Month: January 2024

Cruising through the Panama canal

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Although the original Panama canal was completed in 1914, in 2016 the expansion project was completed. This added 2 new sets of locks, one each on the Atlantic and Pacific sides which doubled the canal’s capacity and allows larger vessels to pass. The ship I was on would not have been able to get through the original locks but we were able to transit the new Agua Clara 3-step locks. At dawn we cruised under the new Atlantic bridge which was built in 2019 to make a 3rd crossing over the canal.

Shortly after the bridge the canal separates, the new canal to the left and the old one to the right. Approaching the locks we are greeted by 2 tug boats to guide us through, one in front and one behind. A pilot also needs to come aboard our cruise ship to navigate us through the 3 new locks. This takes about 2 hours until we pass the visitor observation point and enter the Gatun lake.

The new locks are built with sliding gates and each lock has 3 water saving basins to reduce the volume of water that is needed from lake Gatun for lock operation. The operation of the new locks uses gravity and valves. There is no pumping involved. It was an amazing experience to watch the opening and closing of the gates.

Our cruise was staying on the Atlantic (north) side of the canal which meant that we were only going as far as Gatun lake before turning to go back through the same 3 locks. Once we had passed through the 3rd lock into Gatun lake, we stayed there for about another 2 hours while some of the passengers left the ship in tenders to go on various excursions.

The length of time in Gatun lake depends on how many other ships are coming through the canal as we needed to wait for them before going back through. Once back through the 3 locks we docked at Port Cristobel to collect the passengers who had been on excursions.

6 Stunning European Castles

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What is it about castles that are so alluring to travelers? Aside from getting us one step closer to living out our fairytale fantasies, the staggering structures showcase some of the world’s best architecture and most stunning landscapes—and maybe even a ghost story or two.

There’s perhaps no better place on earth to find awe-inspiring castles than in Europe, where it seems like you can’t visit a city or take a road trip without stumbling upon some sort of royal residence. Here you’ll find medieval stone walls, sky-high towers, and bridges arching over glittering moats, everywhere from the Bavarian Alps to the Mediterranean coast

Pena Palace, Portugal

Inspired by German Romantic architecture, Pena Palace—situated on top of a hill in Sintra—looks like a Disney castle with its pink and yellow towers, ornamental buttresses, and cartoonish gargoyles. The interiors are equally dramatic. Don’t miss the intricately carved ceilings and walls of Queen Amelia’s apartments and the striking all-white reception room. (Bonus: Sintra is only 40 minutes from Lisbon, meaning you really have no excuse not to visit.)

Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

Neuschwanstein Castle is not only one of the most beautiful castles in Europe, but it is also one of the most recognizable castles on the planet—thanks in large part to the fact that it served as inspiration for Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. Originally built at the behest of reclusive King Ludwig II as a private retreat in 1886, the majestic structure boasts a clifftop location and ornate rooms; today, it attracts some 1.4 million visitors every year.

Guaita Tower, San Marino

San Marino may be tiny—under 24 square miles, and completely surrounded by Italy—but it still has some pretty impressive sites. The capital city is known for its three hilltop towers (you can even spot them on the country’s coat of arms), the prettiest of which is Guaita Tower. It was constructed atop Monte Titano in the 10th century, and it is now open year-round to visitors.

Alcázar of Segovia, Spain

The Alcázar de Segovia was once a medieval fortress, but it was rebuilt in its current, castle-like style following a fire in 1862. Today, visitors can explore its museum, multiple halls and secret passageways, and towers overlooking Segovia’s town square. Then, be prepared for some equally impressive interiors. They’re marked by stained glass windows, polished suits of armor, lavish dining and dancing halls, and so many canopied beds.

Hohenwerfen Fortress, Austria

Another medieval, mountaintop castle, Hohenwerfen Fortress is one of the most stunning sites in all of Austria—and that’s saying something. The 11th-century castle overlooks the scenic Salzach River Valley (about 35 miles south of Salzburg), offering Christmas markets and falconry demonstrations along with its daily tours.

Bled Castle, Slovenia

There’s a reason (well, many reasons) why Lake Bled is one of Slovenia’s most popular sites, featuring emerald waters, a church-dotted islet, views of the Julien Alps, and, of course, a Disney-like castle on a hill. Climb your way up the forest trail to see Bled Castle’s orange-roofed towers and 11th-century walls up close, then turn around to be afforded some of the most picture-perfect views of the lake you’ll ever find.