Panama Canal Cruises

History & culture

The construction of the Panama Canal has a very curious history. A human-made waterway that changed the world of cruising and shipping over 100 years ago. The idea of linking the two oceans for the sake of reducing the transit time of goods appeared at the beginning of the 16th century. Due to various issues, the actual construction started only in 1906. Panama Canal is a unique marvel that connects the cultures and heritages of Central America. A cruise through the Panama Canal is a bucket-list experience you should definitely try.

Food & drink

A Cruise to the Panama Canal is a journey of exotic flavours, local dishes and extraordinary culinary experiences. Each country of that region has its own savour, and you are to try them all. In Guatemala, we strongly recommend empanadas – a popular street-food pastry stuffed with meat and topped with guacamole, cilantro and onions. In Panama, you should try the Ropa Vieja an iconic Panamanian dish cooked with shredded beef stew and vegetables. When in Colombia go for the local chicken soup – Ajiaco or try the arepas as there are more than 42 variants of that cornbread in the country.

Colon, Panama

Rich in historical and cultural beauties Colon is a second city of Panama and the capital of the Colon Province. To find out more about the construction of the Panama Canal we recommend dropping by the Agua Clara Visitor Center. Not only you can learn something interesting there but enjoy the best panoramic views at the famous Lake Gatun as well as the Canal itself. Other Colon experiences include gorgeous beaches, Portobello National Park with its waterfalls, Fort San Lorenzo and its fortification ruins. And let us remind you that Colon is a duty-free zone, so apart from all the cultural sights it also offers some great shopping opportunities

Cartagena, Colombia

One of the major Colombian ports Cartagena was once an important Spanish colony – Cartagena de Indias. Nowadays, it’s a beautiful vibrant city full of preserved historical sights and colonial architecture. The Old Town of Cartagena is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a perfect place for a long walk to admire its streets, churches and alleys. Apart from great excursions, Cartagena is popular among tourists because of its white-sandy beaches, aquamarine sea, fantastic seafood, delicious coconut rice and lively nightlife.

Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Puntarenas is a hot spot for guests who love natural beauty. It is a charming coastal city full of long, sandy beaches. In fact, even the name "Puntarenas" in English means “Sandy Point”. Apart from chilling on the beach and enjoying the amazing views of the Nicoya Gulf you can visit one of the many national parks like Tortuga Island, Natuwa wildlife sanctuary, Pura Vida Gardens and Waterfalls or Pos Volcano National Park. Another fun attraction is a tour of the coffee plantation, where you can learn some fascinating things about the most popular drink on earth.

Panama Canal Locks

Do you know how many hours it takes one ship, to cross the canal or how many ships are transiting it per day? Are you interested in the history of the construction of this miracle and all the difficulties that people had to overcome? You may find answers to these and many of your questions at the visitor center at Miraflores and Agua Clara. Both of the destinations also have great observation points for you to watch the ships just meters away.

Mexican Flavours

Mexica is a popular exotic destination full of numerous charms and things to do. We would like to recommend you diving into its rich flavours. Probably you have already tried tacos or burritos, but Mexican food is so much more and where else to explore it if not on a cruise to the Panama Canal? And please don’t forget to sign up for a mezcal tasting while you are there.

Spanish Colonial Architecture

Some of the most beautiful examples of Spanish Colonial Architecture could be found on various destinations during your Panama Canal cruise. Take for instance Puerto Quetzal in Guatemala, a great port to explore the streets of Antigua – a World Heritage Site. Other great examples of that style could be found in Panama, Colon and Cartagena.

Currency considerations

During your Panama Canal Cruise, you are to visit many countries, each having its currency, for example in Panama they use PAB – Panamian Balboa and in Colombia, it’s COP – Colombian Peso. So before going on a cruise we strongly recommend you contact your bank in order to let them know the countries you are going to see.

Customs and traditions to be aware of 

There are many fascinating customs and traditions you’ll learn about during your cruise to the Panama Canal. And since you are to visit many different destinations, we recommend you search for all the necessary information in advance. This way you’ll be able to enjoy your cruise to the fullest.

Making the most use of short durations in port

The best spot for transiting the Canal is in the front of the ship, don’t forget to film your crossing as it would be a great memory to share with the nearest ones. Another piece of advice we want to share with you is to research your cellular service plan as there are many countries on your way, so it’s always better to be prepared.

Transport

Depending on the country you are in there are various transport options available for your convenience.

We have put together the following FAQs. We hope that you will be able to find an answer to your question below, but if you require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our customer service team.

• What is the best month to cruise the Panama Canal?

Since the cruise will take place in Central America you may be under impression that it is a year-round destination. But some countries on your itinerary have dry and rainy seasons, so the best time to cruise the Panama Canal is from October to April.

• What cruise lines sail through the Panama Canal?

Panama Canal is a bucket list cruise destination, so all of the major cruise lines have ships crossing the canal. Princess Cruises has 2 ships for you to choose from Emerald Princess and Ruby Princess. Holland America Line has Eurodam, Oosterdam and Zaandam available depending on what month you plan to cruise.

• How long does it take to cruise the Panama Canal?

The average crossing from one ocean to another will take around 10 hours.

• Where can you see the ships transit the Panama Canal?

The best observational points to enjoy the ships crossing the canal are at Miraflores and Gatun Locks.