A Transit through the Panama Canal

One of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World

Nov 13, 2025

We were fortunate to be able to complete a bucket-list item of going through the Panama Canal. Our cruise aboard Holland America’s Koningsdam included a transit of the canal from the Pacific side to the Atlantic Ocean.

A Little History of the Panama Canal

For centuries, the idea of connecting the 2 oceans has intrigued people. In the 16th century, the Spanish envisioned such a route. But it was the French who began the effort in 1880. Financial problems, diseases and just the difficulty of the project caused them to fail.

In 1903, the newly independent country of Panama negotiated a deal with the United States to build a canal across the isthmus. Construction of the canal was completed in 1914.

Milestones in the First 100 Years

August 15, 1914 - The Panama Canal opened. The SS Ancon makes the first full transit from ocean to ocean.
May 12, 1963 - The Panama Canal begins operating 24/7.
September 7, 1977 - The United States signs the agreement to transfer the canal to Panama.
December 31, 1999 - Panama takes over the administration and operation of the canal.
September 3, 2007 - Panama Canal expansion project begins, with the goal of doubling the waterway’s capacity. Included in the project are a new third set of locks, as well as creating a new Pacific Access Channel.

Along the Way

We came in from the Pacific side. The Bridge of the Americas is one of the first things you will see.

Since our cruise ship is pretty big, we went through the new locks. The Cocili locks added a third lane to the canal. You go through 3 sets of locks, as you gain elevation to go through Gatun Lake.

The route takes you through a scenic “ditch” that was in some places blasted through rock.

Gatun Lake is a man made body of water that was created by damming the Chagres River. We take a leisurely path across the lake, for an hour or so.

The Agua Clara locks are on the Atlantic side. The 3 locks drop the ship back down to sea level. From there, you navigate under the Atlantic Bridge, and out into the Atlantic Ocean. The entire transit took us about 9 hours.