoon cruise vacations. What You Need to Know About Cruise Holidays Are you tired of the hustle and bustle of driving, sitting erect in a plane etc., go for a voyage through water- a cruise which provides you the best comfort and sight seeing. Sea journey has its own charm and charisma. The world seems a live paradise when you get the chance to gaze the Sky kissing on the forehead of Earth. Such is the unprecedented experience of the scenic splendor exclusively through a cruise. Planes and jets can make you reach your destination instantly but if you are in no hurry and in a mood to relax then a cruise is the most appropriate and a perfect idea. Marina Dock Cleaning Equipment Docks needs to be routinely pressure washed or they become slippery and ugly from black algae and small spills. Often they have spilt oil, fish guts, beer, fuel and even sewer tank liquids on them. Obviously you do not want anyone to slip on anything like that. So what equipment to do you need to use to have the best results. The Fabulous New Caribbean Princess Ship The magnificent Caribbean Princess ship is the new queen of the Princess fleet. Her innovative design takes the Princess "Personal Choice Cruising" theme to a new level. With nearly 900 staterooms having balconies, the Caribbean Princess offers more than any other ship cruising the Caribbean year round. Accommodating 3,100 passengers, this incredible ship has an entire deck of mini-suites! At 113,000 gross tons, the 952 foot long Caribbean Princess carries Bermudan registration. Holland American Alaskan Cruising - New Alaskan Cuisine April 2005! Alaska is a place to experience not merely to visit or to see. Holland American Alaskan Cruising is the best way to experience the marvels of the Alaska coast. Add Holland America cruise tours to your Alaskan itinerary, and you have the makings of a once in a lifetime Alaskan adventure. |
© Athifea Distribution LLC - 2013 |