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Alternatively, for those who were hoping to see the full canal, you can book a shore excursion on a smaller boat to the Centennial Bridge, Gaillard Cut, and the Bridge of the Americas. If you are wanting to get the “Panama Canal Experience” but are looking for a round-trip itinerary, I highly suggest looking into the Panama Canal Partial Crossing cruises. With this trans-Panama Canal itinerary, you can expect to spend a full day on the canal, crossing the beautiful Panama Canal from the Caribbean to the Pacific, or vice versa. Most trans-Canal itineraries will call in many ports found in the Western Caribbean.
NEW! West Indies & Panama Canal Passage
Regardless of whether you choose a Panama Canal shore excursion or a luxurious cruise that stops at some of the liveliest ports, you're bound to make memories and friendships that last a lifetime. Many Panama Canal and Central America ports are relatively industrial, and some -- particularly Colon and Puerto Limon -- have a reputation for petty crime within the main city. You will likely be safer on a shore excursion, booked through the ship or independently, than if you decide to head on your own into town. If you're not a fan of tours, know that in Colon, city officials have regulated taxis and provided good shopping and cafe facilities at the two main cruise ship docking areas, Colon 2000 and nearby Cristobal Pier.
Holland America Line Navigator
For longer, repositioning Panama Canal cruises, you should stick to the earlier or later months of this window when the cruise ships are finding a new home. Most cruises through the Panama Canal consistently run from October to April. This means you have a lot of flexibility for when you want to enjoy your Panama Canal cruise, whether looking for a Christmas escape, Spring Break adventure, or planning a Transpacific back-to-back cruise. Pay airfare for one guest, and you'll automatically lock-in roundtrip flights for two. Secure these savings online by choosing your nearest airport in step one of your cruise booking, and enjoy air-to-sea made easy. We'll coordinate your roundtrip flights, and transportation between the airport and cruise port.
Panama Canal Cruise Articles and Videos

Named for New York’s famed five boroughs, our signature pizzas are made to order and topped with only the finest ingredients. Enjoy your pizza by day while overlooking the Lido pool, and into the night. This venue is New York Deli & Pizza on Koningsdam, Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam, offering made-to-order deli sandwiches in addition to pizza. Pinnacle Grill is the ultimate steakhouse at sea, where an exceptional menu and impeccable service make for one of finest meals you’ll ever have.
10 of the best Panama Canal cruises - The Times
10 of the best Panama Canal cruises.
Posted: Wed, 17 Apr 2024 12:02:05 GMT [source]
China-built Amador Cruise Terminal inaugurated at Panama's Pacific entrance - China Daily
China-built Amador Cruise Terminal inaugurated at Panama's Pacific entrance.
Posted: Mon, 15 Apr 2024 03:19:00 GMT [source]
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. Holland America offers a variety of Panama Canal cruises, but the most popular itineraries span 14 to 16 days. They offer a full transit between Fort Lauderdale and San Diego, or vice versa, and are offered on multiple ships, including Zaandam, Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam and Volendam. These sailings call on Cartagena, Colombia; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; Huatulco and Puerto Vallarta or Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. There are several Panama Canal cruise ship options to choose from, and every Princess cruise ship to this region is well-suited for couples and families with children alike.
You can also head out for fresh air and exercise on deck, where you'll find basketball and volleyball courts, and two refreshing pools (available on select ships). From rock and pop to country and beyond, we provide the perfect playlist live, each and every cruise. World Stage features innovative cruise ship shows and a two-story LED screen that creates a vivid wraparound display. For an elegant breakfast, leisurely lunch or unforgettable multi-course dinner, The Dining Room is your destination. For dinner, choose from classics such as Boneless Lamb Loin en Croute, Rosemary Roasted Chicken, as well as regionally inspired cuisine and artfully prepared vegetarian dishes.
Night Panama Canal & S. CaribbeanDetails
Or choose a grilled chicken breast sandwich or juicy portabella mushroom stack. Dive-In is the perfect spot to dine poolside on the best burgers at sea. Learn about one of the greatest engineering feats as you cruise through the Panama Canal and visit neighboring ports. Read about the origins of Panama City, Mayan and colonial heritage and naturally beautiful landmarks. 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. There's plenty of time to plan ahead for the Dec. 2, 2024 cruise or the half-dozen almost identical sailings that follow through March 2025.

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. Once you're crossing the canal, head to the front of the ship for the best view. Enjoy a wide variety of duty-free shopping in such signature shops as The Vault, Diamonds and Gemstones by Merabella, which offers the best diamonds at sea, brought to you by Effy.
The Panama Canal Cruise Experience
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. During your visit, be sure to look for monkeys, sloths, iguanas, blue-footed boobies, capybaras, crocodiles and even manatees on a jungle boat tour along the canal and into Gatun Lake. For outdoor adventure seekers, it's too wet for hiking in the rainforests, but other activities benefit from the rainy season, including whitewater rafting. In Quepos, Costa Rica, Windstar Cruises offers rafting trips to the town of Santo Domingo, where you can take a float trip on the Savegre River. Experienced surfers can also check out the big swells on both coasts of the country.
We also sail on the Caribbean Princess to the Panama Canal on From the East Coast and Ocean to Ocean itineraries. Refurbished in March 2017, with a guest capacity of over 3,000, the Caribbean Princess offers more luxurious amenities, staterooms, and delicious cuisine to bring you deep into the history and culture of the Panama Canal. 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.
The tram climbs 280 feet through the dense jungle vegetation to reach the tree canopy above. During the ride to the top, keep an eye out for local wildlife, including white-faced capuchin and howler monkeys, sloths, butterflies, iguanas, toucans and frogs. Here, we look at Panama's peak cruise season month by month, so you can consider the weather, pricing and crowds to determine the best time to cruise through the Panama Canal. It used to be that only smaller Panamax ships could squeeze through the locks of the Panama Canal. However, with the opening of a new set of locks in 2016, larger New-Panamax-sized ships can transit, as well. That means you take a Panama Canal cruise on a small-masted Windstar ship or luxury Silversea cruise or can sail on a megaship as large as the 1,094-foot-long and 136-foot-wide Norwegian Bliss.
With the abundance of lounges throughout the Coral Princess, you'll never run out of places to meet and greet with other travelers. Throughout the ship, there are also luxurious dining areas, bars and a casino for adults to enjoy, relax and unwind. Tortuguero National Park offers close encounters with the green tortoise, crocodiles, monkeys and exotic birds, all seen at water level on the canals. Most of the major lines and some smaller ones offer at least a few Panama Canal sailings each season.
Even if you aren't experienced in bird watching, experts can help you recognize and spot some of these beautiful winged creatures. Once you arrive in the Panama Canal, there will be plenty to see and explore. Even if you've been to the canal before, there's always something new to see when you return. One activity you might want to consider while you're in the area is snorkeling or diving. The warm waters of the canal and the abundance of wildlife make this a great place to explore marine life.
Cruising with Norwegian means more dining and entertainment options than ever. Picturesque harbors, sun-drenched coastlines and unusual rock formations are just some of the sights that will remain with ... For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. When it comes to packing for a Panama cruise, make sure you bring lightweight, breathable clothing to be comfortable in the country's hot and humid tropical climate. Taste your way through the diverse culinary culture of Panama on your Panama Canal cruise with Princess.
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. While several ships bring lecturers onboard to talk about the canal's history, this is one trip where a little extra reading might add to your enjoyment. "The Path Between the Seas," by historian David McCullough, is highly recommended. If you choose a cruise that includes a partial transit of the canal, you can experience Panama’s beauty during a day in Colon. Excursions from here include eco-adventures on Gatun Lake, where you can see capuchin and howler monkeys, caimans, and three-toed sloths. You could visit the locks along the canal and tour the visitor centers, stopping to watch ships pass through the narrow channels.
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