Panama Canal

Panama Canal Cruises

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The #1 Panama Canal cruise line

It’s a wonder to be told. Explore the Panama Canal with expert narration on Princess, the #1 cruise line here. 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. Experience a storied past, Mother Nature and lovable wildlife, whether you fully transit the locks or sample them. 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.

Sloth being fed in a natural preserve

You can meet the local wildlife up close and discover their unique habitats.

Cruise to Panama

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Panama Canal cruise ports

A Princess cruise ship sailing through Gatun Lake in the Panama Canal, surrounded by green forests and a wide, open sky. A Princess cruise ship makes its way through Gatun Lake.

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

View cruises from Fort Lauderdale
A Princess cruise ship passing under the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, with the city skyline and rolling hills in the background. A Princess cruise ship sails gracefully beneath the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

Sail Ocean to Ocean and transit all three sets of locks and sail through history and through the scenic Gatun Lake. Experience a full transit of the Panama Canal.

From Los Angeles
From San Francisco

Choose from select sailings that depart roundtrip from Port Canaveral, New York or Vancouver.

From New York
From Vancouver
From Port Canaveral

Panama Canal beautiful port cities

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Why cruise in the Panama Canal with Princess?

Year-round sailings. Family-friendly fun. The best way to see the Panama Canal.

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  • Gatun lake

    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.

  • A family entering the ship

    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.

  • Coral Princess®, transiting canal locks

    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.

  • Las bovedas in Cartagena, Colombia

    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.

  • Couple riding bikes in Cartagena, Colombia

    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.

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All you need to know about Panama Canal

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.

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  • Red Eyed Tree Frog

    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.

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  • Old ruins, Panama

    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.

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  • San Juan del Sur bay in Nicaragua

    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.

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Travel, airfare, & hotels: let Princess get you there

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    Princess EZAir® Flights

    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.

    Learn more about Princess EZAir
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    Airplane to Ship Transfer

    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.

    Learn more about transfers
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    Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

    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.

    View Cruise Plus Hotel Packages
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Cruise deals and promotions

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.

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Aerial view of a large cruise ship's top deck, featuring multiple pool areas, lounge chairs, and glass-domed structures, sailing through deep blue ocean waters.

Escape to the open sea with Princess Cruises.

A couple stands together on the deck of a cruise ship, smiling as they enjoy the ocean view under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

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View of locks from the ship

5 Facts You Should Know About The Panama Canal

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Cruise Through the History of the Panama Canal

Marvel at the awesome history of the Panama Canal and be transported back in time on a Panama Canal Cruise with Princess.

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