July 3, 2015, Friday, crossing the Panama Canal

Last night was a beautiful full moon.  This morning We saw the sun rise over the Pacific ocean.  This is the only place  from the Americas where you can see this because of the way Panama is twisted.  We are anchored off the entrance to the canal looking towards Panama City which is supposed to be a beautiful skyline.  There is a lot of haze.  This city has medical tourism as a major industry because of the good prices for medical treatment.

Our first view of the area, early morning as we approached the canal

Passing Panama City skyline

As we entered the canal area from the Pacific side  There were many ships out here waiting.

They put on two pilots who inspected the whole ship and will guide us through the canal.  We also added a commentator who talked to us throughout the day.  We had had several lectures onboard ship about the canal and saw two documentary movies.  This commentator still had lots more to tell us about the transit.

Panama City skyline  at different view

Pilots entering our ship to guide us through the transit

Passing under a bridge before the first lock

Past the bridge looking over the top deck of Insignia

Pilot boat leaving as we enter first locks

Photos from the deck

First lock is ahead

Locks are opening

Looking as we enter, through windows of the Horizons lounge

Ship ahead in in second stage, we are entering this one

Aaron captured this photo of our ship going through the canal.

These cars guide the ship

Our bridge and the other lane

More along the side

Official office of Gatlin Locks, the Pacific side locks

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Guide cars use these tracks

Looking out our lanai.

We were aware of the canal all day long and viewed it as much as possible.  We were in a lake for a long time before reaching the Atlantic.  As soon as we got into the Atlantic, the seas and weather changed and we were in for a storm and rocky seas.