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By ClaireCollins on Mar 15, 2011 |Travel
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The historic Panama Canal was planned as long ago as the 16th century. One of the most impressive construction projects in the world, it wasn't until the early 1900's that the United States started work on what is now considered to be one of the biggest and most difficult engineering projects in history. The itineraries available on some Panama Canal cruise deals offer a combination of south and Central American excursions, Caribbean beach stays and some real tourist highlights of the southwestern US. Choosing to cruise and stay at a few extra ports on your trip is a great way to tick off some real 'must see' cities and sights.
Acting as the grand shipping route between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, at just short of fifty miles long the Panama Canal is considered by engineers to be one of the seven wonders of the modern world. There are some excellent cruise deals available to get you started planning your trip through Panama, and help you make the most of the surrounding areas.
Once you reach the Panama Canal, you'll sail through the Amador Causeway as you pass rows of palm trees and take in the city's skyline. This manmade peninsular was built out of the material excavated from the construction of the canal itself, and has become home to exotic birds and marine life.
As you set out on one of the world’s famous and spectacular cruises, the Bridge of the Americas marks the entrance to the canal system at the Pacific end. This road bridge is the only static bridge to connect north and South America, and is one of the landmark sections of The Pan-American Highway. This stretch of highway was built during World War Two as a way to get supplies to remote areas, and is now part of the longest drivable road in the world.
Some cruises on Cunard or Princess ships include visits to Caribbean ports such as Aruba or Jamaica, and many offer round trips from Fort Lauderdale in Florida. Dubbed by visitors and locals alike as the 'Venice of America', Fort Lauderdale is a great starting point for a Panama cruise, as this city is also home to a complex system of canals. With seven miles of beach, this is the ideal place to spend the start and end of your holiday.
Some of the excursions available on this type of cruise include everything from dolphin encounters in Jamaica and banana plantations in Costa Rica, to Mexican museums and sea turtle sanctuaries in Acapulco. There's a whole world of adventure waiting for you to discover, and the ten hour cruise along the Panama Canal is only one part of it.
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