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Panama Canal Cruises

Experience one of the wonders of the modern world on Holland America Line’s Panama Canal cruises. Our Panama cruise itineraries depart from both east and west coasts for loads of convenient options. A cruise to the Panama Canal is an incredible experience, worthy of any bucket list as you travel between oceans. The shipping channel—which took 33 years to complete and cost more than 25,000 workers their lives—is arguably the greatest engineering achievement of all time. As you cruise the canal, you will pass through the two-chambered Miraflores Locks, the one-chambered Pedro Miguel Lock, and three-chambered Gatun Locks. Along the way you’ll find Gatun Lake, once the largest manmade lake in the world, which has proved a boon for the species that thrive here, undisturbed by the passing ships.

The Panama Canal Cruise Experience

Feel your ship rise 85 feet as water fills the locks on the Panama Canal. Listen as a historian shares tales of this incredible engineering feat that divided two continents. Explore the intriguing landscapes, culture and people of this amazing region. From engineering marvels to exotic wildlife, there's so much to discover while on your Panama Canal cruise.

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Panama Canal Cruises Have Diverse Ports Of Call

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Fuerte Amador, Panama

Cartagena, Colombia

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

Puerto Caldera (Puntarenas), Costa Rica

Puerto Chiapas, Mexico

San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua

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The ultimate journey between two continents and two mighty oceans, a Panama Canal cruise encompasses Spanish colonial architecture, verdant rainforest and an engineering marvel. Learn more about our ports in the region with articles on  Cartagena’s  graceful Old City and  Costa Rica’s  exotic Pura Vida Gardens;  Antigua, Guatemala , including La Merced, the city’s 250-year-old cathedral; and the storied past of  Panama Viejo , a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And be sure to explore the complex and fascinating history of the  Panama Canal .

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Zoom your map way out and Panama looks like a small sliver of land, so a trip through its famous canal is a quickie, right? But not so fast — traversing the canal actually takes at least 20 hours! Cruise the Panama Canal and enjoy a zoomed-in real-life look at perhaps last century’s greatest engineering achievement… along with its surrounding lush, verdant lands. This testament to human audacity joins the Pacific and Caribbean in the most direct way possible, and is worth making a leisurely part of your vacation. Even better, Panama Canal cruises call at Central American ports along the canal like Limón and Cartagena… plus at Caribbean island hotspots along the way. You’ll get to explore the local beaches and culture while heading to or from one of the greatest man-made marvels in the world. Cruises through the Panama Canal promise one legendary trip.

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Discover the Marvels of the Panama Canal

Explore the engineering genius of the Panama Canal with Celebrity on a thrilling voyage that brings history and human achievement to life. On a Panama Canal cruise, experience the lush rainforests of Costa Rica, teeming with scarlet macaws and slow-moving sloths. Wander through the flower-filled streets of enchanting Cartagena, Colombia, bask on golden beaches along the Mexican Riviera, and swim in the aquamarine waters surrounding Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao as you discover this fascinating region with Celebrity.

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Start off a breathtaking vacation in the Caribbean and South America. Fall in love with the romantic streets and flower-strewn balconies of Cartagena. Sail down the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal and visit a sprawling rainforest preserve in Colon. Take a swim in the warm, turquoise waters of Aruba, go snorkeling at Bonaire’s vibrant Bari Reef, and view magnificent stalactites and stalagmites inside Curacao’s Hato Caves.

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Enjoy the best of the Panama Canal with a day to explore the locks, kayak the forested fringes of serene Gatun Lake, or admire the fine Spanish colonial architecture of Panama City’s historic Casco Viejo. There’s no shortage of beach time on these 11-night cruises, with blissful, sun-soaked days on the dazzling white sands that fringe Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao, and a day to explore Grand Cayman’s glorious Seven Mile Beach.

One-Way Panama Canal Cruises

Our one-way cruises take you either east or westbound between Florida and California. See the intricate workings of the locks and the graceful Bridge of the Americas as you cross the narrow Panama isthmus. Discover the lush scenery around manmade Lake Gatun, listen to tales of pirates and conquistadors, and buy exquisite handicrafts made by Panama’s indigenous Emberá tribe. Other highlights include vibrant Cartagena, glamorous Puerto Vallarta, and thrilling Costa Rica.

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Why Cruise to the Panama Canal with Celebrity

Explore the Panama Canal with Celebrity and you’ll enjoy the best of all worlds, from cultural immersion and pristine natural landscapes to a haven of relaxation on our contemporary, design-led ships. Rejuvenate your spirit in The Spa, unwind by the pool as you cruise along emerald shorelines, and toast the end of another perfect day at the Sunset Bar in the balmy warmth of a tropical evening.

On Celebrity’s ships, you can enjoy a different restaurant at every meal, with menus designed by a Michelin-starred chef. Try anything from mouth-watering seafood to steak, flavor-packed Italian, and gourmet French cuisine. Experience The Magic Carpet, high above the ocean, with uninterrupted views. Elevate your cruise with a stay at The Retreat®, with suite accommodation, access to a tranquil lounge, and dining at the exclusive Luminae at The Retreat.

Celebrity will take you seamlessly from one adventure to the next as you explore jewel-like Caribbean islands and historic Cartagena. On a one-way voyage, combine the thrill of the canal with adrenaline-fueled adventure in Costa Rica and iced margaritas on Mexico’s golden beaches. Make the most of your time ashore with our range of imaginative excursions, from Destination Highlights to Small Group Discoveries and Private Journeys designed just for you.

From one-way voyages between the East and West Coasts, taking in the beaches of Mexico and the rainforests of Costa Rica, to shorter journeys that spend time in the sun-drenched ABC Islands, you’ll find the perfect Panama Canal cruise with Celebrity.

Featured Articles

13 Tips for Visiting the Panama Canal

Visiting the Panama Canal for the first time is an extraordinary experience, made all the more special if you take some time to learn about this incredible feat of engineering.

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When it comes to beaches, beauty is often in the eye of the beholder. That said, it’s hard to find fault with the beaches in Central America, with their white sand, clear water and palm trees swaying in the breeze.

What Is Costa Rica Known For?

Tropical, mountainous Costa Rica is known for many things. Dazzling biodiversity in its treasure trove of animals, birds, fish, and plant species, for one; this is where you’ll see glossy toucans perched in the trees and graceful macaws, scarlet against the bottle green of the rainforest.

The Ultimate Panamanian Food Guide

Panamanian food rewards foodies with a fascinating diversity of cooking traditions, a bonus of the nation’s position as an international crossroads and a land bridge linking North and South America.

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In the best places to visit in Central America, you’ll discover pristine beaches, dynamic cultures, and diverse scenery full of adventures.

8 Incredible Things to Do in Panama

This Central American destination is known the world over for its namesake canal—and, indeed, the 50-mile-long, century-old Panama Canal is an engineering marvel to behold.

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Top Panama Canal FAQs

When is the best time to cruise the Panama Canal?

The Panama Canal is open to ships year-round, but the most pleasant time to cruise is in the winter season, from November to May. During these months, the climate is less humid and there is less rainfall.

How long does it take for a cruise ship to pass through the canal?

Typically, the transit of the Panama Canal takes eight to ten hours, but this depends on how much traffic there is and whether there is any congestion at the massive locks. You’ll find the transit is packed with excitement, whether your ship is squeezing into the locks, making its way along the narrow channel, or crossing the serene expanse of Gatun Lake, where there’s a great chance of spotting wildlife including monkeys, iguanas, and toucans.

What are the departure ports?

Celebrity’s Panama Canal cruises depart from Los Angeles, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami.

Which side of the ship is best for cruising through the Panama Canal?

There is no “best” side for cruising the Panama Canal. You will most likely find you want to enjoy the experience from different areas on the ship. When you’re in a lock, it’s fascinating to watch the mechanisms of these engineering masterpieces, so find the best position on deck to observe this. 

On Celebrity Beyond, guests of The Retreat can take in the view from The Retreat Sundeck. Other vantage points include the Magic Carpet, cantilevered over the side of the ship, as well as the Rooftop Terrace and the Sunset Bar.

On Celebrity Summit, guests of The Retreat can view the locks from the Retreat Sundeck on deck 12 forward. Other options include the Sky Lounge, which has panoramic forward views and is climate-controlled, or the Rooftop Terrace, aft.

On a transit from Panama City to Colon, the futuristic skyline of Panama City will be on your starboard (right) side. When you pass through the skinny Culebra Cut between Panama City and Gamboa, you’ll have the greenery of a national park on both sides, so this is a good time to look for monkeys and toucans in the trees. 

Entering Gatun Lake, it’s fun to be forward on deck as you can see the procession of ships coming towards you. You could also be aft, at the back of the ship, with a pair of binoculars to spot other ships. 

The most important thing to do is to head up on deck and absorb this spectacular experience. Every transit will have expert commentary that’s broadcast on the decks and in the lounges, so you’ll be able to gain a deeper insight into the workings of the canal and its history.

How long do cruises last?

Celebrity’s Panama Canal cruises last either 11, 14, or 15 nights.

What's the difference between a full transit and a partial transit cruise of the Panama Canal?

A full transit of the Panama Canal takes you from the Pacific to the Caribbean, or vice versa. A partial transit, on the other hand, gives you a taste of the Panama Canal on a shorter cruise from Colon, on the Caribbean side, to the Gatun Locks and back again. You’ll still enjoy the experience of going through the massive locks. 

When your ship spends the day in Colon, you can see more of Panama on a range of shore excursions. Despite the monumental achievement of engineering that the Panama Canal represents, the drive from Colon to Panama City is just under an hour, so there are plenty of options.

What are the main ports of call on a Panama Canal cruise?

Celebrity offers a variety of Panama Canal cruises, with several different ports of call. You could sail from Fort Lauderdale to the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao) and Cartagena in Colombia. A sailing from Miami to Los Angeles visits Cartagena, Puntarenas in Costa Rica, and Puerto Vallarta. Other cruises include stops in Huatulco, Mexico, and Grand Cayman.

What can I expect to see and experience during the canal transit?

During the 48-mile transit, you’ll see everything from intricate lock systems to the serene landscapes of the rainforest and Gatun Lake. Your ship will be raised up 85 feet through a system of three locks to the level of the freshwater Gatun Lake. Once you’ve crossed the lake, you will descend 85 feet back to sea level through another set of locks.

Being in the locks is a thrilling experience and gives you an insight into how extraordinary the canal is, all the more so given that it’s more than 100 years old. You’ll see everything from giant cargo ships to small yachts making the transit. Visitors in the viewing galleries at the locks will wave as you pass through.

On the stretches between the locks, you’ll be immersed in nature. The narrow Culebra Cut, an artificial channel near Panama City, is lined with greenery, while the expanse of the Gatun Lake is dotted with rainforested islands and is a great place to look for wildlife.

There are other manmade wonders to look out for, too. On the Panama City side of the canal, you’ll sail under the graceful arch of the Bridge of the Americas, which forms part of the Pan-American Highway from Alaska to Patagonia. Just beyond the bridge, as you head toward the Pacific, look out for the Biomuseu, a striking jumble of brightly colored shapes designed by famous architect Frank Gehry, housing eight galleries showcasing Panama’s biodiversity.

What excursions are available?

If you choose a cruise that includes a partial transit of the canal, you can experience Panama’s beauty during a day in Colon. Excursions from here include eco-adventures on Gatun Lake, where you can see capuchin and howler monkeys, caimans, and three-toed sloths. You could visit the locks along the canal and tour the visitor centers, stopping to watch ships pass through the narrow channels. 

Or take a trip to Panama City itself, a dramatic contrast between glassy skyscrapers and the narrow alleys and colorful facades of the atmospheric Casco Viejo, or old town, dating back to the 17th century. There are excursions to an Embera village, too, where you can learn about the traditional lifestyle of this rainforest tribe.

What is there to do on the ship?

You’ll find no shortage of things to do on board your luxurious Celebrity ship. Sunbathe by the pool, relax in a bubbling hot tub, join a class in the Fitness Center, or indulge in a treatment in the spa. 

Enjoy exploring all the different dining options, from made-to-order burgers and salads by the pool to French classics and a delightful 3D cartoon animation in Le Petit Chef, and steaks and seafood in the elegant Tuscan Grille. Elevate your experience to The Retreat and you can enjoy fine dining in Luminae, as well as suite accommodation and access to an exclusive lounge.

On Edge-Series ships, the Magic Carpet, suspended over the side of the ship, gives you uninterrupted sea views and is the perfect place to sit with a coffee or cocktail, enjoying the sea air. Or spend part of your Panama Canal transit in the Sunset Bar, at the aft of the ship, for wonderful views of the ships following you.

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Cruise to Panama Canal (Cruising), Panama

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The man-made system of locks are where the Panama Canal works its magic by lifting passing ships up to the canal's main elevation, then letting them down again. You'll see three lock systems as you make your way through the canal: Miraflores, Pedro Miguel and Gatun.

Exotic Views

From the ship, you'll get great views of Soberania National Park, a 55,000-acre area of protected rainforest that's home countless species of birds, mammals and reptiles. See if you can catch a glimpse of an orange-chinned parakeet or a white-faced capuchin monkey.

Be sure to look for the islands that surround Lake Gatun during your Panama Canal cruise. See the lush forests and colorful birds, and get to know the impressive body of water itself — at the time it was created, it was the largest man-made lake in the world.

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2024 Panama Canal Cruises: Explore Peru, Guatemala & Mexico

Savor the unparalleled magic of the Panama Canal with Norwegian Cruise Line, where your voyage through the 40-mile engineering marvel becomes an exquisite affair. Book your Panama Canal cruise today and discover why Norwegian is recognized as the Best Cruise Line in Panama and Central America by Cruise Critic.

Ready to start planning? Explore all 2024 Panama Canal cruises .

In 2024, you can select a cruise in the prime months of January through April and October through December, departing from six exciting cruise ports:

• Los Angeles, California.
• Miami, Florida.
• Panama City (Colón), Panama.
• Panama City (Fuerte Amador), Panama.
• Santiago (San Antonio), Chile.
• Seattle, Washington.

Full Transit vs. Partial Transit

Choose between full transit and partial transit with a Norwegian Panama Canal cruise. Partial-transit cruises tend to be shorter and often feature round-trip routes. On the other hand, a full-transit cruise presents the opportunity to embark and debark at different ports. Experiencing the Panama Canal in its full glory is a dream come true for many. If this is high on your bucket list, consider a full-transit Panama Canal cruise.

Norwegian's 2024 Panama Canal Cruise Ports

Your Panama Canal cruise could transport you between two incredible areas of the world — the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Opt for a full-transit cruise, and ports in both locations will be yours to explore.

Pisco, Peru

Renowned as the birthplace of Peru's national drink, Pisco Sour, the city of Pisco serves as your gateway to the mysterious Nazca Lines. This ancient city, steeped in history, offers a vibrant blend of culture and natural beauty. Book a trip to the Ballestas Islands, often touted as the Poor Man's Galapagos, where you can witness sea lions, penguins, and over 200 species of marine birds in their natural habitat.

For history enthusiasts, a guided tour of the impressive Inca fortress of Tambo Colorado reveals the architectural genius of ancient civilizations. Finally, indulge your taste buds with the local Pisco Sour, an authentic experience not to be missed while in Peru.

Willemstad, Curaçao

Immerse yourself in the intoxicating blend of Dutch architecture and Caribbean charm in Willemstad, Curaçao . With its pastel colonial buildings, vibrant markets, and stunning beaches, Willemstad is a tropical paradise with a European twist. Consider an excursion to the famous Curaçao Liqueur Distillery, where you can learn about the production of the island's iconic blue liqueur and sample this delightful concoction.

For a brush with the past, explore the historic area of Punda, known for its beautifully preserved colonial architecture, or visit the poignant Kura Hulanda Museum, which traces the harrowing history of the transatlantic slave trade. If natural beauty is more your speed, visit Shete Boka National Park, home to rugged coastlines and dramatic wave action, or take a snorkeling trip to witness the island's stunning coral reefs and marine life.

RELATED CRUISES: 16-Day Panama Canal Explorer from Santiago (San Antonio) 17-Day Panama Canal: Mexico & Costa Rica 15-Day Panama Canal From Miami to Los Angeles: Mexico & Colombia

Puntarenas (Puerto Caldera), Costa Rica

Puerto Caldera in Puntarenas is a hidden gem in Costa Rica, boasting extraordinary wildlife, pristine beaches, and the mesmerizing Carara Biological Reserve. Nature enthusiasts should make time to visit the Tarcoles River area. You'll find a realm of ancient trees, crocodiles, and over 400 species of birds, including the vibrant scarlet macaws.

San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

The stunning coastal haven of San Juan Del Sur in Nicaragua is a favorite among locals and surfers for its majestic waves. If surfing isn't your style, the region still offers plenty of other outdoor activities. Consider an invigorating hike around the Mombacho volcano, followed by a visit to the colonial city of Granada, established by Spanish conquistadors in 1524. When hunger strikes, indulge in the local delicacy, nacatamal, a mouthwatering ensemble of ground corn, butter, and a savory filling, wrapped in plantain leaves and boiled to perfection.

Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala

Built in the 1980s, Puerto Quetzal is a strategic port city that links to other prominent destinations. It's the ideal stop for those eager to explore nearby attractions such as Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Perched at the end of the Baja Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas is a global hub for deep-sea fishing. The city's most iconic landmark, El Arco (the arch), is a must-see natural wonder. Winter visitors should keep their eyes peeled for migrating whales from Alaska. From snorkeling and diving to zip-lining and 4x4 off-roading, Cabo San Lucas offers a wealth of exciting adventures.

Puerto Limon, Costa Rica

With distinctive geography, a neo-tropical climate, and lush rainforests that create one of the world's most famous biodiverse habitats, Puerto Limon is a treasure trove for eco-tourists. You can explore various national parks and reserves during your Panama Canal journey. Consider embarking on an excursion to the Veragua Rainforest and the Tortuguero Canals. Here you will ascend in a gondola through the canopy of the Veragua Rainforest mountain reserve and then cruise the Tortuguero Canals. With distinctive geography, a neo-tropical climate, and lush rainforests that create one of the world's most famous biodiverse habitats, Puerto Limon is a treasure trove for eco-tourists. You can explore various national parks and reserves during your Panama Canal journey. Consider embarking on an excursion to the Veragua Rainforest and the Tortuguero Canals. Here you will ascend in a gondola through the canopy of the Veragua Rainforest mountain reserve and then cruise the Tortuguero Canals.

Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena is a captivating walled city filled with historical intrigue, with a past riddled with pirates and conquistadors. Consider the Exploring Magnificent Cartagena excursion to witness some of the most notable landmarks. Begin with a stop at San Felipe de Barajas for panoramic vistas of the old city. Next, visit Las Bovedas Artisan Center, which once served as a dungeon. Meander through the narrow streets until you reach the Inquisition Palace, established in 1610 to punish those who committed crimes against the Catholic Church. Wrap up your tour with a visit to the San Pedro Claver cloister and monastery, as well as the Navy Museum.

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