romanticf16 Loc: Commerce Twp, MI

As you approach major ports and points of interest shoot from on deck, not your cabin. More angles of view, etc.

BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA

Transited the canal in the late 80s while in the USN. As for humidity problems, just be careful going into and exiting highly air conditioned areas. Might be best to take you battery and memory card out of the camera and placing them in a zippered case before going into A/C environment and then not opening the case until back out into the heat. Had problems with condensation on cameras in Iceland 4 years ago.

The bow of the ship is a good location. Be sure to get some images of the donkeys (small engines that pull you through the locks) from astern looking forward.

Some longer exposures might be nice to play with during the locking process.

Just some ideas. Have a good trip.

Flyerace Loc: Mt Pleasant, WI

My husband and I took this cruise last March. I brought two cameras and used, almost exclusively my D5200 with the 16-80mm lens. You get everything you need in the frame and can extend it enough to get rid of the tall people on the lower deck. Most of the lower deck had glass in the front, or had 5 people deep. I was the first person at the rail, but others just keep jamming in until it is very crowded. Don't bother with a tripod or even a mono pod. The ship's vibration is too much. This lens, starting at 2.8, is fast enough to cover indoor shots pretty well. Didn't have to jack the ISO too much.

If you have a cabin with a balcony, you will have unobstructed views off to the side of the ship. It doesn't feel like the ship is moving very fast, but facing forward, you will have lots of wind tearing at you. Be cautious to clean off the front of your lens when done shooting. Really great to take photos of passing ships in the locks.

I found that having two cameras was the best choice, one with the shorter lens and the other with a longer lens. Having two cameras allowed me to not change lenses. My sensor stayed clean and no moisture got in to cause fungal problems. Make sure you have extra batteries and keep them charged. I changed out my media card each day. In case of the inevitable, you won't lose your entire vacation. I just marked them with little labels day 1, day 2 etc. Easy to download them or mix the downloads between cameras. (I actually did not use the extra long lens very much at all. But I always travel with two camera bodies-just in case)

More than anything, have fun. Drink only bottled water that you open (when off the ship). Protect your skin-you will burn. Have fun!

GENorkus Loc: Washington Twp, Michigan

As for gear, go light!

Back in the analog days I took several trips and found a standard prime was great! Everything turned out very well with it too. (Let your legs be the zoom if you really need to.)

If you happen to need a pod of some kind, use a nearby tree or building to prevent camera shaking or movement instead. I doubt you'll be making any money on the pics. I doubt any pic will be used in a contest. Should you go on a side trip somewhere, I doubt the others will appreciate waiting for you. Anything is possible but all you really need is something to remember it with.

Just go and enjoy the trip!

MtnMan Loc: ID

Thanks for helpful inputs.

We have a cabin with a sliding door that opens onto the deck. The pictures show some chairs outside but if they aren't attached I suspect they might wander.

insman1132 Loc: Southwest Florida

Did that trip a couple of year ago. Here are my suggestions based on my experiences: No Tripod. Take the 70-300. Heat & Humidity no problem. Have at least 2 more memory cards and batteries with you. Download to your laptop at the end of each day. Take the Zip Line excursion in Costa Rica and start the movie mode each time you step off a platform. Have fun. You will enjoy this trip.

Latsok Loc: Recently moved to Washington State.

I have gotten awesome responses and great suggestions and "lessons learned."
Sounds like everyone responding had a memorable trip and with the exception of crowding at the bow of the ship while starting the transit, there were no major hassles. Thanks for suggesting to take extra cards. I had a problem last year while visiting London when all of a sudden the camera stopped recognizing the card. Bummer, but a new card worked fine. Thanks again.