Do Cruise Ships Go Through The Panama Canal?

Cruising On The Panama Canal: What You Should Know

Cruises through the Panama Canal are a dream vacation for both bucket list cruisers and engineering enthusiasts, offering the chance to learn about the ecosystems along the Isthmus of Panama, in the Gamboa Rainforest, and at Gatun Lake. More than 14,000 ships use the canal each year, primarily for commercial trade purposes. Among those numbers is an average of 200 cruise ship transits across the cruise line industry, according to the Panama Canal Authority. For travel planning purposes, it’s worth noting that the Panama Canal cruise season runs from October to May each year.

Crossing the Panama Canal in its entirety takes anywhere from 8 to 10 hours, due to the intricate system of locks that carefully raise and lower cruise ships along the canal to accommodate the change in water elevation between oceans. Some cruises take you the full distance of the canal, from the Pacific to the Caribbean, or vice versa. Others offer a partial transit, which involves shorter, round-trip previews of the canal that typically go as far as the Gatun Locks before turning around. Currently, the Panama Canal itineraries available with Royal Caribbean are full transit cruises that depart from one port and conclude in another. 

Because the journey through the Panama Canal itself can take an entire day, expect cruise itineraries that span at least one week and, in some cases, upwards of two. Current Royal Caribbean sailings in the region include 10-, 13-, and 16-night itineraries, which vary depending on your preferred departure port.

Why It’s Worth Exploring The Panama Canal With Royal Caribbean

If you’re already familiar with the award-winning cruises that Royal Caribbean has delivered guests for nearly 60 years, you know that the vacation brand delivers a healthy balance of entertainment, cultural exchange, and relaxation. From ship to shore, cruising through the Panama Canal is no exception, making it an experience that is both Instagram-ready and worthy of cherishing the moment device-free. 

On board the ship, guests can enjoy world-class dining, live entertainment, original productions, spa treatments, and endless activities suited for every age. Trivia masters will enjoy the light-hearted fun of interactive game shows, while guests feeling lucky can raise the ante at the tables or on the penny slots at Casino Royale℠. Sporty travelers should try their hand at pickleball or rock-climbing, while those with lasting energy are bound to find their groove at silent dance parties. Watch cinema classics under the stars on outdoor movie nights, or surprise fellow travelers with the best rendition of your go-to song during late-night karaoke. Expanded pool decks on every Royal Caribbean ship and unwinding in the sun is only a complimentary lounger selection away (much like your frozen cocktail or mocktail of choice).

At ports of call, guests can also enjoy numerous shore excursions when sailing on a Panama Canal cruise itinerary, such as discovery tours of rural communities in Huatulco, Mexico, or the vibrant flavors of bustling Cartagena, Colombia. Guests who love vacationing with a touch of panache can opt for a catamaran cruise or embark on a sightseeing adventure in a classic car. Party seekers shouldn’t miss the chance to live it up at the Tropical Forest Retreat & Pool Party in Puerto Vallarta, while adventurous cruisers spot sloths, jaguars and macaws in Costa Rica or test their skills on an ATV adventure.

During the canal transit, past cruisers recommend enjoying the voyage from different parts of the ship, as each viewpoint will offer different perspectives. The bow, otherwise known as the forward part of the hull of a ship, is often where guests get a head-on glimpse of the striking lock gates, along with the recent 2016 development of expansion locks designed to support the crossing of larger vessels.

Tips For Cruisers Taking A Voyage Through The Panama Canal

Here are a few of the top things to know when planning to cruise the Panama Canal:

The best time to cruise the Panama Canal - While the Panama Canal remains open to ships year-round, experts recommend visiting during the winter and spring months, from November to May. Guests can enjoy the temperate weather of each season and lower humidity levels, while avoiding the rainy season, which typically begins in May.

Consider a balcony stateroom for a private viewing experience. While Royal Caribbean ships have no shortage of public spaces to take in your surroundings, having access to your own balcony is a chance to soak in the experience in your personal space. It’s like stepping onto your porch at home, except with jaw-dropping natural landscapes at your front door instead of paved roads and streetlights. Balcony staterooms are a crowd favorite on any cruise. However, in this part of the world, the sights and sounds along the Panama Canal add a fascinating layer to your vacation, beyond the normal ocean views, which are stunning in their own right.

Early birds snag the best public viewing spots. Travelers who struggle to sleep in, or those on a transit-viewing mission, will enjoy the early morning selection of sightseeing spots, which often fill up throughout the day. The best viewing spots, which include open decks and forward-facing areas, tend to get packed, so the earlier you can claim your place, the better.

Save your spot on the ship well in advance. With limited itineraries and capacity, Royal Caribbean Panama Canal cruises often sell out. Keep an eye out for new offerings at least 12 months in advance of your desired sailing date to secure the best deals. However, you may still have luck confirming your booking within six to nine months, depending on demand.

Immerse Yourself In Central American Culture On A Royal Caribbean Cruise

Experience one of the "Seven Wonders of the Modern World," while basking in the sun on board a Royal Caribbean ship. Get ready for lush rainforest landscapes, expansive views of Gatun Lake, and the diverse fauna that call the region home. Marvel at the wonders of the Panama Canal and enjoy the award-winning comforts of sailing with Royal Caribbean.