truck1
Growing older but not up.
- Joined
- Jul 7, 2009
Yes. While the Dream class (and based on the artist renditions, the 3 new ships are derivations thereof) can fit through the PANAMAX locks (new locks), they cannot fit under the Bridge of the Americas; they're too tall and their mast isn't retractable. It's not an awesome design to have a retractable mast for ship stability and mounting antennas up there, but it is possible which would allow the new class to transit the Canal via the PANAMAX locks.
Sorry if this has been covered already but would it be an option to move a Dream class ship to the west coast permanently?
I understand Dream or Fantasy can't use the Panama canal but if it's done on a semi-permanent basis it's a once and done thing and gives them better options for the Pacific cruises.
They could continue to bring the Wonder over for Alaska to have two ships for the summer up there. Then send the Wonder back east sooner to cover the New Orleans and other routes while Dream/Fantasy stays out west and covers the San Diego cruises, Hawaii, etc...
They could absolutely do that, they would just have to sail all the way around South America. They could also send the relocating ship to Europe for a season first and then on to the pacific through the Suez Canal.
Is this still true with the new canal?
DCL could very easily move a Dream Class ship to the West Coast. However at least 1 if not both are moving to Miami.
The Dream class ships can very easily do a canal crossing to the west coast. The air draft (height from the waterline to the highest point on the ship,usually a mast light) is 188 feet. The minimum clearance air draft of the Bridge of Americas is 201 feet at mean ( average ) high tide. The only ships that I know of off hand that won't make it through with out doing some investigating is the Oasis class from RCCL.