Popular Destinations For Your Panama Canal Cruise
With both East and West coasts available to you, the cruise lines have included many different destinations in their routes. Often, you will embark on or start your cruise from various cities in Florida, with cruises from Miami, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale. On the West Coast, cruising from San Francisco, cruising from San Diego or cruising from Los Angeles, you’ll experience the big cities that are often an integral part of the journey. Immediately before and after crossing the Panama Canal, Cartagena de Indias in Colombia is also a hugely popular port.
Of course, the Panama Canal can also be used to discover South America. Just pick a South America cruise that suits your needs.
Celebrate In Central America
Discover festive holiday traditions on a journey through Central America. See the historic gems of Cartagena and transit the iconic Panama Canal. Witness the natural beauty of Nicaragua, explore Costa Ricas tropical jungle and savor their cuisines. Experience Mexicos ancient civilizations and the relaxed vibe of the Baja Peninsula, at Cabo San Lucas. Onboard festivities include seasonal dining and more, to celebrate the holidays.
Discover festive holiday traditions on a journey through Central America. See the historic gems of Cartagena and transit the iconic Panama Canal. Witness the natural beauty of Nicaragua, explore Costa Ricas tropical jungle and savor their cuisines. Experience Mexicos ancient civilizations and the relaxed vibe of the Baja Peninsula, at Cabo San Lucas. Onboard festivities include seasonal dining and more, to celebrate the holidays.
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.
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Panama Canal Cruises Sail From Multiple Ports
There’s no better way to experience the Panama Canal than on a cruise vacation. With Norwegian, you can traverse the 40-mile canal in style aboard one of our award-winning ships. Book your 2023 Panama Canal cruise and learn why CruiseCritic has named Norwegian as the Best Cruise Line in Panama and Central America.
For 2023, choose from sailings in January through April and October through December departing from seven different cruise ports including:
Ready to start planning? Explore all Panama Canal cruises.
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Find Your Perfect Cruise
- © 2022 Oceania Cruises S. de R.L.
- Ships’ Registry: Marshall Islands. All Rights Reserved
Thank you for your interest in Oceania Cruises. We look forward to helping you plan your future cruise vacation and sharing the latest news and special offers with you. Cruise vacation planning is an experience. Please connect with us to customize the vacation of your dreams!
Data collected when you create an account with us, purchase our products or use our Services may include data about yourself and those traveling with you. By providing us with the personal data of any third party, you confirm that you have the authority to do so on their behalf and have provided them with the information set forth in this Privacy Policy.
We operate closed circuit television cameras on our ships, including at all access points and throughout public areas. These CCTV cameras record continually and images of you may appear in these recordings.
Please be aware that we have photographers on board taking photographs for guests to purchase. If you would not like to be photographed, please let our photographers know and they would be happy to take reasonable steps to comply with your request. Please note that we are unable to guarantee that you will not be included in photographs on an incidental basis.
We may use your personal data for the following purposes:
Cabo San Lucas Mexico
Located at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas is renowned for its world-class deep-sea fishing. Notable landmarks include the arch, El Arco. If you’re in Cabo San Lucas during winter, keep watch for whales as they migrate from Alaska.
Book a snorkeling or two-tank diving adventure to check out the local marine life. If you prefer land-based adventures, choose from zip lining, Jeep safaris, 4×4 off-roading, and more. Book a sportfishing tour to see what Cabo San Lucas sportfishing is all about and see whether you can land some fish.
Cabo also has a reputation as quite the party destination. If you want a fun place to let loose and have a few drinks, head to Cabo Wabo. This club is probably the most famous one in the area, partly because rocker Sammy Hagar owns it.
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Cruises Out Of Los Angeles California
| There are 45 cruises that depart from Los Angeles, CA in the year 2022. Four cruise lines offer cruises that leave out of Los Angeles in 2022 – Carnival , Royal Caribbean , Norwegian and Princess .You can see Los Angeles cruise schedule for 2022 in the table below. Be sure to look at the $/Day column to find cheap Los Angeles cruise deals in 2022. |
| Departure |
Best Travel Time For The Panama Canal
For the passage, you should definitely book a place on the sundeck in time! The channel is lined with magnificent vegetation in the form of rainforests and offers a magnificent view of the countless tropical islands. Sun worshipers will enjoy the warm temperatures between 22 and 32 degrees Celsius. It is best to set your trip is between September and April when the rainy season is over. Otherwise, the view can of course be enjoyed from the panoramic window.
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Ial Transit Vs Full Transit
With a Panama Canal cruise, you can choose a full or partial transit itinerary. Partial transit cruises tend to be shorter in some cases and are usually round-trip journeys. With a full-transit cruise, you will start and end your cruise in different ports with a full transit cruise.
For many travelers, cruising the Panama Canal is a bucket list trip. Consider a full transit Panama Canal cruise if this is something you’ve always wanted to experience.
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Learn about the latest ships and destinations by browsing hundreds of questions posted by real cruisers. If you happen not to find what you’re looking for, you can even post a question of your own.
Real questions. Real answers. All from real cruisers.
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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.
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.
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Ial Panama Canal Crossing
A more affordable option is a partial Panama Canal cruise. These sailings are return trips or trips between ports one the same coast, either the Atlantic or Pacific coast. Theyre generally 10-12 days long.
Most common are Miami-to-Miami voyages , but you can also find Los Angeles-to-Los Angeles cruises that enter the Panama Canal. Carnival even offers partial Panama Canal cruises from less high-profile ports, such as Mobile, Alabama and Galveston, Texas.
On partial crossings, the cruise ship only enters one lock. Passengers can then leave the ship and join a variety of shore excursions. Even though, you wont see the entire canal this way, you will, however, be able to explore places that you wouldnt see on a full crossing.
Alternatively, some cruises do offer passengers the opportunity to see the rest of the canal in a smaller excursion boat. Even on partial cruises, youll still have the chance to see highlights such as Gatun Lake, the Bridge of the Americas, the Centennial Bridge, and the Gaillard Cut, which has literally been cut through the Continental Divide.
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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Panama Canal Cruises From Los Angeles
The Panama Canal is one of the marvels of the world, and you can experience it for yourself on a cruise out of LA. Four cruise lines offer cruises through the canal. Most are one-way to Florida, but some are round-trip. See the full calendar of departures below.
The Panama Canal is 100 years old and was recently expanded, so this is a good time to go see it.
San Juan Del Sur Nicaragua
Another desirable Pacific Coast port is San Juan Del Sur. This Nicaraguan coastal paradise is a popular holiday destination for locals. Surfers are also drawn to the beaches in San Juan del Sur because of their world-class waves. If you’re not into surfing, you will still find plenty of physical outdoor activities to keep you burning calories. For one, consider the Mombacho volcano hike. You will hike through the diverse cloud forest along the crater’s rim. Following the hike, visit the colonial city of Granada, founded by Spanish conquistadors in 1524.
If you want to try local cuisine, order Nacatamal. Nacatamal has dough made from ground corn and butter and is filled with savory foods. It’s then wrapped in plantain leaves and boiled.
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Puerto Limon Costa Rica
Puerto Limon is a popular destination for eco-tourists with its abundant rainforests, unique geography, and neo-tropical climate. It’s considered one of the world’s most naturally diverse biospheres. Cruise passengers can visit plenty of national parks and reserves while on a Panama Canal cruise.
Consider booking an excursion to Veragua Rainforest and Tortuguero Canals. Ride a gondola up the 3,400-acre Veragua Rainforest mountain, then go on a cruise of the Tortuguero Canals. A more adrenaline-pumping adventure is white water rafting on the Reventazon River.
Panama Canal Cruises Travel Tips
- Consider traveling during the off-season, as it is less packed and generally more affordable.
- Do not carry around your passport, but you should have an ID with you.
- Always use bug spray when you are there, the bugs can be tough to get through.
- Don’t be startled or alarmed to hear random fireworks go off.
- Do not go into unfamiliar places alone or during the nighttime hours.
- U.S. money is accepted throughout all of Panama.
- A lot of the beaches in Panama are remote.
- Make sure to pack shorts, sandals, and drink plenty of water.
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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.
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