A Little Earthquake Couldn’t Stop Our Panama Adventure!
After six relaxing days at sea, we were more than ready to get off the ship and explore Panama! Despite the earthquake a few days earlier, which caused some damage and forced changes to our scheduled excursion, we were fortunate to experience most of what we had planned.
Our day started bright and early with a visit to the famous Miraflores Locks, one of the most fascinating engineering marvels of the Panama Canal. Completed in 1914, the canal revolutionized international shipping by connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, saving ships thousands of miles of travel around South America.
The Miraflores Locks are part of the original canal system and use an ingenious method of filling and emptying massive chambers with water to raise and lower ships as they travel through the canal. We were lucky enough to watch a large commercial vessel make its way through the first lock. Seeing those enormous gates open and close and watching the water levels change was truly impressive! It’s one thing to read about the Panama Canal, but quite another to witness this incredible feat of engineering firsthand.
Unfortunately, our scheduled IMAX theater presentation about the canal had to be canceled because of damage from the recent earthquake. We were disappointed, but Mother Nature apparently had other plans for our itinerary! At least we got to see the real thing in action.
Next Stop – Casco Viejo, Panama City’s Historic Old Town! 🏛️
From the locks, we headed to Casco Viejo, also known as Casco Antiguo, the charming historic district of Panama City. Founded in 1673 after the original city was destroyed by pirates, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is filled with cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, beautiful churches, charming plazas, and centuries of fascinating history.
Walking through the narrow streets was like stepping back in time. The architecture is a wonderful mixture of Spanish colonial, French, and Caribbean influences. Some buildings have been beautifully restored, while others still show their age, adding to the character and charm of this historic neighborhood.
Of course, we couldn’t leave Panama without buying a couple of Panama hats! 👒 Here’s an interesting bit of trivia: despite their name, authentic Panama hats actually originated in Ecuador! They became famous when workers and travelers wore them during the construction of the Panama Canal. Even President Teddy Roosevelt was photographed wearing one during his visit in 1906, helping make them a worldwide fashion statement.
We also stopped for a bite to eat and a local Balboa beer, enjoyed the local atmosphere, and admired some of the fascinating old buildings along the way. There was so much history around every corner!
We also drove through the modern section of Panama City, and what an impressive sight it was! The skyline is filled with magnificent skyscrapers, sleek glass towers, and striking architectural designs that rival those of major cities around the world. Panama City is often compared to Miami, with its dazzling high-rises overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
One building in particular caught our attention—the spectacular F&F Tower, also known as the Revolution Tower or “The Screw.” This remarkable 52-story skyscraper features a unique twisting, spiral design that makes it look as though the entire building is rotating toward the sky! It is truly an architectural marvel and one of Panama City’s most recognizable landmarks.
The contrast between the charming, centuries-old buildings of Casco Viejo and the glittering skyscrapers of modern Panama City was fascinating. It was like experiencing two completely different worlds in one afternoon—a wonderful combination of history, culture, and modern sophistication!
After quite a bit of walking—and what seemed like an especially long trek back to our tour bus—we were more than ready to give our feet a rest!
Back to the Star Princess! 🚢🍹
Our bus finally headed back toward the ship, where we planned to enjoy a little downtime before another evening of dining and entertainment.
Despite the earthquake-related changes, it turned out to be a wonderful day filled with history, culture, incredible engineering, and a little shopping thrown in for good measure!
And the best part? We still have our actual Panama Canal transit to look forward to! Seeing the locks from the observation area was fascinating, but experiencing them aboard our own ship should be something truly special.
For now, it’s time to put our feet up, relax, and get ready for another wonderful evening aboard the Star Princess.
Until tomorrow… happy travels from Panama! 🇵🇦❤️