An
undisputed
travel
bucket list
destination,
the Panama
Canal holds
both
historical
and
international
significance.
It’s nearly
impossible
to grasp its
enormity and
the amount
of work that
went into
its
construction
without
passing
through the
canal locks.
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2012 -2013 Princess Panama Canal Cruises
Panama Canal Cruise Highlights
A Burgeoning NecessityPrior to Spanish conquistador Balboa’s discovery of the narrow Isthmus of Panama, the only known international trade route between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans was the treacherous journey around Cape Horn. Balboa’s findings sparked an idea to create a safe shortcut across the strip of land. The Canal ConceptIn 1880, the French, led by Suez Canal builder Ferdinand de Lesseps, dug 11 of 50 miles needed for a sea level canal, but disease, money and engineering problems forced them to abandon the project. Seizing an opportunity, the U.S. gained control and began working on a lock-based canal in 1904. A Decade of ConstructionThe U.S. hired thousands to work on the canal when industrialization offered advanced machinery for digging and constructing the giant sets of locks. It took 10 years and over $350 million to complete, with approximately 26,000 lives being lost to malaria and yellow fever during its construction. The Land Divided…The World UnitedOn August 15, 1914, John A. Constantine sailed the SS Ancon from Cristobal, briefly navigated into Caribbean waters, and turned into Panama’s jungle, bound for the Pacific. Thus, under a banner that read “The Land Divided; The World United”, the first official crossing of the Panama Canal was made. Mechanics of the CanalThrough the force of gravity, water in the canal gradually raises ships through each set of locks up to 85 feet above sea level. Here ships reach the surface of Gatun Lake, where they float across the Continental Divide and are gradually lowered back through the locks into the opposite ocean. The Canal’s FutureThe Panama Canal is currently undergoing further expansion. A new set of locks will allow transit of larger “post-Panamax” vessels and the Gatun Lake water supply will also be increased. Slated for completion by 2014, the project will undoubtedly enhance one of the world’s most vital trade routes.
2012 Princess Panama Canal Cruises and Tours
Are you ready? Start Planning for your next cruise vacation here... 6 Alaska 11 Europe 15 Caribbean 16 Panama Canal 17 Mexico and Pacific Coast 18 Canada & New England 19 Hawaii, Tahiti & South Pacific 21 Asia, India & Africa 24 Australia & New Zealand 25 South America 27 World Cruises
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