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So, you spend a lot of money to have the experience of transiting the Panama Canal. Then the canal folks (who, according to local media reports, may have been hampered by an employee work slow-down) won’t let the ship go through until dusk.
At least one passenger is seriously peeved.
After putting some thought into this, I have to side with the cruise line. It appears that the fault lies with the Panama Canal authorities who held the ship up. What was Silversea supposed to do?
Damn the torpedoes, full steam ahead?
Break on through to the other side!
I certainly understand how disappointing it was not to go through the canal in daylight. It was supposed to be the highlight of the trip. But on a cruise there are things that the company and the captain can’t control, like the weather or foreign bureaucracies.
Remember folks, despite all the comforts, cruising is still an adventure!
Mamaflo wrote,
I would have been besides myself. We are scheduled for a Holland America Panama Canal Transit this fall and we absolutely want it to be light and we want to be awake for the full transit, all three locks and Gatum Lake.
Link | May 26th, 2008 at 7:06 am
Julie wrote,
Perhaps I was a little too “suck it up” in my attitude, as transiting the canal is really a dream come true and the main reason most of the passengers booked the cruise. I would like to have heard that Silversea at least gave free drinks for the day as an apology, as the dear departed Clipper line did when an engine failed and we spent the day becalmed on Gatum Lake.
I hope all goes well on your cruise, and as you will be on a larger ship, you should be less likely to be shunted aside by the canal authorities. Can’t wait to hear all about it!
Link | May 26th, 2008 at 9:56 am
Julie wrote,
Oh, wait, Silversea does not charge for drinks anyway. Nevermind.
Well, then, an appropriate credit to on board accounts for excursions/shop purchases would have been a nice gesture to acknowledge the disappointment.
Link | May 26th, 2008 at 10:02 am
Panama Cruise wrote,
Panama cruise, you have plenty of opportunities to explore other cultures, new environments, and that famous man-made wonder, the Panama Canal. There are also adventure opportunities for those who need an adrenaline rush.
Link | June 3rd, 2008 at 4:09 am