Panama Canal Cruises

Journey Through the Panama Canal on a Cruise

The Panama Canal is a remarkable feat of engineering that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through a 48-mile waterway. This iconic route not only boasts stunning scenery but also offers cruisers a unique travel experience through one of the busiest maritime passages in the world. Did you know that the Panama Canal saves about 8,000 nautical miles of travel distance for ships? A cruise through the canal allows you to witness the intriguing process of locks that raise and lower ships to navigate the altitude of Central America. It’s an incredible way to explore the region’s natural beauty and vibrant cultures!

Top Harbours Along the Panama Canal

While cruising through the Panama Canal, you’ll have the chance to visit some fascinating harbours. Here are two key spots within the region:

Popular Ports Before or After Your Panama Canal Cruise

Some key ports are often included in Panama Canal itineraries, providing an enriching experience before or after your journey:

When to Cruise the Panama Canal

The ideal time for cruising the Panama Canal generally spans from December to April when temperatures range from 27°C to 30°C, making it pleasantly warm for outdoor explorations. This is considered the dry season with less rainfall. However, if you prefer a more budget-friendly option and can handle some humidity, consider travelling from May to November, where temperatures can escalate to around 32°C but may see occasional showers.

Cruise Prices Overview for Panama Canal

What about the costs associated with a cruise through the Panama Canal? A 1-week cruise typically ranges between $1,200 to $3,000 for standard packages and $4,000 to $6,500 for luxury cruises. If you opt for a 2-week cruise, pricing can fluctuate from $2,500 to $5,500 for regular packages, while luxury experiences may touch $10,000 or more. Generally, the shoulder seasons of late April to early June and September to November often have lower prices, while peak months, such as December and January, may incur heftier fare tags. Dining in ports typically costs around $15 to $50 for local meals, making it easy to explore regional delicacies without breaking the bank!

Major Cruise Lines That Sail to the Panama Canal

• Holland America Line
  With a fleet size of 11 ships, Holland America has a strong presence in the Panama Canal with 8 vessels, including Rotterdam and Eurodam. Most sailings typically depart from Fort Lauderdale or San Diego. Known for their immersive experiences and commitment to destination authenticity, Holland America offers onboard activities related to the cultures visited, ensuring a rich cruising experience.
• Princess Cruises
  Princess holds a fleet of 17 ships, with 6 routinely visiting the Panama Canal, featuring Crown Princess and Coral Princess. Departures mainly occur from domestic ports in Sydney and Brisbane or international ports in Fort Lauderdale and Los Angeles. Princess Cruises is renowned for catering to families, offering diverse activities onboard and tailored excursions at each port.
• Norwegian Cruise Line
  With a total of 20 ships, Norwegian offers 7 that cruise through the Panama Canal, including Norwegian Jade and Norwegian Encore. Departure ports often include Miami or Los Angeles. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, Norwegian Cruise Line boasts a ‘freestyle cruising’ model, providing guests with flexible dining and entertainment options tailored to individual preferences.
• Cunard
  This luxurious line operates a fleet of 4 ships, with Queen Mary 2 and Queen Anne running Panama Canal itineraries. Most departures are from international ports like Southampton or New York. Cunard is celebrated for its elegant onboard experiences, personal service, and high-end amenities that create a sophisticated cruising atmosphere.
• Carnival Cruise Line
  Carnival has a significant fleet size of 27, featuring 3 ships that sail to the Panama Canal, namely Carnival Spirit and Carnival Legend. These cruises most often depart from Seattle or Tampa. Carnival is popular for its fun and lively atmosphere, offering plenty of activities and entertainment to keep guests engaged throughout their cruise.

Luxury and Small Ship Options

• Viking Ocean Cruises
  Viking operates a fleet of 11 ships, with 5 of them offering itineraries to the Panama Canal, including the Viking Mars and Viking Octantis. Departures commonly occur from Fort Lauderdale or Fuerte Amador. Viking is recognised for its destination-focused itineraries and all-inclusive pricing, ensuring guests enjoy a seamless travel experience.
• Silversea
  This luxury line has a fleet of 13 ships, with 4 of them sailing to the Panama Canal, including Silver Ray and Silver Shadow. Departures most often occur from Fort Lauderdale or San Diego. Silversea focuses on ultra-luxury offerings, providing personalised services and curated excursions designed to immerse guests in local cultures.
• Seabourn
  With a fleet of 6 ships, Seabourn offers 3 that take you through the Panama Canal, particularly Seabourn Quest and Seabourn Encore. Typically, cruises depart from Long Beach or Miami. Seabourn is known for its intimate onboard experience, providing access to exclusive locations and luxury amenities for an unforgettable voyage.
• Ponant
  Ponant’s fleet consists of 11 ships, with 2 vessels that visit the Panama Canal—Le Bellot and Le Champlain. These cruises depart from ports like Puntarenas or Colón. Ponant prioritises wanderlust with yacht-style cruising and offers exclusive excursions that provide deeper connections with local cultures and environments.

Alternative Regions to Explore

If the Panama Canal captures your attention, consider these alternative regions for your next cruise adventure:

• Caribbean: Filled with idyllic islands and crystal-clear waters, the Caribbean is synonymous with relaxation and adventure. Sail through stunning destinations while soaking up the sun and experiencing vibrant local cultures on each stop.
• Central America: Discover tropical rainforests, archaeological sites, and unique colonial towns that Central America offers. This region showcases rich biodiversity and cultural diversity that appeals to nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
• Alaska: Experience jaw-dropping glaciers, wildlife encounters, and stunning fjords in Alaska. It’s the perfect destination for those who love nature, adventure activities, and connecting with indigenous cultures.
• Amalfi Coast: Known for its breathtaking coastal scenery and charming villages, the Amalfi Coast provides a slice of Italian paradise. Enjoy local cuisine, rich history, and an unforgettable cruising experience in this stunning Mediterranean region.
• Amazon River: Embark on an extraordinary adventure through the Amazon rainforest, where you can immerse yourself in wildlife while witnessing incredible biodiversity. This cruise offers a completely unique experience that showcases nature and indigenous cultures.

The Panama Canal is more than just a transportation channel; it’s a gateway to remarkable destinations and experiences. Book your unforgettable cruise with CruiseAway today and set sail for a truly memorable journey through this engineering marvel!