Big Backlog at the Ditch

Many cruisers are heading south toward Panama at this time of year. But when they reach the Canal, they may be in for a rude shock.

According to cruising guide author Pat Rains, there is currently a huge backlog of yachts and ships waiting to transit. Two Canal agents recently told her "yacht transits are presently backed up for about four weeks, even if they were scheduled to transit sooner. They said all the marinas on both ends are packed to the gills with people waiting to get through."

Apparently authorities are only allowing six yachts per day to start transit
(three from the Pacific, three from the Caribbean), and they must anchor
in Gatun Lake overnight before completing the trip the next day, which means additional costs.

"I think at this time of year, normally they’d have 15 to 20 per day going all the
way through. . . The 7% rate increase started March 1, but the back-up problem
started last week when the pilots refused to work overtime, so ships
are even more backlogged than yachts (104 ships are currently waiting to transit).
And, of course, ships are getting priority."

Pat’s sources advised that the best strategy is to get admeasured and pay
your fees, then go cruising nearby for a couple weeks, while keeping in touch with the authorities or your agent — and don’t book any non-refundable flights for guests planning to join you. Sadly, the backlog is expected to get worse.