Panama Canal Cruise Highlights
Adventure
Hike up to an active volcano. Raft one of the many rivers. Scuba dive in its beautiful seas, or zip along a cable through the rainforest tree tops. There are so many adventure sports such as kayaking, rafting, rappelling, and horseback riding.
History
Casco Viejo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers streets lined with old architecture plus modern amenities like restaurants and shops. The best historical structures are the churches, including the Catedral de Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion, dating from 1619, and the Iglesia de San Jose, noted for its vaulted side chapels and golden altar.
Natural Beauty
Central America has breathtaking natural areas, perfect for spotting wildlife or hitting the trails. In fact, more than 25% of Costa Rica is protected land or national parks. With more than 900 species of birds in this region, bird watchers can be sure to check the Resplendent Quetzal off their list.
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.
Sailing On The Disney Magic
The Disney Magic was the first ship to join the Disney Cruise lines fleet. Even though she is now almost a quarter of a century old she is beautifully maintained and regularly updated.
At 964 feet she is relatively small in todays world of huge mega cruise ships. However, her size is part of her charm. She is easy to get around and only takes a day or two to be very comfortable navigating around.
The crew of 950 are amongst the best at sea and look after up to 2,713 passengers.
There are 877 staterooms including inside, outside, verandah and suites. Here is a guide to choosing a stateroom on the Disney Magic.
The Disney Magic has three rotational dining restaurants:
- Animators Palate
- Lumieres
- Rapunzels Royal Table
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Announcing Our Panama Canal Cruises 2022
- Panama Canal Cruises 2022. Below please find the tour dates for the 2022.
- Please take this calendar of available dates into consideration when reserving your tickets. As these are the only dates for which we can ensure your space on our tours during 2022.
- We remind you that, as advised in the section Panama Canal Dates 2021, if your chosen date is not shown on this calendar, it means that we do not have space available on that date, and therefor recommend you choose another date. Otherwise choose our Alternative Transit that include navigate the Canal on the Lake Gatun. Book your ticket for the Panama Canal Cruises 2022 right now!
Jump On These Panama Canal Cruise Deals Now
Thinking about booking a Panama Canal cruise? Well, youve come to the right place. Offer a number of Panama Canal cruises from the major cruise lines at the lowest prices, you wont find a better place to book your next holiday than at Cruise Guru. Contact us today if you need additional assistance comparing Panama Canal cruise deals and offers. We have a superb team of Gurus who have immense knowledge and expertise in finding the perfect Panama Canal cruise that fits your preferences. Call us on or by filling out a simple and one of our Gurus will get in touch as soon as possible.
Keeping up to date on the latest cruise deals can be difficult! With so many different cruise lines offering so many sales, it can be hard finding the best deal for you. To find the best Panama Canal cruise deals, be sure to follow our , , and pages. Save big on your next adventure by booking with Cruise Guru.
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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.
Transitting The Panama Canal On A Disney Cruise
This is definitely one of those things it is great to experience at least once in a lifetime.
You will arrive at the entrance to the Panama Canal the night before your transit. You will be one of many ships, mostly container ships, waiting to transit the canal the next day.
It will be an early start, but it is well worth getting up to experience the transit through the lock.
It is an amazing experience going through the locks. The skill of the Captain and his crew is amazing there really isnt much room in the locks and it is quite surprising just how close you get to the side!
After you have gone through the Panama Canal lock you will sail for hours along the beautiful canal. The scenery is lush and green. Depending upon when you visit it may be extremely humid.
I remember on one trip even opening the balcony door to get in and out resulted in the mirrors inside steaming up instantly!
How long does it take to transit the Panama Canal? It takes between 8 and 10 hours.
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More About The Panama Canal & Central America
What is the best time to cruise to the Panama Canal & Central America?
Panama Canal and Central America cruise season is from October through April. The rainy season doesn’t end until November, so cruises here are more popular from December onward. For more: Best Month to Cruise to the Panama Canal
Which cruise lines go to the Panama Canal & Central America?
Most major cruise lines, including Princess and Holland America, feature at least a few Panama Canal sailings in addition to expedition lines like Tauck and Lindblad. Cruisers can choose from a partial or full transit of the canal . Cruises that specifically explore countries like Costa Rica are on offer, from small-ship lines like Windstar Cruises.
What are some things to do in the Panama Canal & Central America?
In addition to either a full or partial crossing of the Panama Canal, most cruises in this region include stops in popular ports throughout Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean. That means you can do anything from lounge on the beach to explore ancient ruins or enjoy some duty-free shopping. If you can, trek Arenal Volcano from Puerto Limon, Costa Rica.
Do you need a passport to take a cruise to the Panama Canal & Central America?
Yes, a passport is required for travel throughout Central America, including Panama.
What should I pack for a cruise to the Panama Canal & Central America?
Top Panama Canal & Central America Ports Of Call
Panama Canal ports are surprisingly diverse. You can focus your attention on the canals locks and engineering marvels, the natural flora and fauna of Central America, or peer into the regions history by visiting cities that witnessed the Spanish colonial era. Chances are, youll need to book several Panama Canal cruises in order to see and do all that is on offer.
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Day 14cabo San Lucas Mexico
Cabo San Lucas is a resort city at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, in the Mexican state of Baja California Sur and it has been rated as one of Mexico’s top 5 tourist destinations. Cabo San Lucas’s white beaches, fecund waters and spectacular arching stone cliffs at Land’s End have become the backdrop for Baja’s most raucous tourism. The activities are endless: jet-skiing, banana-boating, parasailing, snorkeling, kitesurfing, diving and horsebackriding can all be found just by walking down to the beach.
Top Panama Canal Cruise Destinations And Shore Excursions
A cruise through the Panama Canal can be done either from the Atlantic to the Pacific or vice versa. Panama cruise crossings take in the best of the Mexican Riviera as well as taking you through the impressive canal itself. While cruising along the canal you can take in the Gatun Locks, the former pirate paradise of Portobelo or the canal-side jungle. The Mexican Riviera side of the cruise takes you to Acapulco, famous for its white sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife, and Huatulco, as well as Puntarenas in Costa Rica, home to some of the finest beaches and the Manuel Antonio Park.
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Journey South On A Panama Canal Cruise In 2022
Embark on an unforgettable trip down to Central and South America on a Panama Canal cruise in 2022. This 15-night holiday sailing departs from Los Angeles, California and visits six port destinations along the way, including Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta in Mexico Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala Puntarenas in Costa Rica Cartagena, Colombia and Colon, Panama. The highlight of this sailing includes a once-in-a-lifetime cruise through the Panama Canal, an engineering marvel that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Itineraries
Spend Christmas and New Years Eve on a spectacular Panama Canal cruise in 2022. This special holiday itinerary aboard Celebrity Millennium is the perfect way to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Enjoy restful days at sea, action-packed days on land, and the bucket-list experience of sailing through the magnificent Panama Canal.
Discover fascinating destinations in Central America and South America, where youll encounter stunning natural landscapes, outdoor adventure, and colonial architecture and history. Get a taste of the tropics during a stop in Costa Ricas Puntarenas, where you can explore its verdant jungle on a safari excursion, zipline through treetops, or go surfing at one of its dreamy beaches.
Learn From Our Guests Ask & Answer
Even the most seasoned travellers have questions. With Ask & Answer, you don’t have to go far to get those questions answered. The bonus – the questions and answers come from fellow cruisers!
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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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.
Disney Cruise Port Of Cabo San Lucas
Cabo is a beautiful beach resort on the southernmost tip of Baja California. There are many opportunities to sail to Cabo San Lucas on a Disney Cruise as it is a port stop on the Baja and Mexican Riviera Cruises from San Diego.
Cabo San Lucas is a tender port. This means that you will have to take a small boat from the ship to get to the shore.
When you step off the tender boat you are in the bustling Marina part of Cabo. There are plenty of shops and restaurants around this pretty marina.
There are lots of Disney Cruise Cabo San Lucas Activities to choose from. This is a great place if you want a dolphin encounter as the Cabo Dolphin Center is a very short walk from the tender boat dock.
You can choose from a wide range of excursions including snorkeling, sailing, tequila tasting, horseback riding, whale watching, city tours, and beach breaks.
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Disney Cruise Port Of Cozumel
Cozumel is an island located off the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. Disney Cruise Ships usually dock in the International Cruise Terminal, which is one of three docks in Cozumel.
You step off your Disney ship, walk a short way along the dock, and you are soon close to restaurants and shops, including the Royal Village Shopping Center. This is a great place to pick up a few souvenirs or if you want to go to well-known names such as Hard Rock, Margaritaville, or Senor Frogs.
However, there are many things to do beyond the cruises port in Cozumel.
There are lots of Disney Cruise excursions to choose from in Cozumel.
Whether you are looking for an encounter with dolphins, a visit to Mayan Ruins, snorkeling, or a relaxing beach break, there is a huge variety of things to do in Cozumel.
You can even charter your own private yacht. If you can find another 11 friends, the $1759 price tag doesnt seem quite so high!
You can see the Disney Cruise Cozumel Excursions Here
How To Get To The Panama Canal & Central America
Many Panama Canal cruises begin in a Florida port like Fort Lauderdale, Miami, or Tampa and debark on the West Coast in a city like Los Angeles, San Diego, Seattle in the United States or Vancouver, Canada. Depending on your flight connections, it takes 19 or more hours to fly from Sydney to Seattle and at least 21 hours to fly to Fort Lauderdale.
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Disney Cruise Port Of Puerto Vallarta
Perto Vallarta is another very popular Disney Cruise destination. You can visit Puerto Vallarta on the Panama Canal and Mexican Riviera Cruises with Disney.
One of my favorite Puerto Vallata tours is the excursion to Las Caletas. It have taken this several times now and always had a good experience.
On this excursion, you cross Banderas Bay to the secluded oceanside cove of Las Caletas.
Las Caletas is a beautiful place to spend some time. You can swim in the warm waters of the cove, and use a kayak or stand-up paddle board. There is a Kids and Teens Adventure Park, making this a great excursion for all the family. A freshly cooked buffet and unlimited drinks are served.
The Las Caletas Hideaway excursion is $103 for adults and $73 for children.
There are many other activities to choose from including dolphin swims, snorkeling, sailing, and horseback riding. You can see the Disney Activities Here.
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.
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About Cruises To Panama Canal
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.
Embark On An Unforgettable Panama Canal Cruise
Panama Canal cruises offer an opportunity to experience two vast oceans as well as transiting one of the worlds modern marvels: the Panama Canal. While the canal is just 77 kilometres long, it divides two continents and changed the face of the shipping and cruising industries. Finding a passageway from the Atlantic to the Pacific was a dream for hundreds of years, ever since the 16th century when the King of Spain sent explorers to determine if they could find a route over the mountains and through the jungle. It was impossible, but the Spanish werent the last to try. In the 1880s, the French started to build a canal in Panama but corruption and graft were the death knells of the project. It wasnt until the United States got involved in the early 1900s that the Panama Canal had a chance of becoming a reality. Construction began in 1904 and was completed 10 years later. It was an amazing technological feat for the time and is still a place thats revered by engineers and anyone that appreciates ingenuity. Now, avid adventurers looking to explore Central America can do so on a fantastic Panama Canal cruise!
Depending on the Panama Canal cruise itinerary you pick, you can experience ports in the Caribbean , Costa Rica, Panama, Guatemala, Colombia, and Mexico. If youre planning an epic 2022 Panama Canal cruise with some friends or just organising an unforgettable 2023 Panama Canal cruise, we have what you need!
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