Panama Canal and Other Ports - December 2023

Well, we ended 2023 the way we started it...On a cruise! This time we headed to Panama and began the cruise transiting the Panama Canal. I have always been fascinated by the Panama Canal as it is hard to believe it was completed way back in 1914! Truly an engineering marvel.

The Panama Canal idea began seriously in the mid to late 1800s and the French began construction in the 1880s, but failed in their efforts. The United States took over in 1904 and completed it in 1914.

Here is a link to some of the history.

We visited two cities in Panama, Panama City and Colon. Next was Puerto Limon, Costa Rica followed by Roatan, Honduras; Belize City, Belize and Cozumel, Mexico. From Cozumel we sailed to Ft. Lauderdale where we disembarked and headed to the airport.

The cruise was eleven days and I must say, if you are contemplating a cruise you should consider Viking. Not a cheap proposition, but deals can be found and Viking certainly showed they know how to run a cruise. Also keep in mind that Viking includes many things other cruise lines charge extra for, such as an excursion at each port, wine and beer with lunches and dinners, speciality restaurants as well as WiFi on board.

First, some pictures of the ship, the Viking Mars...