american cruise line itineraries

American Cruise Lines Introducing New Ships and Itineraries Including All-New US National Parks Cruises

By: Author Carrie Ann Karstunen

Posted on October 6, 2023

Small-ship brand American Cruise Lines is unveiling two new ships and nine new itineraries for 2024, including immersive US National Parks cruises.

American Cruise Lines is gearing up for an exciting 2024 season that promises new cruise itineraries and the introduction of two state-of-the-art small ships.

In 2024, American Cruise Lines will debut two new small ships, American Liberty and American Legend , to join their growing fleet of 19 small ships and riverboats. These 100-passenger Coastal Cats will provide cruisers with opportunities to explore the picturesque New England coastline, the Chesapeake Bay, the Hudson River, and the scenic shores of Florida.

The new additions continue the brand’s commitment to offering intimate and personalized cruise experiences, accommodating just 90-180 guests per ship.

American Cruise Lines is also introducing nine new cruise itineraries for 2024, including the all-new US National Parks cruises . These itineraries will let travelers immerse themselves in the natural wonders of the United States, offering a unique perspective on the country’s incredible landscapes.

American Cruise Lines’ US National Parks Cruises

The US National Parks cruises are designed to connect cruisers with some of America’s most iconic natural treasures. Here’s a glimpse of what to expect:

• 18-Day Grand Alaska National Parks: This journey includes an 11-day Alaska cruise and 7 days of guided exploration in Denali and Kenai Fjords National Parks, as well as cruising in Glacier Bay National Park, the Inside Passage, and Frederick Sound. It’s an adventure that starts in Fairbanks, Alaska and concludes in Juneau.
• 15-Day Alaska National Parks: This itinerary combines an 8-day Alaska cruise with 7 days of guided exploration in Denali and Kenai Fjords National Parks and cruising in Glacier Bay National Park. It’s available from Fairbanks to Juneau.
• 11-Day Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Travelers will enjoy a cruise on the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers and spend 2 days exploring the beauty of Great Smoky National Park. This itinerary is available in both directions from Knoxville or Nashville.
• 15-Day National Parks & Legendary Rivers: This unique cruise includes an 8-day voyage on the Columbia and Snake Rivers and 7 days of guided exploration in three National Parks: Glacier, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton. Starting from both Jackson, Wyoming and Portland, Oregon, this itinerary provides an in-depth exploration of America’s Western beauty.

Exploring the US by cruise ship

In addition to the US National Parks cruises, American Cruise Lines will offer a variety of other cruise options. These include an 8-day Florida Gulf Coast & Keys cruise with excursions in Dry Tortugas National Park and Everglades National Park, Puget Sound cruises with excursions in Olympic National Park & Hurricane Ridge, and three different New England cruises with excursions in Acadia National Park.

For those seeking a truly immersive experience, American Cruise Lines is offering two historic cruises in 2024 that are the longest river cruise itineraries in US history. The 60-Day Great United States itinerary explores 20 US states, while the 35-Day Civil War Battlefields cruise delves into 20 Civil War battlefields, each involving exploration aboard three or more of American’s small ships and riverboats.

ACL announces new US departure ports for 2024

American Cruise Lines continues to expand its offerings, including departures from new US ports. The company will offer 11-Day American Revolution Cruises on the Chesapeake Bay, roundtrip from Washington DC, marking the first cruise line to dock in the nation’s capital in over 65 years.

In addition, American will begin offering its 15-Day Grand New England cruises, 11-Day New England Explorer cruises, and 8-Day Cape Codder cruises—all roundtrip from Boston —providing even more options to embark on your dream cruise.

Related : 30+ Fun Facts About Boston (By a Boston Native)

What to expect aboard American Cruise Lines

American Cruise Lines prides itself on offering an all-inclusive onboard experience for its guests. This means travelers can expect complimentary onboard enrichment and entertainment, fine cuisine, wine and beer with both lunch and dinner, and a festive cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres each evening.

Most ships also include complimentary alternative casual dining, breakfast room service, and Starlink Wi-Fi. Port charges and fees as well as tips and gratuities are also included for 2024 sailings.

Many of American’s cruises also include complimentary pre-cruise hotel stays, as well as extended pre-cruise packages. All the company’s River and Coastal cruises also offer domestic flat-rate airfare.

Related: Which Cruise Lines Have All-Inclusive Cruises?

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What are your thoughts about American Cruise Lines’ new ships and itineraries for 2024? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

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American Cruise Line’s coastal cruises include Alaska’s Inside Passage, New England cruises, the Intracoastal Waterway, Southeast and Chesapeake Bay Cruises, Puget Sound and San Juan Islands cruises. See current itineraries below.

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American Cruise Lines: 125 Ports and New Itineraries for 2024

• October 4, 2023

American Cruise Lines has announced two new small ships and nine new small ship itineraries featuring U.S. national parks cruises for 2024, according to a statement from the company.

American’s fleet will cruise in 35 states along 50-plus itineraries, exploring national parks along the Tennessee, Cumberland, Columbia and Snake rivers, and in Alaska.

The 2024 season will feature 19 small ships and riverboats visiting 125 U.S. ports of call, including new halts in Sag Harbor, New York; Washington, D.C.; St. Petersburg, Florida; and Key West, Florida.

Key 2024 U.S. National Parks Cruises:

18-day grand Alaska national parks: includes an 11-day Alaska cruise and seven days of guided exploration in the Denali and Kenai Fjords national parks; and sailing in the Glacier Bay National Park, the Inside Passage and Frederick Sound. It is available from Fairbanks, Alaska, to Juneau, Alaska.

15-day Alaska national parks: includes an eight-day Alaska cruise and seven days of guided exploration in the Denali and Kenai Fjords national parks; and cruising in the Glacier Bay National Park. It is available from Fairbanks, Alaska, to Juneau, Alaska.

11-day Great Smoky Mountains National Park: includes a cruise on the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers and two days of guided explorations in the Great Smoky National Park. It is available in both directions from Knoxville, Tennessee, or Nashville, Tennessee.

15-day national parks and legendary rivers: includes an eight-day cruise on the Columbia and Snake rivers and seven days of guided exploration in Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. It is available in both directions from Jackson, Wyoming, or Portland, Oregon.

American is also offering two new itineraries in the northeast, an eight-day Downeast Maine cruise (roundtrip from Bangor, Maine); and an eight-day Yankee Seaports cruise (between Boston, Massachusetts and New York City). In the southeast, American is offering a new, eight-day Florida Gulf Coast and Keys cruise roundtrip from St. Petersburg, Flordia, including exploration of the Dry Tortugas and Everglades national parks.

The company will introduce two more 100-passenger ships, the American Liberty and American Legend, which begin cruising in June and October 2024, respectively.

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Explore 20 US states over 2 months on this new river cruise itinerary

If you have a U.S. travel bucket list, a new sailing from American Cruise Lines is sure to check at least a few items off.

The line will sail a new 61-day itinerary exploring 20 states across four time zones, the company announced this week. The Great United States sailing , which debuts next fall, will start at the Pacific coast and head east, including visits to several national parks.

“The Great United States cruise is a fantastic showcase of our country and of the breadth of American Cruise Lines," Charles B. Robertson, president and CEO of American Cruise Lines, said in a news release . "A river cruise of this magnitude has never been done before in the U.S., and only American Cruise Lines is capable of delivering it successfully."

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When is the Great United States sailing?

The first Great United States itinerary will sail from Portland, Oregon, on Aug. 14, 2024, through Oct. 14, 2024, on the line's American Jazz, American Symphony and American Independence vessels.

Where will the Great United States itinerary visit?

The sailing will begin on American Jazz in Portland, Oregon, and head to Clarkston, Washington, along the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Guests can then explore Hells Canyon.

That will be followed by a land package that allows guests to tour Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park, ending in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. After traveling to New Orleans, guests will sail along the Mississippi River on American Symphony on the itinerary's second cruise segment, featuring iconic American wildlife such as bald eagles and a visit to Mark Twain's childhood home, according to the release.

The rest of the journey will take guests to Portland, Maine; Boston; Newport, Rhode Island; Mystic, Connecticut; and more on American Independence. Passengers can take in views of fall foliage in the Hudson River Valley, Gilded Age mansions, and the Statue of Liberty as they sail into New York City.

How much will the Great United States itinerary cost?

The itinerary costs between $51,060 and $77,945 per person based on double occupancy depending on the stateroom, according to the release, and passengers must pay a $5,000 deposit for each guest when they make their reservation.

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The fare includes a hotel stay before the cruise, food and drinks, flights and hotels between cruise segments, gratuities, Wi-Fi and more.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

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Port Colborne ON (Ontario Canada, Niagara Falls)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Canada and USA Rivers

Local Time 2024-05-13 03:17

Port Port Colborne ON cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Port Colborne ON, Ontario Canada, Niagara Falls. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Port Colborne is a Lake Erie cruise port and city in Canada's Ontario Province (Niagara Region), with population around 18,000. From the lake the Port is accessed via the Welland Canal . Via bus tours from Port Colborne are accessed the Niagara Falls. The distance between Port Colborne and Niagara Falls is approx 35 km (20 mi / ~0,5-hour drive) via King's Highway 140. When traveling on large ships, Niagara Fallas are accessed via bus tours from Toronto .

The city's current-day economy is heavily based on shipping (maritime commerce, ship-repairs, ship recycling) and tourism, as well as on well-developed industries like food processing (Jungbunzlauer Canada Inc, Port Colborne Poultry Ltd, Ingredion Canada Inc), nickel mining and processing (Vale Canada Ltd/subsidiary of Vale SA/Brazil), manufacturing (Oskam Steel Fabricators Ltd, IMT Partnership, Thurston Machine Company Ltd, JTL Integrated Machine Ltd, ADM Milling). Local businesses (including Vale's nickel refinery) benefit from the cheap electricity generated at Niagara Falls.

Besides the nearby Niagara Falls and Lake Erie's beaches and marinas (pleasure boats- and yachts-serving facilities), local tourist attractions include Canal Days (Welland-themed annual marine festival), Historical and Marine Museum (near downtown), Showboat Festival Theatre. Along the Welland Canal are located numerous tourism-oriented facilities serving golfing, fishing, boating (Sugarloaf Harbour Marina), trailing, dining (restaurants and cafes), shopping (Port Promenade), recreational parks (Nickel Beach, Lock 8 Gateway Park, HH Knoll Lakeview Park).

The settlement was established in the early-19th-century (as Gravelly Bay) and later renamed to honor John Colborne/1st Baron Seaton (1778-1863, was a British Army officer/Field Marshal and colonial governor). When the Welland Canal was opened (1833) he was the acting Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada (appointed in 1828). Previously, the region was inhabited by the Iroquois tribe. Port Colborne received village status in 1870, town status in 1918, and city status in 1966. The city was expanded several times via mergers with neighboring communities.

The Welland Canal (length 43 km / 27 mi) via 8 locks connects Lake Ontario (north/Port Weller) and Lake Erie (south/Port Colborne). The waterway can be navigated by ships with max LOA length 226 m (740 ft), max width 24 m (78 ft), max draft 8 m (27 ft), max height 35,5 m (116 ft / Garden City Skyway Bridge's clearance). The average time for ships to pass through the waterway's entire length is ~11 hours.

Welland is part of the St Lawrence Seaway and the Great Lakes Waterway (both are systems of natural channels and artificial canals interconnecting the Great Lakes). Welland Canal was constructed between 1824-29. Its locks allow marine vessels to bypass Niagara Falls. Welland's southern terminus (Lake Erie) is higher (100 m / 326 ft) than the Lake Ontario terminus.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls are three waterfalls that span the USA-Canada border (New York-Ontario) - Horseshoe Falls (largest) is on the border while the smaller ones (American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls) are in the USA. Buffalo NY is approx 27 km (17 mi) to the south, Toronto is approx 121 km (75 mi) to the north.

Niagara Falls follow Niagara River (north/drains Lake Erie into Lake Ontario) and have max height/vertical drop 51 m (160 ft). Every minute, 168000+ m3 of water goes over the waterfalls. The average annual flow per second is 6400+ m3.

The cities Niagara Falls (Ontario) and Niagara Falls (New York) are interconnected via two bridges - Rainbow Bridge (open to non-commercial vehicle traffic and pedestrians) and Whirlpool Rapids Bridge (Niagara River's oldest).

Niagara River's first hydropower plant was built in 1881, generating electricity mainly for the local mills. Built between 1957-61, the Robert Moses Niagara Hydroelectric Power Station (in Lewiston NY) uses 13 generators with max power output 2675 MW. With annual capacity 2,4 GW, this is New York state's largest electricity producer.

Through the hydropower station every second pass ~1420 m3 (~380,000 US gallons) of water. Currently, 50-75% of the river's flow is diverted (via 4x tunnels) upstream from the waterfalls, passing thru the turbine generators then returning to the river again (near Lake Ontario).

Sir Adam Beck Hydroelectric Generating Stations (in Niagara Falls ON) are owned by the Crown corporation Ontario Power Generation Inc. These two Canadian stations (Adam Beck 1, and Adam Beck 2) divert water from Welland River (via Chippawa-Queenston Power Canal) into three tunnels (under Niagara Falls). Both stations have combined power output 1997 MW.

Currently, 50-75% of Niagara River's flow is diverted (via 4x tunnels) upstream from the waterfalls, passing thru the turbine generators then returning to the river again (near Lake Ontario).

Niagara Falls' tourist season runs between April 1st and October 31st.

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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. 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 visit 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 multigenerational experience.

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

Holland America's 14- to 17-night Panama Canal cruises

Holland America offers a variety of Panama Canal cruises , but the most popular itineraries span 14 to 17 nights. They offer a full transit between Fort Lauderdale or Miami and San Diego, Seattle or Vancouver, British Columbia, or vice versa and are offered on multiple ships, including Koningsdam, Zuiderdam, Zaandam, Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam. These sailings call on Cartagena, Colombia; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; and Huatulco and Puerto Vallarta or Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Longer sailings also call on several Caribbean islands.

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 2,650 passengers and offer signature onboard experiences that include the Greenhouse Spa and the World Stage for evening production shows. The larger Eurodam, Koningsdam and Nieuw Amsterdam feature additional specialty dining options, such as Tamarind and Nami Sushi, as well as popular music venues B.B. King's Blues Club and Billboard Onboard.

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

Regent Seven Seas Cruises ' newest ship, Seven Seas Grandeur, debuted in November 2023 and will transit the Panama Canal on several occasions in the next few years. 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; Cartagena, Colombia; and George Town, Grand Cayman.

Plan even further ahead for Grandeur's 22-night Miami-to-Los Angeles transit (Jan. 3-25, 2026) to enjoy additional Caribbean ports of call. From Jan. 25 to Feb. 9, 2026, the ship will sail a 16-night Panama Canal transit from Los Angeles to Miami with an itinerary similar to the 2024 and early 2025 cruises.

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 $10,099 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 9 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 still time to book the Dec. 2, 2024, cruise or the half-dozen almost identical sailings that follow through April 2025. All sailings are aboard the 3,260-passenger 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 baby 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 or small ship, check out Windstar Cruises' seven-night Costa Rica & Panama Canal itinerary. Bookable on more than a dozen dates from November 2024 through March 2026, the itinerary is offered aboard 148-passenger Wind Star or Wind Spirit (in 2024 and 2025) and 312-passenger Star Pride (in 2026). The ship will travel from Colon, Panama, to Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica (or vice versa), transiting the canal. Passengers can 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 ambience, are interested in nature and wildlife and wish to sample the regional flavors of Central America should consider a Windstar cruise . All accommodations on the sailing yachts are in snug yet well-designed staterooms with windows but no balconies. Wind Star and Wind Spirit are cozy and social four-deck ships, each featuring a pool and pool bar, a lounge and two restaurants. Star Pride is the better option for those who prefer a more spacious suitelike cabin with a balcony and a larger bathroom.

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

Silversea's 18-night Fort Lauderdale-to-Los Angeles cruise

Silversea Cruises ' 18-night Fort Lauderdale-to-Los Angeles transit aboard 596-passenger Silver Moon offers a luxurious and leisurely way to experience the Panama Canal along with top ports in four countries and 10 sea days. The itinerary includes Cartagena, Colombia (where the ship overnights); Puntarenas, Costa Rica; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; and Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The sailing takes place from April 1 to 19, 2025.

Silver Moon is one of four Silversea ships to feature the S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) program, which combines regionally inspired dining in S.A.L.T. Kitchen, cooking classes and demonstrations in S.A.L.T. Lab with culinary-inspired shore excursions.

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. An almost three-week 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-night Panama Canal cruise from Tampa

Experiencing the Panama Canal doesn't have to be time-consuming or budget-busting. Carnival Cruise Line 's eight-night Panama Canal from Tampa itinerary offers a round-trip, partial-transit sailing aboard the 2,124-passenger Carnival Legend and Carnival Miracle. The ships call in Limon, Costa Rica, and George Town, Grand Cayman. Itineraries are available on several dates in 2024 and 2025, and cruise fares begin at under $900 per person.

With multiple pools (including the adults-only aft Serenity Pool), a WaterWorks aqua park, the Camp Ocean kids club and a wide array of restaurants, these ships offer 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 ambience and casual complimentary dining options (including a Guy Fieri burger venue).

Related: The best cruise lines for families

Seabourn's 34-night Caribbean Gems & Panama Canal cruise

For a one-way Panama Canal transit that visits 12 countries (St. Barts, Guadeloupe, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, the British Virgin Islands, the Dominican Republic, Curacao, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala and Mexico) and offers 15 relaxing and luxurious days at sea, consider Seabourn 's 34-night Caribbean Gems & Panama Canal cruise. The 450-guest Seabourn Sojourn will sail from Miami to Los Angeles, departing in November 2025.

You'll enjoy beach time as you island hop in the Caribbean, while 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 monthlong 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' 12-night Panama Canal with Costa Rica & Caribbean cruise

While Princess Cruises does offer several longer ocean-to-ocean Panama Canal itineraries, its popular 12-night Panama Canal with Costa Rica & Caribbean cruises conveniently sail round trip from Fort Lauderdale on more than 20 dates in 2024, 2025 and 2026.

What's more, you can choose between two ships: the 3,140-guest Caribbean Princess or the 3,080-guest Emerald Princess. In addition to the partial transit, these sailings call on several Caribbean islands, including Aruba, Curacao, Jamaica and Grand Cayman, 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 (versus 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 12-night South America: Peru, Colombia & Ecuador cruise

There's no "Panama Canal" in this itinerary's name, but Norwegian Cruise Line 's 12-night South America: Peru, Colombia & Ecuador cruise (Feb. 27-March 11, 2026) does a full canal transit as it sails from Miami to Lima, Peru. The 2,402-passenger Norwegian Jade will visit historic Santa Marta and Cartagena in Colombia; Panama City; Manta, Ecuador; and Trujillo and Lima in Peru.

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 Jade is an older, smaller vessel that was refurbished in 2022 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 pub-style bar and grill, an Asian restaurant and an outdoor grill on a complimentary basis, plus six specialty dining venues (including a steakhouse and venues showcasing French, Italian and Japanese cuisines) for an added fee.

Oceania's 16-night Miami-to-Los Angeles cruise

Oceania Cruises ' 1,200-passenger Vista — which debuted in May 2023 as the first new-build ship in Oceania's fleet in more than a decade — will offer back-to-back, 16-night Miami-to-Los Angeles (Jan. 8-24, 2025) and Los Angeles-to-Miami (Jan. 24-Feb. 9, 2025) itineraries. 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 cabin decor in soft hues of wheat and seagrass, mix of grand and intimate spaces and wide array of dining options. (Two new and noteworthy venues on Vista include 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 26-night Southampton-to-San Francisco cruise

Cunard's brand-new 2,996-passenger ship Queen Anne, which debuts in May 2023, will make both its first transatlantic crossing and its first Panama Canal transit on this historic 26-night Southampton-to-San Francisco sailing (Jan. 9-Feb. 4, 2025). The ship will first cross the Atlantic and then overnight in New York before calling on Aruba, transiting the canal and visiting Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. It will conclude with an overnight in San Francisco.

The winter transatlantic crossing might not be right for everyone, but the second half of this voyage explores warm-weather destinations with plenty of relaxing sea days for sunning, reading, taking dance lessons and enjoying expert lectures.

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. This particular itinerary appeals to retirees who wish to visit several cruise regions in one sailing.

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.

If this longer voyage is sold out, consider the 138-day Viking World Cruise (departing Dec. 19, 2025), also on Viking Sky. This sailing, which travels from Fort Lauderdale to London (Greenwich), visits 28 countries and transits the Panama Canal on the eighth day.

Who should go : With cruise fares that start at $79,995 and $59,995 per person, respectively, these extended adventures at sea require 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 ambience (there's no casino, and the nighttime vibe is on the quiet side).

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.