Full Tour By Ship Through The Panama Canal
The Panama Canal one of the most astonishing engineering endeavor of all times is awaiting your visit. You´ll be overcome with amazement as you traverse this world-famous canal. Only in Panama will you have the opportunity to travel from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean in approximately 10 hours.
Its a singular experience that is not available in any other part of the world. The tour begins at the Pacific Ocean entrance to the Canal and concludes at the Caribbean Sea at the city of Colon.
Upon arrival at Colon, passengers will disembark the tour boat and will be transported via luxury tour bus back to Panama City. Specifically to the exact same point of where they originally departed from all the Amador Causeway. The bus ride from Colon to Panama City takes approximately 1 ½ to 2 hours.
Featured Panama Canal Destinations
Panama, Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Colombia, Grand Caymanyou can explore many distinctive destinations on one luxurious vacation.
Panama Canal
This wonder of engineering, first conceived and built over 100 years ago, has changed the shipping and tourism industries. It has brought us all closer and made the world simpler to navigate by allowing an easier flow of goods and people.
Cartagena, Colombia
Founded as an important Spanish port in 1533, the Old Town of Cartagena de Indiasa UNESCO World Heritage Siteremains largely intact behind high stone walls that peer out over the Caribbean. Truly, one of the worlds most beautiful cities.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Puerto Vallarta maintains a small-town atmosphere, while still boasting one of the most unique and sophisticated ocean fronts in Mexico. The calm, warm waters of the Bay of Banderas make for excellent diving, or you can just watch artists sculpt spectacular creations in the sand. The fine art galleries in El Centro are perfect spots to explore local art.
Keep An Eye On The Weather
While some cruise lines continue to operate in the Panama Canal throughout the summer, many close down in anticipation of hurricane season, which runs from June 1st to November 30th in the Atlantic and May 15th to November 30th in the Eastern Pacific, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. If you choose to book a cruise during this time frame, its important to pay close attention to any tropical storm warnings and sign up for weather alerts on a mobile device. Its unlikely that your cruise ship will be caught by a severe storm while its at sea, but preparing for the worst can give you significant peace of mind.
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We Will Start With The First Set Of Locks Miraflores
The tour boat will traverse the first set of locks, The Miraflores locks, where we will be rise up a total of 18 meters in two steps as you experience how the water elevates the boat above sea level.
Canal visitor center is located there at Miraflores Locks and it is here that you´ll observe as dozens of curious onlookers watch as you and your boat pass through The Miraflores Locks. We then traverse the Miraflores Lake which is a quite small fresh-water lake that separates the two sets of locks on the Pacific Side of the Canal.
Begin In The Pacific Ocean And End In The Atlantic Ocean
The Complete Transit Boat Trip it is the most impressive day trip in Panama, from Ocean to Ocean. The tour boat canal crossing tour begins at the Amador Causeway at the departure point which will be assigned with your tour reservation.
There passengers will board the tour boat in preparation for the canal crossing, from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean in the course of the same day. Only in Panama will you have the privilege of finding both oceans by a mere 80 kilometers at the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Panama.
This is exactly where the Panama Canal is located. On the voyage towards the first set of locks you´ll be able to appreciate the spectacular Bay of Panama and view the impressive skyscrapers of Panama City. We´ll pass under neath the Bridge of the Americas, the bridge that joins North and Central America with South America, and you´ll get a stunning view of the group of islands that serve a natural open ocean barrier protecting the Panama Canal entrance.
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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.
Choosing A Panama Canal Cruise
Real travel expert Tim Hersh of Cruise Holidays of Topeka joins Ken to discuss what you need to know about Panama Canal cruises and review his upcoming escorted Southern Caribbean cruise with Norwegian Cruise lines which includes a Panama Canal transit. Tim details the best time of year for a Panama Canal cruise and the three types of voyages full transit, partial transit, and closed loop. What you need to know regarding passports plus the four must pack items for a Southern Caribbean or Panama Canal cruise. Tim also details the cruise lines that frequent Panama and offers his thoughts on why he prefers Norwegian Cruise lines for this itinerary. All of this plus an itinerary review of his upcoming cruise and a valuable cruise tip for those of you looking to take that next excursion or book your travel DIY.
Are you looking for an escorted group cruise to the Panama Canal? Then this experts advice for experiencing the Panama Canal is timely advice for you.
Note: This video is timestamped for your convenience.
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A Taste Of Cruises To Panama Canal
Luxury Caribbean, Costa Rica & Panama CanalPrincess Plus – Add Plus Drinks, Unlimited WiFi & Gratuities for £40pppdAlternative Dates AvailableLuxury Caribbean, Costa Rica & Panama CanalPrincess Plus – Add Plus Drinks, Unlimited WiFi & Gratuities for £40pppdAlternative Dates AvailableLuxury Panama Canal, Costa Rica & Mexico With Full Panama Canal TransitFull Transit of The Panama CanalPrincess Plus – Add Plus Drinks, Unlimited WiFi & Gratuities for £40pppdAlternative Dates AvailableLuxury Panama Canal, Costa Rica & MexicoFull Transit of The Panama CanalPrincess Plus – Add Plus Drinks, Unlimited WiFi & Gratuities for £40pppdAlternative Dates Available Luxury Panama Canal, Costa Rica & MexicoFull Transit of The Panama CanalPrincess Plus – Add Plus Drinks, Unlimited WiFi & Gratuities for £40pppdLuxury Panama Canal to San FranciscoFull Transit of The Panama CanalPrincess Plus – Add Plus Drinks, Unlimited WiFi & Gratuities for £40pppdAlternative Dates AvailableExtend Your Stay in San Francisco!Luxury Panama Canal, Costa Rica & MexicoFull Transit of The Panama CanalPrincess Plus – Add Plus Drinks, Unlimited WiFi & Gratuities for £40pppdLuxury Panama Canal Festive Adventure with LA StayPrincess Plus – Add Plus Drinks, Unlimited WiFi & Gratuities for £40pppdIncludes 2 Night Hotel Stay In Los Angeles!Why Not Add Nights In Miami/Fort Lauderdale?Panama Canal – Forth Lauderdale to Los AngelesIncludes Pre-cruise hotel stay with the option to Extend!More Info
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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Best Month To Cruise To The Panama Canal
A cruise through the Panama Canal, from the Caribbean to the Pacific Ocean, is a trip of a lifetime for many travelers, who geek out over modern engineering as well as thrill to the extraordinary biodiversity and lush landscapes and rainforests of Central America.
The height of Panama Canal cruise season runs October to April, but the best month to travel will depend on how much you expect to be active and outdoors. The year-round tropical climate of Panama and bordering countries of Costa Rica and Colombia get unbearably hot and humid, with a dry season and a rainy season.
Weve listed the pros and cons of travel by each month so that you can make the best of your Panama Canal cruise. Prices quoted are per person, double occupancy.
Sail The Path Between The Seas
Immerse yourself in nature and discover the colonial gems of Central America. Relax in serene surroundings in Cozumel and discover Belizes Mayan civilization. In Honduras, take a stroll along idyllic beaches, and explore the lush rainforests of Costa Rica. Embark on a crossing of Panamas famed canal, and witness centuries-old tribal life as you experience the traditions of the Emberá people.
Immerse yourself in nature and discover the colonial gems of Central America. Relax in serene surroundings in Cozumel and discover Belizes Mayan civilization. In Honduras, take a stroll along idyllic beaches, and explore the lush rainforests of Costa Rica. Embark on a crossing of Panamas famed canal, and witness centuries-old tribal life as you experience the traditions of the Emberá people.
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Cruise The Panama Canal For An Experience Youll Never Forget
East- or westbound, call at sun-drenched ports for terrific shopping, exciting excursions or simply sipping a fruity beverage. The highlight of the voyage is the all-day transit of the awe-inspiring Panama Canal. Watch and listen as your onboard expert explains the history and workings of this man-made wonder.
Panama Canal 2022 / 2023 / 2024 Cruises
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Cruise and Stay
These include several nights stay in a hotel or a land tour before or after your cruise.
Fly Cruise
These cruises require a flight. On some of these cruises you have the option to book just the cruise only.
No Fly Cruise
No Fly Cruises start and end in the UK. No flights are needed.
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Featured Ports Of Call
Panama Canal, Panama
As you cruise through the Panama Canal, youll be able to admire this extraordinary feat of human achievement and at the same time, lush natural beauty. Witness the dramatic rise and fall of the water as youre levered tier by tier through the locks that carry around 40 ships per day from the Caribbean to the Pacific and vice versa. Sail past tranquil forest around Gatun Lake, looking out for birdlife. Before you enter the canal, explore the historic port of Colon, where youll find great duty-free shopping in the Colon Free Trade Zone.
Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena de Las Indias is one of Colombias most vibrant cities, with a perfectly preserved 16th century center thats a joy to wander around. Explore the leafy squares, cobblestone streets and colorful homes, flowers cascading over their balconies. Tour the old Spanish fort of Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas and sample street foods like delicious corn arepas and empanadas as you listen to salsa music filling the air. Or head out of town and treat yourself to a rejuvenating mud bath at the El Totumo volcano, and then cool off in the waters of La Boquilla Beach.
Oranjestad, Aruba
Finally Gatun Locks And The Caribbean Sea
Upon arriving at the Caribbean side of the canal our boat will enter the multi-level Gatun Locks. Where in a series of 3 steps we will descend a total of 26 meters down to the level of the Atlantic ocean. This fascinating lock system is both majestic and awe-inspiring at the same time.
Leaving this final set of locks our boat will navigate on the city of Colon on the Caribbean coast of Panama. Where we will dock at the cruise ship terminal 6 and all the passengers will disembark.
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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.
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Take The World’s Greatest Shortcut With Our Panama Canal Cruise
Traversing the 40-mile Panama Canal is a rite of passage and something you’ll remember for a lifetime. Add in compelling ports like Cartagena, Huatulco and Puerto Vallarta on your Panama Canal cruise vacation, and you’re in for a unique adventure. Depart from various cities, including Miami or Los Angeles, and cruise to some of the most exotic and beautiful destinations on Earth. Discover for yourself why Norwegian is the Best Cruise Line in Panama Canal& Central America according to Cruise Critic.
^Buy an air ticket and the 2nd guest flies for free. *View for full terms and conditions.
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We Will See The Continental Divide
This is actually one of the most interesting sections of the canal as it was cut through the solid rock formation which constitutes the Continental Divide. Giving this section of the canal grand historic and geographic importance. After passing through the Corte Culebra we will travel underneath the second bridge which crosses the Panama Canal, The Puente Centenario .
At this point you will be able to observe the continued maintenance that this area requires due to its susceptibility to land slides along the Banks of the canal. Minutes later you will have the opportunity to navigate the famous Gatun Lake. For many years this mass of fresh water was known to be the largest artificial lake in the world. And is still one of the largest in all the world. Gatun Lake is fed by the powerful Chagres River which also feeds the entire Panama Canal.
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We Continue Navigating The Impressive Gatun Lake
Crossing Gatun Lake feels as if you were crossing the ocean due to the immensity of this body of water. Located throughout the volume of its turquoise colored, fresh waters you will be able to appreciate dozens of all islands that are home to an impressive diversity of flora and fauna. Many of which are only found in this unique habitat.
For this reason Gatun Lake is a site of great importance from an ecological stand point and as such The Smithsonian Institute has its center for tropical investigations located precisely on the Barro Colorado Island.
At this very location scientists have discovered dozens of new species of life that exist exclusively on this island. At this site you will witness how nature and man combine to create one of the most amazing environments on the planet.
Panama Canal Partial Transit: Pros And Cons
Partial transits, tend to be shorter than full transits at 10 or 11 nights in length. Because they are round trip cruises, you can book round trip airfare to the Florida gateways and still travel to exotic destinations.
Most partial transits combine the stop in Panama with visits to Caribbean islands, Central American destinations and/or South American ports. Passengers who purchase ship-sold shore excursions can be dropped off at Gatun Lake after passing through the first three locks to continue touring on land, meeting up with the ship back in Colon.
This can be a pro or a con depending on your viewpoint. On the plus side, you get to combine sailing through the locks with a land tour to Panama City, a ride on the Panama Canal Railway or even a boat cruise through the Miraflores Locks. On the negative side, you must book a ships excursion to disembark, and if you do so, you wont be sailing onboard the cruise ship back through the locks .
Another potential drawback is that far fewer cruise lines offer partial transits. The main players here are Princess and Norwegian, who regularly offer these round trip sailings. If youre looking for a more luxury experience, youll need to choose a full transit.
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