New Locks & Former Panama Canal Zone

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

What you visit:
Canal Expansion Observation Center

A sprawling four hectares, the Canal Expansion Observation Center is an expanse of parklands with terraces and both open and covered platforms that can accommodate 400 visitors. Take in panoramic views of magnificent Gatún Lake and the new waterway system, called New Panamax that accommodates larger ships. Visitors can watch an informational movie and peruse the photo gallery then climb to the top of the lookout, 60 meters above sea level. Built above the treetops, it affords sweeping vistas of the area's natural splendor. Enjoy a walk along a rain forest trail, where you will likely encounter some of the amazing variety of wildlife that calls Panama home.

What you see along the way:
On your return to port, you will pass the former Panama Canal Zone, a strategic area that was once a military installation of the American canal administration.

Photo Opportunities:
You'll want to bring your camera to capture images of this historic expansion project, which began in 2007 to build two new sets of locks to raise the capacity of Gatún Lake and triple the locks' size limit. Work was completed in 2016 and is an extraordinary visual example of ingenuity and construction.

Shopping:
Snacks are available to purchase at the Canal Expansion Observation Center.

Special Notes:

Depending on canal scheduling, you may or may not actually see vessels in the lock chambers. The Panama Canal Authority assigns specific time slots for the transit of a vessel through the locks. The ship will anchor in a designated area and will wait for instructions. Once clearance is transmitted to the ship, procedures begin to bring ship's tour passengers ashore. Therefore, tour departure times may vary and will be announced onboard. The return time of the ship to Colon or Cristobal may also be delayed due to transit through the locks. We recommend that you are prepared for any potential of delay in the ship's arrival to Colon or Cristobal and plan accordingly by bringing any needed medication or essential items on tour.

Depending on the voyage and itinerary guests will be dropped off in either Colon or Cristobal.