panama canal cruise old locks

Which Panama Canal Cruise To Go On The Old Or New?

The Panama Canal is a great cruise to go on but with now two canals to choose from which is the best Panama Canal cruise to go on the old or the new?

Once an upon a time only smaller cruise ships could only transit through the Panama Canal and then they built a bigger canal.

Now bigger cruise ships can transit through the new Panamax Canal.

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New Panama Canal

The new Panama Canal took 11 years to build and was built for larger container ships to transit. Helping the trade route get to the west coast of America quicker.

As the canal was made bigger, of course, they didn’t mind charging big cruise ships to transit too.

Old Panama Canal

Smaller cruise ships and container ships that can fit can still transit through the original canal.

Which gives you a choice of which Panama Canal cruise to go on the old or new canal.

Here I am going to tell you the difference between the two canal cruises.

Which Panama Canal Cruise to Go On Old or New?

There are a few factors you need to consider before you book a Panama Canal cruise.

• First what type of cruise ship do you like to travel on
• Have you ever been on a Panama Canal cruise
• Do you want to see the new Panama Canal
• Are you interested in the history of the canal and how the original canal was built
• Would you like to know how the new Panamax Canal was built
• Which cruise would you like to go on – transit through the whole canal – Fort Lauderdale to Los Angeles or vice versa
• Are you going on a ten-day cruise which does a half transit

Which Panama Canal to Cruise?

Now you know what to consider it should make it easier which cruise to pick.

New Panamax Canal

The new Panamax Canal is a modern Panama Canal experience and the practicalities of this canal is interesting and a lot quicker to get through.

If you have been through the old Panama Canal you are probably interested to see how the new one differs.

This is the schedule for transiting through the new Panama Canal from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean:

• Pilot boards in Balboa
• Enter Cocoli Locks
• Depart Cocoli Locks
• Enter Agua Clara Locks
• Depart Agua Clara Locks

The new Panama Canal does not have the old features and the ship is helped through the canal with tug boats and the chamber walls slide to close.

The water lever does go up and down, but not in the capacity that is does in the original canal.

Joining Two Oceans – The Panama Canal

The chambers and lock walls are interesting to see from a modern engineering perspective.

You can transit through the Panama Canal on a large cruise ship.

Original Panama Canal

In the original Panama Canal , you are going to see the original locks. The mules pulling the ship through the locks, which is very interesting to see.

You will have the experience of the water level going up and down a lot, so on some decks, all you can see is the canal wall.

The ship gets very close to the canal wall, so much you hear the ship being squeezed through the canal.

This is how the original Panama Canal transit looks like from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean:

• Atlantic Ocean (Caribbean Sea)
• Transit Cristobel
• Enter Gatun Locks
• Depart Gatun Locks
• Passing Gamboa
• Passing Centenario Bridge
• Enter Pedro Miguel Locks
• Depart Pedro Miguel Locks
• Enter Miraflores Locks
• Depart Miraflores Locks
• Pass under the Bridge of Americas
• Passing Balboa Anchorages
• Enter the Pacific Ocean (Gulf of Panama)

Only small to medium-sized ships can transit through the original Panama Canal.

Which Panama Canal cruise will you book?

What to See in the Cruise Port of Panama City

Cruise Essentials

Here are some cruising products from Amazon you may find useful on your next cruise – have a look at my Amazon shop page and click here.

I hope this article has helped you weigh up which Panama Canal cruise to book.

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12 Panama Canal Cruise Mistakes, Do’s and Don’ts

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If you’re going on a Panama Canal cruise for the first time, these are some potential mistakes to avoid, as they can impact your cruise.

We recently came back from our first Panama Canal cruise, and there were definitely some things that I wish I would have known before I sailed. While I did a lot of research before my cruise, there were still some things I would have done differently.

In this post I share information that you’ll want to know about the Panama Canal cruise itinerary, cruise ships and what not to forget to pack for your cruise vacation.

These Panama Canal cruise tips will help you to be better prepared and avoid potential pitfalls and common mistakes.

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Panama Canal Cruises: What Cruise Passengers Need to Know

1. Will Your Cruise Ship Be Transiting the New or Old Locks

Before we went on our Panama Canal cruise, I never looked into whether we’d be sailing through the new locks, built in 2016, or the original. I found out that this is a potential mistake.

Navigating the Panama Canal presents a choice that can significantly shape the experience: the new or old locks. The modern Agua Clara locks showcase cutting-edge engineering, while the historic Miraflores, Pedro Miguel and Gatun locks embody the canal’s rich past.

Each route offers a distinct perspective. However, most cruise travelers agree that the old locks present the most interesting experience. As the ship glides through the narrow passage, you’re practically touching the walls.

Our cruise ship sailed through the newer locks. However, for those that are interested in getting up close to the historic locks, there are shore excursions available.

2. Partial vs Full Transit

While there’s no right or wrong answer, there are pros and cons of doing either the full or partial transit of the Panama Canal.

A partial Panama Canal cruise usually involves a round trip, departing from and returning to the same embarkation port, providing passengers with a condensed canal experience. On a partial transit, which is what we did, you’ll navigate through the iconic locks of the Panama Canal and into Gatun Lake. After several hours, your ship will return through the locks.

On the other hand, a full transit Panama Canal itinerary is a crossing from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean or vice versa. It encompasses the entire canal, offering a deeper exploration of the locks, channels, and the diverse landscapes encountered along the way.

While a partial round trip cruise is a shorter time commitment, a full transit provides a more extensive and awe-inspiring journey through this iconic waterway.

Related: What to Pack for Your First Cruise (Packing List & Tips)

3. Not Being Prepared for the Day in the Panama Canal

Make sure that you’re prepared for an early start on the day you cross the Panama Canal. Your cruise ship will likely have an approximate schedule or itinerary so that you can plan and follow along.

Plan your viewing spot, whether at the bow, from your balcony, or on upper decks. The bow is generally the best spot to view the cruise ship enter the locks, both early in the morning and when returning through in the later afternoon (on partial transits).

Be forewarned, these spots get busy, so plan to arrive early.

On our Panama Canal cruise, I mistakenly was under the impression that our day would be similar to an Alaska cruise glacier viewing day. Instead, there are distinct times of the day that you’ll want to be more actively viewing.

Something nice is that there is a slower pace to the day and you can take advantage of the downtime.

4. Not Learning About the Panama Canal

I admit I was guilty of not learning as much as I could about the history of the Panama Canal. Thankfully there are educational cruise talks and guest lecturers who will be onboard most cruise ships. It’s a mistake not to attend some of these talks to be better prepared and enhance your experience.

A book you may wish to read ahead of time is “The Path Between the Seas,” by historian David McCullough .

Recommended: Panama Canal book (check price & reviews on amazon here)

5. Cruise Port Mistakes

When it comes to shore excursion planning , be sure to research the ports of call. Be cautious about wandering off on your own and consider booking cruise line excursions or reputable tours.

Even if you’ve been on Caribbean cruises before, you may find the port areas in Central America have a less developed infrastructure and local vendors can try and take advantage of cruise travelers.

Be cautious when it comes to travel scams and tourist traps, that you can encounter in ports of call including Old Town, Cartagena.

That said, you’ll also meet many lovely local people and be able to see and experience the natural beauty, as well as wildlife, of the destinations. Don’t forget to try some of the local food when in port.

6. Forgetting to Pack these Panama Canal Cruise Essentials

Panama Canal cruises tend to be hot and humid, so it’s essential to bring the following items. On our cruise, there were many cruisers who didn’t consider the weather or the mosquitos!

Don’t forget to pack:

• Aloe Vera Gel (for sunburns)
• I nsect repellant
• Afterbite (or a similar product)
• Poncho or light rainjacket
• Sunhat – men or women

Related: 50+ Must-have Cruise Essentials from Amazon

7. Expecting a Caribbean Cruise Atmosphere

When talking with some fellow passengers, some people were surprised to find that a Panama Canal cruise had a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere than a typical 7 day Caribbean cruise .

Longer cruises tend to be a bit slower paced and attract a somewhat older passenger demographic. We also find that on longer cruises, people don’t stay out late every single night.

We really enjoyed the relaxed pace and chill vibe during our 12 day cruise. However, I could see how it could a surprise to those who are expecting a more party like atmosphere.

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8. Not Using the Cruise Ship’s Laundry Services

It can be hard to avoid overpacking for longer cruises . However, planning what to wear and using the cruise line’s laundry services can really help.

While some cruise ships have a self serve laundrette for passenger use, this isn’t the case on all cruises. Many cruise lines offer convenient laundry packages. This includes a laundry bag special which can be used once or twice during the cruise, or an unlimited laundry package.

Be sure to check out your cruise line’s laundry options so that you’re prepared before you go.

Panama Canal Frequently Asked Questions

9. why do cruise ships go into gatun lake on a panama canal cruise.

Cruise ships enter Gatun Lake during a Panama Canal transit, utilizing the Gatun Locks to reach the lake’s elevation. This artificial body of water facilitates the canal crossing, aiding ships in traversing the continental divide and transitioning between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Gatun Lake’s inclusion enhances the scenic experience for passengers, showcasing the engineering brilliance of the Panama Canal.

10. When Is the Best Time to Go on a Panama Canal Cruise?

The best time to go on a Panama Canal cruise is during the dry season, which typically spans from mid-December to mid-April. During these months, the weather is more stable, with reduced chances of rainfall, providing the best conditions for a pleasant cruise and travel experience.

11. Which Side of the Cruise Ship is Best for Panama Canal Cruises?

Choosing the best side of the cruise ship for a Panama Canal cruise depends on the direction of the journey. For transiting from the Atlantic to the Pacific (or vice versa), the starboard side (right side when facing forward) is often preferred by cruise passengers.

This allows passengers to have prime views of the canal’s intricate locks and operations. However, for round-trip itineraries or partial transits, either side can offer great views.

Keep in mind that you can watch from your balcony or window, but you’ll likely want to view the Panama Canal crossing from the ship’s bow or stern as well.

How Long Is a Panama Canal Cruise?

The duration of a typical Panama Canal cruise can vary, but it generally ranges from about 10 to 16 days. Shorter cruises might focus on specific regions, such as the Caribbean or Central America, while longer ones could encompass a more extensive itinerary, including both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts.

The actual time spent transiting the canal itself is usually a day or two, depending on whether it’s a partial or full transit.

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• 17 Worst Cruise Ship Cabins to Avoid
• 17 Things You’ll Never See on a Cruise Again

Final Thoughts

A Panama Canal cruise is one that should be on every avid cruiser’s bucket list. Whether you do a partial or full transit, go through the older or newer locks, cruise solo or with friends, you’re sure to come back with amazing memories!

Happy Cruising!

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Top Panama Canal cruise tips and tricks to get the most out of this unique crossing

Sailing through the Panama Canal makes for a cruise itinerary like none other. For one thing, passengers on board get to witness the mechanics and science of an engineering marvel that's been deemed one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. And by the end of the day, they'll have crossed from one ocean to another — truly an amazing feat.

But since a Panama Canal cruise is unique, you'll encounter some logistical considerations that you won't on other itineraries — including the fact that your debarkation and embarkation ports might be different.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Here are some Panama Canal cruise tips to help you plan and get the most out of this bucket list experience.

Understand the two main itinerary options before you book

Panama Canal cruises come in two flavors: full transits and partial transits.

On a full-transit Panama Canal cruise, the ship enters the first set of locks (usually from the Atlantic Ocean side, as most cruises originate from there or the Caribbean). It then travels through Gatun Lake and the other sets of locks to exit the canal on the Pacific side.

Partial transits often originate in Florida or the Caribbean, enter the canal at Limon Bay and travel 7 miles to the Gatun Locks. They then turn around at Gatun Lake, heading back to Colon and continuing on the itinerary.

There are pros and cons to both options. A full transit allows you to experience the entire canal and all the locks. But while it's fun to start at one location and finish at a completely different destination, purchasing two one-way plane tickets per person can be pricier compared to round-trip fares for a cruise that embarks and debarks from the same location.

The partial Panama Canal experience isn't much shorter than a full crossing, but you'll experience the Caribbean-side locks twice and miss out on the Pacific side. On the flip side, the ship will often sail round-trip from Florida, allowing passengers to enjoy various Caribbean ports before and after the transit. Passengers can purchase round-trip airfare or even drive to their departure port, which can be cheaper and logically easier than ending up on the opposite coast than you set out from.

Related: 12 best Panama Canal cruises for a bucket-list trip

Regardless of transit type, keep in mind that Panama Canal cruises can be longer-than-average sailings. Most cruises shorter than two weeks are one-way sailings, often beginning or ending in Panama. The shortest sailings are predominantly offered by small ships, and they begin and end in Central America. The shortest round-trip Fort Lauderdale partial transits are 11 nights; full transits that start on the U.S. East Coast and end on the West Coast (or vice versa) will be at least 14 days long.

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. You'll want to consider whether you're more interested in Caribbean islands or Central and South American destinations.

Be prepared for the crossing to take the entire day

A full transit of the Panama Canal involves passing through six sets of locks, crossing an entire lake and contending with other marine traffic waiting to go through the lock system one at a time. It can take a cruise ship 10 hours or so to cover the 48 miles from the Caribbean to the Pacific.

And even though the crossing is fascinating, let's be honest — it can also be tedious. Ships and passengers spend much time waiting, and 40 ships pass through the canal each day. Since they all line up in Limon Bay to wait their turn, you may be docked there the entire night and start the crossing early morning; you might even be lined up ready to go and still need to wait part of the day.

Once you begin, you'll travel 5 miles from the bay to the canal, then nearly 2 miles to the three-stage Gatun Locks; it can take more than two hours to lift your ship around 85 feet above sea level to the level of Gatun Lake — the equivalent of a 10-story building. Sailing through the artificial lake formed by the dam lasts around four hours. This is a good time to grab lunch, take a dip in the pool or just relax for a bit.

After that, you'll traverse the Chagres River, then sail 8 miles through the Culebra Cut. The initial descent starts at the single-stage Pedro Miguel Lock, which lowers the ship 31 feet. After passing a mile through Miraflores Lake, you'll reach the two-stage Miraflores Locks, which will descend the ship the last 54 feet back to sea level. The final step is sailing 8 miles to go under the Bridge of the Americas and finally reach the Pacific Ocean.

Stake out a spot early

Don't miss your ship's information session the evening before the crossing so that you can learn more about the process and find out when your ship is scheduled to begin its transit. Don't be surprised if people start grabbing spots in the predawn hours in the best viewing areas. If you want a front-row view of the action, you'll probably have to do the same.

Obviously, a forward location on the ship will give you a clear vantage point as you head into the locks. If possible, find a seat inside a lounge or viewing area that also has a balcony or deck right outside; that way, you'll be able to get out of the sun and cool off in the air conditioning from time to time (and still be able to pop out and take photos and videos of the different steps in the process).

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.

Related: The best time to cruise the Panama Canal

Since the crossing does take a while, especially sailing across Gatun Lake, you might find it fun to watch it from a different vantage point from time to time. You can enjoy views from a hot tub on one of the decks, from your table at lunch or even from a deck that's aft, so you can see the locks after you leave them instead of when you arrive.

Unless you have a companion to save you a spot, know that you will give up your original seat if you choose to move to another area for a different perspective.

Keep your eye out for key moments

You'll definitely want to watch for the following things during the transit:

• The lock or miter gates slowly swing open and close like double doors. (Fun fact: Their lower halves are hollow and watertight, making them buoyant and decreasing their workload.)
• Crew members in rowboats attach ropes to the sides of the ship and to the mules; the electric locomotives on railroad tracks on each side of the lock help maneuver the ship and keep it centered. This is extremely important as the clearance on either side can be shockingly small.
• Megaships pass through the parallel expansion locks that opened in 2016 to accommodate vessels that couldn't fit through the original locks.

While passing through Gatun Lake, you'll be amazed at how wide it is in spots. At 180 square miles, it was the world's largest artificial lake at the time it was constructed. Don't miss the Culebra Cut, an artificial valley through the Continental Divide made by cutting through the Culebra Mountains; it's recognizable by the staked, stepped cuts.

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.

Protect yourself from the sun

While it's enthralling to stand on the deck, watch the locks fill with water and the ship imperceptibly rise, remember that sun reflects off the water. You might have a false sense of security that just because you're wearing street clothes instead of sitting by the pool in a bathing suit, your exposure is minimal.

Wear a hat and long-sleeved clothes if you can, apply sunscreen before heading out on deck — and reapply often — and drink plenty of water all day.

Related: What to pack for a Panama Canal cruise

Glean info and facts from the guide on board

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.

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.

The guide will have downtime during certain parts of the day, so feel free to ask questions then.

Look for the livestream camera

As you approach the Miraflores Locks, the last set of locks before reaching the Pacific Ocean, there is a live stream webcam by the Visitor Center. It's often slow, refreshing only every five or 10 seconds, but it can still be fun to text or call friends and family and have them look for you.

Take the ultimate Panama Canal cruise selfie

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 first see the skyscrapers of Balboa on the port side, then eventually the Bridge of the Americas will come into view. 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.

Make time for the visitor center but manage expectations

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.

A trip is still worth it for the excellent 3D IMAX film narrated by Morgan Freeman, which does a great job explaining the trials, tribulations and perils of building this awe-inspiring feat. You can also stand on the ground-level terrace or grab a seat in the bleachers on the first level to watch ships pass through the final set of locks; sometimes, a staff member is on hand to provide commentary.

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.

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Panama canal cruise ..... partial vs full, new vs old locks - Cruises Forum

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And what is the difference in seeing the old vs new locks?

5 replies to this topic

Are you not excited to transit the canal, and see Panama? Not everyone is, and I don't think it should be on every bucket list.

You'll miss the Bridge of the Americas:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridge_of_the_Americas

You'll miss the experience of repeat locking through. People who've experienced a small lock in a pleasure boat know you're either fascinated by the whole ingenious process or else just eager to get on with it. If you're bored by small locks, you may still be awed by the sheer SCALE of enormous locks and ships. Being from Texas, the home of extra-large *everything*, that could go either way.

The history of how the locks got built is amazing, heart-breaking, and even nauseating due to huge loss of life. If you're a reader, David McCullough's 700 page The Path Between the Seas: The Creation of the Panama Canal, 1870–1914 is a landmark book, but not an easy read. Some people prefer reading the internet and trivia, like: after a Panama canal transit from Atlantic to Pacific, you're further east than where you started. WHAT!?! *Truth.*

Back to what you'll miss...

You'll miss west coast Mexico ports like Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta. Have you been there?

Before planning further, consider the weather and which month to pick. Here's an article at sister site Cruise Critic:

https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=3934

THAT was what I meant about hot exhausting days. An alternative, the Embera Village cultural experience also qualifies for hot and exhausting, but gets five star reviews.

We owned a narrow boat, and travelling around the canals of the UK we encountered numerous locks. Fantastic works of engineering, considering they were constructed over 250 years ago. And hard work as well, especially if going through staircase locks, which entail opening and closing numerous locks in short order.

The point of my preamble - we did the Panama full transit, (old locks) five or so years ago. Initially the scale and feat of engineering is impressive, especially given the history of the whole project. But, dare I say it, we got bored after a while. Glad we did it, but, in all honesty, we would not do it again.

We have done the full transit 3 times & a partial once

We done Jan, Feb & mar it is hot but on the ship at least you have food & drinks & A/C

The locks were interesting but if you have done locks before you may find them boring like the poster above

If you want a different experience

rent a boat in Ontario Canada &do the Trent waterway canal ..now they have some locks LOL

https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/on/trentsevern?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=trent_lock21

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Panama Canal Cruises

Set sail with princess® – the best panama canal cruise line.

Best Cruise Line Itineraries

13-Time Winner Recommend Magazine

We’re the number one cruise line sailing to this bucket list destination, and as awe-inspiring as it is to travel through one of  Condé Nast Traveler’s  7 Cruise Wonders of the World, 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 colonial towns and journey through the fabled Panama Canal with Princess.

Roundtrip Ft. Lauderdale

From the East Coast

• Roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale
• Experience a partial transit of the Panama Canal
• Visit the pristine beaches of the Caribbean and explore the lush rainforests of Costa Rica
• Uncover two or three of the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao) and enjoy their vibrant culture and marine life

Between Atlantic & Pacific Oceans

Ocean to Ocean

• Sail from the East Coast to the West Coast or vice versa. Cruise from Ft. Lauderdale to Los Angeles or San Francisco, or cruise from either of those two West Coast cities to Florida.
• Ideal itinerary for those who want to experience a full transit of the Panama Canal
• Transit all three sets of locks

Why Princess is the #1 Panama Canal Cruise Line

Meaningful travel to a bucket-list destination

Destination immersion

We craft our Panama Canal itineraries to enrich our guests' experiences to provide the most exposure to this bucket-list 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 .

Photo: Las Bovedas in Cartagena, Colombia

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.

Photo: View of locks from the ship

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.

Photo: Old City in Cartagena, Colombia

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 man-made wonder.

2024-2025 Panama Canal Cruises

Sail through a man-made marvel. Discover Panama Canal with Princess Cruises.

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Want to cruise through the new Panama Canal locks? Here's how

Call it a new era for Panama Canal cruises. 

The official opening of the 48-mile-long waterway's massive new locks on Sunday will add a new twist to what long has been a bucket list item for cruising fans. Some lines will begin using the new locks for canal sailings. Others will stick with the older locks. Cruisers who want a specific experience will need to choose their ship wisely.   

Princess Cruises, which offers more voyages into the canal than any other line, recently became  the first line to announce plans  to use the new locks. The line said its 3,080-passenger Caribbean Princess would operate partial transits of the canal using the new locks starting in late 2017.

The Caribbean Princess' first canal sailing on Oct. 21, 2017 will be a milestone for the cruise industry. Barring a last-minute announcement from another line, it'll mark the first time a "post-Panamax" cruise ship -- one too big for the waterway's original, smaller locks -- has entered the canal. The Caribbean Princess' beam is 118 feet. That's 12 feet wider than the maximum allowed in the older locks.  

The Panama Canal will float your boat

Disney Cruise Line also plans to use the new locks for its twice-a-year voyages through the canal starting in 2017, a spokeswoman tells USA TODAY. Disney's canal sailings in 2017 are scheduled to take place on the Disney Wonder, which can fit in both the old and new locks.  

Viewing the marvels of engineering that are the existing locks at the Panama Canal long has been a core appeal of canal sailings, and the chance to see the new locks in action could give cruisers who already have sailed through the canal a new reason to book one of the voyages. 

Still, a large number of the ships operating Panama Canal cruises will continue to use the original locks -- at least for now. Princess said three of its vessels -- Coral Princess, Island Princess and Pacific Princess -- will operate canal sailings during the 2017-18 season using the smaller locks. Spokespeople for Cunard and Norwegian Cruise Line also said their ships would be using the canal's smaller locks.   

Other lines that offer canal sailings are unsure about which set of locks their ships will use in the coming years. In response to queries from USA TODAY, spokespeople for Royal Caribbean, Holland America, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Crystal Cruises and Silversea Cruises said their vessels would use whichever locks they were assigned by local authorities. A spokesperson for Celebrity Cruises did not respond to a request for information.   

There are two new sets of locks at the Panama Canal, one each on the Atlantic and Pacific sides. The locks were added as part of a massive, nine-year canal expansion project that also included excavating channels to the new locks and expanding existing channels.

Begun in 2007, the expansion was designed to allow bigger cargo ships to transit the 102-year-old waterway. But it also could be a boon for the cruise industry. Though the smaller locks at the canal are large enough for many of the world's cruise ships, they can't handle a rapidly growing number of mega-vessels from the likes of Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and Carnival. When moving between the Atlantic and the Pacific, the biggest cruise ships must travel around the tip of South America, adding 8,000 miles and many days to their journey. 

At 180 feet wide and 1,400 feet long, the canal's new lock chambers should allow such massive new vessels as Norwegian Getaway and Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas to enter the waterway. But some of the biggest cruise ships still will be unable to cross the Panama Canal due to height restrictions. The passage requires sailing under the Bridge of the Americas near the canal's Pacific entrance, which has a clearance of just 201 feet at high tide. The world's biggest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean's one-month-old  Harmony of the Seas , rises 236 feet above the waterline as do its slightly smaller sisters Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas. 

Most major lines offer canal cruises. Many, such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian, operate just a handful of the sailings each year as they reposition vessels between winter homes in the Caribbean and summer homes in Alaska. Others, such as Princess, offer regular trips into the canal from late September through April.

The $5.4 billion HOV lane: Will new Panama Canal expansion boost global trade?

In general, canal voyages are long and leisurely, with lots of sea days. A typical "full transit" is a one-way trip from Florida to California, or vice versa, that lasts about 15 days. Some lines, most notably Princess, also offer partial transits — shorter, round-trip voyages to the canal from Florida or California that only include a passage through the locks on either the Atlantic or Pacific side of the canal and a sailing as far as Gatun Lake. 

For a first-hand look at the experience of cruising through the canal's smaller locks, scroll through the carousel at the top of this story. For a deck-by-deck look at a Princess ship, see the carousel below. 

• Panama Canal

Old or New Locks?

By crzgrl66 , December 18, 2021 in Panama Canal

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I'm in the process of selecting a panama canal cruise. My family wants to choose one that goes through the old locks, however, I can't figure out which ones go through old locks and which go through the new. Is there a way to find out without checking with each cruiseline individually? We are looking at Celebrity and they have two ships doing PC. Edge & Millenium 

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Of the two ships you mention, the Millennium will use the original locks and the Edge will take the new.    I'll also mention that the Millennium will be full transits while the Edge will be offering partial transits.  The difference between the transits is the partial transit enters the Canal from the Atlantic side, locks through the first set of locks to Gatun Lake.  Once in Gatun Lake passengers who have booked tours will be tendered off the ship.  After the tendering has taken place the ship will lock back down the same locks and sail to Colon where the passengers who are on tour will rejoin the ship.

The partial transit provides an excellent introduction to the Canal, but I find the full transit is more rewarding and if you have not transited the Canal previously the original locks would be my preference as well.

• 2 weeks later...

Am I understanding correctly that passengers are not required to disembark for the ship's passage through the locks?  We are looking at the Celebrity Millennium in April, 2023.

No, you don't disembark when the ship passes through the locks.  From the time you enter the Canal to the time you clear the Canal is about 10 hours, all onboard the ship.  I did look at the Millennium's schedule and she docks in Colon the day before transit the Canal.  Whether you disembark at Colon to take a tour is your choice.

• 3 months later...

Sunny AZ Girl

We did the Jewel of the Seas, full transit, in 2015.  Old locks (new locks were still under construction).  In 2023 we are booked on the Radiance of the Seas (same class of ship) for the full transit.  Since we know that class of ship can use the old locks should we assume that we will be using the old locks once again? 

Yes, that is a pretty safe assumption the Radiance of the Seas will use the original locks.  I always put a wee caveat in that assumption that there could be some perfect aligning of the stars that would create a condition that would cause a ship like the Radiance to use the new locks.  Some sort of serious maintenance or other issue that would limit the capacity of the original locks could necessitate the change.  Presently only about 12 ships a day can use the new locks and those ships usually have real deep pockets for the tolls, the Canal would rather those slots go to those ships.  Just a long way of saying if it fits in the original locks, that's where it will go 😄 !

7 hours ago, Sunny AZ Girl said: We did the Jewel of the Seas, full transit, in 2015.  Old locks (new locks were still under construction).  In 2023 we are booked on the Radiance of the Seas (same class of ship) for the full transit.  Since we know that class of ship can use the old locks should we assume that we will be using the old locks once again? 

Radiance transited on April 1, 2022 through the old locks.  

Pedro Miguel

What a difference a few years makes, same ship, same locks, same direction. The only difference is the Canal expansion has replaced the vegetation and altered the terrain a bit. 

3 hours ago, Essiesmom said: Radiance transited on April 1, 2022 through the old locks.     Pedro Miguel     Miraflores      

I guess that is what we will be doing, too. Thanks. Great pictures! 

I have sailed through the Canal from Atlantic to Pacific and vice versa, but, my last canal cruise was only a partial transit.  This was on the Eurodam in January, 2020.  I was very interested in seeing the new canal and locks.  While I did not see the locks, I was able to view the new canal with the help of a huge container ship that was going from the Pacific to the Atlantic at the same time that the Eurodam was returning to the Atlantic from Gatun Lake.  

Watching the activity of transiting the Canal and the countryside never grows old for me!  

• 1 month later...

I’m booked on the NCL Bliss from LA to Miami. I’m assuming that’s a full transit correct? Sorry if this is an ignorant question we just heard good things about the Panama Canal and booked it

Yes, that is a complete transit using the new locks.  Enjoy!!

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• Panama Canal

Old Locks or New?

By bookbabe , February 12, 2021 in Panama Canal

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Just starting to look at a Panama Canal cruise with NCL in the early part of 2023.  Definitely want to do a full transit, and it seems pretty easy to tell which ships do a full transit versus a partial transit.  However, I read that the old locks are better than the new...but how do you tell which locks your ship would go through?  

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The easiest way to judge if the ship will use the new locks or old is try and find the demensions.  Many times you can find it by Googling the ship.  Anything longer than 965' or wider than 106' will use the new locks.  When you are looking at the width, sometimes they will give you the extreme width that would include things like the bridge wings.  The 106 dimension is the at the waterline.

Any in the jewel class and older will use the old locks.  Breakaway and Breakaway +, and Epic would use the new locks.  If you can tell us which ships you are looking at, we can be definitive.  EM

2 hours ago, Essiesmom said: Any in the jewel class and older will use the old locks.  Breakaway and Breakaway +, and Epic would use the new locks.  If you can tell us which ships you are looking at, we can be definitive.  EM

My possibilities are most likely Encore or Joy, or less likely Gem or Jewel.

Those two will use the new locks.  EM

Encore and the Joy would use the new locks, while the Gem and Jewel the old locks.

On 2/12/2021 at 2:55 PM, bookbabe said:   My possibilities are most likely Encore or Joy, or less likely Gem or Jewel.

FWIW, we've done two full transits of the Canal, the first on the Jewel and the second on the Gem, and they were wonderful cruises.   (We love NCL's Jewel-class ships, they are a very comfortable size.  No great interest in the mega-ships.)  As for the old locks being "better" than the new, I think especially for a first transit, going through the original locks would be more interesting, and certainly more historic.

In case this is of help to you, here's the full review (with photos) that I posted of our full transit on the NCL Jewel:

Enjoy whatever you decide!

17 minutes ago, Turtles06 said:   FWIW, we've done two full transits of the Canal, the first on the Jewel and the second on the Gem, and they were wonderful cruises.   (We love NCL's Jewel-class ships, they are a very comfortable size.  No great interest in the mega-ships.)  As for the old locks being "better" than the new, I think especially for a first transit, going through the original locks would be more interesting, and certainly more historic.   In case this is of help to you, here's the full review (with photos) that I posted of our full transit on the NCL Jewel:     Enjoy whatever you decide!

Thanks for the link.  My dilemma is that the itinerary of the Joy/Encore longer cruises is similar to what you did on the Jewel, the Miami/LA route.  The Jewel and Gem are mostly doing shorter cruises that start on one side of the canal and go through, then do a couple of ports in that area.  I think there might be one medium length one on the Jewel, I’ll look into that more.

I guess my decision is whether I want the smaller ship, which we also prefer, and do a shorter cruise but get the old locks, or go with the larger ship to get a longer cruise and slightly more interesting itinerary but go through the new locks.

Ah, well, since there’s no cruising right now, the planning and research is the only fun we get... 😉

13 minutes ago, bookbabe said: Thanks for the link.  My dilemma is that the itinerary of the Joy/Encore longer cruises is similar to what you did on the Jewel, the Miami/LA route.  The Jewel and Gem are mostly doing shorter cruises that start on one side of the canal and go through, then do a couple of ports in that area.  I think there might be one medium length one on the Jewel, I’ll look into that more.   I guess my decision is whether I want the smaller ship, which we also prefer, and do a shorter cruise but get the old locks, or go with the larger ship to get a longer cruise and slightly more interesting itinerary but go through the new locks.   Ah, well, since there’s no cruising right now, the planning and research is the only fun we get... 😉  

I just took a look at the itineraries, and I see your dilemma.  Those shorter cruises on the Gem and Jewel are a far cry from what we did on the Jewel in 2017.  Even better was our Gem cruise in Jan. 2020, 20 days from NY to San Francisco.   I wish NCL had more itineraries like that.

Have you thought about a different cruise line for the Canal? 

You are right about the planning and research being the only fun for now.  Stay safe!

• 4 weeks later...

Thanks to all who posted with info and advice.  Our final verdict was to jump ship, as it were,  and we’ve booked an 11 day full transit cruise from Panama City to Ft. Lauderdale on the Viking Star.  Good itinerary, on a smaller ship that can do the original locks.

Sounds great!  Cruises starting and ending in Panama at Ft. Amador will be among the newest of itineraries since the cruise terminal there has yet to see the first ship.  The Canal has made some very attractive offerings to cruise lines who commit to using Ft. Amador as an embarkation or disembarkation point on cruises.  Perhaps you can arrive early and see some of Panama City and surrounding area.

2 hours ago, BillB48 said: Sounds great!  Cruises starting and ending in Panama at Ft. Amador will be among the newest of itineraries since the cruise terminal there has yet to see the first ship.  The Canal has made some very attractive offerings to cruise lines who commit to using Ft. Amador as an embarkation or disembarkation point on cruises.  Perhaps you can arrive early and see some of Panama City and surrounding area.

I didn’t realize the terminal was new.  That’s exciting.  We are hoping to arrive at least the day before to see some of the area.  It’s a new destination for us, so we’re really looking forward to it.

6 hours ago, bookbabe said: Thanks to all who posted with info and advice.  Our final verdict was to jump ship, as it were,  and we’ve booked an 11 day full transit cruise from Panama City to Ft. Lauderdale on the Viking Star.  Good itinerary, on a smaller ship that can do the original locks.

Enjoy Viking and the canal transit. A great cruise line.

We're looking at a Princess cruise on the Ruby (SF to Fort Lauderdale) and I believe that will require a passage through the new locks.  Is there really much difference in the experience?

Yes.  Read the other threads...  EM

2 hours ago, Smokeyham said: We're looking at a Princess cruise on the Ruby (SF to Fort Lauderdale) and I believe that will require a passage through the new locks.  Is there really much difference in the experience?   Thanks.

I think the only two Princess ships left that can use the original locks is the Island and Coral Princesses.  Because of the beam of the Ruby, she will use the new locks.  As a practical matter the original and new locks are basically within sight of each other so the trip through the Canal is largely over the same route.  Many people view the locks as the "heart" of the Canal since it is where you see things (other than transiting ships) move... ie. miter gates,  the mules along with ships in the opposite lane rise and fall on the water.  Where you can see some of that at the new locks, there is just somewhat less to draw your attention.  There are no "mules" and often times from your vantage point you won't have clear sight of the gates opening and closing.  Also the new locks are just a single flight of locks, not the dual flight like the original locks where you can see another ship in the opposite chamber.   In short there is just less things for you to focus on while you are in the locks.

While I would recommend seeing the original locks first, if that is not practical I certainly would not have any second thoughts about my first transit being through the new locks.  Should be great either way!

2 hours ago, BillB48 said:   I think the only two Princess ships left that can use the original locks is the Island and Coral Princesses.  Because of the beam of the Ruby, she will use the new locks.  As a practical matter the original and new locks are basically within sight of each other so the trip through the Canal is largely over the same route.  Many people view the locks as the "heart" of the Canal since it is where you see things (other than transiting ships) move... ie. miter gates,  the mules along with ships in the opposite lane rise and fall on the water.  Where you can see some of that at the new locks, there is just somewhat less to draw your attention.  There are no "mules" and often times from your vantage point you won't have clear sight of the gates opening and closing.  Also the new locks are just a single flight of locks, not the dual flight like the original locks where you can see another ship in the opposite chamber.   In short there is just less things for you to focus on while you are in the locks.   While I would recommend seeing the original locks first, if that is not practical I certainly would not have any second thoughts about my first transit being through the new locks.  Should be great either way!

Thanks, that is a very helpful summary of the differences between the old and new lock experiences.

• 1 year later...

Returning back here to update that we’ve jumped back, and are now doing an 11 day NCL Gem, Fuerte Amador to NYC.  While we do want to try Viking at some point, the NCL itinerary is going to fit us a bit better in terms of ports and dates, and we should still get the old locks.  

• 2 months later...

To answer the question, I've only seen Princess mentioning which locks its ships sail through, and only the Island Princess will go through the old locks. Look up PANAMAX size and then compare that with the size of the ship doing the transit.  If it is smaller than Panamax, one blogger says that it's a good bet that the ship is using the old locks.  (Larger ships must transit the new ones due to their size.)  If the ship can handle 2000 passengers or less, that is another good indicator.  But I wouldn't trust anything not published by the cruise line.  So I'm asking the lines themselves about which locks will be used for the cruise, as I don't want to waste my time making half assed guesses....

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Panama Canal Cruises

Experience one of the wonders of the modern world on Holland America Line’s Panama Canal cruises. Our Panama cruise itineraries depart from both east and west coasts for loads of convenient options. A cruise to the Panama Canal is an incredible experience, worthy of any bucket list as you travel between oceans. The shipping channel—which took 33 years to complete and cost more than 25,000 workers their lives—is arguably the greatest engineering achievement of all time. As you cruise the canal, you will pass through the two-chambered Miraflores Locks, the one-chambered Pedro Miguel Lock, and three-chambered Gatun Locks. Along the way you’ll find Gatun Lake, once the largest manmade lake in the world, which has proved a boon for the species that thrive here, undisturbed by the passing ships.

The Panama Canal Cruise Experience

Feel your ship rise 85 feet as water fills the locks on the Panama Canal. Listen as a historian shares tales of this incredible engineering feat that divided two continents. Explore the intriguing landscapes, culture and people of this amazing region. From engineering marvels to exotic wildlife, there's so much to discover while on your Panama Canal cruise.

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The ultimate journey between two continents and two mighty oceans, a Panama Canal cruise encompasses Spanish colonial architecture, verdant rainforest and an engineering marvel. Learn more about our ports in the region with articles on  Cartagena’s  graceful Old City and  Costa Rica’s  exotic Pura Vida Gardens;  Antigua, Guatemala , including La Merced, the city’s 250-year-old cathedral; and the storied past of  Panama Viejo , a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And be sure to explore the complex and fascinating history of the  Panama Canal .

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Panama Canal

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Hawaii - Mexico - Panama Canal

Local Time 2024-04-12 21:50

Port Panama Canal cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Panama Canal. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Linking the Atlantic to Pacific oceans, Panama Canal provides one of the most unforgettable ship cruising experiences. More than 10 years were needed to complete the Canal's 51 mi (82 km) in 1914, thus avoiding the lengthy and dangerous navigation around Cape Horn .

The transiting vessels (assisted at the locks by land-based locomotives) pass through artificial lakes and narrow channels blasted through rocks and dense jungle. This is a unique waterway and one of the modern civilization's most astonishing engineering and technological accomplishments.

Panama Canal is a culmination of a dream that began in 1513 with Spanish conquistador Vasco Nunez de Balboa (1475-1519) who was the first European to travel the 43 mi (70 km) wide isthmus. In 1881, the French Panama Canal Company started construction works (at the artificial valley Culebra Cut/aka Gaillard Cut) but due to financial and engineering problems in 1894 sold its rights to the new Compagnie Nouvelle du Canal de Panama, which project was based on locks. The new company also struggled and was forced to sell its rights to the USA (in 1902) for USD 40 million, with a loss of USD 240 million.

The USA officially started construction works in 1904, and the project was completed in 1914 (at a cost of USD 387 million). Currently, the USA still oversees the Canal's operations, though it signed a treaty (in 1979) to transfer the Canal back to Panama (on Dec 31, 1999).

Panamax-sized ships are the bigger vessels that can fit through the Canal's old locks, Such cruise vessels are limited to max LOA length 1050 ft (320 m) and max-width / beam 110 ft (33,5 m). Among the many cruise ship classes designed to allow Panama Canal transition are Millennium-class (Celebrity), Coral-class (Princess) and Signature-class (Holland America). However, all new cruise ships exceed the old locks' limits.

Although many cruise lines already feature Panama Canal transition itineraries ( Princess , Celebrity , Holland America , Disney among others), they are restricted to using their smaller ships. The expansion allowed for larger passenger liners to traverse the Canal's 49-mi (79-km) stretch. However, height restrictions remain because of the 1962-built "Bridge of the Americas" (clearance below 61,3 m / 201 ft at high tide) limiting vessels' size. Princess Cruises currently offers canal crossing itineraries on the Island Princess (2214-passenger) and Coral Princess (1970-passenger). The expansion allowed the company to deploy on the canal the larger Caribbean Princess (3080-passenger).

With the new locks now opened and functioning, will the world's largest cruise liners be able to fit through them? The short answer is - no. The new locks, which are in parallel with the old ones, measure 1400 x 180 ft (439x55 m) with draft 60 ft (18 m). However, the max allowed cruise ship dimensions are 1200 x 161 ft (366x49 m) and draft 50 ft (15 m). World's largest passenger ships ( RCI 's Oasis-class) are indeed within these new lock dimensions, but their height (236 ft / 72 m above waterline) doesn't clear the Bridge of the Americas (spanning over the Canal's Pacific entrance). So unless the bridge is either removed or replaced by a taller one, the Oasis-class ships can't pass through Panama Canal. Cunard 's liner RMS Queen Mary 2 (specifically designed to clear the 228 ft / 70 m height of NYC 's Verrazano-Narrows Bridge) also joins the list of large ships unable to transit the Canal. Luckily, NCL Norwegian 's Breakaway-class ships ( Breakaway , Getaway ) and the succeeding Breakaway Plus-class ( Bliss , Escape , Joy ) clear a full transit.

Panama Canal's cruising season runs from October through May. The Canal operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with 35-40 vessels passing through every day. Each transit takes about 8-10 hours.

During season 2016-2017, the number of cruise ship transits was 223.

For season 2017-2018, Panama Canal's schedule had listed a total of 248 passenger ships booked for passing through the Expanded Canal (new Panamax and Neopanamax Locks) with total number of "transiting" cruise tourists 312304. Among the most notable vessels were Caribbean Princess, Carnival Freedom, Carnival Splendor, Norwegian Bliss. The list of cruise lines with ships passing through the new locks included Princess, NCL-Norwegian, CCL-Carnival, Silversea, Viking, Lindblad.

On May 14, 2018, the Alaska-based Norwegian Bliss became the largest passenger ship ever passing through Panama Canal. The liner operated a 15-day transition cruise (itinerary May 10-25) from Miami to Los Angeles , visiting Cartagena, Puntarenas, Puerto Quetzal, Puerto Chiapas, Manzanillo, Puerto Vallarta.

For season 2018-2019 were booked 234 cruise ship transits.

Due to the Coronavirus crisis, for season 2019-2020 were booked just 29 cruise transits, mainly by larger-sized/Neopanamax vessels. Maiden transits were scheduled for Norwegian Dawn, Le Dumont D'urville (Ponant), Ventura (P&O UK), Carnival Glory, Seven Seas Splendor (RSSC-Regent), Scenic Eclipse, Flying Clipper, Hanseatic Inspiration and Hanseatic Nature (Hapag Lloyd), Greg Mortimer (Aurora Expedition).

For season 2022-2023 were booked 200+ transits, including 12 maiden/first-time by the ships Celebrity Edge, Seabourn Venture, Fridtjof Nansen (Hurtigruten), World Navigator (AOV-Atlas Ocean Voyages), World Voyager (Nicko), Evrima (Ritz-Carlton), Le Bellot (Ponant), Spirit of Adventure (Saga UK), Viking Cruises (Neptune, Octantis, Polaris), Sea Cloud Spirit.

Annually, the Panama Canal transit 0,9+ million cruise tourists. The main local attractions are the visitor centers at Miraflores Lock and Cocoli Lock, which both have exhibition halls and outdoor observation decks, and also provide guided tours.

Panama Canal alternatives for ship crossings between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans are the Strait of Magellan (between South America and Antarctica) and the Northwest Passage (in the Canadian Arctic territories).

On April 30, 2017, Disney Wonder became the world's first-ever cruise vessel that passed through Panama Canal's new set of locks.

DCL-Disney Cruise Line 's ship Wonder was on a 14-night relocation voyage (RepositionCruises.com) from Florida to California. From San Diego, the ship operated several Baja Mexico itineraries before its summer Alaskan season with departures from Vancouver BC Canada . The following table shows this unique itinerary as ports of call (dates, arrival/departure times) and ports sequence.

Cruise liners transiting Panama Canal via the old locks operate full transition voyages through all the 3 sets of old locks (Pedro Miguel, Miraflores, and Gatun/bordering Gatun Lake ). Some boats may offer an extra day in Port Fuerte Amador/Panama City .

The first Princess ship with partial transits through the new locks was Caribbean Princess - on 10-day roundtrips from Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades, Florida) . The boat's first-ever transit was on October 26, 2017. The itinerary's call ports were Princess Cays Bahamas , Cartagena Colombia , Panama Canal, Colon Panama , Puerto Limon Costa Rica , and George Town Grand Cayman .

IMPORTANT : Following the waterway's 5th expansion, since June 2021, Panama Canal's new (Neopanamax) locks accommodate vessels with max LOA length 370,33 m (887 ft) and max draft 15,24 m (50 ft). This allows ~96% of the world's containership fleet to be able to transit the waterway.

Panama Canal statistics

On August 22, 2017, the CMA CGM Theodore Roosevelt (2015-built, IMO 9780873) became the largest container vessel transiting the new locks. The boxship has TEU capacity 14855, LOA length 366 m (1200 ft), width 48 m (157 ft). The record was broken on May 15, 2019, by the 15313-TEU boxship Evergreen Triton (2016-built, IMO 9728916 / length 369 m, beam 51 m).

In FY17 (Fiscal Year 2017 / Oct 1, 2016, through Sept 30, 2017), Panama Canal broke all previous annual cargo tonnage records, reporting a traffic volume of 403,8 million tons. This was a 22,2% increase (over 2016) and directly attributed to the Expanded Canal's added capacity of Neopanamax ships. According to FY17 figures, the waterway was transited by a total of 13,548 vessels (+3,3% over FY16). The cargo volume projection for FY17 was 399 million tons. In 2017, the Canal served 29 major containership line services, including 15 Neopanamax shipping services on the trade routes between East Coast USA and Asia. The containership segment is the Canal's leading market (35,3% of all cargoes, or 143 million tons, of which 89,1 million tons were transited through the Expanded Canal). The 2nd segment are the tanker ships (including LPG and LNG carriers, with total 105 million tons. The 3rd and 4th segments are bulk carriers (79 million tons) and vehicle carriers (47 million tons).

In 2017, the main shipping routes through Panama Canal were AsiaEast Coast USA (34%), West Coast South America-East Coast USA (13%), West Coast South America-Europe (7%), West Coast Central America-East Coast USA (7%) and South America intercoastal (5%). In 2017, the Canal was used mainly by vessels leaving from USA (68,3% of the total tonnage), followed by China, Chile, Japan, Mexico and Colombia.

It was estimated, that the Canal's expansion will save around 160 million tons of CO2 emissions during its first 10-year operational period. In 2017, of all transiting vessels, 53% were boxships, 28% LPG tankers, 10% LNG carriers, and the remaining transits were made by bulk cargo and car carriers and cruise ships.

As future projects, the Canal has plans to concession a Ro-Ro terminal (for redistribution of vehicles, machinery and heavy equipment), as well as a huge logistics park (sized 1200 hectares / 12 km2) for the region's logistics services.

On April 28, 2018, the gas carrier LNG Sakura transited the canal with the first-ever LNG shipment from USA to Asia (Dominion Cove Point terminal to Japan). The vessel is owned by Kansai Electric Power (70%) and NYK Line (30%). It has LOA length 300 m and width 49 m. Currently, Panama Canal provides 7x LNG booking slots weekly (average 5,5 transits. For FY2018 was expected 50% increase in LNG shipping over FY2017 (163 to 244 transits).

On August 15, 2018, Panama Canal celebrated its 104 Anniversary (opened 1914). Currently, the artificial waterway connects 144 maritime routes and around 700 ports in 160 countries.

FY2018 was a record year with total tonnage (PCUMS) 442,1 million tons (+9,5% over FY2017's 403,8 million tons). The increase was driven by LPG and LNG carriers (130,3 million tons), boxships (159 million tons), bulk carriers (73,2 million tons), vehicle carriers (49,5 million tons). Most of the traffic was between USA, China, Japan, Mexico, Chile.

On May 14, 2019, the Q-Flex class LNG tanker Al Safliya (Qatargas-owned) became the first-ever large gas carrier to transit the waterway. The vessel has length 315 m, width 50 m and max LNG capacity 210,000 m3. Canal's previous max vessel width/beam was 49 m, now increased (since June 2018) to 51,25 m (168 ft). In 2018, Panama Canal served 340x LNG tanker transits (181 in 2017).

Next video is about the Canal's Post Panamax expansion (a program of projects).

FY2019 was another record year with total tonnage (PCUMS) 469 million tons (+6,2% over FY2018). The increase was again driven by LPG and LNG carriers (+6,9% and +37,6%, respectively), product tankers (+5,6%), vehicle carriers (+5,5%, 53,1 million tons), boxships (164,87 million tons, of which 126,2 million through Neopanamax Locks), bulk carriers (76,5 million tons), chemical tankers (44,3 million tons), LNG carriers (43 million tons), LPG carriers (37,8 million tons), crude product tankers (22,6 million tons), passenger ships (9,9 million tons). Most of the transit shipping traffic was between USA and Asia, Europe and South America, plus US intercoastal routes. The waterway's main customers were from USA, China, Japan, Chile, Mexico.

FY2021 (October 1, 2020 thru September 30, 2021) recorded 516,7 million PCUMS tons (+8,7% over FY20), with total 13342 ship transits. The stats included containerships (184,3M tons / +10,3% / 2602 transits), drybulk carriers (90M tons / +11,2% / 3043 transits), chemical carriers (65M tons / -6,1% / 2596 transits), LNG carriers (61M tons / +31,4% / 537 transits), LPG carriers (52,8M tons / +18,4% / 1523 transits), RoRo/vehicle carriers (47,5 tons / +15,6% / 782 transits). In 2021, the waterway transited a total of 13342 vessels.

Panama Canal cruise ship transition cost (fees)

Following the Panama Canal Authority Board's recommendations, on April 28, 2015, Panama officially approved the proposal to revise the Canal's toll structure.

• By the new structure, each transiting vessel's passage is segmented in different units of measurement:
• LNG carriers (liquefied natural gas) and LGP (gas) tankers' tolls are based on m3 (max capacity).
• Dry bulk carriers' tolls are based on DWT (deadweight tonnage).
• Tankers' tolls are on PC/UMS tons and metric cargo tons.
• Container (boxships) tolls are based on TEU capacity (max containers).
• Cruise vessels' tolls are based on passenger capacity. They are levied based on PC/UMS or pax berths.
• A new segment was created to toll local tour ships.

Cruise ships through Panamax Canal are charged USD 138 per berth. Cruise ships passing through the Canal's new locks (post-Panamax) pay USD 148 per berth. When this decision was made, the new canal locks were 85% complete. The new toll system was implemented on April 1, 2016.

• On May 7, 2008, the boxship MSC Fabienne paid a record highest Panamá Canal transit toll - USD 317,142. Currently, the Canal's average transit cost is USD 54,000 per vessel.

Due to historic low water levels, in January 2020 the waterway's transition fees were increased by adding an additional "Freshwater Charge" - fixed at USD 10,000 for vessels with LOA length 125+ ft (38+ m). Also new is the handling service fee - USD 5,000 (vessels with beam 91+ ft/27,7 m) and USD 1500 (vessels with LOA 125+ ft/38 m).

Panama Canal cruise terminal

A complete Panama Canal transit is comprised of navigation through 3 locksets. Gatun Locks are on the Caribbean side while Pedro Miguel and Miraflores Locks are on the Pacific side. Vessels transiting the Canal are being raised and lowered 26 m / 85 ft in this 3-lock system. Other special highlights of the Canal are the Culebra Cut and Gatun Lake . Gatun Lake is among the largest man-made lakes in the world covering 422 km2 / 163 mi2. Culebra Cut (fka Gaillard Cut) is 13 km / 8 mi long channel built through solid rock that was the most difficult excavation in the Canal's construction.

The new Panama Canal locks were officially inaugurated on June 26, 2016, following the completion of a 9-year (USD 5,25 billion) construction project. Originally scheduled for completion in October 2014, a hundred years after it first opened, the canal's expansion provided an additional lane of shipping traffic through construction of 2 new locks (each with 3 slots), this way doubling the capacity of this unique waterway.

During the new locks' opening, thousands of spectators gathered at Cocolí locks (outside Panama City) to watch the Chinese container ship "Cosco Shipping Panama" with its 9472 TEU containers becoming the ever first ship passing through the new locks.

During the canal's opening ceremony, there was a special guest section with around 3000 people, including delegations from different countries, business associates, heads of different authorities and organizations.

Following the new locks' opening, Egypt's Suez Canal (Panama’s main rival) lowered its transition tariffs to keep its shipping traffic.

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