Here’s my perspective on the Panama Canal, the highlight of our 10-day New Year’s cruise:

Inside the Gatun Lock

This was the view out of the dining room window as we descended in the Gatun Lock. You’re looking at almost 100 years of algae growth on the original concrete wall of the lock. The green-blue colors are amazing! That little slice of blue in the lower left corner is the edge of the ship’s window.

The dining room was on the 5th level of the ship. We were well above the water line when we entered the lock, but within minutes the water drained out and we sunk lower and lower until we were below the level of Lake Gatun (85 ft). It was one of the weirdest feelings…but when we emerged from the lock, we were “above water” again.

They sure knew how to build things in those days: almost all of the equipment is still original . We transitted the entire length of the canal in a speedy 8 hours. Beautiful scenery, and a wonderful look at the possibilities of human know-how.