Cruise Talk: Trans Panama Cruise; better east or west ??

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»	Cruise Talk » Cruising 1.0 » Trans Panama Cruise; better east or west ??

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Topic: Trans Panama Cruise; better east or west ??

sealeg claude
First Class Passenger
Member # 5565

posted 04-24-2005 01:24 AM

Hi all,

We're booked for a TransPanama crossing next
April on INFINITY. While this is not our 1st cruise,
it is our first on that itinerary.
Question: Has anybody done this sailing, Eastbound
( FROM California to Florida ) or Westbound ( which
is what we're doing ) ?? We're curious about statistical dats on rough water // wind // active sea...Reports have it that, overall, you hit it better
going east,as prevailing wind and gulf stream are in your '' favour ''...and yet, I've heard stories about going Westbound from Florida give you much
better odds of calmer waters, at least statistically.

Sailing 3rd April 2006.Can't wait.....But, with only
deposit paid, we could switch to a reverse itinerary as SUMMIT does one a bit earlier from California.

We would really appreciate any feedback from old
sealegs who '' been there, done that " and know better.
Thanks
Cheers
CG

Posts: 173 | From: vancouver, b.c. Canada | Registered: Apr 2005 | IP: Logged

rclvideotech
unregistered

posted 04-24-2005 07:09 PM

I have done the trip many times, both ways. It's an interesting day, and something you'll remember.

Both ways are fine...honestly, there really isn't much of a difference.

[ 04-24-2005: Message edited by: joe at travelpage ]

IP: Logged

sympatico
First Class Passenger
Member # 797

posted 04-24-2005 08:10 PM

Done it twice from LA to FLL and enjoyed both trips.

Really doesn't matter which way you go. No one can predict what the seas will be like at any time of the year.

Posts: 3305 | From: Toronto, Ont. Canada | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

Waynaro
First Class Passenger
Member # 3484

posted 04-24-2005 10:37 PM

I am going to be doing a Westbound (Houston-LA) this summer. I will let you know how it went for me when i come back

Posts: 6108 | From: Vallejo,CA : California Maritime Academy!!! | Registered: Nov 2002 | IP: Logged

Green
First Class Passenger
Member # 171

posted 04-24-2005 10:42 PM

Really makes no difference - we've gone both ways FLL to Vancouver and in reverse.

As for weather - well, you take your chances.

It's a wonderful trip.

Posts: 2913 | From: Markham, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

annnthony
First Class Passenger
Member # 3733

posted 04-25-2005 08:17 AM

We've done it twice, both times westbound. The only difference I see is that on a westbound trip, the sun is at your back, which is preferrable for viewing and picture taking the day you transit the canal.

Posts: 315 | From: westwood,n.j.,USA | Registered: Mar 2003 | IP: Logged

nevadaflip
First Class Passenger
Member # 1682

posted 04-25-2005 11:13 AM

Interesting....... On the "Westbound" crossing the afternoon sun is somewhat at your back because your direction of travel from Colon on the Caribbean to Balboa on the Pacific is actually southeasterly.

Jerry

Posts: 280 | From: Minden, NV, USA | Registered: Nov 2000 | IP: Logged

WhiteStar
First Class Passenger
Member # 2740

posted 04-25-2005 03:53 PM

I've done it both ways 12 times. There really isn't much difference but I prefer San Diego to Florida since it's the way I did it the first time. Also your first day at sea after leaving San Diego or last day at sea before arriving in San Diego has always been rather cool out on deck so I guess I would like to get that day out of the way.

Posts: 668 | From: Minnesota | Registered: Jan 2002 | IP: Logged

NAL
First Class Passenger
Member # 1102

posted 05-02-2005 07:36 AM

It can be terribly hot and VERY humid during a
Canal transit so dress accordingly if you plan to
be on deck. You'll want to escape indoors from
time to time to cool off.
Great itinerary and I want to do it again soon.

Posts: 2243 | From: Watsontown, PA | Registered: Feb 2000 | IP: Logged

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