today's news -- the Zaandam and Rotterdam passing thru the Panama Canal

been following the Holland America cruise ships-- Zaandam and Rotterdam-- with the Zaandam having many sick passengers onboard as they received permission yesterday afternoon from Panama for humanitarian reasons to transit the Panama Canal from west to east.. Capt Ane Jan Smit who we know for a long time is at the helm of the Zaandam.. I know you know him also Margaret and Peter

their route took them thru the NEW Locks in the 'fast lane' rather than transiting the older Miraflores Locks and Pedro Miquel Locks.. here's some screen-grabs I took over a 3 hour period watching this unfold up until they got to the 'cut' before arriving at Gatun Lake and passing thru the last set of locks.. Panama went out of their way to facillitate the passage directing them to go faster than their normal speeds as well as allowing them to pass thru the NEW Locks only reserved for Mega-ships.. fantastic on Panama's part in helping out  kudos to Panama..

here is a 2 1/2 hour video LINK on You Tube made by an online  TV station-Ruptly of the transit.. parts may be interrupted but you will see what I followed last nite until 2am in the morning.. clcik this link and start at the beginning as the Zaandam passes under the Bridge of the Americas near Panama City click this VIDEO LINK --->  Zaandam-Rotterdam transit Panama Canal March 29, 2020