
Panama Canal Cruise
About Panama Canal Cruises
A Panama Canal Cruise is an amazing experience that should not be missed. The canal is a 48 mile long canal that links the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans. Cruises through the Panama Canal have varied itineraries. Twice a year in the fall and the spring as the ships reposition between the Caribbean and Alaska cruise lines offer full transit through the canal. These one way cruises sail through all of the canal's impressive locks. In the winter cruise lines offer partial canal cruises. These itineraries sail roundtrip from Florida, pass through the locks before turning around and returning to their originating port after re-entering the canal system on the return trip.
Taking a cruise through the Panama Canal allows travelers to witness first hand this marvel of modern engineering. The canal system is made up of three locks and a series of artificial lakes and canals. As ships pass the locks from the east their elevation is gradually lowered and as they pass the final set of locks, the Gatun locks, the ships ascend an amazing 85 feet bringing them back to sea level. The complete journey takes about 8-10 hours in each direction.
Panama Canal cruise itineraries also include wonderful ports of call in the Caribbean, Central and South America and Mexico. Travelers can explore these different ports and enjoy a number of activities including sightseeing, shopping, watersports, beautiful beaches and friendly people.
Best Panama Canal Cruise Deals

- Up to $1700 Onboard Credit: Exclusive Offer
- Distinctive Voyages: Exclusive Host, Private Welcome Reception & Exclusive Shore Event
- $300 ONBOARD CREDIT: EXCLUSIVE OFFER
- Welcome Cocktails, All Oceanview & Balcony Suites, 24 hour room dining and more

- Up to $1700 Onboard Credit: Exclusive Offer
- FREE Gratuities + Complimentary Beverages + Excursions and more

National Geographic Quest
Panama City/Panama to Cartagena/Colombia
Oct 19 - Nov 9, 2025
- Up to $1700 Cash Back: Exclusive Offer
- Why Lindblad
- Exclusive Exploration Tools
- What's Included
- Exclusive Suite Amenities

- WAVE PROMO: Up to $500 Air Credit + Up to $500 Beverage Credit on select sailings
- Up to $1700 CASH BACK: EXCLUSIVE OFFER
- FLASH SALE: Up to $800 Air Credit on select sailings
- Family Savings: All Children under 18 get a 50% Savings on select sailings
- Military Offer: Additional 10% OFF for Veteran & Military
- Star Clippers All Inclusive Experience
- Up to $150 Onboard Credit per stateroom

- FREE 2-Category Upgrade + Up to $2,000 Onboard Credit per suite
- Up to $1700 Onboard Credit: Exclusive Offer
- FREE Gratuities, FREE Open Bar, Specialty Dining + Internet and more

- Up to $1700 Cash Back: Exclusive Offer
- $500 CruiseFirst Certificate for $250: valid for select sailings
- 50% OFF Cruises + More at Sea select categories & sailings
- MORE AT SEA: Unlimited Open Bar, Specialty Dining, Excursion Credit on select 2025 cruises
- Up to $100 Onboard Spending on select categories and sailings
- Buy 1st Guest Air, 2nd Guest Flies FREE: from select gateways
- 50% Reduced Deposit: Club Balcony Suites & below
- Cruise Next Double Up: (select categories & sailings)

- Up to $1700 Onboard Credit: Exclusive Offer
- up to $500 Onboard Credit: per stateroom on select ships and sail dates
- FREE Gratuities + Beverage Package + AzAmazing Evening Event
- Amenities include a Cocktail Reception, Exclusive Shore Event + more

- Up to $1700 Onboard Credit: Exclusive Offer
- Up to 35% OFF + FREE Room Upgrade + $99 Deposit
- $50 Onboard Credit
- Military: Up to $250 Onboard Spending
- Complimentary Canapés

- EXCLUSIVE: UP TO $1,700 ADDITIONAL SAVINGS
- FREE Upgrades + Up to 25% OFF + Onboard Credit + Reduced Deposits and more
- Signature Beverage Package, Specialty Dining, Excursions & Wi-Fi
- Up to $300 Onboard Spending per stateroom
- Up to $75 Onboard Credit per stateroom
- Up to $75 Onboard Credit per stateroom

- Up to $1700 Onboard Credit: Exclusive Offer
- Up to 40% OFF + Up to $2,000 Onboard Credit + Drink Package on select cruises
- Your World Included: FREE Gratuities, Complimentary Specialty Dining, Wi-Fi and more
- Up to 50% Single Supplement Waived on select sailings & categories
- Save up to 25% + Choose One Perk on select voyages

- EXCLUSIVE: UP TO $1,700 ADDITIONAL SAVINGS
- Cruise.com Exclusive: Get Special Low Rates on select ship and sail dates
- Early Saver: Reduced Deposits fr. $49 per person + Upgrades from $1
- Pack & Go Sale: Great Guarantee Rates + 50% non-refundable Reduced Deposit
- Great Reduced Rates on select staterooms and sailings
- Two Category Upgrade on select ships and sail dates
- Save with Senior Rates: Guests over 55 can save with a senior rate
- Reduced Rates for Military Personnel

- 75% Off 2nd Sailor + Up to $500 Instant Savings: on select categories & voyages
- FREE Gratuities, Unlimited Wi-Fi and more

- Up to $1700 Cash Back: Exclusive Offer
- 2 for 1 Fares + FREE Pre-paid Gratuities + Unlimited Shore Excursions and more

- Up to $800 Onboard Credit + Stateroom Location Upgrade
- Military Special: Up to $250 Onboard Credit
- SPECIAL AMENITIES: Cocktail Reception, Exclusive Shore Event + more
- Complimentary Caviar and Champagne

- FREE 2-Category Upgrade + Up to $2,000 Onboard Credit per suite
- Up to $1700 Onboard Credit: Exclusive Offer
- Special Amenities: Private Host, Cocktail Reception & Exclusive Shore Event
- FREE Gratuities, FREE Open Bar, Specialty Dining + Internet and more
All offers are based on select sailings and categories and are subject to availability at time of booking. All rates are per person based on double occupancy.
Panama Canal and Central America Cruise Highlights

The Panama Canal Locks
Panama 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 Itineraries
Panama 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 Opportunities
A 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 Ports
In 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.