DESTINATION

Panama Canal

From the engineering marvel of the locks to the lush rainforests of Central America and the vibrant culture of Panama City, discover why a Panama Canal cruise is the ultimate bucket-list voyage for seasoned travelers and adventurers alike.

Set Sail Through the Panama Canal

A Panama Canal cruise is one of the most awe-inspiring voyages you can experience on the open seas. Watching your ship rise and descend through the massive lock chambers is a once-in-a-lifetime thrill that never gets old—even for our advisors who’ve been through it themselves. Beyond the canal itself, you’ll discover tropical rainforests teeming with wildlife, the cosmopolitan energy of Panama City, and stunning Caribbean and Pacific coastlines. Whether you choose a full transit from ocean to ocean or a partial transit that explores the canal’s highlights, this is a cruise that belongs on every traveler’s bucket list.

Silversea Silver Endeavour
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Azores Portugal
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Engineering Marvel

Transit through one of the greatest engineering achievements in history as your ship is raised and lowered 85 feet through a series of massive lock chambers.

Tropical Rainforests

Sail through Gatun Lake surrounded by lush tropical jungle, home to howler monkeys, toucans, sloths, and an incredible diversity of wildlife.

Rich Culture & History

Explore vibrant port cities like Cartagena, Panama City, and Limón, where colonial architecture, local cuisines, and centuries of maritime heritage come alive.

Explore Panama Canal Cruise Options

Panama Canal cruises come in several varieties, each offering a unique experience. Our expert advisors have sailed these routes and will help you choose the perfect itinerary for your dream voyage.

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Full Transit

Key Features: Complete ocean-to-ocean passage through all locks, Gatun Lake crossing, and Culebra Cut

Known For: The ultimate bucket-list experience—sailing from the Atlantic to the Pacific (or vice versa)

Ideal For: Experienced cruisers and anyone who wants the full Panama Canal experience

Duration: 14-21 nights

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Partial Transit

Key Features: Passage through the Gatun Locks and Gatun Lake before turning around, often combined with Caribbean ports

Known For: A taste of the canal experience with a shorter, more affordable itinerary

Ideal For: First-time canal cruisers and those with limited vacation time

Duration: 7-12 nights

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Canal & Caribbean Combo

Key Features: Canal transit paired with Caribbean island stops like Aruba, Curaçao, Cartagena, and Colón

Known For: The best of both worlds—engineering wonder plus tropical paradise

Ideal For: Travelers who want variety, combining iconic landmarks with beach relaxation

Duration: 10-16 nights

Compare Panama Canal Cruise Options

Feature Full Transit Partial Transit Canal & Caribbean Combo
Typical Duration 14–21 nights 7–12 nights 10–16 nights
Main Departure Ports Fort Lauderdale, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Tampa Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Galveston
Best For Bucket-list travelers, experienced cruisers, retirees First-time canal visitors, shorter vacations Variety seekers, couples, multi-generational families
Highlights All three lock systems, Gatun Lake, Culebra Cut, ocean-to-ocean passage Gatun Locks experience, Gatun Lake, Caribbean ports Canal transit plus tropical beaches, colonial cities, snorkeling
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Our Panama Canal cruise advisors will guide you through every option.

Planning a Panama Canal cruise can feel overwhelming with so many choices—full transit or partial? Caribbean side or Pacific side? Which ports should you visit along the way? That’s where our team of 23+ expert advisors comes in. We’ve been there, we’ve sailed these routes, and we know every nuance that makes the difference between a good cruise and an extraordinary one. From choosing the right cabin with the best views for lock transits to selecting the ideal itinerary for your schedule and budget, we handle every detail. And with our exclusive group rates and weekly price monitoring, you’ll enjoy exceptional value with no fees—ever. Whether you’re dreaming of a full ocean-to-ocean passage or a shorter partial transit, talk to one of our Panama Canal experts today and let us turn your bucket-list dream into reality!

Popular Ports of Call

Panama Canal cruises often include stops at some of the most exciting destinations in Central America and the Caribbean.

  • Cartagena, Colombia – Stunning walled colonial city with vibrant culture and cuisine
  • Colón, Panama – Gateway to the canal with duty-free shopping and rainforest tours
  • Costa Rica (Limón/Puntarenas) – Lush rainforests, zip-lining, and wildlife encounters
  • Aruba & Curaçao – Beautiful beaches and Dutch colonial charm
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Find your specialty cruise today!

We’ll help find the perfect specialty cruise—whether you’re crossing oceans, transiting canals, or exploring the ends of the Earth.

Best Time to Cruise the Panama Canal

The Panama Canal is a year-round cruising destination, though seasonal variations can affect your experience and itinerary options.

Peak Season (December – April): The dry season offers the most comfortable weather with lower humidity, clear skies, and ideal conditions for enjoying the open decks during your canal transit. This is when most cruise lines schedule their full transit sailings, so booking early is essential.

Shoulder Season (November, May): A sweet spot for great value with pleasant weather and fewer crowds both onboard and at ports of call.

Green Season (June – October): The rainy season brings afternoon showers, but mornings are typically clear. You’ll find the best rates and lush, verdant landscapes throughout Central America. Modern ships easily handle the brief tropical rain.

Repositioning Season (October – November, April – May): Many cruise lines reposition ships between Alaska/Pacific and Caribbean seasons, creating unique full-transit itineraries at excellent value.

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Why Book with Cruise Help

Expert Advisors

Specialty cruise specialists who understand the unique requirements of expedition and world voyages.

Exclusive Perks

Access to special deals, onboard credits, and amenities not available when booking direct.

Personalised Planning

Custom recommendations for ships, itineraries, and cabin selection on complex voyages.

Full Support

Assistance from booking through disembarkation and beyond—we’re with you every step.

Panama Canal Cruise FAQs

A full transit takes your ship completely through the Panama Canal from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean (or vice versa), passing through all three lock systems—Gatun, Pedro Miguel, and Miraflores—and crossing Gatun Lake and the Culebra Cut. A partial transit enters the canal from the Caribbean side, passes through the Gatun Locks and into Gatun Lake, then turns around and returns to the Caribbean. Full transits typically last 14-21 nights, while partial transits run 7-12 nights. Our advisors can help you decide which option is the best fit for your schedule and budget.

The actual canal transit takes approximately 8-10 hours from ocean to ocean. This is one of the most exciting days of the entire cruise—passengers line the upper decks to watch as the ship enters the massive lock chambers and is raised or lowered alongside enormous cargo vessels. Many cruise lines provide expert narration throughout the transit, and our advisors recommend securing a balcony cabin for the best views.

Many major cruise lines sail Panama Canal itineraries, including Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival. Luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas, Oceania, Silversea, and Seabourn also offer exceptional Panama Canal voyages. Each line brings a different experience to the journey, and our team of 23+ expert advisors will match you with the perfect cruise line based on your preferences and budget—at no fee to you.

The dry season from December through April offers the most comfortable weather with lower humidity and clear skies. However, Panama Canal cruises are available year-round. Repositioning season (October-November and April-May) often brings unique full-transit itineraries at excellent value as ships move between Alaska and Caribbean seasons. Our advisors monitor pricing weekly and can help you find the best rate regardless of season.

Yes, a valid passport is required for all Panama Canal cruises. Since these itineraries visit foreign countries like Panama, Colombia, and Costa Rica, every passenger needs a passport valid for at least six months beyond the travel date. Some countries may have additional entry requirements. Your dedicated cruise advisor will walk you through all documentation requirements well before your sailing date.

Panama Canal cruises span tropical climates, so pack lightweight, breathable clothing, swimsuits, reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and comfortable walking shoes for shore excursions. Bring binoculars for wildlife spotting during the Gatun Lake portion of the transit and a light rain jacket for tropical showers. Since these are longer voyages, most ships have formal nights—pack appropriate evening attire. Your advisor can provide a customized packing list based on your specific itinerary.

While full-transit Panama Canal cruises tend to attract experienced cruisers due to their longer duration, partial transits are an excellent option for first-timers looking for something beyond a typical Caribbean cruise. At 7-12 nights, a partial transit offers the thrill of passing through the canal locks combined with Caribbean port stops, all at a manageable length. Our advisors will help you determine which option suits your cruising experience level.

Popular excursions include visiting the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center for an up-close look at the canal operations, exploring the colonial old town of Cartagena, zip-lining through Costa Rican rainforest canopy, touring the Panama City skyline and Casco Viejo historic district, snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Aruba or Curaçao, and wildlife viewing in the rainforests surrounding Gatun Lake. Our advisors can recommend the best excursions based on your interests.

Panama Canal cruise pricing varies widely depending on the cruise line, cabin type, itinerary length, and season. Partial transits can start at very accessible rates, while full-transit luxury voyages represent a premium experience. The great news is that through our exclusive group rates, you can access savings of up to 50% off published fares—and we never charge booking fees. Plus, our weekly price monitoring means if the rate drops after you book, we automatically adjust your fare. Talk to one of our advisors for a personalized quote.

Many Panama Canal itineraries include stops in the Caribbean, Central America, or along the Pacific coast of Mexico and California. Some of the most popular combination routes include Caribbean islands like Aruba, Curaçao, and Grand Cayman, as well as Pacific coast ports like Cabo San Lucas and Huatulco. Repositioning cruises may even connect to Alaska or South American destinations. Our expert advisors love crafting multi-destination experiences—ask us about your dream combination itinerary.