Cruise Guides > Panama Canal Cruises

Panama Canal Cruises

When it comes to cruises, Panama Canal cruises are truly in a category all their own. While every cruise includes stops at exciting destinations, Panama Canal cruises have one thing that no others have... a chance to travel through the Panama Canal itself, a true marvel of engineering.

The canal, which opened in 1914, took 50 years to build, but thanks to this unique feat of engineering, cruise passengers can make their way from the Atlantic to the Pacific (or vice versa) in just nine hours. The construction of the canal literally eliminated the 8,000 miles that were once necessary to travel in order to get from one ocean to the other.

On a Panama Canal cruise, you'll see hundreds of passengers lined up along the rail of the ship, mesmerized as approximately fifty-three million gallons of water pour into the locks to raise the ship so that the voyage may continue. This is such an amazing sight that many watch for hours!

The other great thing about Panama Canal cruises is that passengers will have the opportunity to explore destinations in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, making it one of the most diverse cruises on the market. In addition, you can start your cruise on either U.S. coast, as some Panama Canal cruises commence in Florida while others start in Southern California and head eastward.

In Panama itself, you may stop at the port city of Colon where shore excursions might include a tour of an Embera Indian Village. Others may choose a guided tour of the canal, accompanied by expert guides who explain the workings of the canal, how it was built, and tell stories of the lives of those who labored there for so many years.

A stop in Puntarenas, Costa Rica will be one you'll never forget. Travel with your shipmates to the Arenal Volcano and watch the fireworks! Others may choose a canopy tour through the tops of the trees in Costa Rica's unique forest eco-system.

Depending on your port of embarkation, you might also stop at some of Mexico's exciting port cities, including Puerto Vallarta, where the beaches are fine; the beautiful Baja town of Cabo San Lucas, known for its excellent fishing excursions; or Ixtapa, where passengers can explore the vast ecological reserve located here.

If your Panama Canal cruise includes an extended trip through the islands of the Caribbean, you might also visit The Cayman Islands, a mecca for divers; the U.S. Virgin Islands, where the duty-free shopping can take all day; or Puerto Rico, where you can tour old forts like El Morro and Castillo de San Cristobal.

Panama Canal cruises are especially delightful for those seeking a longer cruise as the itineraries often stretch over more than two weeks. Also, for those who prefer to travel without kids, these cruises usually include very few children, mostly due to the length of the voyage.