panama canal cruise on viking

Classic Panama Canal Passage

Oct 2022 - Feb 2023 on board Viking Star

• FREE VIEW DETAILS
• Reduced Air starting from $Free Air * & FREE Transfers
• FREE Pre-paid Gratuities (value up to $)
• FREE Wine, Beer & Soft drinks (w/ onboard lunch & dinner)
• FREE Specialty Coffees, Teas & Bottled Water
• FREE Specialty Dining
• FREE Guided Tour
• FREE Shipboard Credit (up to $1,000 CAD**/stateroom)
• FREE Enrichment Lectures
• ALL Taxes & Fees
• PLUS Travel Insurance ‡ Trip Cancellation & Trip Interruption NO AGE LIMIT | NO MEDICAL QUESTIONNAIRE | PRE-EXISTING CONDITION WAIVED See: Summary of Coverage / Insurance Policy / Resolution Policy

About Silver Spirits

What Does the Complimentary Silver Spirits Beverage Package Cover?

• Offers a value of $55 CAD per day, per cabin

• Includes any drinks up to $15.00

• including premium wines by the glass, cocktails and aperitifs

• The Chef’s Table premium wine pairing (Ocean Specialty Dining Only)

• A selection of wines, which change twice per cruise

• 15% discount on premium beverages above $50

• Soft drinks and juices

Note: Silver Spirits Beverage Inclusions may vary between River and Ocean voyages and may be subject to change

Complimentary Silver Spirits Beverage Package Applies To:

• Ocean and River, 8-15 Day Voyages, departing 2020 & 2021

• New bookings only made from 1/25 – 1/30/2020

• Does not apply to Expedition Voyages

*Promo includes Viking Air from select gateways: Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto. Air available from other gateways. Air offer and pricing may vary across gateways, saildates and itineraries. Airport transfers included with Viking purchased Air (to and from cruise terminal) on cruise dates. If air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. Reverse itineraries available for multiple dates. Call for details.

Ft. Lauderdale ↔ Panama City Ft. Lauderdale to Panama City

Panama city to ft. lauderdale, viking star.

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Inventory is limited. Speak to our Cruise Specialist.

Advertised prices in CAD, per person based on double occupancy. New bookings only and may not be combinable with other offers and promotions. **Savings are “up to”, per couple based on double occupancy and included in advertised fares. Gov’t taxes & fees included.

Roundtrip Air is from select North American gateways. Low air add-on available for other gateways. Some airline-imposed personal charges, including but not limited to baggage, priority boarding, and special seating, may apply.

Transfers (ship to airport; airport to ship) on days of embarkation/disembarkation are extra charges unless otherwise noted.

Some Oceanview and Balcony staterooms may have obstruction views. Call for details.

Shipboard Credit applies to select cruise lines and voyages and may vary based on length of voyage and stateroom category. Call for details.

Perks (Drinks, prepaid gratuities, specialty dining are based on 1st and 2nd guests in a stateroom). Perks apply to select cruise lines and may vary per cruise line. Call for details. FREE WIFI applies to select cruise lines and select voyages. Number of login varies per cruise line. Call for details.

Free Shore Excursions apply to select cruise lines. Shore Excursions vary per cruise line. Call for details.

Pre & Post cruise hotel applies to select cruise lines, select voyages and select gateways. Call for details.

Reduced and refundable deposit terms and conditions vary per cruise line.  Call for details. Viking charges a non-refundable $100/person fee at time of booking. 

‡Travel Insurance (Trip Cancellation & Trip Interruption) is group insurance administered by Travel Guard Group Canada, Inc. and underwritten by AIG Insurance Company of Canada. The Summary of Coverage contains reductions, limitations, exclusions, termination provisions and sanction wording. The cost of the insurance is included in the price of the cruise, and the price cannot be reduced for those who reside where coverage is not available or who are not medically able to travel.

Emergency medical coverage is available at additional cost. Travel insurance included is not available to residents of Quebec.

Travel Insurance Included is for Balcony and Higher categories (Celebrity Cruises, Princess, Holland America and Oceania). Travel Insurance included applies to all categories for Regent and Silversea President’s Cruise. Travel Insurance is NOT included for Viking voyages.

Cruise line reserves the right to charge a fuel supplement without prior notice, including on fully paid bookings. All offers, rates & sailings subject to change & availability at time of booking. Promotion is capacity controlled and may be pulled out at any time without prior notice. Certain restrictions apply.

Cruise Connections reserves the right to correct errors & omissions. BPCPA #28364.

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14 Night Panama Canal & Central America

Focusing their sailings on the culture of each cruises destination. Onboard each sailing you have lectures, demonstrations and tastings as part of a Culture Curriculum.

Experience rich island cultures and dazzling blend of turquoise waters, emerald isles, European legacies, magnificent natural beauty and breathtaking manmade wonders on your Viking Oceans cruise to the Caribbean.

With incredible weather, delicious fare and some stupendous attractions, you will find that Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades is one of the most attractive ports in the entire US.

• Viking Mars - Passenger Capacity: 930 (double occupancy) Year Built: 2022 Last Refurbished: N/A

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Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida , Cozumel, Mexico , Belize City, Belize , Caldera (san Jose), Costa Rica , Colon, Panama , Montego Bay, Jamaica

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14 Night Panama Canal & Central America sailing on the Viking Mars

Departure dates: nov 2024 - feb 2026.

From $5,399

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Rates and offers are subject to select dates and categories, cruise only, per person, based on double occupancy, in US Dollars, and include NCCF. Government taxes and fees are additional. All rates and offers are capacity controlled, are subject to availability and confirmation, and may change without notice. Adjustments for currency and/or fuel fluctuations may apply. Air seats are limited; therefore, air fares are subject to change and not guaranteed until full payment is received. Optional shore excursions/tours/concerts, excess baggage charges, drinks, beverages and meals not included in the package are additional costs to the passenger. Additional restrictions may apply. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed -- please confirm details at time of booking. Stateroom photos are for sample purposes only -- actual design and layout may vary.

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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.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

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:

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Panama Canal & Central America

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For current fares, please call a viking expert: +44 208 780 8564 or request a quote today., onboard gratuities included.

*All prices are per-person based on double occupancy and reflect our current offers. Strikeout prices reflect brochure pricing.

*All prices are per-person based on double occupancy and reflect our current offers.

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More features, services and excursions included.

Return flights from London and selected regional airports

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

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Your Stateroom Includes:

King-size Viking Explorer Bed with luxury linen

42" flat-screen LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand

Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Direct-dial satellite phone & cell service

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110/220 volt outlets

Ample USB ports

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YOUR FINANCIAL PROTECTION All of our holidays are bonded and protected by ATOL and ABTA. The flights shown on your booking confirmation are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is ATOL 3124. All the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our  booking conditions  for more information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to  www.caa.co.uk/ATOLCertificate

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Viking Cruises' is a trading name of Viking River Cruises UK Limited (company registered in England and Wales, Company Reg. Number 1283655) whose registered office is at Nelsons House, 83 Wimbledon Park Side, London SW19 5LP.

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What to pack for a Panama Canal cruise

P acking for a cruise that travels through the Panama Canal isn't all that different from packing for an itinerary for other tropical destinations. However, since the trip brings with it the bucket list experience of the all-day canal crossing, which can last 10 hours or more, you'll want to make sure to bring things to stay comfortable outside on deck and items to capture and truly enjoy this unique journey.

You'll also want to pack for the other destinations on your itinerary, whether they're Caribbean islands, other Central American ports or both.

Follow this Panama Canal cruise packing list to make sure you don't forget anything on your Central America cruise of a lifetime.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Panama has a hot and humid, tropical climate, with temperatures that stay pretty constant throughout the year, in the mid- to high-80s Fahrenheit during the day and the mid-70s at night.

The rainy season generally lasts from May to December, bringing anywhere from 10 to 30 inches of rain, while the shorter dry season runs from January to May. As is typical in tropical destinations, showers can be brief, passing quickly before the sun comes back out.

Considering you're going to be outside for a long time watching your ship pass through 12 locks and travel across Gatún Lake, you'll want to pack to protect yourself rain or shine.

Related: 12 best Panama Canal cruises for a bucket-list trip

Sun protection

It will take your ship at least 10 hours to traverse the entire Panama Canal, and since this crossing is such a unique experience, you'll want to be on deck for much of that time. This means you'll need ample protection from the already intense Panama sun, made more so as it reflects off the water.

Pack sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30; spray is convenient, but it doesn't provide as much coverage as lotion and is better for touch-ups. If you're not checking your luggage, purchase a set of small silicone squeeze bottles that meet TSA carry-on liquid requirements and fill them with sunscreen lotion.

If you're planning any snorkeling expeditions during the rest of the cruise, buy reef-safe sunscreen, which uses a physical barrier like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide rather than a chemical one. Don't forget lip balm with an SPF, too.

Bring sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection and a hat with a wide or floppy brim to shield your face from the sun. Choose one with a chin strap, so it doesn't blow off on the windy deck. A rashguard, swimshirt, quick-drying board shorts (or another quick-drying bathing suit) and a cover-up are useful if you want to take a quick dip the day of the crossing but don't want to miss anything by going back to your cabin to change.

Related: Packing for a cruise? These items aren't allowed on board

All of these items will also come in handy for any tropical beach ports on the itinerary before or after the Panama Canal crossing.

Comfortable clothing and shoes

Your Panama Canal cruise packing list should be full of cool and comfortable clothing to help you weather the Panamanian heat. Natural fabrics like cotton and linen are a better choice than synthetic ones like polyester. Shorts and T-shirts are safe bets, as are cotton skirts or sundresses.

If you plan on being up on deck in the early morning hours as your vessel enters the first set of locks, you might want to bring a lightweight sweatshirt, cotton sweater or casual button-down shirt that you can remove as the sun and heat become more intense.

A lightweight rain jacket or poncho will keep you dry during those brief tropical showers that can leave as quickly as they came. You'll definitely need wet-weather gear if you're cruising during the rainy season.

Since you might be standing for much of the day, pack comfortable shoes — whatever that means for you. Some people prefer sneakers or tennis shoes, while others like boat shoes or sandals.

Even if you love wearing flip-flops, pack a pair of sneakers or close-toed shoes if you've signed up for excursions during the rest of the cruise, such as a Panama City walking tour, visit to a coffee plantation or a hike through a rainforest.

Eveningwear

While you'll want to be comfortable and casual during the crossing and any excursions, you might need to pack dressier attire for the evenings.

Depending on the cruise line and onboard restaurants you select, dinners can be casual, dressy or semi-formal. Plus, cruises often have themed nights where passengers are invited to wear a certain color or costume. Check the cruise line's website for the most relevant information about what to pack for evening soirees.

Related: Bow ties and ballgowns: 5 reasons I always dress up on cruise ship formal nights

If you don't have room to pack a multitude of dressy outfits, stick with neutral colors that you can dress up with accessories, like a basic black dress with a few scarves or different jewelry, or a tan suit with a few ties and pocket squares.

Items to help you capture the Panama Canal crossing

If you're a serious photographer, pack a point-and-shoot or digital SLR camera with a decent zoom lens to capture the Panama Canal crossing and the scenery and wildlife you view along the journey. A tripod that wraps around the ship's railing, like ones made by GorillaPod, will come in handy for hands-free shooting and time-lapse photos and video.

Depending on the make and model of your cell phone, your camera might be sufficient to take high-quality pictures and videos — especially if you just want to capture memories for social media or a photo book when you come home. If your cell phone tends to lose battery power quickly, bring an external charging block, so you can stay juiced up all day and don't have to be tied to an outlet.

A waterproof phone case will be helpful in case it's raining on the day of the crossing. Plus, you can use it for beach, boating and snorkeling excursions the rest of the cruise.

If your phone doesn't already have a time-lapse feature, download an app designed for this purpose; going through each lock is a time-consuming process of entering the lock and having it filled or emptied to raise or lower the ship. Time-lapse videos that capture this process are very cool. You'll want a tripod that attaches to your phone for the best results.

Binoculars are useful for spotting wildlife on the banks of Gatún Lake. You might also want a small notebook to jot down notes, thoughts and cool things you see, as well as factoids from the onboard local guide providing commentary during the Panama Canal crossing.

Books about the Panama Canal and the surrounding region

If you're a reader who wants to glean all you can about this engineering marvel, pack a book that tells about the history and construction of the canal or download one onto your Kindle.

"The Path Between the Seas: The Creation of the Panama Canal, 1870-1914," by David McCullough does an excellent job of capturing the tragedy and triumph involved in building the canal.

If you're traveling with kids, "What is the Panama Canal?" by Janet B. Pascal breaks it down in an accessible way designed for those aged 8 to 12.

"Silver People: Voices from the Panama Canal" by Margarita Engle talks about the human toll that was needed, and "Erased: The Untold Story of the Panama Canal" by Marixa Lasso recounts the history from the Panamian point of view.

Related: The best time to cruise the Panama Canal

If you want something that encompasses more about the region, especially if you'll be exploring Caribbean islands on your cruise, James Michener's classic "Caribbean: A Novel" takes you through 700 years of conquests, pirates, revolution and romance.

While not necessary, a few optional items can make your trip more pleasant.

You'll be thankful for a portable fan charged via USB when you're standing on the deck during your crossing, embarking on a walking tour or waiting in line.

A wet bag to keep your phone and valuables dry is helpful for snorkeling trips, sunset cruises and jet skiing, and a lightweight nylon backpack that folds into itself will be great to hold what you need during city jaunts and day trips away from the ship.

Insect repellent will keep those pesky mosquitos, which can be brutal in Central America, especially after it rains, at bay.

Panama Canal cruise packing list

Here is a list of some essential items, as well as nice-to-haves, for your Panama Canal cruise adventure:

• Comfortable warm weather clothing (shorts, skorts, skirts, T-shirts, tank tops, cotton or linen casual button-down shirts for layering)
• Swimwear, including a rashguard, swim shirt, board shorts and/or beach coverup
• Lightweight rain jacket
• Comfortable shoes
• Flip-flops or sandals
• Evening attire for nicer dinners and events on the ship
• Wide-brimmed or floppy sun hat, ideally with a chin strap
• Toiletries and medications
• Sunscreen (minimum 30 SPF and ideally reef-safe) and lip balm with sun protection
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Insect repellent
• Charging block
• Waterproof phone case
• Point-and-shoot or digital SLR camera (optional)
• Tripod with wraparound stand
• Small backpack (ideally a nylon one that folds into itself)
• Books about the Panama Canal

Related: The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Bottom line

Packing for a Panama Canal cruise is similar to other Caribbean sailings, but you'll want a few extra things that will help you enjoy — and mark — the most memorable day in your bucket list itinerary.

Photos and videos are fitting souvenirs of this event, so make sure you're prepared on the tech side. But since you'll also want to be in the moment and take in all the sights and sounds, dress comfortably and protect yourself from the elements. In that way, you can better enjoy the 48-mile ride without distraction.

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
• 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.

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