Panama Canal Cruise Reflection: 15 Nights of Connection, History, and the Beautiful Blue Sea

I thought I was simply booking a cruise to see an engineering marvel. I didn’t realize I was booking two weeks of laughter, slow mornings, tropical rainstorms, and women who would turn from strangers into friends.

The idea began, of all places, on YouTube. I’ve followed Gary Bembridge for years through his YouTube channel Tips For Travellers. His videos aren’t just itinerary breakdowns. They’re thoughtful cruise tips and practical advice. I often use his content as a resource for my clients to help educate them about cruising. He’s a strong content creator, and I respect the way he approaches travel.

When he spoke about a full transit of the Panama Canal, it caught my attention.

Then I learned he would be on this exact sailing on Holland America's Zuiderdam. So yes… I decided to “bump into him.” (I promise I'm not a stalker!)

Toward the end of our voyage, he graciously agreed to host a tea time Q&A for our group of ladies. He was traveling with his own group of 70 and hosting nightly events, yet he still made time for us! It was generous and thoughtful.

But if I’m honest, the canal wasn’t the only reason I organized and hosted this trip. I was most excited about getting to know the women traveling with me.

Cartagena: Rain and Perspective

Our first port was Cartagena, Colombia. We stepped into a downpour and lost some time on our excursion. It would have been easy for the mood to turn.

It didn’t.

The women raved about our private guide. They found what was good. They leaned into the experience anyway. There wasn’t a single sourpuss among the group.

That alone felt like a small miracle.

The Panama Canal: The Day That Surprised Me

I am not a morning person. But when my alarm rang at 6:00 a.m., I practically jumped out of bed and ran to the balcony. You see, the canal crossing is an all-day event.

Instead of standing shoulder to shoulder with crowds at the bow, my roommate and I chose to watch from our balcony. We streamed the bow camera on our television and listened to the narration throughout the day. We moved back and forth — balcony, bed, balcony again. And we never got bored. That surprised me.

Each time the ship approached another lock or landmark bridge, I felt a fresh wave of excitement. Watching the massive gates close. Feeling the ship rise and fall. Seeing the engineering up close. Visiting the stern while crossing Gatun Lake, surrounded by dense tropical forest and birdlife, felt serene and momentous.

I didn’t expect to be so captivated. But I was.

This sailing was sponsored by The History Channel, and we had numerous History Channel–sponsored talks in the days leading up to the crossing. Knowing the backstory — the failed attempts, the loss of life, the immense scale of human effort — deepened the experience. It wasn’t just impressive. It was sobering.

A Missed Port and an Unexpected Gift

Because of unexpected windy conditions, we had to bypass our scheduled stop in Costa Rica. Disappointing? Yes. Necessary? Also yes. Our captain knew what he was doing, and we trusted it. Once again, the group responded with grace, and we all made the best of it. Instead of one sea day on either side of that port, we unexpectedly had three in a row. And I discovered something. I loved it.

This was my first 15-night cruise. My previous longest had been nine nights. I thought I might feel homesick for my bed and my hubby by this point. Instead, I felt restored.

El Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico

We continued northwest up the Pacific Coast with stops in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico (three unique ports): Huatulco, Puerto Vallarta, and Cabo San Lucas.

In Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala, I chose a hot springs spa experience and indulged in a full-body massage. It was luxurious and grounding. At the same time, I could see volcanoes and dramatic scenery in the distance and thought, “I need to come back here.” There is so much more to explore.

Huatulco, Mexico surprised me with stunning white sandy beaches. Our group rented a yacht and swam in warm, clear water.

In Cabo, we enjoyed a multi-course cooking class that brought local flavors to life.

Some ports felt polished. Others felt new to tourism and a bit rough around the edges. I do wish we’d had more time in a few places. But I’m grateful to have added four more countries to my wall map.

A Rare Ocean Gift

As we made our final stretch north toward San Diego, something unforgettable happened.

From my balcony, some of the ladies spotted a pod of whales off the port side.

I had only ever seen whales in the north — in Alaska during feeding season. Seeing them in southern waters during breeding season felt entirely different.

Then one launched fully out of the water. Not just a fluke. An entire whale breached.

Breaching behavior like that is more common during mating season. I captured it on video, but even if I hadn’t, I would never forget it.

It felt like the ocean offering a final gift.

Ship Life: Laughter and Long Dinners

Sea days found their rhythm. We had a standing dinner table for most of our group and gathered nightly to share stories. One evening, we laughed so hard over travel misadventures that I could barely breathe. (Barbara, you know the one.)

The close-up magician left us staring at each other in disbelief. The comedian did pure crowd work and was excellent.

On Super Bowl night, the ship hosted a viewing in the main theater with snacks and drinks. With so many New Englanders in our group, it mattered. That evening, I sat at our large dining table alone, propped my phone on its stand, and enjoyed a video call with my husband. We had dinner together across the miles. It was funny. A little absurd. Completely sweet.

A Personal Milestone

During this cruise, I officially launched @TheSpoonieExplorer across social media. There was something fitting about starting something new while sailing through a passage built on persistence.

This trip slowed me down. And I didn’t realize how much I needed that.

Is a Panama Canal Cruise Right for You?

A full transit canal cruise on Holland America is ideal for:

• Travelers who enjoy journeys longer than the common 7-nights

• Those curious about engineering and global history

• Guests who prefer a relaxed onboard environment

• Adults 55+

  
  

It is not ideal for:

• Party-focused travelers

• Families with young children

• Guests seeking nightlife-heavy ships

  
  

Cruise lines each have their own personality. Matching the right traveler to the right line matters. This is, of course, one of the best reasons for seeking the assistance of a travel advisor.

The Real Crossing

Was it worth the cost? Yes. Would I do it again? Perhaps — especially if the ports were different.

But here’s what I know: The Canal was the setting. The real crossing was from stranger to friend.

We toasted. We laughed. We navigated rain. We applauded our captain. We explored independently and gathered each night to reconnect.

The engineering was remarkable.

But the women? They were the masterpiece.

If you’re curious about a Panama Canal cruise, I’d love to help you explore whether it’s the right fit. Get in touch with us.

And if what draws you is connection — traveling in community and letting shared experience turn into friendship — stay tuned.

Amsterdam is next. And in 2027 and 2028, we’re looking toward Greece, Japan, South America and Antarctica, and Alaska by land and sea.

Some journeys change your passport. Others change your circle.

This one did both.

Panama Canal Cruise Review

Panama Canal Cruise Review