First Cruise Ship Enters Expanded Panama Canal
The Expanded Panama Canal welcomed its first passenger vessel through the new locks on Saturday with the entry of Disney Cruise Line’sDisney Wonder.
According to MANA, The original Panama Canal has been a cruise destination for many years, and many ships where built accordingly, including Carnival Cruise Line’s Spirit Class.
The 2,713-passenger Disney Wonder was expanded to a length of 984 feet (300 meters) late last year.
The Expanded Canal allows for vessels up to 1,200 feet, so evenHarmony of the Seas could navigate the expanded locks, but she would not fit beneath the Bridge of the Americas on the Pacific side of the canal.
By the September 30, 233 passenger vessels – representing a total 237,298 passengers – are expected to have transited both the original and new locks. Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line have all recently sent passenger vessels through the original locks.
The Panama Canal began accepting booking requests for passenger vessels in the new locks on April 1. So far, 18 reservations have already been made.