Explore a “Wonder of the Modern World” when Sailing the Panama Canal with Your Community
When considering your next community cruise itinerary, it is important to think about the different needs and interests of your group. Raise your hand if your “cruise crew” is looking for an adventure with any of the following:
historical significance
an educational component
cultural exploration
a truly unique experience
stunning natural beauty
If your group is looking for any of these experiences, a Panama Canal cruise is an ideal itinerary for you!
A Unique Cruising Adventure
When the Panama Canal was completed just over 100 years ago, ships used this engineering marvel to save around 8,000 miles, which can equal 10-20 days of travel time. The shorter delivery time and the lowered fuel costs impacted the cost of goods, and allowed more freight to travel by boat between the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans. While the canal is still used to ship goods today, cruising the Panama Canal is considered by many to be a rite of passage for cruise lovers. This unique experience has stunning natural beauty with a variety of countries on the itinerary, and also includes the incredible experience of navigating the canal locks.
A ship navigating the locks of the Panama Canal.
During your Panama Canal cruise, many itineraries stop in Panama City, where you can further explore the construction of the Panama Canal, drink a cup of Geisha coffee, and hike or bike in the beautiful Amador Causeway with views overlooking the Canal. Additionally, you can discover the lush rainforests, which are teeming with diverse wildlife, including monkeys, toucans, and sloths.
Depending on the itinerary that you pick, your group will cruise part or all of the way through the canal. Partial transit cruises are roundtrip cruises that depart and return to the same port (usually Miami). They will travel part of the way through the Canal, letting their passengers marvel at the experience of traveling through the locks, and then turn around at Gate Lake and head back the direction that they came. Full transit cruises depart in either the Pacific or Atlantic Ocean, and travel the entire distance of the canal, before arriving at their final destination on the opposite coast.
Popular Ports and Activities
Video of a Panama map
There are a large variety of itineraries that go to many different countries when you cruise the Panama Canal. The ports of call can differ, depending on which cruise line you choose and whether you are doing a full or partial crossing. But there are a few main ports that many itineraries visit.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico is renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and luxurious resorts. Must-see attractions include the iconic Arch of Cabo San Lucas, Lover's Beach, Cabo San Lucas Marina, and the Desert Natural Park. Adventurous travelers can enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, whale watching, fishing, golf, or exploring the local markets.
Sandy beach in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Puntarenas, Costa Rica offers a wealth of natural beauty, including rainforests, beaches, and wildlife. Must-see attractions include Manuel Antonio National Park, Carara National Park, and Tortuguero National Park. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike, zipline, white-water raft, birdwatch, or explore the local markets.
Lush greenery and the ocean in Puntarenas, Costa Rica.
Colón, Panama is a city rich in history and culture, with its proximity to the Panama Canal. Must-see attractions include the Panama Canal Museum, Gatun Lake, and the Fort San Lorenzo National Park. Visitors can experience the Panama Canal locks firsthand, explore the local markets, and learn about the region's fascinating history.
Boats near a city in Colon, Panama.
Best Time to take a Panama Canal Cruise
The best time to take a Panama Canal cruise depends on your preferences and priorities. Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons of each season:
Spring (March-May) provides pleasant weather, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, and a potential for lower prices. Beware that there is a strong possibility of rainfall, especially towards the beginning fo spring. This could be a great spring break itinerary! This would make a fantastic spring break trip!
Summer (June-August) is great for warm weather, ideal for swimming and outdoor activities, and has a wide variety of cruise options. It is peak season, though, which means higher prices and more people.
Fall (September-November), like Spring, has ideal temperatures, and fewer crowds, along with lower prices. Fall is the hurricane season, although the risk is relatively low for Panama Canal cruises.
Winter (December-February) has the potential for holiday cruises and a festive atmosphere! It also has ideal temperatures, but there could be quite a bit of rainfall, especially in the beginning of winter.
The shoulder seasons (spring and fall) can offer a good balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds, but the risk of rain is slightly higher.
A ship passing through a Panama Canal lock.
Panama Canal Itineraries
Celebrity Cruises. Embark on an unforgettable 11-night Celebrity Cruises adventure through the Panama Canal and Southern Caribbean. Discover the ancient ruins of Cartagena, Colombia, and explore the stunning beaches of Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire. Witness the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal as you cruise through its iconic locks, all while enjoying the luxurious amenities and world-class service that Celebrity Cruises is known for.
Norwegian Cruise Line. Discover the wonders of the Panama Canal, Mexico, and Colombia on this 11-night Norwegian Cruise Lines adventure. Explore the ancient ruins of Cartagena, Colombia, and experience the vibrant culture of Mexico in Cabo San Lucas. Witness the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal as you cruise through its iconic locks, all while enjoying the fun-filled atmosphere and exciting onboard activities that Norwegian Cruise Lines is known for.
Virgin Voyages. This 16-night Virgin Voyages cruise offers a thrilling journey through the Panama Canal, with stops in vibrant destinations like Cartagena, Colombia; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Explore ancient ruins, relax on pristine beaches, and experience the unique culture of each port, all while enjoying the luxurious amenities and vibrant atmosphere of Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady ship.
Conclusion
A Panama Canal cruise offers a truly unforgettable experience for travelers seeking adventure, history, and natural beauty. Whether you're interested in exploring ancient ruins, relaxing on pristine beaches, or witnessing the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal, this unique itinerary has something to offer everyone.
So, if your group is looking for a cruise that combines historical significance, cultural exploration, stunning natural beauty, and a truly unique experience, a Panama Canal cruise is the perfect choice. Contact Untethered Voyages to book your group cruise today!