Coral Princess transiting Panama canal

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.

Coral Princess®, transiting canal locks
Coral Princess®, transiting canal locks.
Las Bovedas in Cartagena, Colombia
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, 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.

View of locks from the ship
View of locks from the ship.
Old City in Cartagena, Colombia
Old City 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. 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. 

Gatun Lake, scenic cruising
Gatun Lake, scenic cruising.

Panama Canal Cruise Departure Ports

View cruises From the East Coast Roundtrip Ft. Lauderdale

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
Grand Princess Sailing under Golden Gate bridge

Los Angeles & San Francisco

From the West Coast

  • Sail Ocean to Ocean and transit all three sets of locks and sail through history
  • Scenic cruising of Gatun Lake
  • Experience a full transit of the Panama Canal, ocean to ocean
Port canaveral aerial view

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

waterfal in the jungle

Limon

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.

panama canal lock

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 beach

Bonaire

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 beach

Aruba

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.

Travel, Airfare, & Hotels: Let Princess get you there

Cruise deals & promotions

Start planning the vacation of your dreams with a cruise you'll love at a price you can't beat. Explore our latest featured deals, snag some last-minute savings and see how our all-inclusive packages can make your getaway even better.

Star Princess cruise ship sailing past Dawes Glacier in Alaska.
Star Princess cruise ship sailing past Dawes Glacier in Alaska.

The Princess® Rewards Visa® Card Earn 20,000 Bonus Points = $200 Onboard Credit

Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $500 in the first 90 days. That’s worth $200 in onboard credit. Plus, enjoy 2X points per $1 spent on all Princess purchases including onboard purchases. Terms apply.

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