One of the greatest peacetime epics of human endeavor, the creation of the Panama Canal captured, for decades, the world's imagination. Now a major cruise destination, the Canal was the 'moon launch' of its day, plunging France into near financial and political ruin before becoming the crowning achievement of America under President Theodore Roosevelt, ushering in an era of global trade and prosperity.
Anne Vipond, author of several books on cruising, describes the engineering challenges faced and the personalities involved in this fascinating saga, and provides practical information to help passengers make the most of their time in port. Descriptions of each country, island and port of call are supported by in-depth research and detailed maps. Includes Florida, islands of the Caribbean, the Canal, Central America, Mexican Riviera and the West Coast ports.