Description of the attraction
The main attraction of Panama and an inexhaustible source of its income is the Panama Canal, built at the turn of the XIX-XX centuries. The construction of this long waterway, which connected the Pacific Ocean with the Atlantic, allowed ships not to bypass South America, but to significantly shorten the route, saving time and money. The channel is so in demand that yachts, liners, cargo ships patiently wait for their turn, sometimes for several days.
There is a charge for the Panama Canal. Rather, the ship owners pay for the order of movement along the canal. For small boats, the fee ranges from $ 1,500 to $ 3,000. Massive barges can pass the canal for about $ 50,000. In 2010, there was a case when the captain of a cruise ship paid $ 376,000 for the first place in the queue. The expenses were justified: the queue would have to stand for more than 2 days, because only 48 ships can pass through the canal per day.
The Panama Canal is constantly being rebuilt and improved. Moreover, for such work, the channel is not blocked. Throughout its history, it was closed only for a day in 2010 due to bad weather conditions.
All shipbuilding companies in the world are working with an eye on this one of the most important sea routes between the Americas. Any ship on Earth has dimensions that will allow it, if necessary, to pass through the Panama Canal. If a vessel exceeds the established standards by its dimensions, then it is considered unsuitable for sea and ocean routes.
Tourists prefer to explore this Panamanian landmark from a ship.
