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
- SILVERSEA ALL-INCLUSIVE VALUE: FREE GRATUITIES + FREE Drinks + more
- Up to $1700 CASH BACK: EXCLUSIVE OFFER
- Star Clippers All Inclusive Experience
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
- Up to $1700 ONBOARD CREDIT: EXCLUSIVE
- FREE Gratuities, Gourmet Specialty Dining, Wi-Fi + more on select categories & sailings
- Up to $1700 ONBOARD CREDIT: EXCLUSIVE OFFER
- Great Savings: up to 75% OFF 2nd Guest: on select ship and sail dates
- Get up to $600 Savings: per stateroom on select ships and sail dates
- ALL INCLUDED: Free Classic Beverage Package + Basic Wi-Fi
- Back to Back Savings: Save up to $200 Savings when you book a back to back cruise
- SAVE: up to $50 ONBOARD CREDIT on select departures!
- Up to $1700 CASH BACK: EXCLUSIVE OFFER
- Get up to $150 Onboard Spending:
- Signature Beverage Package, Specialty Dining, Excursions & Wi-Fi
- Up to $75 ONBOARD CREDIT: EXCLUSIVE OFFER
- Up to $1,700 ONBOARD CREDIT: EXCLUSIVE OFFER
- Up to $200 Instant Savings Offer
- Military: Up to $250 Onboard Spending
- Up to $1,700 ONBOARD CREDIT: EXCLUSIVE OFFER
- $60 ONBOARD CREDIT!
- $60 ONBOARD CREDIT: EXCLUSIVE OFFER
- Military: Up to $250 Onboard Spending
- Up to $1700 CASH BACK: EXCLUSIVE OFFER
- Early Saver Rates + up to $50 onboard credit per room: + Reduced Deposits fr. $50 per person
- More=Merrier: Save up to $125 per room + $25 Reduced Deposits per person for 3 Guest or more
- Receive Great Reduced Rates: on select staterooms and sailings
- Fun Select Rates: Enjoy a Two Category Upgrade
- Save with Senior Rates: Guests over 55 can save with a senior rate
- Reduced Rates for Military Personnel!
- 80% Off 2nd Guest + Up to $300 Bar Tab: on select categories & voyages
- Exclusive Inclusions: Free Gratuities, Unlimited Wi-Fi and more
- Up to $1700 CASH BACK: EXCLUSIVE OFFER
- Included Amenities: 2 for 1 Fares, FREE Pre-paid Gratuities, Unlimited Shore Excursions, Plus
- Military Special - Up to $250 Onboard Credit
- SPECIAL AMENITIES: Cocktail Reception, Exclusive Shore Event + more
- Save Up to 15% + Up to $1,000 Credit + Reduced Deposits
- Up to $1700 ONBOARD CREDIT: EXCLUSIVE
- SPECIAL AMENITIES: Private Host, Cocktail Reception & Exclusive Shore Event
- FREE Gratuities, FREE Open Bar, All Suite Accommodations + 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.