The Panama Canal is an amazing experience that should not be missed. Built from 1904 through 1914, the canal acts as a key component for international maritime trade. Stretching over 48 miles, it links the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Named one of the seven moderns wonders of the world, the Panama Canal is a breathtaking feat of modern engineering. Twice a year, one way cruises sail through the Canal’s impressive locks as the ships reposition themselves between the Caribbean and Alaska. A Panama Canal cruise offers travelers the best of both the east and the west.
The Canal was one of the largest and most difficult engineering projects in the world. The Gatun Locks provide a much needed service in the Canal. The locks, which have a total of six steps, limit the maximum size of ships which can travel the canal, known as the Panamax. Together, the locks raise enormous cargo and cruise ships alike from sea level to a height of 85 feet (25.9m). Viewing the Gatun Locks is an amazing experience and one that cannot be ignored on a journey through the Canal.
Panama Canal Cruises are available with a variety of itineraries. Some offer the convenience of departing from and returning to the same port. Others offer full transit – a way to travel from one coast to the other. If you’re interested in spending more time, spend two weeks – up to 17 days – traveling from Fort Lauderdale to San Diego or even New York City to Los Angeles. More often than not, Panama Canal Cruises are combined with other cruises back to back as a way to create longer, more diverse vacation experiences. Planning a journey has never been easier with various trip lengths; it’s possible to plan the perfect short getaway or a month long expedition.
Cruising through the Panama Canal offers a way to spend time in diverse ports throughout the Caribbean, Central America as well as South America and Mexico. “From the beauty and serenity of Fuerte Amador, Panama to the lovely shores of Puerto Limon, Costa Rica, this beautiful land has delighted travelers for ages.”
There are many cruise lines that travel through the Canal, including:
- Celebrity Cruises
- Cunard
- Holland America Line
- Regent Seven Seas
- Seabourn
- Silversea
- Norwegian
- Princess Cruises
There are many embarkation ports for a Panama Canal Cruise, including:
- Balboa
- Barbados
- Buenos Aires
- Colon
- Fort Lauderdale
- Los Angeles
- Miami
- New York
- Puerto Caldera
- Puerto Limon
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- Seattle
- Southampton
- Valparaiso
Choosing to cruise through the Panama Canal allows you to experience a modern marvel first hand. Delighting travelers for years, the Panama Canal continues to be a phenomenon worth seeing. Don’t hesitate, book your Panama Canal cruise experience today!