Each Panama Canal Crossing Brings History To Life
During your Panama Canal cruise, remember that the waterway is more than 100 years old, and much of the infrastructure is original. From the front or back of your ship, check out the original steel doors on both ends of each lock. They may look old or hand-crafted, even, and perhaps sturdy enough to hold back tons of water. But theyre actually engineering marvels. Though each steel door weighs up to 662 tons, their semi-hollow construction means they can be operated reliably by two 25 horsepower motors.
There are three observation decks at locks along the Panama Canal. As your ship moves through, you and your vessel become a fascinating focal point for canal watchers. The Gatún Lock, which has a small grandstand seating area, happens to be the longest and most dramatic lock in the canal.
Even the most stoic of passengers should prepare for their waving arms to tire from greeting those onshore. Theyre sure to enthusiastically watch your precise passage from ocean to ocean thanks to the Panama Canals enduring engineering wonders.
Silver Explorer
Caribbean Cruise To Panama
Another option to take in a Panama Canal Cruise is to enjoy a Caribbean cruise with either a partial transit or a trip to Colon on the Atlantic coast of Panama. These cruises will often take you to a variety of Caribbean islands from the shopping haven of St. Maarten to the beautiful beaches of Aruba and St. Lucia. You could also take in Limon, Costa Rica and the Rainforest Aerial Tram ride through the nature reserve, adjacent to the national park, or a trip to the cobbled streets and balconies of Cartagena, Columbia.
Hilton Checkers Los Angeles
Less than a mile from The Museum of Contemporary Art, this genteel hotel in a 1920s building is a mile both from the Walt Disney Concert Hall and from the Grammy Museum at L.A. Live.
Relaxed rooms offer flat-screen TVs, marble bathrooms and desks, as well as coffeemakers. Suites add separate living areas.
Less than a mile from The Museum of Contemporary Art, this genteel hotel in a 1920s building is a mile both from the Walt Disney Concert Hall and from the Grammy Museum at L.A. Live.
Relaxed rooms offer flat-screen TVs, marble bathrooms and desks, as well as coffeemakers. Suites add separate living areas. Some include patios and/or fireplaces.
Theres a polished bar and an elegant restaurant. Other amenities include a fitness centre, a business centre and a rooftop terrace, plus meeting and event space.
Distance/Airport: 18 miles
Bellman gratuitiesTransfers between Hotel and Pier
Important Note: Accommodations are based on double occupancy per room. Some accommodation will allow triple and quad guests in a room and are subject to availability and surcharge will apply. Additional hotel rooms to accommodate triple and quads may be required, and surcharge will apply.
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Panama Canal Cruise Lines
Most of the major lines and some smaller ones offer at least a few Panama Canal sailings each season. Princess designed two ships, Island Princess and Coral Princess, to sail the canal each ship has more than 700 balcony staterooms, and both sail the canal all winter long. The Panama Canal is also a popular repositioning cruise between Alaska and the Caribbean. Expedition ships, such as Lindblad, and tour companies known for river cruises, such as Grand Circle and Tauck, also make the journey.
Royal Caribbean Cruises Highlights
- An incredible company that has been in operation since 1969.
- A well-known name in the cruise line industry, with service standards that accompany their length of time in the industry.
- Winner of a plethora of service awards, including Best Cruise Line in the Caribbean,Best Cruise Line Overall, and Best Cruise Ship Symphony of the Seas.
- Amazing rooms in various sizes available for all of your accommodation needs and party sizes.
- Breathtaking views, offering you uninterrupted views of the water, the shores, and all of the beautiful sights of each destination.
- Unmatched customer service to make your trip a relaxing and unforgettable experience.
- Knowledgeable tour guides to accompany you to places that you might have never heard of.
- Lots of space to explore and get to know the ship.
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Cruise Through The Panama Canal
Sailing through the engineering masterpiece that connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean is a bucket-list event on its own, but along the way youll also visit other exciting tropical destinations steeped in culture, history, and natural beauty. Explore the breathtaking beaches of Cabo San Lucas, the colorful colonial architecture of Cartagena, the thriving jungles of Costa Rica, and more.
On your Panama Canal cruise, venture deep into the Panamanian rain forest, meet the locals, and learn the inner workings of the fascinating Panama Canals locks. Take an Eco Cruise on Lake Gatun and explore island habitats created during the Canals building. Uncover legends of pirates and conquistadors among the ruins of Panama Viejo.
Transiting The Gatn Locks
The first of three locks we would reach was the Gatún Locks, which was nearly at the mouth of the Caribbean Sea. This lock would lift us up from the Caribbean Sea and deposit us into Lago Gatún. The closed circuit TVs on the ship provided commentary and the bow of the ship was open to passengers. But perhaps it was high atop the upper decks of the ship that perhaps provided the best views.
Upon the upper deck, you could really get a good vantage point of exactly how tight a squeeze this would be for the Celebrity Infinity. You see, at 964.6 feet in length and 105.6 feet wide, the Infinity is what is known as a Panamax vessel, as it is the maximum size able to fit in the Panama Canal. The locks are only 110 feet wide, so this only leaves about two feet on either side to spare! Once the new portions of the canal open in 2015, these dimensions will change, so it was kind of neat to do this transit on a Panamax ship in the original canal, 100 years after it was opened.
The Gatún Locks opened up. We smoothly glided in as if a hand had slipped into a perfectly sized glove. The boat was roped-up to devices that looked like little train engines that appeared to be pulling us in. In actuality, we learned these were more so helping to steer and straighten the massive ship as it entered.
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Panama Canal Cruise Deals
The Panama Canal should be on everyone’s list of must-see places. Named as one of the most fascinating destinations to experience in the world and boasting some of the best unspoilt scenery, it is no wonder that more and more people are choosing to cruise this amazing canal. The Panama Canal is a 48-mile ship canal that connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, making it one of the most important routes in the world. There are locks at each end, meaning you’ll experience first-hand what it’s like to be on a ship that has to rise 85 feet within a lock.
When it comes to deciding whether a Panama Canal cruise is right for you, more and more of your favourite cruise lines are adding Panama Canal to their itinerary list, enabling you to choose from a range of luxury cruises, family cruises or singles cruises, meaning that the perfect cruise is waiting for you.
Panama Canal Cruise To Costa Rica
During your Panama canal cruise youll get the opportunity to stop off in Costa Rica and see the incredible nature that thrives in this beautiful country. In Puntarenas you can expect shore excursions which take you to the Tabacon Hot Springs on an active volcano, a walk through the cloud forest or a hike through La Paz waterfall gardens. Puerto Limon is another port of call in Costa Rica and offers the opportunity to see the local wildlife, such as tortoises, crocodiles and monkeys, as well as a ride on an aerial tramway or a white-water raft ride if youre up for a thrill.
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Panama Canal And Central America Cruise Highlights
The Panama Canal LocksPanama 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 Panama Canal cruises are also offered for those who prefer to sail coast to coast and can often be combined with back to back cruises to create a longer and more diverse cruise experience.
A Variety of ItinerariesPanama 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.
A Variety of Excursion OpportunitiesA 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 PortsIn 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.
Special Cruise Offers
Disney Cruise Line: 14
Have you always wanted to visit Disneyland? Well, how about being immersed in the Disney experience aboard the world-famous Disney Cruise Line? The 14-Night Very Merrytime Cruise occurs in December, and it is a Christmas-themed voyage. The ship displays loads of Disney characters in holiday attire, as well as special Broadway-quality shows and show-stopping decor. With eight destinations and seven days at sea, you will be spoiled for choice with various activities for adults, teens, and kids.
The route begins from San Diego and ends in Galveston, Texas. It has various ports at Cozumel, Cartagena, Panama Canal, and Cabo San Lucas. The Disney Cruise tends to have a lot of families on board, with young children/teenagers forming a large percentage of the occupants. Hence, this voyage would not be well-suited for you if you want a quiet trip away. This vacation starts at $4,732 per person.
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About Panama Canal Cruises
Cruise along one of the greatest man-made waterways in the world and pass through the heart of Central Americas wildlife-rich jungles.
The Panama Canal is a triumph of engineering that cuts through Central America, providing a crucial link between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Its easy to understand why most cruise enthusiasts have this stretch of water on their bucket lists. Embark on a Panama Canal cruise from the Caribbean beaches of the east coast to the wild, surf-swelling beauty of the west, traveling through dense, adventure-filled jungles along the way.
The portion of the cruise through the Panama Canal takes about 10 hours, including stops the vessel makes while waiting for the three locks to open. Watch the locks in action as the water levels change to allow ships to pass through, one of the great thrills of Panama Canal cruises.
Select from multiple ships offering journeys along this busy cruising thoroughfare. Choose a major liner complete with entertainment venues and multiple dining options. Alternatively, travel on a smaller vessel for a more personal experience at the canal.
As well as the canal itself, a cruise through Panama Canal offers opportunities to discover more of Central America. Pull into port in Costa Rica for ecotourism excursions and adventurous explorations zip lining through jungle canopies. Your itinerary may include a stop in Honduras or Belize, where you can discover the worlds second-largest barrier reef.
Learn From Our Guests Ask & Answer
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Full Panama Canal Crossing
A full crossing of the Panama Canal means that the ship travels the entire length of the canal, from one ocean to the other. This type of Panama Canal cruise is always one-way and itineraries are never shorter than 14 days. It takes a full day to cross the Panama Canal.
The most common full Panama Canal crossing itineraries are from Florida to California or vice versausually between places like Miami or Fort Lauderdale and Los Angeles. Some cruises also start or end elsewhere on both of the American coasts, in the ports of New York City, New Orleans, San Francisco, San Diego or Vancouver, for example, among other places.
Additionally, complete crossings of the Panama Canal are also a major feature of round-the-world-cruise itineraries. Remember that the longer the voyage, the more expensive it will be.
Encounter Rich Caribbean Diversity
Trace the coast of Central America, uncovering rich history, vibrant culture and natural beauty. Discover the colonial past of Cozumel, and glimpse Belizes Mayan civilization and Panamas Emberá people. Gaze upon sand beaches and turquoise waters in Honduras and lush rainforests in Costa Rica. Marvel at the workings of the Panama Canal and admire a colorful blend of past and present in Jamaica.
Trace the coast of Central America, uncovering rich history, vibrant culture and natural beauty. Discover the colonial past of Cozumel, and glimpse Belizes Mayan civilization and Panamas Emberá people. Gaze upon sand beaches and turquoise waters in Honduras and lush rainforests in Costa Rica. Marvel at the workings of the Panama Canal and admire a colorful blend of past and present in Jamaica.
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Largest Cruise Ship To Transit The Panama Canal
Norwegian Bliss is now in the record books as the largest cruise ship to transit the Panama Canal. The newest ship for Norwegian Cruise Line, the 4,004 passenger Norwegian Bliss made its North American debut in New York City on May 4-6. From there, Norwegian Bliss cruised the eastern seaboard for another inaugural debut in Miami on May 8-10.
Built with Alaska cruising in mind, Norwegian Bliss charted a course that would take it through the Panama Canal and into the Pacific Ocean.
As scheduled, there will be yet another inaugural event in Los Angeles on May 25-27. Afterwards, the ship will head up the west coast to Seattle. When Norwegian Bliss arrives in Seattle, the official naming ceremony and more festivities are planned for May 30-June 2.
We are very proud to showcase our newest ship and celebrate one more exciting milestone with Norwegian Bliss as the largest passenger ship to transit the new Panama Canal, said Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. We are excited for this sixteenth ship in our young and modern fleet to begin welcoming guests in her home port of Seattle and provide them with the outstanding service, dining, entertainment and amenities for which we are recognized.
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Star Clippers: Royal Clipper Barbados To Panama 14 Nights
Are you looking to go on a cruise for your honeymoon? Well, the Royal Clipper Barbados to Panama Cruise is a romantic voyage aboard one of the worlds largest sail ships. The dazzling voyage will pass through leading tourist destinations such as St. Lucia, Curacao, and Aruba. The ship accommodates less than 250 guests onboard, offering a cozy and exclusive comfort that makes you feel like youre on your own private yacht.
Some passengers tend to experience sea sickness aboard sailing cruises, so you might need to take extra precautions to keep motion sickness at bay during this two-week voyage. The cost per person for Royal Clipper Barbados to Panama Cruise starts from $3,990.
With the numerous options at your disposal, go ahead and book a trip with your loved ones to explore the historic celebrity cruises Panama Canal has to offer. It will undoubtedly be an unmatched world-class experience on the high seas!
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Is The New Panama Canal Now Open
4.9/5newopenedCanalsPanama CanalNewcanal
Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela is set to host an inauguration ceremony of Panamas newly expanded canal on Sunday. After more than $5 billion and close to a decade of construction, Panama opens the long awaited expansion of its storied canal.
Also Know, how wide is the new Panama Canal? In 2009, the Panama Canal Authority published the dimensions for New Panamax. The authority has initiated the construction of the third lane of locks having bigger dimension of 427 m in length, 55m in width and 18.3 m in depth, in order to accommodate larger ships called New Panamax.
Also asked, how many locks are in the new Panama Canal?
The Panama Canal has twelve sets of locks. Both the old canal and the new expansion have six sets of locks each. Each set of locks corresponds to steps . The new expansion consists of a single lane which alternates for Pacific or Caribbean bound ships.
How much did the new Panama Canal cost?
The Panama Canal cost Americans around $375,000,000, including the $10,000,000 paid to Panama and the $40,000,000 paid to the French company. It was the single most expensive construction project in United States history to that time.