DISCOVER PANAMA CANAL CRUISES

A Modern Engineering Wonder
Connecting Two Great Oceans

Experience the iconic traverse of the Panama Canal aboard a luxury cruise. Witness this modern engineering marvel, explore lush rainforests, and discover fascinating wildlife on an unforgettable adventure.

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Why Choose a Panama Canal Cruise?

An Odyssey of Engineering, Nature, and Culture

A Panama Canal cruise offers a unique blend of human achievement and natural beauty. Witness your ship navigate the locks, explore vibrant rainforests, and delve into local cultures on both sides of this historic waterway.

Modern Engineering Marvel

Witness the giant Miraflores, Gatún, and Pedro Miguel locks in operation—an astonishing feat of human ingenuity, best viewed from the deck.

Lush Wildlife & Rainforests

Explore the dense tropical rainforests bordering the canal, home to monkeys, sloths, toucans, and incredible biodiversity.

Vibrant Coastal Cultures

Discover the rich traditions and history of Panama City and the lively coastal towns on both the Caribbean and Pacific sides.

Exceptional Repositioning Value

Enjoy longer voyages between the Atlantic and Pacific, often offering exceptional per-day value and deep-sea relaxation.

Best Time to Sail

When to Cruise the Panama Canal

October – April

This is Panama’s dry season, offering comfortable temperatures, sunny skies, and the best conditions for exploration and viewing the locks, ideal for Canadian winter escapes.

Ideal Viewing Climate

Enjoy warm days and clear visibility, perfect for shore excursions and comfortably observing the ship's transit through the Canal.

Repositioning Season Peak

Most luxury and premium lines transit the canal during this period, offering unique itineraries between the Caribbean, Central America, and the Mexican Riviera.

Top Cruise Lines for Panama

Best Cruise Lines for Panama Canal Voyages

Premium Cruise Lines

Celebrity Cruises Celebrity Cruises
Princess Cruises Princess Cruises
Holland America Line Holland America Line

Luxury Cruise Lines

Oceania Cruises Oceania Cruises
Azamara Azamara
Regent Seven Seas Regent Seven Seas
Sample Itineraries

Popular Panama Canal Routes

Full Panama Canal Transit Itinerary

Full Canal Transit Voyage (14–16 Nights)

Fort Lauderdale • Cartagena • Full Canal Transit • Puntarenas • Los Angeles/San Diego

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Partial Panama Canal Transit Itinerary

Partial Transit & Central America (10–12 Nights)

Colón • Gatún Locks & Lake • Panama City • Costa Rica • Cartagena • Caribbean Ports

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Repositioning Costa Rica and Canal Cruise

Luxury Repositioning from the South (16+ Nights)

Santiago (Chile) • Peru • Ecuador • Canal Transit • Cartagena • Miami/Fort Lauderdale

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FAQ

Panama Canal Cruise Questions

How long is a Panama Canal cruise?

Full transit cruises typically last between **14 and 16 nights**, while partial transits or cruises that combine the Canal with the Caribbean usually range from **10 to 12 nights**.

What is the difference between full and partial transit?

**Full Transit** cruises cross the entire canal, moving between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. **Partial Transit** cruises enter the Gatún Locks and Gatún Lake, turn around, and exit the same way, allowing you to experience the locks without crossing the whole continent.

When is the best time to see the Panama Canal?

The best time is during Panama’s dry season, **October through April**, which offers the most comfortable temperatures and sunny days for viewing the locks.

Which side of the ship is best for viewing the transit?

Both sides offer excellent views, as the ship is centered in the locks. However, for a full transit, the experience is best enjoyed from the forward decks or a private balcony.

Are visas required for Canadian travellers?

Canadian citizens typically do not require a visa for short tourist stays or cruise visits to Panama. A valid passport is required, and I always confirm specific port requirements ahead of time.

Do Panama Canal cruises offer good value?

Yes. Because many of these voyages are repositioning cruises, they often offer long itineraries (14+ nights) at a very competitive per-day price, especially on premium cruise lines.

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Let’s Secure Your Iconic Panama Canal Voyage

Whether you seek a full transit adventure or a relaxing partial voyage combined with the Caribbean, I provide personalized guidance to choose the ideal itinerary, ship, and cabin for this bucket-list experience.

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