what cruise lines go to the panama canal
A Panama Canal cruise had been on my bucket list for a long time. Not only would it be transportation for me to become from the Atlantic to the Pacific and onto Alaska, the canal itself was a huge curiosity for me.
Afterwards 35 years of grueling construction in horrible conditions, the Panama Canal was completed in 1914. All the canal-edifice stories I learned about in school stoked my imagination. Information technology was an adventure I had wanted to do for years.
But when I started to look at possible cruise itineraries, it was a scrap confusing. While there aren't a zillion cruise ships heading to the canal, the ones that offer a Panama Canal prowl have a variety of itineraries.
There are basically three itinerary choices to decide on for a Panama Canal cruise. It all depends on how much time y'all have for the trip and of grade, how much you would like to spend.
What if you really want to come across the Panama Culvert just time and/or money are a concern? Hither are the choices to help you decide which astonishing feel to practice along this 48-mile man-made wonder.
When I found Crystal Placidity had a less-expensive repositioning coast-to-declension Panama Canal cruise, the decision was easy. Luckily, I had the time to spend 20 days from Ft. Lauderdale to Los Angeles. Merely non everyone has the time or budget for 20 days. Then, what are your choices?
How to Choose the Best Panama Culvert Cruise For You
At that place are three ways to "do" a Panama Culvert cruise. All 3 types of Panama Culvert cruises are offered by a handful of mainstream, premium and luxury cruise lines.
Not all cruises offer the aforementioned ports of call, either. Then information technology'south important to study itineraries and not simply price-shop.
Princess does several Panama Culvert cruises throughout the year as does Norwegian. As well, when repositioning to or from Alaska, Australia or on a earth prowl, you'll observe Funfair, Cunard, Holland America and others (including my Crystal cruise) canvas the full 48-mile, coast-to-declension culvert transit.
Panama Canal Cruise Options
1. PARTIAL TRANSIT FOR THOSE WITH LESS Time OR Budget
On a partial transit of the Panama Culvert, you cruise through the start set of locks followed past a mean solar day spent on Gatun Lake. Y'all tin purchase a ship shore excursion and in that location are ever several options to cull.
If you're on a shore excursion from your partial transit, yous might have to re-board your ship in Colon, Panama rather than be onboard for the 180 degree turnaround in Gatun Lake to exit the canal.
2. FULL PANAMA CANAL TRANSIT
The second choice is a full transit of the Panama Canal, from the Atlantic to the Pacific or vice versa. These cruises tend to be seasonal and are at to the lowest degree 14 days in length. Mostly, they will exist fifty-fifty longer when the send is continuing north along the California declension.
Arrival and departure ports on the w coast include either Seattle, Los Angeles or San Diego. Departures on the east declension normally brainstorm from Ft. Lauderdale or Miami in Florida, sometimes in New York City.
If you honey ocean days, this could exist your dream prowl. You lot can even include a cross-state Amtrak train from your cruise port after the cruise to return dwelling house.
Ports you might visit on the Atlantic side include Key West, Cartagena, Colombia, Aruba or St. Thomas in the U.S.V.I.
On the Pacific side, you lot might visit one or two ports in Costa Rica and Fundamental America. Three ports in Mexico seem to be the standard and might include Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas. Then it's north to San Diego and onto Los Angeles or Seattle.
3. FULL TRANSIT But REQUIRES A FLIGHT OUT
Your 3rd choice is also a full transit but it'due south shorter in length. These usually start or stop in Republic of costa rica or Colon, Panama. Air arrangements tin can be a little more involved but it's easily ready. This is i fourth dimension where booking cruise line air might be the least stressful option, especially for newbie cruisers.
READ More than: What to practice in Cartagena, Colombia on a Panama Canal cruise
Planning a Panama Canal Cruise
I think a Panama Canal prowl is similar to an Alaska prowl for several reasons.
- It's a saucepan list cruise for many
- Splurge and reserve a balcony stateroom
- Do a little enquiry earlier the cruise
- Get to the enrichment presentations
If your send makes a port call in Cartegena, Colombia and Panama City, Panama, yous're in luck. These were my two favorite ports on my Panama Canal cruise. Why? Cartegena is emerging as a world-class holiday destination with bully restaurants, historical sights and fabled shopping.
Panama City seems to rise out of the sea with unexpected ultra-mod skyscrapers that extend along the shoreline. Panama City is very modernistic urban city, and was a total surprise for me.
Despite a Panama Canal cruise existence a bucket list vacation, I would go once again without hesitation. Especially because now I know what to do in some of the ports of phone call that I missed doing the commencement fourth dimension.
READ Adjacent: My Panama Canal Cruise Review with Crystal Cruises
I'm editor and creator of CruiseMaven.com and a solo traveler exploring the world on waves and wheels. An avid cook, I collect recipes along the way from ships and places. I hope my articles, reviews, news and photos entertain, advise and inspire you to try solo travel and encounter the world without flying. Take a breath… finish for a repast and a drinking glass of vino along the manner.
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