A Panama Canal Cruise is an amazing experience that should not be missed. The canal is a 48 mile long canal that links the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans. Cruises through the Panama Canal have varied itineraries. Twice a year in the fall and the spring as the ships reposition between the Caribbean and Alaska cruise lines offer full transit through the canal. These one way cruises sail through all of the canal's impressive locks. In the winter cruise lines offer partial canal cruises. These itineraries sail roundtrip from Florida, pass through the locks before turning around and returning to their originating port after re-entering the canal system on the return trip.
Taking a cruise through the Panama Canal allows travelers to witness first hand this marvel of modern engineering. The canal system is made up of three locks and a series of artificial lakes and canals. As ships pass the locks from the east their elevation is gradually lowered and as they pass the final set of locks, the Gatun locks, the ships ascend an amazing 85 feet bringing them back to sea level. The complete journey takes about 8-10 hours in each direction.
Panama Canal cruise itineraries also include wonderful ports of call in the Caribbean, Central and South America and Mexico. Travelers can explore these different ports and enjoy a number of activities including sightseeing, shopping, watersports, beautiful beaches and friendly people.
Emerald Azzurra
Puerto Caldera to Panama City/Panama
Feb 22, 2028 & Feb 22, 2029
Fr $5,310
Star Clipper
Balboa/Panama to Puerto Caldera
Dec 19, 2026
Fr $5,683
Star Legend
Balboa/Panama to Puerto Caldera
Dec 20, 2026
Fr $1,867
National Geographic Quest
San Jose/Costa Rica to Balboa/Panama
Jan 13, 2027 - Jan 21, 2028
Fr $5,819
Azamara Journey
Callao to Miami
Mar 18, 2027
Fr $2,519
Caribbean Princess
Roundtrip Fort Lauderdale
Nov 23, 2026 & Jan 22, 2027
Fr $869
Nieuw Amsterdam
Roundtrip Fort Lauderdale
Nov 8, 2026
Fr $1,195
Disney Magic
San Diego to Galveston
Nov 6, 2026
Fr $2,393
Queen Elizabeth
Los Angeles to Miami
Apr 13, 2028
Fr $2,436
Viking Mars
Roundtrip Fort Lauderdale
Nov 23, 2026 - Jan 21, 2029
Fr $5,099
Serenade of the Seas
San Diego to Tampa
Oct 7, 2027
Fr $1,976
Carnival Miracle
Seattle to Galveston
Sep 26, 2026
Fr $935
Norwegian Joy
Los Angeles to Miami
Oct 7, 2026
Fr $1,215
Celebrity Summit
Los Angeles to Tampa
Oct 1, 2026
Fr $1,947
MSC Poesia
Seattle to Miami
Sep 28, 2026
Fr $1,151
All offers are based on select sailings and categories and are subject to availability at time of booking. All rates are per person based on double occupancy.
The Panama Canal Locks
Experience the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal locks, where you can witness the seamless transition of colossal ships as they navigate through this iconic waterway, a testament to human ingenuity and a must-see on your unforgettable journey.
Variety of Itineraries
Panama Canal Cruises are available in a variety of itineraries. Partial transit itineraries are offered for those seeking the convenience of departing from and returning to the same port. Full transit canal cruises are also offered for those who prefer to sail coast to coast. Full transit Panama Canal cruises can often be combined with back to back cruises to create a longer and more diverse cruise experience.
Excursion Opportunities
A variety of excursion opportunities are offered in the different ports on a Panama Canal cruise. In the Caribbean there are beautiful beaches and a variety of watersports and shopping. In Central and South America guests on a Panama Canal cruise can explore local markets, colonial towns and exotic surroundings.
Diverse Ports
In addition to the time spent transiting the canal, the itineraries include diverse ports throughout the region including beautiful Caribbean ports, Central America ports as well as stops in South America and Mexico.