2020 - Caraïben & Panama Kanaal

WELCOME TO GATUN LAKE In the center of one of humankind’s greatest engineering triumphs is another creation: the vast waters of Gatun Lake. But while this lake was man-made — supplying the canal with millions of gallons of water each day and helping larger vessels transit the canal — its surroundings are utterly wild and untamed. On a guided excursion, you can peer into the lush forested shores to spy howler monkeys clinging to trees and hundreds of species of birds. Also, travel by canoe to meet members of the Embera tribe who call this region home. 17 THE CANAL BY THE NUMBERS The Panama Canal took a full 10 years to complete, with upward of 50,000 laborers at a time. More than 60 million pounds of dynamite were used to excavate and construct the canal, and workers were tasked with carving through granite and thick jungle. When it finally opened in August 15, 1914, this 51-mile-long waterway became the world’s greatest shortcut that literally transformed the course of travel: ships crossing from New York to California could do so in eight to 10 hours, compared to the hazardous 8,000-mile-long journey around Cape Horn. Panama Canal_Lock MapV2_R2_7.125” x 5.625” Crist ó bal Panama City Fuerte Amador Approach Channels Agua Clara Locks Gatun Locks Culebra Cut Miraflores Locks Cocoli Locks Caribbean Sea Approach Channels Pedro Miguel Locks Gatun Locks Agua Clara Locks Culebra Cut Pedro Miguel Locks Miraflores Locks Cocoli Locks 1 2 2 3 4 5 6 6 7 8 9 10 11 2Mi Scale 4Mi 6Mi 12 Atlantic/Caribbean Entrance 1 Gatun/Agua Clara Locks 2 Gatun Lake 3 Culebra Cut 4 Centennial Bridge 5 Pedro Miguel/ Miraflores/Cocoli Locks 6 Bridge of the Americas 7 Pacific Entrance Routes through Canal System 8 New Locks 9 Soberania National Park 10 Embera Indian Village 11 Trans America Highway 12 Historic Locks Pacific Ocean BUILDING UPON A WONDER The historic locks are still operating with a new third lane — the Cocoli and Agua Clara Locks — which has since doubled the Canal’s capacity. This major expansion was completed in 2016 and ushered in a new era that opens opportunities for maritime trade and to accommodate larger cruise vessels. Princess® was the first “post-Panamax” cruise ship to carry more than 3,000 guests through the newly opened locks. This season, a number of Princess ships will be available to sail through the canal. Taking in views on deck Panama Canal construction showing workers drilling holes for dynamite in bedrock, 1913.