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Celebrity will take you seamlessly from one adventure to the next as you explore jewel-like Caribbean islands and historic Cartagena. On a one-way voyage, combine the thrill of the canal with adrenaline-fueled adventure in Costa Rica and iced margaritas on Mexico’s golden beaches. Make the most of your time ashore with our range of imaginative excursions, from Destination Highlights to Small Group Discoveries and Private Journeys designed just for you. For a one-way Panama Canal transit that visits six countries (Aruba, Curacao, Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala and Mexico) and offers six relaxing and luxurious days at sea, consider Seabourn's 21-day Caribbean & Panama Canal Passage. The 450-guest Seabourn Sojourn will sail from Miami to Los Angeles in December. For a Panama Canal experience that begins and ends in Fort Lauderdale, Celebrity Cruises' 11-night Panama Canal & Southern Caribbean itinerary is a great option.
History of Panama Canal cruises
The locks’ operation, which some have called “the Eighth Wonder of the World,” is a fascinating spectacle offering passengers an unforgettable chance to witness the water level’s transformation, enabling the ship’s smooth passage. During the 48-mile transit, you’ll see everything from intricate lock systems to the serene landscapes of the rainforest and Gatun Lake. Your ship will be raised up 85 feet through a system of three locks to the level of the freshwater Gatun Lake. Once you’ve crossed the lake, you will descend 85 feet back to sea level through another set of locks. The Panama Canal is one of the most astonishing human-made wonders, a sliver of ingenuity that allows ships to move from one ocean to another.
Best Time for Panama Canal Cruises
You'll want to consider whether you're more interested in Caribbean islands or Central and South American destinations. Whether you’ve always longed to experience the infamous mechanisms of the Panama Canal, or it’s something you’ve not given much thought to, a Panama Canal cruise unlocks a wealth of enticing destinations and experiences. This is one situation where a balcony cabin offers a unique perspective, but it isn't really a necessity (unlike on an Alaska or Hawaii itinerary, where you're guaranteed gorgeous scenery on either side of your ship). Bigger ships can only squeak through the canal, with two feet (or less) on either side. While the railing of the balcony can give you a better appreciation for just how tight that squeeze is, being up on the bow is the best way to appreciate the full scope of the process.
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT Panama Canal Cruises
Most cruises shorter than two weeks are one-way sailings, often beginning or ending in Panama. The shortest sailings are predominantly offered by small ships, and they begin and end in Central America. The shortest round-trip Fort Lauderdale partial transits are 11 nights; full transits that start on the U.S.
What is the best time to cruise to Panama?
The thrill is not over after you go through the canal locks, there's more to see as you travel through the canal, with tropical flora and fauna adorning the way. The canal never stops working and you will traverse along with other ships and boats and witness the swift movement of these vessels. This translates into the easy planning of a crossing anytime is convenient for you. Options are plentiful for cruise lines that sail to Panama, including popular ones like Carnival, Royal Caribbean Princess, Holland America Line (HAL), Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), Celebrity, Oceania and Viking.
THE 25 BEST 2 Week Cruises to the Panama Canal & Central America (Prices & Itineraries) on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic
THE 25 BEST 2 Week Cruises to the Panama Canal & Central America (Prices & Itineraries) on Cruise Critic.
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THE 6 BEST 7 Day Cruises to the Panama Canal & Central America (Prices & Itineraries) on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic
THE 6 BEST 7 Day Cruises to the Panama Canal & Central America (Prices & Itineraries) on Cruise Critic.
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Gain a deeper understanding of the impressive engineering behind the 48-mile-long Panama Canal connecting the Atlantic and Pacific. Then continue your Viking journey to the heart of the Caribbean & Central America. On the Panama City side of the canal, you’ll sail under the graceful arch of the Bridge of the Americas, which forms part of the Pan-American Highway from Alaska to Patagonia. Just beyond the bridge, as you head toward the Pacific, look out for the Biomuseu, a striking jumble of brightly colored shapes designed by famous architect Frank Gehry, housing eight galleries showcasing Panama’s biodiversity. When you choose to apply (and are approved) for a new credit card through our site, we may receive compensation from our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Cabo San Lucas
And Princess provides live narration from the bridge while transiting the locks, just one reason we were voted "Best Cruise Line for Enrichment" by Cruise International. Enjoy the best of the Panama Canal with a day to explore the locks, kayak the forested fringes of serene Gatun Lake, or admire the fine Spanish colonial architecture of Panama City’s historic Casco Viejo. There’s no shortage of beach time on these 11-night cruises, with blissful, sun-soaked days on the dazzling white sands that fringe Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao, and a day to explore Grand Cayman’s glorious Seven Mile Beach. The array of options means that a Panama Canal cruise experience is possible even if you're short on time or have a limited budget — and chances are high that your favorite cruise line offers one or more itineraries. Most sailings attract couples, typically retirees, but if the timing is right a Panama Canal cruise can also be a great multi-generational experience. From ships custom built to sail the massive locks to immersive onboard programs and onshore adventures that inspire, Princess is the number one way to explore this epic phenomenon.
Prices per person depend on several factors, including which line you book, the month you travel and the duration of the trip. You can also spot spectators sitting in the grandstands at Gatun Locks on the Atlantic side and on the balcony at the Miraflores Visitor Center on the Pacific side. The latter will wave and cheer you on since the more infrequent sight of a passenger ship with lots of people onboard is infinitely more exciting than the many cargo ships that sail through each day. Obviously, a forward location on the ship will give you a clear vantage point as you head into the locks. Even if the canal transit is what you're cruising for, don't forget to check out the rest of the stops on the itinerary.
Exotic Views
As you cruise the canal, you will pass through the two-chambered Miraflores Locks, the one-chambered Pedro Miguel Lock, and three-chambered Gatun Locks. Along the way you’ll find Gatun Lake, once the largest manmade lake in the world, which has proved a boon for the species that thrive here, undisturbed by the passing ships. Many cruisers consider a cruise through the Panama Canal a must-do, and for a long time, the itineraries drew mostly seniors, due to the length of a full-transit trip (which usually runs 14 days). Partial Panama Canal cruises -- where ships only go halfway through the locks before turning around -- not only cut the number of days, but increase day-trip options in the Central American cities near the canal.
The most important thing to do is to head up on deck and absorb this spectacular experience. Every transit will have expert commentary that’s broadcast on the decks and in the lounges, so you’ll be able to gain a deeper insight into the workings of the canal and its history. On Celebrity Summit, guests of The Retreat can view the locks from the Retreat Sundeck on deck 12 forward. Other options include the Sky Lounge, which has panoramic forward views and is climate-controlled, or the Rooftop Terrace, aft. You will most likely find you want to enjoy the experience from different areas on the ship.
But since a Panama Canal cruise is unique, you'll encounter some logistical considerations that you won't on other itineraries — including the fact that your debarkation and embarkation ports might be different. A cruise is an ideal way to see the Panama Canal because it gives you an opportunity to get close to the impressive mechanics, and really appreciate what this piece of engineering is. To experience for yourself, the very thing it was made for, is a truly special occasion. This port on the western coast of Guatemala provides access to the colonial city of Antigua, which has earned status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its architecture and ruins. The port provides a jumping-off point for tours of working coffee plantations, the Pacaya Volcano (one of the country's many active mountains) and Lake Atitlan. Carnival Cruises has a range of Panama Canal cruises leaving from different ports in the US, including Tampa, New Orleans and Galveston.
Panamanian food rewards foodies with a fascinating diversity of cooking traditions, a bonus of the nation’s position as an international crossroads and a land bridge linking North and South America. Taste your way through the diverse culinary culture of Panama on your Panama Canal cruise with Princess. Have a volcanic adventure during San Juan del Sur excursions from Princess Cruises. Find fascinating articles with Panama Canal cruise tips for experiencing unforgettable attractions, regional cuisine, and more on both sides of this epic man-made wonder.
So set your alarm; the sooner you can pull yourself out of bed, the better the spot you'll snag. Other great shore excursion options include taking the refurbished Panama Railway from the Pacific to the Atlantic. It rides parallel to the Canal and offers a great view in luxuriously paneled railway cars. Another exciting alternative is to take a trek through the rain forest at Gamboa, or visit an authentic Embera Indian Village on the Chagres River (which often takes place by canoe).
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