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Panama Canal Cruises

Experience one of the wonders of the modern world on Holland America Line’s Panama Canal cruises. Our Panama cruise itineraries depart from both east and west coasts for loads of convenient options. A cruise to the Panama Canal is an incredible experience, worthy of any bucket list as you travel between oceans. The shipping channel—which took 33 years to complete and cost more than 25,000 workers their lives—is arguably the greatest engineering achievement of all time. As you cruise the canal, you will pass through the two-chambered Miraflores Locks, the one-chambered Pedro Miguel Lock, and three-chambered Gatun Locks. Along the way you’ll find Gatun Lake, once the largest manmade lake in the world, which has proved a boon for the species that thrive here, undisturbed by the passing ships.

The Panama Canal Cruise Experience

Feel your ship rise 85 feet as water fills the locks on the Panama Canal. Listen as a historian shares tales of this incredible engineering feat that divided two continents. Explore the intriguing landscapes, culture and people of this amazing region. From engineering marvels to exotic wildlife, there's so much to discover while on your Panama Canal cruise.

See A Modern Marvel On Panama Canal Cruises

Panama Canal Cruises Have Diverse Ports Of Call

Perfectly Sized Ships For Panama Canal Cruises

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Featured panama canal cruise ports.

Fuerte Amador, Panama

Cartagena, Colombia

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

Puerto Caldera (Puntarenas), Costa Rica

Puerto Chiapas, Mexico

San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua

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Panama canal travel articles.

The ultimate journey between two continents and two mighty oceans, a Panama Canal cruise encompasses Spanish colonial architecture, verdant rainforest and an engineering marvel. Learn more about our ports in the region with articles on  Cartagena’s  graceful Old City and  Costa Rica’s  exotic Pura Vida Gardens;  Antigua, Guatemala , including La Merced, the city’s 250-year-old cathedral; and the storied past of  Panama Viejo , a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And be sure to explore the complex and fascinating history of the  Panama Canal .

12 best Panama Canal cruises for a bucket-list trip

A Panama Canal transit is a rite of passage for many cruise lovers. Experiencing this marvel of early 20th-century engineering appeals to those with a wide array of interests, from history and politics to colonial architecture and wildlife spotting. Built by the U.S. government between 1903 and 1914, this 50-mile waterway linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans revolutionized shipping by creating an expedited route for the transit of cargo and, ultimately, cruise ship passengers.

Panama Canal itineraries are offered by almost every cruise line. Thanks to a 2016 canal expansion project, a third set of locks can now accommodate larger vessels. It's possible to cruise the Panama Canal on ships of all sizes (from 148 guests to more than 3,000) on itineraries that range from a week in the sun to a six-month world cruise.

Some ships sail a full transit of the canal, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, or vice versa. These one-way journeys between Miami or Fort Lauderdale and Los Angeles or San Diego, visits ports in Central America, South America, Mexico and California.

Others sail only a partial transit, entering the locks from the Atlantic and cruising into Lake Gatun before turning around and exiting again. These itineraries, sailing round-trip from Florida ports, combine the canal experience with island-hopping in the Caribbean.

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The array of options means that a Panama Canal cruise experience is possible even if you're short on time or have a limited budget — and chances are high that your favorite cruise line offers one or more itineraries. Most sailings attract couples, typically retirees, but if the timing is right a Panama Canal cruise can also be a great multi-generational experience.

Here are a dozen of the best Panama Canal cruises to consider.

Holland America's 14- to 16-day Panama Canal cruises

Holland America offers a variety of Panama Canal cruises , but the most popular itineraries span 14 to 16 days. They offer a full transit between Fort Lauderdale and San Diego, or vice versa, and are offered on multiple ships, including Zaandam, Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam and Volendam. These sailings call on Cartagena, Colombia; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; Huatulco and Puerto Vallarta or Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Who should go: Holland America ships sailing a full transit are popular with retired couples who appreciate the cruise line's consistency and good value. All four ships accommodate between 1,432 and 2,106 passengers and offer signature onboard experiences that include the Greenhouse Spa and the BBC Earth in Concert multimedia performance. The larger Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam feature additional specialty dining options, such as Tamarind and Nami Sushi, as well as B.B. King's Blues Club, Lincoln Center Stage and Billboard Onboard.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises' 16-night Los Angeles to Miami cruise

Regent Seven Seas Cruises ' newest ship, Seven Seas Grandeur, debuts in November 2023 and its first two Panama Canal itineraries in early 2024 are already waitlisted. For those planning ahead, the 16-night Miami to Los Angeles (Dec. 13-29, 2024) and 16-night Los Angeles to Miami (Jan. 8-23, 2025) transits offer luxurious all-inclusive pampering, plus port calls in Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas and Acapulco, Mexico; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; Corinto, Nicaragua; Panama City, Panama; Cartagena, Colombia; and George Town, Grand Cayman.

Who should go: This itinerary can be a wonderful splurge for a couple seeking to celebrate a milestone anniversary or birthday in a memorable way on a luxurious new ship. Prices start at a hefty $10,399 per person for a spacious balcony suite, but they also include airfare, transfers, gratuities, dining and beverages, Wi-Fi and shore excursions — meaning you'll hardly have any other vacation expenses.

Related: The 8 best luxury cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

Celebrity Cruises' 11-night Panama Canal & Southern Caribbean cruise

For a Panama Canal experience that begins and ends in Fort Lauderdale, Celebrity Cruises ' 11-night Panama Canal & Southern Caribbean itinerary is a great option. There's plenty of time to plan ahead for the Dec. 2, 2024 cruise or the half-dozen almost identical sailings that follow through March 2025. All sailings are aboard the new 3,260-guest Celebrity Beyond and visit Cartagena, Colombia; Colon, Panama; Oranjestad, Aruba; Kralendjik, Bonaire; and George Town, Grand Cayman (Willemstad, Curacao replaces Grand Cayman on some 2025 sailings).

Who should go: Celebrity Beyond and its Edge-series sister ships appeal to Millennials, Gen Xers and young-at-heart Boomers who appreciate innovative design, entertainment and dining options. The ships are geared toward couples or groups of friends, but families with older teens might also enjoy the onboard vibe. There are no splash pools or waterslides for younger kids, although calls on three Caribbean islands offer aquatic fun.

Windstar Cruises' 7-night Costa Rica & Panama Canal cruise

To explore the Panama Canal region in a relaxed manner aboard an intimate motorized sailing yacht, check out Windstar Cruises' 7-night Costa Rica & Panama Canal itinerary aboard the 148-guest Wind Star. Bookable on more than two dozen dates in 2023, 2024 and 2025, the itinerary takes guests from Colon, Panama to Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica (or vice versa). The ship will transit the canal and visit Panama City and Isla Parida in Panama, plus Golfo Dolce and Quepos (for Manuel Antonio National Park) in Costa Rica.

Who should go: Fans of small-ship cruising who enjoy a casual onboard ambiance, are interested in nature and wildlife and wish to sample the regional flavors of Central America should consider a Windstar cruise . All accommodations are in snug yet well-designed staterooms with windows, but no balconies. Wind Star is a cozy and social four-deck ship featuring a pool and pool bar, a lounge and two restaurants.

Related: Big vs. small cruise ships: Which will I like better?

Silversea's 31-day New York to Lima cruise

Silversea Cruises ' indulgent 31-day New York to Lima sailing aboard its newest ship, 728-guest Silver Nova features a Panama Canal transit in the middle of the trip. The one-way itinerary departs New York City in November and visits Bermuda and multiple sunny Caribbean islands — Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. Barth's, St. Kitts, Antigua, Martinique, St. Lucia, Barbados, Bequia, Grenada, Curacao and Aruba — and Cartagena, Colombia before transiting the canal to call on ports in Ecuador (Manta) and Peru (Salaverry and Lima).

Who should go: Silversea's clientele is mostly mature couples with a luxury mindset and an appreciation for elevated dining with a strong regional focus. They also appreciate the cruise line's all-inclusive ease. A month-long itinerary such as this is likely to attract retirees seeking an extended warm-weather escape.

Related: The 10 best cruises for couples seeking romance and together time at sea

Carnival Cruise Line's 8-day Panama Canal cruise from Tampa

Experiencing the Panama Canal doesn't have to be time-consuming or budget-busting. Carnival Cruise Line 's 8-day Panama Canal from Tampa itinerary offers a round-trip, partial-transit sailing aboard the 2,124-passenger Carnival Pride with port calls in Limon, Costa Rica and George Town, Grand Cayman—beginning at under $900 per person.

With four pools (including an adults-only aft Serenity Pool), a WaterWorks aqua park, Camp Ocean kids club and seven restaurants, the ship offers enough diversions for sea-day fun, even at half the size of Carnival's newest megaships.

Who should go: Carnival's action-packed ships and affordable cruise fares appeal to families, friends and couples of all ages who enjoy a lively onboard ambiance and casual complimentary dining options (including a Guy Fieri burger venue).

Related: Best cruise lines for families

Seabourn's 21-day Caribbean & Panama Canal Passage

For a one-way Panama Canal transit that visits six countries (Aruba, Curacao, Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala and Mexico) and offers six relaxing and luxurious days at sea, consider Seabourn 's 21-day Caribbean & Panama Canal Passage . The 450-guest Seabourn Sojourn will sail from Miami to Los Angeles in December.

Calls on Golfito and Puntarenas in Costa Rica offer access to eco-adventure. Visits to Puerto Quetzal in Guatemala and Puerto Chiapas and Huatulco in Mexico feature excursions focused on pre-Spanish-colonial culture, coffee cultivation and more, while a call on Cabo San Lucas offers whale-watching, deep-sea fishing or tequila tasting opportunities.

Who should go: Work-from-anywhere entrepreneurs and retirees who enjoy the luxury and refinement of small-ship cruising will enjoy this three-week Panama Canal transit. Seabourn Sojourn pampers its guests with attentive service, elevated cuisine and all-ocean-facing suites featuring walk-in closets and spacious marble bathrooms. Seabourn's all-inclusive cruise fares also cover gratuities and complimentary wines and spirits.

Princess Cruises' 10-day Panama Canal with Costa Rica & Caribbean cruise

While Princess Cruises does offer several longer ocean-to-ocean Panama Canal itineraries — including two in 2023 that transit via the historic locks — its popular 10-day Panama Canal with Costa Rica & Caribbean cruises conveniently sail roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale on more than a dozen dates in 2023 and 2024.

What's more, you can choose from among three ships: 3,140-guest Caribbean Princess or 3,080-guest Ruby Princess and Emerald Princess. In addition to the partial transit, these sailings call on Jamaica and Grand Cayman in the Caribbean, as well as Cartagena, Columbia; Limon, Costa Rica; and Colon, Panama.

Who should go: Couples who enjoy a ship with a more traditional vibe and families with kids who are content to participate in interactive learning activities and nature-based adventure (vs waterslides) will enjoy this cruise. Princess ships are known for their Movies Under the Stars screenings, multiple pools, specialty dining options such as Sabatini's Italian Trattoria and The Salty Dog Gastropub, and Crooners piano bar.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Princess Cruises ship

Norwegian Cruise Line's 17-day South America: Peru, Colombia & Chile cruise

There's no "Panama Canal" in this itinerary's name, but Norwegian Cruise Line 's 17-day South America: Peru, Colombia & Chile cruise in January 2024 does a full canal transit (and spends a day in Panama City) as it sails from Miami to Santiago, Chile. The 1,936-guest Norwegian Sun sails to historic Santa Marta and Cartagena in Colombia; Manta, Ecuador; Trujillo, Lima and Pisco in Peru; and Arica and Coquimbo in Chile, before disembarkation in Santiago.

Who should go: Couples and friends interested in experiencing not just a Panama Canal transit but some of the top coastal experiences along the Pacific Coast of South America should choose this itinerary. Norwegian Sun is an older, smaller vessel that was refurbished in 2018 and features a top deck more conducive to sunning than thrill rides. The ship also has a surprising number of restaurants for its size: two main dining rooms, a buffet restaurant, a sports bar and an outdoor grill on a complimentary basis, plus eight specialty dining venues (including Mexican, Italian, French, Japanese and a steakhouse) for an added fee.

Oceania's 16-day Miami to Los Angeles cruise

Following its May debut, Oceania Cruises ' 1,200-guest Vista — the first new-build ship in Oceania's fleet in more than a decade — will offer back-to-back 16-day Miami to Los Angeles and Los Angeles to Miami itineraries in October and November. Both sailings visit six countries with port calls that include George Town, Grand Cayman; Cartagena, Colombia; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; Corinto, Nicaragua; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; and Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada, Mexico. (The second sailing visits San Diego instead of Ensenada.)

Who should go: Oceania's newest ship offers a great compromise between a small and medium-size vessel and is ideal for those seeking a premium cruise experience with casual sophistication. Older couples especially will appreciate the ship's elegant stateroom decor in soft hues of wheat and seagrass, mix of grand and intimate spaces and wide array of dining options (including two new venues, Ember for inventive American cuisine and Aquamar Kitchen for wellness-focused breakfast, lunch and dinner). A more immersive mixology program features curated cocktail menus, indulgent pairing experiences and specialty beverage carts.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on an Oceania Cruises ship

Cunard's 29-day Alaska & Panama Canal cruise

Talk about packing for all kinds of weather! Cunard's 29-day Alaska & Panama Canal sailing aboard 2,081-passenger Queen Elizabeth begins in Vancouver on Aug. 7 and explores Alaska for more than a week (visiting Ketchikan, Juneau, Hubbard Glacier, Skagway, Glacier Bay National Park and Sitka). Then the ship heads back south along the U.S. Pacific Coast (stopping in Victoria, Vancouver, San Francisco and Los Angeles) before heading to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Only then will it transit the Panama Canal. The ship makes one Atlantic stop in Aruba before passengers disembark in Fort Lauderdale.

Who should go: British cruise line Cunard appeals mainly to older travelers who savor the line's formal traditions. This cruise is for you if you enjoy afternoon tea, dressing up for dinner, gala evenings and dancing to big-band orchestras. The particular itinerary appeals to retirees who wish to visit a variety of cruise regions in one singular itinerary.

Viking's 180-day World Voyage

For the ultimate cruise indulgence, Viking's 180-day World Voyage I includes a Panama Canal transit (on Christmas Day, no less) as 930-passenger Viking Sky cruises from Fort Lauderdale to New York City (Dec. 19, 2024–June 17, 2025). This round-the-world cruise will visit 37 countries as guests enjoy Viking Sky's modern Scandinavian interior decor, soothing LivNordic Spa, two pools (including one with a retractable roof) and six onboard restaurants. Pricing includes airfare, gratuities and complimentary wine and beer with lunch and dinner.

Who should go: With cruise fares that start at $79,995 per person, this six-month adventure at sea requires a luxury budget. Viking 's base clientele is mostly retired or close-to-retirement-age professionals who enjoy the cruise line's focus on educational enrichment (via onboard lectures) and serene ambiance (there's no casino and the nighttime vibe is on the quiet side).

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Zoom your map way out and Panama looks like a small sliver of land, so a trip through its famous canal is a quickie, right? But not so fast — traversing the canal actually takes at least 20 hours! Cruise the Panama Canal and enjoy a zoomed-in real-life look at perhaps last century’s greatest engineering achievement… along with its surrounding lush, verdant lands. This testament to human audacity joins the Pacific and Caribbean in the most direct way possible, and is worth making a leisurely part of your vacation. Even better, Panama Canal cruises call at Central American ports along the canal like Limón and Cartagena… plus at Caribbean island hotspots along the way. You’ll get to explore the local beaches and culture while heading to or from one of the greatest man-made marvels in the world. Cruises through the Panama Canal promise one legendary trip.

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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.

15-day Panama Canal cruise on Princess Cruises . One-way from Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale (Florida). Visit Puerto Vallarta (Mexico), Huatulco (Mexico), San Juan del Sur (Nicargua), Puntarenas (Costa Rica), Fuerte Amador (Panama), the Panama Canal and Cartagena (Colombia). • 2024 departure: January 7.

16-day Panama Canal cruise on Regent Seven Seas . One-way from Los Angeles to Miami (Florida). Visit Ensenada (Mexico), Cabo San Lucas (Mexico), Acapulco (Mexico), Puerto Quetzal (Guatemala), Corinto (Nicaragua), Puntarenas (Costa Rica), the Panama Canal, Cartagena (Colombia) and Grand Cayman (Cayman Islands). • 2024 departure: January 8.

15-day Panama Canal cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line . One-way from Los Angeles to Miami (Florida). Visit Cabo San Lucas (Mexico), Puerto Vallarta (Mexico), Acapulco (Mexico), Puerto Quetzal (Guatemala), Panama City (Panama), the Panama Canal and Cartagena (Colombia). • 2024 departure: January 12.

15-day Panama Canal cruise on Princess Cruises . One-way from Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale (Florida). Visit Puerto Vallarta (Mexico), Huatulco (Mexico), San Juan del Sur (Nicargua), Puntarenas (Costa Rica), the Panama Canal, Cartagena (Colombia) and Grand Cayman (Cayman Islands). • 2024 departure: February 6.

15-day Panama Canal cruise on Princess Cruises . One-way from Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale (Florida). Visit Cabo San Lucas (Mexico), Huatulco (Mexico), San Juan del Sur (Nicargua), Puntarenas (Costa Rica), the Panama Canal, Cartagena (Colombia) and Grand Cayman (Cayman Islands). • 2024 departure: April 5.

15-day Panama Canal cruise on Princess Cruises . One-way from Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale (Florida). Visit Puerto Vallarta (Mexico), Huatulco (Mexico), San Juan del Sur (Nicargua), Puntarenas (Costa Rica), Fuerte Amador (Panama), the Panama Canal and Cartagena (Colombia). • 2024 departure: May 9.

18-night Panama Canal cruise on Crystal Cruises . One-way from Los Angeles to New York (New York). Visit Puerto Vallarta (Mexico), Huatulco (Mexico), Puerto Caldera (Costa Rica), the Panama Canal, Cartagena (Colombia), Grand Cayman (Cayman Islands) and Miami (Florida). • 2024 departure: August 27.

15-night Panama Canal cruise on Celebrity Cruises . One-way from Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale (Florida). Visit Puerto Vallarta (Mexico), Huatulco (Mexico), Puntarenas (Costa Rica), the Panama Canal, Cartagena (Colombia) and Grand Cayman (Cayman Islands). • 2024 departure: September 19.

14-night Panama Canal cruise on Royal Caribbean . One-way from Los Angeles to New Orleans (Louisiana). Visit Cabo San Lucas (Mexico), Huatulco (Mexico), Puntarenas (Costa Rica), the Panama Canal and Cartagena (Colombia). • 2024 departure: September 28.

16-night Panama Canal cruise on Royal Caribbean . One-way from Los Angeles to Tampa (Florida). Visit Cabo San Lucas (Mexico), Mazatlan (Mexico), Puerto Quetzal (Guatemala), Puntarenas (Costa Rica), the Panama Canal, Colon (Panama), Cartagena (Colombia) and Grand Cayman (Cayman Islands). • 2024 departure: October 5.

17-day Panama Canal cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line . One-way from Los Angeles to Tampa (Florida). Visit Cabo San Lucas (Mexico), Puerto Vallarta (Mexico), Manzanillo (Mexico), Puerto Chiapas (Mexico), Acajutla (El Salvador), San Juan del Sur (Nicaragua), Puntarenas (Costa Rica), the Panama Canal, Cartagena (Colombia) and Grand Cayman (Cayman Islands). • 2024 departure: November 7.

16-day Panama Canal cruise on Princess Cruises . One-way from Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale (Florida). Visit Manzanillo (Mexico), Huatulco (Mexico), San Juan del Sur (Nicargua), Puntarenas (Costa Rica), Fuerte Amador (Panama), the Panama Canal and Aruba. • 2024 departure: November 17.

15-day Panama Canal cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line . One-way from Los Angeles to Miami (Florida). Visit Cabo San Lucas (Mexico), Puerto Vallarta (Mexico), Acapulco (Mexico), Puerto Quetzal (Guatemala), Panama City (Panama), the Panama Canal and Cartagena (Colombia). • 2024 departure: December 6.

16-day Panama Canal cruise on Princess Cruises . One-way from Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale (Florida). Visit Puerto Vallarta (Mexico), Huatulco (Mexico), San Juan del Sur (Nicargua), Puntarenas (Costa Rica), Fuerte Amador (Panama), the Panama Canal and Curacao. • 2024 departure: December 19.

16-day Panama Canal cruise on Regent Seven Seas . One-way from Los Angeles to Miami (Florida). Visit Ensenada (Mexico), Cabo San Lucas (Mexico), Acapulco (Mexico), Puerto Quetzal (Guatemala), Corinto (Nicaragua), Panama City (Panama), the Panama Canal, Cartagena (Colombia) and Grand Cayman (Cayman Islands). • 2025 departure: January 8.

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The Ultimate Guide to Panama Canal Cruises From San Diego & Los Angeles

Last updated: February 8th, 2023

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Sail from sunny Southern California to the engineering wonder of the Panama Canal while stopping in stunning destinations throughout Central America and the Caribbean along the way.

Take an authentic Mexican cooking class in Cabo San Lucas and zipline through the Costa Rican jungle in Puntarenas. Explore Mayan ruins in Guatemala’s Puerto Quetzal and walk down the romantic streets of Cartagena.

Come fall, set sail on one of these unforgettable Panama Canal cruises from San Diego and Los Angeles and discover all the treasures these exotic destinations have to offer.

When can I cruise from California to the Panama Canal?

Eastbound Panama Canal cruises departing from San Diego or Los Angeles sail in September, October, and December.

In these months, you’ll avoid the high temperatures of summer when it can get quite hot and humid in Central and South America. Instead, you’ll enjoy more comfortable weather during the fall, although it will still be warm since you will be traveling around the tropics, after all.

Read: One Day in San Diego

How long are cruises from San Diego or Los Angeles through the Panama Canal?

On our Panama Canal cruises , not only will you travel through the Panama Canal locks that connect the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, but you’ll also stop in tropical destinations such as the beaches of Puerto Vallarta, the walled city of Cartagena, and the jungles of Costa Rica.

Read: Best Beaches in Puerto Vallarta

What should I pack for a Panama Canal cruise from San Diego or Los Angeles?

For your Panama Canal cruise, we suggest packing all the warm weather essentials you would bring along to any beach vacation, which include:

• Swim coverups
• Sunglasses and sun hats
• Casual attire for lunch and port visits
• Dinner or smart casual attire
• Flip flops and sandals
• At least one pair of comfortable walking shoes

The late fall weather in California can get quite chilly, so before you leave on Panama Canal cruises from Los Angeles or San Diego , make sure to pack a light jacket, sweater, or scarf to keep you warm before you sail.

Read: Tips for Visiting the Panama Canal

What ports will I visit on a Panama Canal cruise from San Diego or Los Angeles?

Panama Canal cruises are one of the most versatile cruises you can take. Sailing along this region, you’ll experience some of the best places to visit in Central America , Mexico, and South America. Explore sandy beaches, cosmopolitan cities, tropical rainforests, and colonial towns all in the same trip.

Ports of call include Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; Cartagena, Colombia; and Colon, Panama.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Panama Canal cruises from San Diego or Los Angeles first stop in Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula in Cabo San Lucas , where you can spend the day enjoying fish tacos and a margarita while soaking up the sun on a sandy beach.

If you’re looking for a little more activity, take a catamaran, kayak, or jet ski out to Land’s End, home to rock formations and some of the best beaches in Cabo San Lucas , where you’ll want to pose for a photo under its famous El Arco arch rock.

Read: Shopping In Cabo San Lucas

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

In the resort city of Puerto Vallarta , there’s plenty to do aside from lounging by the ocean. Take a horseback journey around the countryside and cap off your trek with a typical lunch and tequila.

Explore the hills of the Sierra Madre on a 4-wheel ATV motorcycle, or take an eco-tour that includes snorkeling and kayaking around the nearby Marietas Islands. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience some of the best whale watching in Mexico while you’re here.

Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala

You might feel like you just stepped back in time after docking in Puerto Quetzal , where shore excursions allow you to explore Mayan ruins in Tikal.

Journey through the colonial streets of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Antigua, where you’ll discover the wonders of Guatemalan architecture, textiles, and coffee.

Puntarenas, Costa Rica

In Puntarenas , you’ll enjoy the best that Costa Rica has to offer. Surf in Playa Jaco, where international surfers often compete, or zipline over treetops nestled in the rainforest.

Experience the best of Costa Rica’s nature by exploring the inner jungle on a safari jeep excursion, discovering hundreds of marine species while snorkeling around coral reef systems, and riding horses through secluded beaches. There’s an activity for every kind of adventurer here.

Read: An Insider’s Guide to Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Cartagena, Colombia

The colonial city of Cartagena will captivate you at first sight. Step into the Old Town and fall in love with its cobblestoned streets, colorful balconies, and lush bougainvillea draping from balconies all around.

Enjoy the sunset while sipping a cocktail on top of the city’s all-encompassing wall or cap off your night with a romantic horse-drawn carriage around town.

Read: Best Things to Do in Cartagena, Colombia

Colon, Panama

Think of Colon as the gateway to the Panama Canal. There you’ll be able to view the canal and marvel at the Gatun locks from land and enjoy a number of activities on and around Gatun Lake, including kayaking, eco cruises, and a visit to a historic fort.

Shopaholics will also be happy to learn that Colon is the world’s second-largest duty-free port, so if you’re thinking of doing some shopping while on vacation, this is the place to do it. You can also explore nearby restaurants serving authentic Panamanian food .

Read: Things to Do in Panama

The Panama Canal

Aside from the Central and South American port visits, you will also spend a day cruising through the Panama Canal. During this journey, hang out on your stateroom’s veranda or one of the cruise ship decks in order to fully soak in the experience.

Feel the excitement as you cross through the channel, built in 1914, and witness how its locks system completes its impressive process to lower and raise water and effortlessly move your cruise ship through the passage. Once you’ve made it through, you’ll have a newfound appreciation for this groundbreaking engineering feat.

If you’re thinking of booking Panama Canal cruises from San Diego or Los Angeles, browse our itineraries and start planning your vacation today.

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16 Nights - Panama Canal Westward

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Departing : Sunday, April 13, 2025 from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

Cruise Line : Royal Caribbean

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AAA Verified Reviews for "Serenade of the Seas" ship ( 37 )

14 Night Panama Canal Cruise

14 Nights - Serenade of the Seas - Departed from Los Angeles, California

14 Nights - Serenade of the Seas - Departed from Miami, Florida

Was fantastic voyage taken. The cruise line with the crew members were so helpful on questions and service.

Going through the canal was a once in a lifetime experience

We really enjoyed our cruise and sailing on the Serenade of the Seas.

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New cruise line to sail from Los Angeles in spring 2026

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A well-known name in the world of air and space travel, will be bringing its new cruise line to California.

Virgin Voyages, another business venture from billionaire entrepreneur Richard Branson , will begin sailing out of Los Angeles in the spring of 2026.

The cruise line, which launched in 2021, will be bringing its newest ship to Los Angeles as part of a North American tour that will see its maiden voyage begin in New York City.

Brilliant Lady is a 912-foot cruise ship with a capacity of more than 2,700 with 20 onboard eateries, 17 decks, modern tech-savvy cabins, and designer suites “fit for a rockstar,” the company says. The ship has an adapted frame that is designed to sail through the Panama Canal and navigate “rugged new landscapes including the vast glaciers and fjords of Alaska.”

Voyages are 21+, and feature entertainment lineups that the cruise line compares to a festival experience.

4 months at sea? Princess Cruises releases details about 2026 world tour

“Virgin Voyages started as a simple idea for me and has blossomed into the world’s top cruise line with a full fleet of ships,” Branson said in a news release. “This ship is going to be brilliant in every possible way, and that includes the incredible new places we can travel to.”

The Brilliant Lady is being built in Italy and will make its official debut when it sets sail from New York in September 2025. From there, it will travel across North America, spending several weeks at busy ports like Miami, Seattle and the Panama Canal.

It will arrive in Los Angeles in April 2026 and will offer five- to eight-night itineraries that include visits to Baja California, Puerto Vallarta, San Diego, Santa Barbara, San Francisco and Catalina Island.

Its arrival in Los Angeles will mark Virgin Voyages’ debut in California. The cruise line has three other ships that are in service now, currently sailing from Miami, Barcelona, Spain, Athens, Greece and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages, says the cruise line is always looking for ways to innovate and challenge itself to “keep things fresh and exciting.” He says that starts with expanding into new destinations and showing travelers how the cruise line is different from others.

For more about Virgin Voyages, including booking information for the Brilliant Lady, click here .

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Princess Cruises Announces Revised 2025 World Cruise Itineraries

Uncertainties in the red sea and surrounding region prompts rerouting of global voyages.

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SANTA CLARITA, Calif., (April 30, 2024)  – Given the ongoing situation in the Red Sea and surrounding area and following extensive consultation with global security experts and government authorities, Princess Cruises is revising the itineraries for its two 2025 World Cruises, which will no longer visit the Middle East or Asia, and now instead, will offer new port stops in Africa and Europe.   

“A Princess World Cruise is truly the voyage of a lifetime and after careful consideration with guidance from global security experts and government authorities, we know our guests will understand and appreciate the change to our upcoming 2025 itineraries to avoid certain areas,” said Terry Thornton, chief commercial officer of Princess Cruises. “These global events beyond our control have necessitated these reroutings but we are pleased to continue to ensure these world cruises retain destination-rich itineraries with incredible stops along the west Africa coast and the Mediterranean.” 

Island Princess World Cruise 

Sailing from North America on Island Princess, the 116-day World Cruise offers two roundtrip options with departures from both Ft. Lauderdale, embarking January 5, 2025, and Los Angeles on January 20, 2025, and ends in Los Angeles on May 17, 2025. This destination dreamers delight will traverse over 36,700 nautical miles, visiting 46 destinations in 24 countries and six continents. The voyage includes visits to historic Bar, Montenegro and Taranto, Italy, along with inaugural World Cruise calls to the idyllic Greek Island of Patmos and to Volos – for the Monasteries of Meteora.  

The revised World Cruise itinerary, from February 16-April 9, departs Sydney and will travel to Melbourne and Perth, then on to South Africa. From there, the cruise resumes the scheduled itinerary starting in Valletta, Malta on April 9.  

Following is the amended portion of the voyage:  

Those guests scheduled to originally depart or join the cruise from Dubai on March 14, 2025, will now embark or disembark four days earlier on March 9, in Cape Town, South Africa. Booked guests disembarking in Cape Town will be refunded the amount equivalent to four days of the cruise fare and those joining earlier will not incur an added cost to their cruise fare. All these guests will also receive a $300 onboard credit as a gesture of good will.  

Crown Princess World Cruise 

Departing from Down Under, Crown Princess - the largest ship to ever host a World Cruise - is scheduled to depart Auckland May 31, 2025; and Sydney June 4, 2025; and sail on a 113-day adventure visiting 42 destinations in 22 countries, across five continents. This cruise will also bypass the Red Sea and surrounding region, including the transit of the Suez Canal. The ship will travel via Africa instead of the Red Sea and Asia itinerary. The fully revised itinerary is currently being finalized and will be communicated shortly.   

More information about World Cruise itineraries, plus shorter World Cruise segment options can be found at  http://www.princess.com/worldcruise . 

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-Princess (1-800-774-6237) or by visiting www.princess.com .  

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About Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises is The Love Boat, the world’s most iconic cruise brand that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year in the most sought-after destinations on the largest ships that offer elite service personalization and simplicity customary of small, yacht-class ships. Well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences and boundless activities blend with exclusive Princess MedallionClass service to create meaningful connections and unforgettable moments in the most incredible settings in the world - the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).

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New cruise company explora journeys is a potent luxury contender.

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The Explora I cruise ship, built in 2023 for just 922 passengers, sails past downtown Manhattan.

The arrival of enormous ships, like the 7,000 passenger/3000 crew member Icon of the Seas, is an effective way to promote the cruise industry. But cruise companies are also launching smaller vessels designed to give passengers more individual attention, like the new EXPLORA I from Explora Journeys.

The EXPLORA I, launched in 2023, is a sleek 63,000-ton ship designed for just 922 passengers, each housed in an oceanfront suite. Another important number is 1.32 to 1. This represents the crew to passenger ratio, showing the line’s commitment to passenger service.

Ship staterooms start with the Ocean Terrace suites, at 377 square feet. They feature amenities such as a king bed, a chaise lounge day bed, and big glass doors that make it true ocean front view. Bathrooms include European walk-in showers, heated marble floors, and Dyson hair dryers. The ship also has some 67 penthouses from 462 to 763 square feet, and the Ocean Residences, from 750 square feet up to 1600 square feet.

The EXPLORA I has 12 bars and lounges, and 64 cabanas on deck for guests, with multiple indoor and outdoor whirlpools. The spa has a dry sauna, a steam room, Himalayan salt treatments and more, for “the gift of ocean wellness,” which also includes workouts with free weights, 30-minute yoga classes, Pilates, and rowing machines.

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Explora Journeys, said to be the only major cruise line that’s privately owned, is part of the MSC Group. The Italian owners made their private yacht a model for the type of service they planned to deliver. EXPLORA Iis the first of a planned six ships, with EXPLORA II set to arrive in August 2024.

Along with many travel agents, a key market for Explora Journeys, I was invited on an introductory cruise from Los Angeles to Vancouver, Canada. Destinations enroute included San Francisco, Astoria, Oregon, and Victoria, British Columbia.

Michelin-star awarded Chef Claude Le Tohic, and staff at Anthology Restaurant on Explorer I.

Focusing on luxury, Explora’s rates are all-inclusive, including gratuities, alcohol and its powerful Wi-Fi service. A handful of amenities, such as Anthology Restaurant, which features a rotating cast of Michelin-star chefs , have an additional price.

For the cruises themselves, the prices we found range from a ten-night journey from Barcelona to Barcelona for $3,835 (via Gibraltar, Seville, Madera, etc.) to a 44-night extravaganza “connecting continents” from Vancouver to Barcelona via the US West Coast, Mexico, the Panama Canal, and the Mediterranean for $18,450.

The Explora experience began at the Port of Los Angeles, a warehouse-sized building reminiscent of a bus terminal. However, Explora Journeys made check-in fast and almost fun, with friendly representatives using data tablets to check us in at small tableclothed tables, rather than at the clerk’s counter.

The commitment to meeting passenger needs shows up everywhere, such as in the availability of 24-hour room service. The restaurants were uniformly excellent, and the fast elevators quickly whisked you from deck to deck. Yet after a couple of days, I really enjoyed taking breakfast in my cabin, eggs, waffles, pancakes, and vats of coffee.

EXPLORA I was full of such experiences. I watched a chanteuse descending the staircase into the grand Lounge Bar singing jazz standards. Later, I smoked a Winston Churchill Petit in the fragrant cigar lounge at midnight.

The grand Lobby Bar on Explora Journeys new cruise ship Explora I.

Explora Journeys is based in Geneva, so when I laid a couple of hundred-dollar bills on the blackjack table I was politely told to use my room card or change money at the cashier’s booth—euros only.

The friendly casino kept drawing me back. Of course, I ended up losing all my cash, but made $200 last the entire six -day cruise. The dealers seemed much more concerned if I was having a good time than those in Las Vegas.

The service was excellent, with barmen opening “closed” bars to pour drinks. Even when the crew didn’t fully understand a request, they gave it their all. In one lounge, I asked for a martini with blue cheese olives, aka ‘Maytag olives.” The server apparently rustled about the ship and returned with a small plate containing 4 ounces of blue cheese. I did not have the heart to tell him and instead, ate the evidence.

The ship has a well-equipped gym, but I also ran the marked jogging track on Deck 12 in my gray sweats in the wind, feeling like I was in CHARIOTS OF FIRE. I practiced hitting a pickleball over the net on the sports court and shot some 3-pointers.

Later, I sat in one of the EXPLORA I’s warm whirlpools directly overlooking the sea. The ship is said to have more water on board than any other.

The ship was so relaxing, in fact, that many passengers chose to stay on board during port days, taking advantage of massages and other services. Understood, as with cruising, the journey is really the destination.

A view of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge as seen from Marin Headlands in Sausalito, California, ... [+] United States on January 27, 2023. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

But they missed out on Explora Journeys well-organized excursions. In San Francisco, I took a coach tour into Marin County over the Golden Gate Bridge. The intrepid bus driver drove us safely over a zig-zagging road full of bicyclists to Muir Woods.

The guide told us about the history of the redwoods, how 95% of the old giants were cut down, and how they were saved at national parks like Muir Woods. Once we got there, he left us alone with our thoughts, to walk the easy trail and admire the trees.

The intrepid bus driver found a parking spot at the Marin Headlands overlooking San Francisco Bay for selfies of the Golden Gate Bridge. Memorably, we had sailed under the bridge on EXPLORA I’s journey into the city.

I particularly enjoyed the day we spent in Astoria, Oregon, a port city on the Columbia River where it flows into the Pacific. Founded in 1811, Astoria is a destination I might never have encountered if it were not for the cruise. Astoria got its name from wealthy New York entrepreneur John Jacob Astor, who monopolized the booming fur trade.

Our excursion brought us majestic views of the river dividing Oregon and Washington. We investigated the less-than-luxurious dwellings at the Lewis and Clark Fort where that expedition lived. At the Maritime Museum, we learned about the treacherous currents of the Columbia and the salmon cannery industry that once dominated the town.

Lunch at the Mediterranean Yacht Club with its fish, humus and other Mediterranean food was a treat. I enjoyed a great ribeye in Marble, the amazing steak restaurant on board. The fresh pizza on board was also great. Late at night, I thanked the servers who stayed open just for me, pouring a shot of Macallan before bed.

An Ocean Terrace Suite on the cruise ship Explora I. The entry-level suite is 374 square feet and ... [+] includes a terrace with a chaise lounge and a bathroom with heated floors.

The EXPLORA I makes a strong effort to keep the passengers entertained, with Broadway hits in the Journey Lounge, and individual performers in others. (I loved “Better Shape Up” from GREASE performed with just a guitar accompaniment). There are three Steinway pianos in different lounges. Explora also has alternate entertainment like silent discos, a tough trivia game, a cooking experience and “luminaries” on board to talk about various topics.

Cruise expert Chris Gray Faust, Executive Editor at Cruise Critic , says, “Explora Journeys is an entry into the luxury cruise world. Backed by the private shipping company MSC, the line has the money and ambition to fine tune its product to attract those guests who might normally choose a high-end resort or hotel, as opposed to a cruise.”

Before launching Explora Journeys, the founders interviewed 20,000 luxury travelers and 250 travel advisors. Chris Austin, Chief Sales Officer, said the idea was to “build a ship that’s like a private yacht. An intimate ship, with many, many spaces.”

What resulted, said Austin, is something “that doesn’t feel like a cruise ship, it feels like a luxury boutique hotel.” In terms of onboard shopping, “We have Piaget, Cartier, Panerai and the only Rolex watch store at sea.”

According to Austin, just 4% of luxury travelers cruise. But “after 8 months of operating, we are seeing cruisers on second and third cruise.” He added, “There is no more stunning view than when you sail into a port, as opposed to catching a taxi from the airport. Ultimately, having 6 ships will allow us to discover the world together. We call it the Ocean State of Mind.”

The new cruise ship EXPLORA in the Mediterranean.

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This posh cruise sails from Vancouver to the Caribbean Islands for a steal

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A cruise from Vancouver takes passengers on a bucket-list journey through the Panama Canal before making several stops in the Caribbean Islands. 

The cruise departs from Canada Place on Sunday, Sept. 29 and spends a couple of days at sea before stopping in San Francisco on Wednesday, Oct. 2. It spends one more day at sea before stopping in Mexico in Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta. 

Guests enjoy a day at sea before making two more stops in Mexico in Huatulco and Puerto Chiapas on Oct 10 and 11. The cruise visits Puerto Quetzal in Guatemala the following day before spending one more day at sea. 

On Oct. 13, the cruise will make a stop in Puntarenas, Guatemala. On Oct. 15, it will move through the awe-inspiring Panama Canal before spending several days at sea with a day in breathtaking Aruba sandwiched in between. 

The Panama Canal is considered a marvel of engineering and a favourite voyage of cruise enthusiasts. 

After stopping in Florida's Fort Lauderdale on Oct. 20, the cruise makes stops in Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos Islands, St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, San Juan in Puerto Rico, and Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas.

The cruise disembarks back in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday, Oct. 27. 

Vancouver cruise with Holland America Line through the Panama Canal 

Holland America Line is known for its mid-size vessels that can navigate this trim terrain. Fans of the cruise line typically enjoy sailing on ships they can become well acquainted with during the voyage and relish opportunities to speak with the captain and cruise director. 

The ship is the five-star Nieuw Amsterdam, which offers 11 bars and lounges, three swimming pools, a basketball court, a tennis court, hot tubs, a movie theatre, renowned spa treatments, a showroom, a jogging track, and much more. 

The total cost for the lead-in cabin category, an interior stateroom, is US$6,097.36 which converts to C$8,362.68 or C$4181.34 per person. This total breaks down to a per-diem, per-person amount of C$149.33 (see slide three).

One-way flights from Fort Lauderdale to Vancouver start for just over C$200 in October but typically involve two stops at that price. For an itinerary with only one stopover, prices typically start around C$250 (see slide four for details). 

Travellers should spend at least one night in Florida post-cruise before flying in case there are delays; it also gives them a chance to enjoy the sun-drenched state before returning to Raincouver.

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