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Lunch is usually included and often consists of a traditional meal of fried fish or chicken, yuca and fried plantains. Visitors can shop for handwoven baskets, plates and masks made from palm leaf fibers, cocobolo wood and tagua seeds, before heading back to the ship. About 45 minutes from Panama City lies the lush tropical paradise of the Gamboa Rainforest Reserve, where visitors can book various eco-focused experiences. The reserve is part of Soberania National Park, which encompasses 55,000 acres on the shores of the Panama Canal.
Oceania Cruises
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. 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 spotting. Cruise to the Panama Canal for marvels, majestic creatures and magnificent native cultures. Experience the thrill of your cruise ship being lifted and lowered 170 feet by the man-made canal’s famous locks, and gaze upon the enormity of this stunning feat of engineering.
Best Panama Canal Cruises
BEST Celebrity Cruises to the Panama Canal & Central America (with Prices) 2024 & 2025 on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic
BEST Celebrity Cruises to the Panama Canal & Central America (with Prices) 2024 & 2025 on Cruise Critic.
Posted: Mon, 23 Oct 2023 15:48:18 GMT [source]
Hit the gift shop on the way out for a hat, T-shirt or another souvenir to mark the day you traveled in 10 hours from one ocean to another. Originally known as the Thatcher Ferry Bridge, the Bridge of the Americas connects North and South America and serves as the gateway to the Pacific Ocean. After traveling through the Miraflores Locks, which allow the ship to finish the descent to sea level, you have 8 miles to find a spot on deck, grab a flute of Champagne and get your phone or camera ready. You'll undoubtedly learn many fascinating factoids about the construction of the Panama Canal and the steps needed to cross it. This starts with the fact that the captain of the ship has to relinquish control to a Panama Canal official who is in charge of navigating the vessel through the canal the entire day. Passenger ships will usually invite a local guide on board to provide a running commentary of what's happening all day; usually, their narration is piped through the ship's intercom.
THE 6 BEST Cruises from Galveston to the Panama Canal & Central America (with Prices) on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic
THE 6 BEST Cruises from Galveston to the Panama Canal & Central America (with Prices) on Cruise Critic.
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Panama Canal and Central America Cruise Highlights
The Panama Canal area has a tropical climate, meaning temperatures will range between 75 and 85 degrees on your Panama cruising adventure. Since the Panama Canal is nestled between the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean, weather can vary greatly during Panama Canal cruises. With the varying climates of Panama and the mixing weather of two different oceans, it would be best to prepare for some rainy weather during the transit. For longer, repositioning Panama Canal cruises, you should stick to the earlier or later months of this window when the cruise ships are finding a new home.
Take some photos and video as you go underneath it; if it's too crowded with passengers jockeying for position, head aft on the ship and snap some after you pass under it. You can also spot spectators sitting in the grandstands at Gatun Locks on the Atlantic side and on the balcony at the Miraflores Visitor Center on the Pacific side. The latter will wave and cheer you on since the more infrequent sight of a passenger ship with lots of people onboard is infinitely more exciting than the many cargo ships that sail through each day. Even if the canal transit is what you're cruising for, don't forget to check out the rest of the stops on the itinerary.
Though less than 100 miles long the Panama Canal is an impressive waterway that has changed your life for the better. Experience a popular or luxury cruise through the canal to get a real idea of its significance. Gain a deeper understanding of the impressive engineering behind the 48-mile-long Panama Canal connecting the Atlantic and Pacific.
Keep in mind that die-hard canal lovers will stand on deck the entire time, blocking the view from inside, so be prepared to move around. Here are some Panama Canal cruise tips to help you plan and get the most out of this bucket list experience. For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices.
Over time, however, some members of the Wounaan have migrated to other regions close to the Chagres River, giving visitors to the region a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture. Follow our social media and blog for the latest cruise and travel news, including our best vacation deals. With an overwhelming world of choices, we understand you may need some personal assistance to plan your perfect vacation.
Abundant adventures ashore
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. Puerto Vallarta is another one of Mexico’s beautiful gems frequently visited on Panama Canal cruises. As a destination that has welcomed travelers from around the world for many years, there are plenty of fascinating activities and Puerto Vallarta shore excursions for every age. By far the most popular and worthwhile attraction in the Gamboa cruise port is the Gamboa Rainforest. There is also a aerial tram that will bring you through the vast rainforest and the surrounding landscape.
Aptly named the Safari Voyager, the UnCruise Adventures cruise ship for the Panama Canal cruise offers an exciting array of onboard expedition and heritage guides. Guests can learn more about the history behind the unique sites they will visit along the way. The Panama Canal is a bucket-list destination for many and you can even explore it on a cruise. Cruise ships have remained one of the most luxurious and highly coveted modes of travel. A Panama Canal Cruise is a great option if you combine your love for the sea with a desire to explore distant lands. Calls on Golfito and Puntarenas in Costa Rica offer access to eco-adventure.
Finally, if you prefer to get back on the water, take a catamaran ride around the area. These tours will typically offer all you can drink and delicious snacks with your fare, stopping at beautiful private beaches for you to explore and enjoy. That being said, the top thing to do in Puntarenas on your Panama Canal cruise is heading over to the main beach– Playa Puntarenas.
Typically, the transit of the Panama Canal takes eight to ten hours, but this depends on how much traffic there is and whether there is any congestion at the massive locks. In the best places to visit in Central America, you’ll discover pristine beaches, dynamic cultures, and diverse scenery full of adventures. If you are doing a full transit through to the Pacific Ocean side and you're staying in the area, you might want to carve out some time for the Miraflores Visitor Center. However, as of press time, the four exhibition halls that portray the canal's history, construction, biodiversity and importance are temporarily closed for renovations. You'll first see the skyscrapers of Balboa on the port side, then eventually the Bridge of the Americas will come into view.
Therefore, if you are an engineering geek and don’t mind not getting off the ship within Panama, this itinerary is for you. By far the most popular Panama Canal itinerary for cruises runs from Florida to the West Coast– or vice versa. The most popular departure ports are Miami and Fort Lauderdale in Florida, with Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego serving as the larger West Coast cities.
Since Panama Canal crossings tend to be longer sailings, be prepared that your cruise might have more than one formal night. 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 services of the representative. 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.
This luxury brand offers small ships that allow you to explore less traveled ports for unique experiences. Those on "partial crossings" or simply docked at Colon might consider completing the crossing in a smaller boat. This popular shore excursion begins at Gamboa, one of the towns along the Canal.
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