I’ve Done Panama Canal 6 Times. Here’s What NO-ONE Is Telling You!

Published July 4, 2026


Description

I’ve transited the Panama Canal six times, and I am still completely obsessed with it.

In this video, I take you with me on a full Panama Canal transit from the Pacific side across to the Caribbean / Atlantic side, showing what really happens across the day — the thrilling parts, the surprising parts, and the hot, sweaty, wearisome parts that many cruisers do not expect.

I explain how the Panama Canal works, what happens inside the Locks, and how the newer 2016 locks changed the way ships transit the canal.

Along the way, I show the reality of a full transit: the very early start, the long waiting, the crowds on deck, the “lock fatigue”, the intense heat, the excitement of being inches from the lock walls and mules, the peaceful cruise through Gatun Lake and the Culebra Cut, and the huge variety of ships that pass through this incredible waterway.

I also look at why water is so crucial to the Panama Canal, how drought can affect transits, why Gatun Lake matters so much, and why this remains one of the most astonishing cruise experiences in the world.

If you are thinking of doing a Panama Canal cruise, or wondering whether a full transit is worth it, this will show you what the day is really like — and why, even after six transits, I still find it one of cruising’s most remarkable experiences.

#PanamaCanal #CruiseTips #CruiseVlog #TipsForTravellers #Cruising

For bonus & exclusive content (including videos, articles, eBooks and more) become a channel member or patron:
---------------------------------------------------
* Patreon Patron: https://www.patreon.com/tipsfortravellers
* YouTube Channel Member: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_qE-Obs2ocdmPXY0TIU-cw/join

Check out my cruise-themed T-shirts and products:
---------------------------------------------------
* TeePublic Store: https://tipsfortravellers.dashery.com
* Teespring Store: https://tips-for-travellers-youtube.creator-spring.com
* Fourthwall: https://gary-bembridge-1-shop.fourthwall.com

Book Cruise Port Excursions
* Venture Ashore: https://www.tipsfortravellers.com/excursions
* Shore Excursions Group: https://www.tipsfortravellers.com/shoreexcursions

My social media:
---------------------------------------------------
* Blog: https://www.tipsfortravellers.com
* Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/garybembridge
* Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tipsfortravellers
* Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/garybembridge
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bembridge

ABOUT TIPS FOR TRAVELLERS: If you want to get cruising right, Tips For Travellers makes it easy to plan and have the incredible cruise experiences you dream of every time. All my Tips For Travellers advice, tips and tricks tips draw on everything that I have learnt on the 120 cruises I have done to date.

#cruisetips #CruisingTips #CruiseTipsAndTricks

Want to see more from Tips For Travellers?

Visit their profile to discover more cruise content and videos.

View Profile Subscribe on YouTube

Discussion

Start the Conversation

Be the first to share your thoughts on 'I’ve Done Panama Canal 6 Times. Here’s What NO-ONE Is Telling You!'.

Your email will not be published
Already have an account? Sign in