Panama Canal Drought

[Tasselhoff]

Our Cruise on Carnival Spirit is scheduled to go through the Panama Canal on September 30, 2023.  Will we be affected by the drought slowdown?  I have read of long wait times.  Can Carnival cut  the line?

[kefthecruiser]

There is an extensive write up in the NCL forum on this. Can Carnival cut the line? The Canal Authority does have preferred customers, don't know where any cruise line is on the list. Container ships go first is my read.

Only Carnival can tell you their plans.

[Cruising Caribbean]

@Tasselhoff I would hope Carnival Cruise Line will send you an update since your cruise is coming up this month! As @kefthecruiser mentioned, containers cutting the line and going first sounds most important. I'm sure CCL is one of the most popular cruise lines that visits that area so it possibly has some preference. I wouldn't worry too much about it. I'm sure the cruise line will potentially restructure its speed of itinerary to make up for the potential lag. 

Try calling the cruise line and see if they have any updates! It's worth a shot. Keep us posted if you hear anything new. 

[Cruising Caribbean]

@Terri44