Colon, Panama (Transit through Panama Canal)

Visiting the Panama Canal is like stepping into a living story of engineering, history, and adventure. 

This was my second visit to Panama and my second time experiencing the canal, but this time we took a partial transit, traveling from the Atlantic Ocean into Gatun Lake before returning to the Atlantic. The journey began with the ship entering the Gatun Locks, where chamber by chamber we were lifted nearly 85 feet above sea level. Watching the water rise and the electric locomotives—known as “mules”—guide the ship with quiet precision was mesmerizing. 

Emerging into Gatun Lake, surrounded by calm waters and lush tropical forest, felt like entering the heart of the canal itself. While the ship was paused in the lake, we went ashore by tender boat to Colón and joined a bus excursion to the Agua Clara Locks Visitor Center. From there, we watched massive modern ships glide through the new Panama Canal locks, marveling at the wide chambers, tugboats guiding the vessels, and the water-saving basins that recycle millions of gallons of freshwater with every transit. 

On the way to Fort San Lorenzo, our guide made a special stop at a viewing platform overlooking the Gatun Locks, giving us the rare opportunity to see our own ship moving through the historic locks from land—a perspective that made the canal’s scale and precision even more striking. 

At Fort San Lorenzo, perched at the mouth of the Chagres River, we explored the centuries-old ruins, taking in sweeping views of the Caribbean and jungle below before returning to the ship.

The ship is approaching the Gatun Locks

The ship is entering Gunta Locks (there is another ship move the opposite direction)

Locomotives ("mules") on the side guide the chip to keep it centered

The ship is inside the Gunta Locks

Agua Clara Visitor Center

Posters at the center showing the new locks and ship transit

Up close and personal with the new locks' in actions

Old Lock Observation Station

Watching our own ship transiting

San Lorenzo Fort

Harvest Cave, Belize

When we arrived at Harvest Caye, I was feeling tired after catching a cold at the beach earlier. I decided to skip the snorkeling trip and instead spend time relaxing at the port and beach.

The only photos I have are the ones taken at the port.

From the ship to the port, there is a long covered boardwalk. You can either take a golf cart or walk along it to reach the port.

Puerto Limón, Costa Rica

The day we spent in Puerto Limón was marked by on-and-off rain. With umbrellas in hand, we walked through Cahuita National Park and spent a short time at the beach.

That day was also the first time I saw sloths. Our bus driver stopped when he spotted them resting in the trees along the roadside.

The highlight of the day was watching a monkey along the beachfront, happily entertaining all the tourists.

Cartagena, Columbia

Of all the countries along the Gulf of Mexico that I have visited, Cartagena is my favorite. This was my second time here.

I love the lively energy this city brings, enhanced by its rich history and beautiful colonial architecture. On my first visit, I didn’t have time to explore the famous San Felipe Fortress, so I made sure to do it this time.

The San Felipe de Barajas Fortress is the largest and most impressive Spanish colonial fortification in the Americas. Built on the strategic San Lázaro Hill, it was designed to defend Cartagena—once one of Spain’s most important Caribbean ports—from pirates and foreign invasions.

The fortress offers stunning 360-degree views of the city below. Here are some photos from my visit to the fortress and from my walks through Cartagena’s Old Town.