Panama Canal cruises: What to know
Quick insights
- Cruises to Panama typically include a full or partial crossing of the Panama Canal.
- Some itineraries stop in Costa Rica, Colombia or Caribbean countries.
- Even if your cruise doesn’t traverse the canal, it may offer a full crossing as an excursion on a smaller ship.
Whether you love history, engineering marvels or the natural beauty of Central America, a cruise to the Panama Canal can be an enriching travel experience. A cruise offers a front-row seat for viewing the lock systems in action on this famous canal.
During your voyage, you can cruise the entirety of the canal or opt for a shorter trip—with stops in Mexico, Costa Rica and Colombia along the way. Here are some things to know before you book your Panama cruise.
Where you can go on a Panama Canal cruise
Among the more notable things you can see on a Panama Canal cruise is the canal itself. This feat of engineering impacts international maritime trade. Since the canal’s creation in 1914, the waterway allows ships to travel quickly between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans through the Isthmus of Panama.
Previously ships had to take longer, potentially dangerous routes around South America. Cruises to the Panama Canal often have experts onboard to give lectures and other educational programming about the canal’s history.
Cruise lines typically make stops in the Caribbean, Mexico and Central American countries. During stops, travelers can enjoy each country’s unique cuisine and culture and journey to renowned rain forests, volcanos, mountains and more. There are usually opportunities for excursions like touring a coffee plantation or a journey on the Panama Canal Railway.
Here are a few highlights to look out for on cruise itineraries:
- Tortuguero National Park in Puerto Limón, Costa Rica
- Pacaya Volcano (active) in Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala
- Pura Vida Gardens in Puntarenas, Costa Rica
- Antigua (colonial city and UNESCO World Heritage Site) near Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala
Types of crossings on a Panama Canal cruise
A cruise to the Panama Canal usually refers to a complete crossing from the Pacific to the Atlantic. Recently, cruise lines have added cruises that partially cross the canal or stop at the entrance. Read on to find out what kind of crossing and itinerary are right for you.
Trans-canal or full crossing
The traditional Panama Canal experience is to fully cross the canal. These cruises tend to start in Florida—usually departing from Miami or Ft. Lauderdale—and travel westward to the Pacific Ocean. A few cruise lines offer a Pacific to Atlantic route, often departing from California, Washington or Canada.
A trans-canal crossing often includes a full day of crossing the canal. Some travelers consider a balcony an essential cabin amenity for prime views of the canal journey. Standing on the deck for the 9-hour journey across the canal can be uncomfortable, and you may need to get up early to secure a good viewing spot.
The length of the full-transit trip is roughly 14 days, but some cruises out of the Pacific Northwest or Alaska could take as long as a month.
Partial crossing
Partial crossing cruises don’t traverse the entire canal. Many ships that do a partial crossing will travel through a lock and then let passengers off in Gamboa for shore excursions. Passengers can usually choose a shore excursion that will take them fully across the canal on a smaller boat.
Cruise ships that do a partial crossing may also make port stops in Colon, as well as Colombia, the Southern Caribbean or Western Caribbean.
Faux crossing
Some cruises don’t enter the canal at all, and instead, they let passengers off at Colón, Panama. This port is at the Caribbean entrance of the canal.
Some cruises may also offer shore excursions that allow you to cross the canal on a smaller boat.
Timing cruises to Panama Canal
From when to book to your cruise travel dates, timing can be an important consideration for your Panama Canal cruise.
Cruising season
The peak season for cruising Panama lasts from October through April. December is often the busiest month, coinciding with holiday season and the peak tourism month in Panama, so you’ll likely need to pay higher cruise fares and other costs.
The rainy season is from mid-March through the fall. October and November are still rainy months, so you can usually avoid higher fares and the largest crowds by visiting during these months.
January through early March tends to be a time with nice weather, but you’ll likely experience larger crowds and higher fares during this time.
When to book
The best time to book a Panama cruise can vary. Booking 12 months in advance could potentially help you access your preferred cabin or itinerary and better pricing.
Tips for cruises to Panama Canal
There’s a lot to consider when planning for a cruise. These tips may simplify things as you take steps to get ready for your vacation.
- Review your itinerary closely: Not all cruises fully traverse the Panama Canal. If you’re committed to experiencing the locks firsthand, you may prefer the traditional itinerary that offers a full crossing of the canal. Look closely at the itinerary so you know what you’re getting.
- Arrive a day early: If you must travel to your cruise’s departure port, consider getting there a day or two early. That way, if something goes wrong with your flight schedule, there’s still a chance you’ll arrive in time to board the cruise.
- Pack carefully: Packing for a cruise can be a challenge. At times, Panama has sweltering heat, especially if you’re traveling outside of winter. You may be more comfortable if you bring sunscreen, hats and clothing made from breathable fabrics.
- Book excursions in advance: Excursions can fill up quickly. If you have your heart set on an excursion like crossing the canal, you’ll probably need to book it early. Plus, booking excursions directly through the cruise can offer added security and reliability. Making independent arrangements on your own could be risky because the activities aren’t vetted.
In summary
During a cruise to the Panama Canal, you might fully cross the canal. Some cruises offer a partial crossing or stop at the canal’s entrance at Colón. Looking closely at the cruise itinerary can help ensure you get your preferred crossing type. In some cases, cruises that don’t do a full crossing will offer excursions that do make the journey on a smaller ship.
Cruises to Panama frequently stop in Colombia, Costa Rica, the Caribbean and more. From rain forests to coffee plantations to volcanoes, there’s plenty to see during your port stops. The peak season for cruising the Panama Canal is from October to April, and you may get better pricing and selection if you book at least a year in advance.
