[Bogey78O]

Without it any ship traversing from the Pacific to the Atlantic or vice versa needs to go around an entire continent.

[zechariah]

Without it any ship traversing from the Pacific to the Atlantic or vice versa needs to go around an entire continent.

Our larger naval ships won't fit through the canal. Ditto for the larger, modern cargo ships.

Plus, you have to pay to go through the canal. For newer, faster ships, going around Cape Horn can be more economical overall.

On the other hand, the canal is a big hit with the cruise ships.

[z]