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Panama Canal Cruises

Set sail with princess – the #1 panama canal cruise line. experience unique engineering, rainforest & wildlife and culture..

Best Cruise Line Itineraries

13-Time Winner Recommend Magazine

We’re the number one cruise line sailing to this travel wish list destination, and as awe-inspiring as it is to travel through one of the greatest wonders to see by ship, we’ll help you explore equally fascinating places along the way. So stretch out on a Caribbean beach, admire the pristine rainforests, stroll the cobbled streets of historic towns and journey through the fabled Panama Canal with Princess.

Why Princess is the #1 Panama Canal Cruise Line

Meaningful travel to a must-see destination

Destination Best Seen by Ship

The Panama Canal is a unique destination and one of the only destinations in the world that is better seen by ship. Grab a spot on the top deck or your balcony and witness how the system of locks operates as the water elevators raise the ship from sea level to the water levels of Gatun Lake (26 meters above sea level) and then lowers to sea level on the other side. Truly a unique experience you can only have being onboard a ship transiting the Panama Canal.

Destination immersion

We craft our Panama Canal itineraries to enrich our guests' experiences to provide the most exposure to this must-see destination. You'll be enchanted by Spanish and Dutch cities dating back centuries, as well as diverse tropical rainforests, white-sand beaches, dramatic volcanoes, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. And Princess provides live narration from the bridge while transiting the locks, just one reason we were voted "Best Cruise Line for Enrichment" by Cruise International .

The leader in the Panama Canal

From ships custom-built to sail the massive locks to immersive onboard programs and onshore adventures that inspire, Princess is the number one way to explore this epic phenomenon. We've sailed the Panama Canal since 1967 and we have more itinerary choices and departures of any cruise line in the region.

Abundant adventures ashore

Each voyage offers a myriad of experiences and cultures. There is something for every type of explorer in this culturally diverse region. Choose from immersive excursions such as exploring the engineering mastery of the Canal, trekking through surrounding rainforests, visiting local villages, and relaxing on the pristine beaches of the Caribbean.

• Scenic cruising of Gatun Lake

Home to lush tropical landscapes and unique wildlife, included in every Panama Canal Cruise. Gatun Lake is one of the largest freshwater human-made lakes in the world, located south of Colon, Panama, and is a major part of the Panama Canal operation. 

Panama Canal Cruise Departure Ports

Up to 40% off + $99 Deposit†

Ft. Lauderdale

From the East Coast

• Two great itineraries to choose from to experience the transit of the Panama Canal
• Sail roundtrip or Ocean to Ocean to experience the transit of the Panama Canal
• Visit the pristine beaches of the Caribbean and explore the lush rainforests of Costa Rica

Lost Angeles & San Francisco

From the West Coast

• Sail Ocean to Ocean and transit all three sets of locks and sail through history
• Experience a full transit of the Panama Canal, ocean to ocean

Port Canaveral, New York, and Vancouver B.C.

Other Departure Locations

• Select sailings roundtrip from Port Canaveral, New York, or Vancouver

Panama Canal Beautiful Port Cities

Limon offers an incredible blend of lush rainforests, historic banana plantations, and exotic wildlife, making it a must-visit port. Dive into the magic of the Sloth Sanctuary, where you can meet these adorable creatures up close. For an unforgettable experience, the Rainforest Aerial Tram provides breathtaking views from the treetops, showcasing the vibrant flora and fauna in a private nature preserve.

Fuerte Amador

Located at the gateway to the Pacific side of the Panama Canal, Fuerte Amador offers convenient access to the bustling Panama City. This charming causeway is lined with delightful shops, inviting restaurants, and specialty stores, all set against the backdrop of stunning city views. Don't miss the chance to marvel up close and personal at the engineering marvel of the canal’s expansion from a unique vantage point. 

Bonaire is a diver's paradise, renowned for its pristine waters, vibrant marine life, and spectacular coral reefs. This Dutch Caribbean island is also home to the captivating pink flamingo, adding a touch of elegance to your visit. With its world-class diving and snorkeling sites, Bonaire promises unforgettable underwater adventures and scenic beauty at every turn.

Aruba is the epitome of a Caribbean paradise, famed for its stunning palm-fringed beaches and crystal-clear waters. This idyllic island offers perfect conditions for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing, making it a top destination for beach lovers. Discover the intriguing "Antilla" shipwreck, the largest in the Caribbean, now a haven for diverse sea life and a popular spot for diving enthusiasts.

Panama Canal Cruise Articles and Videos

Find fascinating articles with Panama Canal cruise tips for experiencing unforgettable attractions, regional cuisine, and more on both sides of this epic human-made wonder.

San Juan del Sur Excursions: A Volcanic Adventure in Nicaragua

Have a volcanic adventure during San Juan del Sur excursions from Princess Cruises. Nicaragua excursions show you dynamic landscapes and exotic wildlife.

Top Five Panama Canal Shore Excursions and Attractions

From walking the ruins of Old Panama to a tram ride through Soberania National Park, you'll come back enriched and enlightened from your Panama Canal cruise.

Try These 6 Panamanian Foods on Your Panama Canal Cruise

Taste your way through the diverse culinary culture of Panama on your Panama Canal cruise with Princess.

Costa Rica Excursions: Something for Everyone

Partake in a Costa Rica excursion for a Caribbean adventure with Princess Cruises. There's something for everyone on Costa Rica shore excursions.

Panama Cruises Trivia: 5 Facts You Should Know About The Panama Canal

Test your knowledge of facts about the Panama Canal with Princess Cruises.

Travel, Airfare, & Hotels: Let Princess Get You There

Princess EZair® Flights

Stress-free airfare

Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time, and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair® flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airlines, allow you to modify your flight up to 45 days prior with no penalty, and protect you if your flight is late or canceled.

Princess EZair flight quotes are available on our cruise search result details pages.

Airplane to Ship Transfer

We get you where you need to go

Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

Stay longer and relax

Extend your cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling, and the representative’s services.

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Find our top sales, deals, partnerships and promotions for our destinations all in one place. We run promotions throughout the year and sometimes run sweepstakes where you can win prizes.

You May Also Like

5 facts you should know about the panama canal.

 If you're thinking about Panama Canal cruises, there's no better time to check out this human-made marvel.

When you're in Panama, you'll find that the cuisine is dominated by several exotic staples.

Cruise Through the History of the Panama Canal

The Panama Canal stands today as a testament to modern engineering, but its creation was not without hurdles. 

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MAN-MADE MARVEL

Panama canal cruises.

From Cartagena to Cabo San Lucas, cruise the Panama Canal.

The Panama Canal is one of the most astonishing human-made wonders, a sliver of ingenuity that allows ships to move from one ocean to another. Cruise from the Pacific to the Atlantic, or vice versa, and take in the scenery as you move through this engineering marvel built in 1914. Along with the tropical views and modern design of the canal, there's also great opportunity for adventures on land and by the shore, where you can get in touch with the indigenous culture at the Museum of Oaxacan Art in Huatulco, Mexico, or go kayaking in Nicoya Bay at Puntarenas, Costa Rica.

Journey Between Worlds

From Cartagena to Cabo San Lucas, cruise the Panama Canal

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DIVERSE DESTINATIONS

Descend on some of the most exciting travel destinations in Central America during a Panama Canal cruise. Stops in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; and Colón, Panama, means appreciating countless natural landscapes on top of traversing through the famous shortcut itself. 

HOME OF THE CANAL

A stop in Colón, Panama, lets you lay on the sand at serene Maria Chiquita beach or hike your way through Portobelo National Park to reach the 17th-century San Lorenzo Fort. And if you're in the mood for the city life, head to Panama City, the Caribbean's most urban cluster that's only an hour away by car.

ROCK THE BOAT

Accessible only by water taxi, El Arco at Land's End in Cabo San Lucas is a natural rock arch that frames a powdery beach. It's the perfect backdroparagraphCopy for a jaw-dropping photograph — just watch out for the sea lions that like to photobomb while sunbathing on the rocks.

HEAD IN THE CLOUDS

Cross foggy suspended bridges or zip-line along the treetops at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve near Puntarenas, Costa Rica, where local travel guides take you deep within the forest as you learn about its precious ecosystems.

CROSS-CANAL CULTURE

Along with crossing the impressive Panama Canal during your vacation, you can also get in touch with the local cultures of different countries, where indigenous peoples still live and where heritage and history are treasured and preserved. 

COLORS OF FOLKLORE

About a 90-minute drive from Puntarenas, the artisan village of Sarchi, Costa Rica, is known for the quality of its arts and crafts, especially the beautiful construction of the colorful oxcarts, the folkloric carriages that are a symbol of Costa Rican culture.

EAT LIKE A LOCAL

Mercado de Bazurto in Cartagena, Colombia, is home to stand after stand of local fruits like mamey, a sweet tropical fruit with a creamy texture, as well as cooked-food kiosks serving generous plates of seafood like crab, rice and veggies, for just a few dollars.

HISTORIC HUES

Step into the past as you stroll down the Spanish Colonial lanes of Antigua in Guatemala, a picturesque town with pastel buildings and balconies filled with pink flowers. A short trip from the port at Puerto Quetzal, the city is home to museums like Casa de los Sueños, where the history of this town is depicted through art.

CRISS CROSS TO A NEW WORLD ON THE PANAMA CANAL

A cruise to the Panama Canal is filled with country-hopping adventures that take you to Mexico's Mayan ruins, white beaches in  Cabo San Lucas  or Colonial treasures in  Colombia .

ONE TRIP, MANY ADVENTURES

As part of your grand crossing of the Panama Canal, you can also laze on beaches and trek lush mountains in places like Mexico,  Costa Rica , Colombia and Grand Cayman .

MAN-MADE FOR YOU

Cruise from Los Angeles  or  Miami  and pick the trips that make your favorite stops. Prefer more of Mexico? There's a cruise with stops in Manzanillo,  Puerto Vallarta  and Cabo San Lucas. Want to include some Caribbean islands? Finish your cruise in Puerto Rico or stop in Grand Cayman.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Plan-ama Canal

Panama enjoys a gentle tropical weather almost every day of the year. This translates into the easy planning of a crossing anytime is convenient for you.

Moving around in the different ports is simple, just choose the authorized taxi services or hop on the local public buses. You can also rent a car and be your own guide.

The best time to go on a Panama Canal cruise is anytime. The canal never stops working and you will traverse along with other ships and boats and witness the swift movement of these vessels.

Finding the Right Ship for You

7 Unexpected Places You Can Go on a Cruise

Once you're crossing the canal, head to the front of the ship for the best view.

You'll get to see other ships as they cross, too, giving you a different vantage point and a new way of learning how the canal works.

The thrill is not over after you go through the canal locks, there's more to see as you travel through the canal, with tropical flora and fauna adorning the way.

LOCAL CUISINE A WORLD OF FLAVORS  

Stopping at different cruise ports during a Panama Canal crossing makes it easy to savor the varied flavors of these countries, each with its own signature spice and tang.

TASTES OF JALISCO

Jalisco, the state where Puerto Vallarta is found, is the definitive influence on this destination's cuisine. Go for the famous lemon-marinated grilled fish known as pescado embarazado, and ask for huichol sauce, a blend of chili peppers, cumin and vinegar.

SAVOR GUATEMALA

Enjoy a mouth-watering empanada in Antigua, Guatemala — these savory pastries are stuffed with potato and meat and topped with guacamole, cilantro and onions.

TAMALES AND THEN SOME

Famous for its tamales fajados (chicken tamales) and tamales guemes (pork, raisin and olive tamales), Cabo San Lucas also boasts a seafood stew known as comida de pobres, served with rice and beans and flour tortillas.

Related Ports

A cruise to the Panama Canal is a chance to land on amazing destinations during the same trip. Get in some beach time Oranjestad, Aruba. See traditional tapestry-making in Huatulco, Mexico. Or go snorkeling along the coral reef off the coast of Grand Cayman.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Cartagena, Colombia

Colón, Panama

Huatulco, Mexico

Panama Canal (Cruising), Panama

Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala

Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Puerto Limon, Costa Rica

Manzanillo, Mexico

Panama City (Fuerte Amador), Panama

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Colon (Panama Canal)

Embark on an extraordinary journey to Colon, the gateway to the world-famous Panama Canal. Explore the impressive locks, witness the marvels of engineering, and learn about the canal's rich history. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, discover local markets, and experience thrilling eco-adventures in the surrounding rainforests. Plan your Panama Canal exploration in Colon now!

Panama Canal Partial Transit

 Experience the wonder of a Panama Canal Partial Transit. Embark on a remarkable journey through this engineering marvel, witnessing the intricate lock system and marveling at the stunning landscapes along the way. Immerse yourself in the rich history and cultural significance of the canal. Book your unforgettable Panama Canal Partial Transit adventure today!

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Journeys - 14-Day Panama Canal

Fun with a capital F is what you can expect on a Carnival Cruise. With the largest fleet at sea Carnival offers sailings perfect for the whole family.

Mankind’s finest accomplishment sits among intriguing culture and natural splendor—cruise to the Panama Canal.

Indulge in the local flavor with fresh Gulf shrimp, Galveston Bay oysters and pristine Gulf coast beaches as you relax in southern comfort in Galveston, Texas.

• Carnival Dream - Passenger Capacity: 3,646 (double occupancy) Year Built: 2009 Last Refurbished: 2017

Take advantage of limited-time offers and special deals

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Carnival Dream

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Galveston, Texas

Destination

Panama Canal

Ports of Call

Galveston, Texas , Montego Bay, Jamaica , Port of Oranjestad, Aruba, Caribbean , Curacao, Caribbean , Cartagena, Colombia , Colon, Panama , Puerto Limon, Costa Rica , Cozumel, Mexico

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Journeys - 14-Day Panama Canal sailing on the Carnival Dream

Departure dates: jan 2026 - jan 2026.

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*** All itineraries are subject to change without notice. Please confirm your itinerary on the Review page before purchasing your cruise.

Cruise rates are in US Dollars, average per person and based on double occupancy. Rates may vary by ship, stateroom type and sail date. Offer is for the cruise fare and includes required Cruise Fees & Expenses and Government Taxes & Fees and are assessed on a per guest basis for all guests according to the itinerary. All rates & offers are capacity controlled, are subject to availability & confirmation, & may change without notice. 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. Ships' Registry: The Bahamas and Panama. 

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Carnival reveals plans for unusual new Panama Canal cruises

Cruise giant Carnival is about to add a new routing to its lineup of Panama Canal cruises — one that no line has ever offered before.

Scheduled to kick off in 2026, the one-way sailings through the iconic waterway will begin in Mobile, Alabama, and end in Seattle, or vice versa.

It'll be the first time that Carnival or any other line has offered sailings connecting the two cities, which are both cruise hubs.

For now, Carnival plans just two voyages on the new routing, both on the 2,124-passenger Carnival Spirit.

Both of the sailings will be just over two weeks long — far longer than most Carnival sailings. The first of the two voyages will start April 12, 2026, in Mobile and end 16 days later in Seattle. The second of the voyages will begin Oct. 8, 2026, in Seattle and end 16 days later in Mobile.

In addition to a transit through the Panama Canal, both of the sailings will include stops at Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; and Cartagena, Colombia.

The voyages will take place as Carnival Spirit temporarily repositions from Mobile to Seattle for a summer season of cruises to Alaska .

Carnival Spirit is one of two ships that Carnival plans to deploy to Seattle in 2026 for sailings to Alaska.

Related: The 8 classes of Carnival Cruise Line cruise ships, explained

Carnival this week said the 2,124-passenger Carnival Miracle will also sail to Alaska out of Seattle in 2026.

Carnival Miracle will reposition to Seattle for the 2026 Alaska season from Tampa with a 16-day repositioning cruise through the Panama Canal. As is the case with Carnival Spirit's Panama Canal itineraries, it'll feature stops at Cabo San Lucas, Puntarenas and Cartagena.

After a summer of sailings to Alaska out of Seattle, Carnival Miracle will reposition to Galveston, Texas, with another 16-day cruise through the Panama Canal that stops at Cabo San Lucas, Puntarenas and Cartagena.

The latter trip will begin in Seattle on Sept. 26, 2026.

When based in Seattle, Carnival Miracle will mostly sail seven-day Alaska sailings that depart every Thursday. They'll bring visits to Tracy Arm Fjord for glacier viewing and the Alaskan towns of Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan. There also will be a stop at Victoria in British Columbia.

Related: The 6 best Alaska cruise shore excursions — from heli-hiking to whale watching

Additionally, Carnival Miracle will offer two longer Alaska sailings: a nine-day trip that adds a visit to Sitka, Alaska, and a 10-day trip that adds a stop at Icy Strait Point, Alaska.

Carnival Spirit will offer a similar seven-night itinerary to Alaska as Carnival Miracle when based in Seattle.

Carnival Spirit also will operate a single 15-day voyage out of Seattle to Hawaii. Beginning Sept. 23, 2026, the voyage will bring calls at Honolulu on Oahu, Nawiliwili on Kauai, Kahului on Maui and Hilo on Hawaii Island, as well as a visit to Victoria, British Columbia.

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Cruises to the Panama Canal

Cruise the panama canal for an experience you’ll never forget..

East- or westbound, call at sun-drenched ports for terrific shopping, exciting excursions or simply sipping a fruity beverage. The highlight of the voyage is the all-day transit of the awe-inspiring Panama Canal. Watch and listen as your onboard expert explains the history and workings of this man-made wonder.

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The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Carnival Cruise Line ship

Some cruise lines offer voyages to every corner of the world. Others are more focused on where they operate.

Carnival Cruise Line , one of the world's largest cruise brands, is firmly in the second category.

Carnival is all about relatively short, affordable cruises from U.S. ports. You'll find at least one of its ships sailing out of pretty much every major port city around the country, but it's rare to find them based anywhere else.

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Catering heavily to budget travelers who reach its ships by car, Carnival rarely offers voyages in Europe, Asia and South America — destinations that are much more integral to the schedules of such rival lines as Royal Caribbean , Norwegian Cruise Line , Princess Cruises and Holland America .

However, Carnival is the undisputed leader in cruises out of U.S. ports to the Caribbean and the Bahamas, with a wide range of sailings to the regions from ports on the East Coast and along the Gulf of Mexico.

Some of Carnival's East Coast-based ships also sail to Bermuda, New England and Canada. For Carnival ships based on the West Coast, sailings to Mexico, Hawaii and Alaska are the norm.

Carnival also offers some Panama Canal voyages.

Related: The ultimate guide to Carnival Cruise Line ships and itineraries

The overarching idea for Carnival's ship deployments is that a large percentage of the U.S. population can reach one of the line's vessels by car, saving the cost of flights. For that reason, it takes a much broader approach to ship deployments around the U.S. than other lines.

Carnival's biggest operations are out of PortMiami and Port Canaveral in Florida; Galveston, Texas; Long Beach, California; New Orleans; and Seattle — all major cruise hubs. You'll also find Carnival ships in secondary cruise ship ports such as Baltimore; Charleston, South Carolina; Mobile, Alabama; Jacksonville and Tampa in Florida; and San Francisco.

For the most part, Carnival ships sail relatively short voyages of three to eight nights.

Here's our take on the five best places Carnival sails.

The Caribbean and the Bahamas

Carnival is, quite simply, the king of Caribbean and Bahamas cruises. If you're looking for a quick, easy and — perhaps most importantly — very affordable cruise getaway to the region, Carnival is your line.

Carnival currently has 22 of its 27 ships — including its newest and biggest ships, 5,282-passenger Mardi Gras and sister vessels Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee — scheduled to sail to the Caribbean and the Bahamas for at least part of the coming year.

To put that in perspective, that's more ships than exist in the entire fleet of Norwegian Cruise Line, which itself is a major player in Caribbean cruises.

Carnival offers a broad range of Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries from no fewer than 11 U.S. ports.

If you're looking for something short, the line has you covered in the form of quick three- to five-night trips to the Caribbean and the Bahamas from Florida ports such as Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville and Port Canaveral, as well as from Mobile, New Orleans and Galveston.

Related: The 8 classes of Carnival Cruise Line ships, explained

Itineraries from the eastern ports often include stops in the Bahamas and at Grand Turk Island in Turks and Caicos. From the Gulf ports, they often focus heavily on the ports of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, including Cozumel and Progreso.

Carnival is also big in the market for six- to eight-night sailings to Caribbean and Bahamas ports, which break down into three broad categories:

• Eastern Caribbean voyages
• Western Caribbean voyages
• Southern Caribbean voyages

A typical seven-night Carnival sailing to the Eastern Caribbean includes stops in San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; and Grand Turk in Turks and Caicos.

However, each of Carnival's six- to eight-night Eastern Caribbean itineraries is a little different. There are typically three and sometimes four calls on these Eastern Caribbean cruises.

Carnival's six- to eight-night Western Caribbean voyages will typically include three or four stops in some mix of the following destinations: Mexico (Cozumel and Costa Maya), Honduras, Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Belize.

The line's Southern Caribbean itineraries — typically eight nights in length — will often bring visits to Aruba and Curacao, as well as one or more northerly Caribbean ports such as Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic.

Carnival also offers a handful of longer 10- to 14-night sailings in the Caribbean, but not many.

Related: The best Caribbean cruises for every type of traveler

The Mexican Riviera

Carnival is one of the leaders in cruises to the Mexican Riviera — the string of resort towns running down the west coast of Mexico.

Carnival operates cruises to the west coast of Mexico out of the California ports of Long Beach and San Francisco, with Long Beach being its main West Coast hub.

Notably, Carnival is one of just two cruise lines to base ships in the Los Angeles area year-round for voyages to Mexico ( the other is Royal Caribbean ). One of the line's newest vessels, the 4,008-passenger Carnival Panorama, is based year-round in Long Beach for six- to eight-night Mexican Riviera voyages. The smaller 2,764-passenger Carnival Radiance operates three- to six-night trips out of Long Beach to Mexico for most of the year (it also offers some sailings to Hawaii).

A third Carnival ship, the 4,125-passenger Carnival Firenze , operates four- to seven-night sailings to Mexico out of Long Beach year-round.

The typical seven-night Carnival voyage to the Mexican Riviera brings stops in Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta.

Three- and four-night Carnival trips to the west coast of Mexico typically only feature a single Mexico call in Ensenada and, at times, a stop at Catalina Island off the coast of California.

Related: Everything you want to know about cabins and suites on Carnival Cruise Line ships

Carnival isn't the biggest player in Alaska cruises. The giants of cruising to Alaska are Princess Cruises and Holland America, which are sister lines to Carnival that control a large percentage of the market. Still, Carnival has sent more vessels to Alaska in recent years than in the past, and for the coming year, it has three ships sailing to the destination.

Carnival's fun-focused, affordable ships are a popular pick with families looking to visit Alaska during the short Alaska cruise season that lasts roughly from May to September.

For 2025, Carnival plans to deploy the following ships to the Alaska market:

• Carnival Luminosa : The 16-year-old vessel will operate seven-night voyages to Alaska round-trip out of Seattle. Most departures will feature calls at Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska; and Victoria, British Columbia. It also will visit the Tracy Arm fjord in Alaska for glacier viewing. A few sailings have a slightly different lineup of ports.
• Carnival Legend : The 21-year-old vessel will operate 10-night voyages to Alaska round-trip out of San Francisco. It will call at Skagway, Juneau and Icy Strait Point in Alaska and Victoria, British Columbia. It also will visit Tracy Arm for glacier viewing.
• Carnival Spirit : The 24-year-old vessel will mostly operate seven-night voyages to Alaska round-trip from Seattle. It will call at Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska; and Victoria, British Columbia. It also will visit Tracy Arm for glacier viewing.

Unlike some lines such as Princess, Holland America and Royal Caribbean, Carnival does not offer Alaska cruisetours that combine an Alaska cruise with multiple days of overland touring.

Related: Alaska cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do

At least a couple of Carnival ships typically sail to Bermuda every year between May and October.

While the line doesn't offer a huge number of Bermuda departures, it usually operates Bermuda trips out of at least three ports every year: New York, Baltimore and Norfolk, Virginia.

Most of the sailings are six or seven nights in length and include two or three days in Bermuda. The line also typically offers some shorter four- and five-night Bermuda sailings.

Note that the shorter Bermuda sailings can offer very little time in the country, sometimes as little as eight hours.

For 2025, Carnival is offering sailings to Bermuda on three ships: the 3,002-passenger Carnival Sunshine, the 2,124-passenger Carnival Pride and the 4,208-passenger Carnival Venezia . The latter ship is a Costa Cruises vessel that Carnival began operating in May 2023 . Costa is a sister line to Carnival with similarly designed ships.

Related: Bermuda cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do

Carnival may be all about cruises from U.S. ports, but not all its vessels always are based in North America.

In what might seem like an unusual diversion for a line known for short, easy-to-reach, affordable voyages for Americans, Carnival has deployed two of its vessels to Australia in recent years to operate trips from Sydney and Brisbane.

The two ships — most recently 2,260-passenger Carnival Luminosa and 3,012-passenger Carnival Splendor — typically operate a mix of three- to 10-night sailings along the Australian coast and to New Zealand.

Carnival's Australia trips, notably, aren't really aimed at Americans. They're aimed at Australians. A few years ago, Carnival discovered that Australians love the sort of fun-focused, affordable cruises it offers just as much as Americans, and it set out to build a business in Australia catering to them.

That doesn't mean an American can't book one of the trips.

The typical Carnival cruise along the coast of Australia includes stops at Airlie Beach, Cairns and Willis Island. Some longer Australia voyages add in stops at Port Douglas or Moreton Island.

Shorter Australia voyages might include a stop at just one of the above destinations or even no stops at all — a so-called "cruise to nowhere."

Carnival is likely to grow its operations in Australia over the coming years. Earlier this year, the line announced it soon would absorb two Australia-based vessels currently operated by P&O Cruises Australia. The latter is an Australia-focused cruise line that is owned by the same parent company as Carnival.

The two ships — 2,636-passenger Pacific Adventure and 2,600-passenger Pacific Encounter — will transfer to the Carnival fleet in 2025, and executives have hinted they will remain in Australia to cater mostly to Australian vacationers.

Related: Carnival Cruise Line's VIFP loyalty program: Everything you need to know

Bottom line

Carnival focuses heavily on cruises in North America. If you're looking for a voyage to the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Bermuda or the west coast of Mexico, you'll find an unparalleled array of choices from Carnival. If a cruise vacation in Europe, Asia or South America is what you're after, you probably should focus on another line.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• 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
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 15 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

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.

• Carnival’s 2026 Cruises Highlight Alaska, Europe, Solar Eclipse

Andrea Santillan

• August 22, 2024

Carnival Cruise Line revealed some of its 2026 cruises. Next year’s summer season features three vessels traveling to Alaska and Europe, including Carnival’s first solar eclipse cruise.

The cruise line is introducing its Carnival Journeys Eclipse sailing, which will begin an 11-day journey in Dover, England, on August 9, 2026. Passengers onboard Carnival Legend will have an enviable vantage point during the August 12 celestial phenomenon. Legend will call on France, Spain, Portugal, and Belgium along the way.

Experience Europe Onboard Carnival Legend

The 2002-built cruise ship will begin its summer season with a 14-day transatlantic sailing from Miami on May 24, 2026. It will call on Dun Laoghaire (Dublin), Ireland; Holyhead, Wales; and Liverpool, England, before ending its journey in Dover (London), England. 

After repositioning in Dover, the Spirit-class ship will host nine itineraries spanning nine to 12 days. Three types of cruises will explore:

• Northern Europe (Copenhagen and Amsterdam)
• The British Isles (Ireland, England, Scotland, and Iceland)
• Scandinavia and the Baltics (Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, and Germany)

These will be followed by nine—and 12-day voyages from Civitavecchia, Rome, during which time they will visit Croatia, Turkey, the Greek Islands, and Italy. 

Carnival Legend will end its European leg with a 14-day Carnival Journeys on November 1, 2026. It will take guests to Bermuda, Gibraltar, and Spain as the ship travels from Civitavecchia to Tampa, Florida, 

Discover Alaska and the Panama Canal With Carnival Spirit and Carnival Miracle

Carnival Miracle and Carnival Spirit will head to Alaska. For now, only Seattle embarkations are available. 

Carnival Miracle will leave for seven-day Alaskan sailings beginning May 7, 2026. Guests can tour Victoria, British Columbia, and Alaska’s Tracy Arm Fjord, Skagway, Ketchikan, and Juneau. Two longer itineraries will focus on Alaska’s Inside Passage and nearby cruise destinations.

Passengers longing to visit the historic Panama Canal can join Carnival Miracle and Carnival Spirit’s repositioning cruises as they travel to and from The Last Frontier. These voyages will stop at Cartagena, Colombia; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Spirit will head to Seattle from Alaska on a 16-day journey from Mobile, Alaska, to Seattle on April 12, 2026, becoming the first cruise to connect the two cities. On October 8, 2026, the 2,124-passenger cruise ship will leave for Mobile.

Meanwhile, Carnival Miracle will embark on its repositioning cruise from Tampa on April 11, 2026. It will once more reposition from Seattle on September 26, 2026, during a 16-day Panama Canal itinerary that ends in Galveston, Texas.

Other cruise lines have begun offering special solar eclipse cruises, including Virgin Voyages’ Eclipse Voyages and Holland America Line’s Iceland solar eclipse sailings .

• Carnival Introduces Largest Deployment To Bermuda in 2025
• Carnival Sends Fourth Cruise Ship to Texas in 2025
• Carnival Legend in San Francisco for 2025
• Carnival Details New Bahamas Cruise Port, Coming in 2025

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10 - Day Panama Canal from Galveston, TX

Cruise itinerary.

Day 1: Galveston

Day 2: Fun Day at Sea

Day 3: cozumel.

Day 4: Fun Day at Sea

Day 5: limón, day 6: colón (panama canal).

Day 7: Fun Day at Sea

Day 8: grand cayman.

Day 9 & 10: Fun Day at Sea

Day 11: galveston.

Get to Know Carnival Miracle

Carnival Miracle is a ship you may not believe when you see... but definitely don't miss seeing it! When we say that Carnival Miracle takes you to another world, we mean that in every sense. Not only does this ship visit stunning destinations, but features incredible onboard spaces inspired by elements of fantasy. Escape from reality as you take in a show at the Phantom Lounge or a dance at Dr. Frankenstein's Lab. To lose yourself in a song, find your way to Sam's Piano Bar. Hungry? You'll find great food all over the place, from the casual fare of Horatio's to the artful eats of the Bacchus and Ariadne dining rooms... not to mention the world-class cuts at Nick & Nora's Steakhouse. At Alchemy Bar ® we make drinks into art, while the laid-back RedFrog Pub ™ has "Caribbean cool" down to a science. And up in SkyBox ™ Sports Bar, we've combined luxury-box comfort with the up-close view from the 50-yard line. Outdoors there's fun to be had, whether you're down for watersliding or up for simply sunning — Carnival WaterWorks ™ has you covered (in water, that is), and the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat ™ will get you relaxing in the sun or the shade, grown-up-style. No matter your age, don't forget: the sweetest way to cap off the day is with a treat from Cherry On Top ™ , our onboard candy-and-more store.

Onboard Activities

Onboard Dining

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Carnival Cruise Line opens first wave of summer 2026 itineraries

Post date: Aug 22 2024

Date: Aug 22 2024

By: Travelweek

MIAMI — Carnival Cruise Line has announced the first wave of sailings for summer 2026, including Europe, Alaska and solar eclipse voyages.

Reservations for new summer 2026 Europe and Alaska sailings are now open.

EUROPE & SOLAR ECLIPSE CRUISE

For the first time, Carnival is introducing a special 11-day Carnival Journeys  Eclipse cruise featuring stops in Spain, Portugal and France on Carnival Legend, departing Dover, England on Aug. 9, 2026.

The total solar eclipse will take place on Aug. 12, 2026, when the ship is at sea, providing guests with a prime viewing vantage point for this rare celestial occurrence. Ports of call include: Le Havre (Paris), France; St. Peter Port, Guernsey; Vigo, Spain; Lisbon and Leixões (Porto), Portugal; Le Verdon (Bordeaux), France; and Zeebrugge (Brussels), Belgium.

Carnival Legend’s summer 2026 season in Europe will begin with a 14-day transatlantic voyage that departs Miami on May 24, 2026 and visits Liverpool, England; Holyhead, Wales; and Dun Laoghaire (Dublin), Ireland before arriving in Dover (London), England. While homeporting in Europe, the ship will sail nine cruises from Dover, with varied itineraries that span 9-12 days, and six cruises of either nine- or 12-day itineraries from Civitavecchia (Rome).

From Dover, Northern Europe sailings will showcase destinations like Copenhagen and Amsterdam. The ship will also cruise the British Isles, with several stops in ports across Ireland, England and Scotland, in addition to one cruise with four stops in Iceland. Scandinavia and Baltic cruises will offer visits to Germany, Estonia, Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Belgium, while Western Europe ports include those in Portugal, Spain and France.

From Civitavecchia, nine-day and 12-day sailings will bring guests to popular destinations across Italy, the Greek Isles, Turkey and Croatia. Ports of call from Civitavecchia include Istanbul and Kusadasi (Ephesus) in Turkey; Piraeus (Athens) and Mykonos in Greece; Naples (Amalfi/Pompeii) in Italy; and Split and Dubrovnik in Croatia. The ship’s final cruise from Europe in 2026 will be a 14-day Carnival Journeys voyage departing Nov. 1, 2026 from Civitavecchia to Tampa, Florida, with visits to Cartagena and Malaga in Spain, Gibraltar and Bermuda.

ALASKA CRUISES

Carnival Miracle will join Carnival Spirit sailing from Seattle to Alaska in summer 2026. The itineraries that are now available are Seattle embarkations only. Carnival will once again offer Alaska itineraries from San Francisco in 2026, which will be available in the fall.

Seven-day Alaska sailings departing every Thursday on Carnival Miracle begin on May 7, 2026. Carnival Miracle will cruise Tracy Arm Fjord and visit Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia. Also available are two Carnival Journeys sailings aboard Carnival Miracle: a nine-day cruise that explores the Inside Passage and includes a visit to Sitka; and a similar 10-day cruise to the Inside Passage with a visit to Icy Strait Point.

Alaska sailings on Carnival Spirit also offer cruising of Tracy Arm Fjord and stops in Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia. The sailings begin April 28, 2026 and continue through Sept. 15, 2026. When Carnival Spirit returns to Seattle on Sept. 23, 2026, the ship will embark on a 15-day roundtrip Carnival Journeys cruise to Hawaii, with stops in Honolulu, Oahu; Nawiliwili, Kauai; Kahului, Maui and Hilo, Hawaii; as well as a visit to Victoria, British Columbia in Canada.

Also new are four Carnival Journeys cruises that transit the Panama Canal to reposition Carnival Miracle and Carnival Spirit before and after the summer in Alaska. The cruises feature visits to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; and Cartagena, Colombia. 

Carnival Spirit’s 16-day Carnival Journeys cruises take the ship to Seattle from its Mobile, Alabama homeport on April 12, 2026, then back to Mobile with an Oct. 8, 2026 departure. These are the first Carnival cruises connecting the two cities of Seattle and Mobile. 

Carnival Miracle will reposition with guests onboard from Tampa on April 11, 2026 and depart Seattle on Sept. 26, 2026 on a 16-day Carnival Journeys Panama Canal repositioning cruise ending in Galveston, Texas. 

For more information go to   http://www.carnival.com .

Tags: Carnival, Lead Story

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You Can Now Set Sail For Seattle From This Southern City's Port

If you’ve ever dreamed of cruising to the Emerald City, now is your chance.

AaronP/Bauer-Griffin / Contributor/Getty Images

If you’ve ever dreamed of cruising to the Emerald City, now is your chance. 

Carnival Cruise Line has just announced that for the first time ever, guests will be able to set sail from Mobile, Alabama , and sail all the way to Seattle, Washington, aboard one of their cruise ships.

Folks looking to visit the home of grunge music, Grey’s Anatomy , and the Space Needle can set sail starting in 2026. Guests will spend a whopping 16 days aboard the Carnival Spirit as it sails from its homeport in Mobile , through the Panama Canal, and then up the Pacific coastline to wind up end up in Seattle.

 In addition to the incredible experience of passing through the modern marvel that is the Panama Canal, the ship will make stops in Puntarenas, Costa Rica; Cartagena, Colombia; and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico as the vessel makes its way up to the Pacific Northwest of the United States.

These are the first Carnival cruises connecting the two cities of Seattle and Mobile and the decision to add the route was made for a very practical reason. According to a press release , the cruise company needs to move the boats closer to Seattle so they can launch their summertime cruises to Alaska.

Since the boats need to get from Alabama to Washington State anyway, may as well fill them with passengers who are up for a floating adventure. Anyone looking to hitch a ride back to the South, can sign up to leave Seattle in October 2026 and head to Mobile.

Mobile isn’t the only Southern city to get a new cruise, though. Folks looking to travel between Florida and Seattle can set sail on the Carnival Miracle, which will leave from Tampa, Florida in April 2026 to arrive in Seattle. Alternatively, adventurers can depart Seattle in September 2026, spend 16 days sailing down the Pacific coast and through the Panama Canal, before landing in Galveston , Texas. Tickets for the cruises from Mobile start at $1519 .

See you on the open seas!

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The 5 best kids sail free cruises for 2025 & beyond.

Save on your family cruise with these kids sail free deals.

The Best Kids Sail Free Cruises

Getty Images

If you're angling for an affordable family cruise , you'll be happy to know that several major cruise lines let children sail for free (either regularly or during special promotions). Read on to discover which lines cater to families with kids sail free offers.

Cruise lines where kids sail free

Holland america line, norwegian cruise line, royal caribbean international, costa cruises, msc cruises.

Find your perfect cruise

Courtesy of Holland America Line

Deal: Holland America Line is offering a "Kids Cruise Free" promotion on select itineraries in 2025. The offer applies to several itineraries including Hawaii , the Caribbean and the Panama Canal; to qualify, children must be 18 or younger and cruising as third and/or fourth guests in the same cabin as adults. As with similar promotions, taxes and port fees are still required for each child's sailing.

Additionally, kids ages 12 and under eat for half off in specialty restaurants or for free from a dedicated kids menu. Reduced children's rates for shore excursions are also available.

Family-friendly perks: Amenities onboard Holland America ships include kids clubs and youth programs, as well as shore excursions oriented to families with little ones in tow. Plenty of stateroom options can also accommodate larger bookings. The Nieuw Statendam and Koningsdam ships, in particular, feature oversized staterooms with beds for four, a large sitting area and a spacious veranda.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Deal: Norwegian Cruise Line often lets third and fourth guests cruise free on select itineraries. During other promotions, the cruise line will let the third through eighth passengers sail free. Cruises to which this promotion applies are offered all over the world, including Bermuda , the Caribbean and Canada .

Some of the itineraries that qualify for free third and fourth guests also come with complimentary amenities like an unlimited open bar, specialty dining, shore excursions and/or complimentary Wi-Fi. Additionally, some of the itineraries include generous discounts on the total cruise cost , as well as free airfare for a second guest (when booked through the cruise line).

Family-friendly perks: With Norwegian's all-ages kids clubs, family dining, entertainment and activities included in one bundled rate, planning a kid-approved vacation with the cruise line is a breeze. Many Norwegian ships also feature an array of family-friendly staterooms with plenty of extra space. For example, the luxurious Norwegian Prima offers a two-bedroom family villa with a large balcony in "The Haven" – its exclusive area for VIP guests.

Michel Verdure | Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Deal: Royal Caribbean offers a "Kids Sail Free" deal several times each year, allowing children 12 or younger to cruise free provided they are the third guests (or beyond) staying in the same cabin as at least two paying adults. Typically, the deal applies to sailings of four nights or longer. The only catch is that blackout dates apply – typically during holiday and school breaks.

Family-friendly perks: There's a reason so many families choose Royal Caribbean ; kid-friendly amenities range from age-specific programming to zip lining at sea. The line's  exclusive island for cruisers , Perfect Day at CocoCay in  the Bahamas , is also a big hit with young passengers thanks to its waterslides and splash areas.

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Courtesy of Costa Cruises

Deal: Costa Cruises may not be as popular as some other cruise lines on our list, but it's a worthwhile option for cruisers looking to sail through Europe, the Middle East or South America. The cruise line allows kids traveling as third or fourth guests to sail for free with two adults in the same cabin, and this promotion applies to passengers ages 2 to 17. This offer is valid on all sailings offered by the line, many of which feature destinations in desirable ports along the Mediterranean such as Barcelona , Marseille and Rome .

Family-friendly perks: Costa Cruises vessels offer abundant family-friendly amenities, from water parks to arcades to mini golf. Kids clubs are available for children ages 3 to 11, and they provide entertainment like arts and crafts, themed parties, and games galore. A teen zone also hosts cruisers ages 12 to 17 who want to mingle, sing karaoke and play group sports when ships aren't in port.

Courtesy of MSC Cruises

Deal: MSC Cruises lets children 17 and younger cruise for free on select itineraries, depending on the ship's capacity. (Other exclusions or eligibility requirements may apply.) Kids must be the third or fourth guests traveling in the same cabin as their parents (at least two adults) for the deal to be valid; note that any port fees and taxes still apply to children's fares.

Family-friendly perks: MSC Cruises offers a variety of leisure activities and amenities designed specifically for kids. On board, youngsters can take advantage of perks from water parks with slides and swimming pools to Broadway-style shows and interactive dinners. The line also hosts a variety of exclusive Lego experiences, including Lego-themed parades and a Lego Family Game Show. In addition, there are a myriad of amenities for parents to enjoy while the youngest passengers are occupied by a variety of dedicated kids clubs.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a seasoned travel writer who has covered family travel and cruises for more than a decade. Johnson has traveled with her family to more than 50 countries, and her many trips have included cruises all over the world. Johnson lives in Indiana with her two children and her husband, Greg.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Cruises for Teens
• The Top Cruises for Babies & Toddlers
• Do You Need a Passport to Cruise?
• How to Get Your Child a Passport
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

Top Resorts Where Kids Stay Free

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