DESTINATIONS - Panama Canal
Why go there?
To see one of the world's greatest feats of engineering in action, experience the thrill of passing from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean - and visit the new ports of Colon 2000 and Balbao, which lie respectively at the Atlantic and Pacific ends of the Canal.
Why cruise there?
Peering over the side as your ship negotiates the Canal locks rates as one of the most memorable experiences afloat - and Panama Canal sailings include calls at deep Caribbean ports like Aruba.
When would I go, what will the weather be like and what should I pack?
Panama Canal cruises - like Caribbean cruises - operate year-round; expect hot, sunny weather with very occasional rain.
What are the options?
Some longer cruises go all the way through the Canal from the Caribbean and Mexico to Acapulco or the US Pacific coast; others only do a part transit before returning to the Caribbean.
Now Colon 2000 is up and running, these shorter cruises are worth considering as you can spend more time exploring Panama - and catching up on duty free shopping.
What to do ashore?
From Colon you can take the TransPacific Railway, which runs parallel to the Canal from the Atlantic to the Pacific side.
Other options include taking on aerial transit ride through a rainforest, visiting the Gatun Lock to get a shoreside view of the Canal in action, and (as in the Caribbean) swimming and snorkelling expeditions.
Which cruise lines go there?
Operators offering full or partial transits of the Panama Canal include
- Carnival Cruises
- Costa Cruises
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Celebrity Cruises
- Princess Cruises
- Royal Caribbean
- Holland America
What type of traveller goes there?
People who have done the Caribbean before and want an extra dimension on their next visit.
