what cruise ships use the old panama canal 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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Happy cruising!

Panama Canal

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Hawaii - Mexico - Panama Canal

Local Time 2023-11-30 17:46

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 .

Panama Canal (ship transition through the new locks)

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.

Disney Wonder cruise ship Panama Canal (new locks) transition

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.

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.

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Panama Canal - user reviews and comments

Cruise Maven

Cruising the World on Ships and Trains

How to Choose a Panama Canal Cruise

By: Sherry Laskin · Updated On: September 3, 2021

A Panama Canal cruise had been on my bucket list for a long time. Not only would it be transportation for me to get from the Atlantic to the Pacific and onto Alaska, the canal itself was a huge curiosity for me.

After 35 years of grueling construction in horrible conditions, the Panama Canal was completed in 1914. All the canal-building stories I learned about in school stoked my imagination. It was an adventure I had wanted to do for years.

But when I started to look at possible cruise itineraries, it was a bit confusing. While there aren’t a zillion cruise ships heading to the canal, the ones that offer a Panama Canal cruise have a variety of itineraries.

There are basically three itinerary choices to decide on for a Panama Canal cruise. It all depends on how much time you have for the trip and of course, how much you would like to spend.

what cruise ships use the old panama canal locks

What if you really want to see the Panama Canal but time and/or money are a concern? Here are the choices to help you decide which amazing experience to do along this 48-mile man-made wonder.

When I found Crystal Serenity had a less-expensive repositioning coast-to-coast Panama Canal cruise, the decision was easy. Luckily, I had the time to spend 20 days from Ft. Lauderdale to Los Angeles. But not everyone has the time or budget for 20 days. Then, what are your choices?

How to Choose the Best Panama Canal Cruise For You

There are three ways to “do” a Panama Canal cruise. All three types of Panama Canal cruises are offered by a handful of mainstream, premium and luxury cruise lines.

Not all cruises offer the same ports of call, either. So it’s important to study itineraries and not just price-shop.

Princess does several Panama Canal cruises throughout the year as does Norwegian. Also, when repositioning to or from Alaska, Australia or on a world cruise, you’ll find Carnival, Cunard, Holland America and others (including my Crystal cruise) sail the full 48-mile, coast-to-coast canal transit.

cruising through the Panama Canal to the Pacific Ocean

Panama Canal Cruise Options

1. PARTIAL TRANSIT FOR THOSE WITH LESS TIME OR BUDGET

On a partial transit of the Panama Canal, you cruise through the first set of locks followed by a day spent on Gatun Lake. You can purchase a ship shore excursion and there are always several options to choose.

If you’re on a shore excursion from your partial transit, you might have to re-board your ship in Colon, Panama rather than be onboard for the 180 degree turnaround in Gatun Lake to exit the canal.

2. FULL PANAMA CANAL TRANSIT

The second option is a full transit of the Panama Canal, from the Atlantic to the Pacific or vice versa. These cruises tend to be seasonal and are at least 14 days in length. Generally, they will be even longer when the ship is continuing north along the California coast.

Arrival and departure ports on the west coast include either Seattle, Los Angeles or San Diego. Departures on the east coast usually begin from Ft. Lauderdale or Miami in Florida, sometimes in New York City.

If you love sea days, this could be your dream cruise. You can even include a cross-country Amtrak train from your cruise port after the cruise to return home.

Ports you might visit on the Atlantic side include Key West , Cartagena, Colombia, Aruba or St. Thomas in the U.S.V.I.

On the Pacific side, you might visit one or two ports in Costa Rica and Central America. Three ports in Mexico seem to be the standard and might include Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas. Then it’s north to San Diego and onto Los Angeles or Seattle.

3. FULL TRANSIT BUT REQUIRES A FLIGHT OUT

Your third choice is also a full transit but it’s shorter in length. These usually start or end in Costa Rica or Colon, Panama. Air arrangements can be a little more involved but it’s easily set up. This is one time where booking cruise line air might be the least stressful option, especially for newbie cruisers.

READ MORE: What to do in Cartagena, Colombia on a Panama Canal cruise

Planning a Panama Canal Cruise

I think a Panama Canal cruise is similar to an Alaska cruise for several reasons.

It’s a bucket list cruise for many
Splurge and reserve a balcony stateroom
Do a little research before the cruise
Go to the enrichment presentations

If your ship makes a port call in Cartegena, Colombia and Panama City, Panama, you’re in luck. These were my two favorite ports on my Panama Canal cruise. Why? Cartegena is emerging as a world-class vacation destination with great restaurants, historical sights and fabulous shopping.

Panama City seems to rise out of the sea with unexpected ultra-modern skyscrapers that extend along the shoreline. Panama City is very modern urban city, and was a total surprise for me.

Panama City skyline on a Panama Canal cruise.

Despite a Panama Canal cruise being a bucket list vacation, I would go again without hesitation. Especially because now I know what to do in some of the ports of call that I missed doing the first time.

READ NEXT: My Panama Canal Cruise Review with Crystal Cruises

I’m the editor and creator of CruiseMaven.com, a solo traveler cruising the world on waves and wheels, collecting recipes along the way. I hope my articles and photos entertain, advise and inspire you to travel the world without flying. Take a breath…stop for a local meal and a glass of wine along the way.

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Crystal Cruises Crystal Serenity at anchor

Sherry Laskin says

February 25, 2023 at 10:41 pm

Hi Wayne, Thank you for your note and for reading my article. Sorry about the delayed reply. For smaller ships along the lines of Oceania, there’s also Viking Ocean with 900 passengers, Seabourn, Silversea and Regent all have smaller, upscale ships. There’s also Windstar with sailing ships and over-sized yachts. While I still need to cruise aboard the mega-ships for work, I also am leaning more towards smaller ships of the sizes you mentioned. Also, remember there are river cruises in the US with only a few hundred passengers or less. Happy cruising! And thank you again.

January 12, 2023 at 12:50 pm

Exciting! WE are in our 60’s and prefer smaller ships … along the lines of Oceania. 600-1000 passengers.. Which cruiselines should we be focusing on? Thanks!

November 22, 2021 at 1:51 pm

Hi Jeffrey, Thank you for reading my article. That’s a very interesting question and one to which I don’t have an answer. My only guess would be that as long as you’re aboard one of the Panamax ships (the older ships) and not Post-Panamax like Royal Caribbean’s newer ships. The ships also cannot be taller than 201-feet to fit under the Bridge of the Americas. You could probably send an email to the Panama Canal Authority with any questions and they may even have a list of ships slated to use the original canal locks for 2022-23. Basically, the smaller the ship, the more likely it will transit through the old locks. Last but not least, whatever cruise line you choose, you might be able to reach someone that is knowledgable on which locks a specific ship will use.

Have a wonderful cruise! It’s an amazing experience, for sure. Thank you again for your question.

jeffrey meade says

November 20, 2021 at 7:21 pm

hi, as a retired engineer making a transit via the old canal locks is a must. Please advise how i can be assured the ship i choose will in fact be using the old canal?

thanks …

Sherry Kennedy says

January 21, 2018 at 5:16 pm

Thank you for your wonderful email! It made my day. I will be posting more about my Panama Canal cruise when I’m back on land. Onboard Wifi is good…but still spotty at times. I am not familiar with David McCullough’s book, but it sounds interesting and I’ll look for it on Amazon. Thanks again for listening to Cruise Radio! If you have time, I’m the new host of River Cruise Radio so please listen in!

January 13, 2018 at 10:25 pm

Hi Sherry. We will be following you on your journey of the Panama Canal as we plan on booking for 2020 when the dates for fall are released. We are reading David McCullough’s book, Path Between the Seas, to prepare ourselves for this epic adventure.

I feel like you and I are old friends. I have been listening to you for a few years now on Doug Parker’s Radio show. You sure provide a great summary of all cruise news be it positive or negative. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and enjoy your trip along the canal.

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Agua clara locks & old canal zone, colón, panama.

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Hailed as a major feat of early 20th-century civil engineering and one of the most testing building projects ever undertaken, the Panama Canal served to revolutionize global shipping when it was inaugurated after 10 solid years of construction work in 1914. Removing the need to navigate either around the notoriously hazardous Cape Horn in the south of Chile or the equally tricky Strait of Magellan, the 48-mile ship canal provided an easily navigable link between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans via the Caribbean Sea.

Your trip to this iconic structure begins with a short drive to the waterway’s Expansion Observatory Platform to learn a little about the current construction project that aims to add capacities for a larger shipping lane by building a new and bigger set of locks. This experience at the canal will give you the opportunity to see the former Canal Zone, residential and military facilities that were built by USA at the beginning of the last century. Your fascinating tour of the Panama Canal then comes to a close with your return to the ship.

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Panama Canal

New Locks vs Old Locks

By babs135 , September 10, 2019 in Panama Canal

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CruiserBruce

Some reading would be beneficial.

The locks are different to allow for BIGGER ships, not really more ships, (as in an increased number of ships transiting in a given period). The physical Canal is close to capacity in terms of number of ships it can handle, so bigger ships allow for higher levels of cargo to transit, without adding ships. Frequently discussed here is the fact of relatively small numbers (less than a dozen) ships use the new locks every day. The two sets of locks operate somewhat differently, but still work on the principle of "lifting" ships up and over the Continental Divide using water.

The old system in generally considered one of the wonders of the world, and part of that amazing feature, is that it still works very well today. The new locks are fine, but not sure they have the same amazement attached.

Let add to what Bruce said. One of the biggest differences in the two locks is in the method the ships are taken through the lock. The original locks use up to 8 locomotives ( electric mules) to take the ships through the locks, whereas the new locks use tugs. The other difference that you would notice is the original locks is a twin flight, in other words two sets of locks side by side. There is much more to see as you can watch your ship as well as a ship in the other set of locks. The other "thing" about the new locks is the process to go through the three steps is a bit S-L-O-W-E-R. That is not to say going through the original locks in an "E" ride at Disney (remember those?), but there is certainly more to attract your attention.

21 hours ago, CruiserBruce said: The old system in generally considered one of the wonders of the world, and part of that amazing feature, is that it still works very well today. The new locks are fine, but not sure they have the same amazement attached.

The old locks are magical, astounding even.

On 9/10/2019 at 2:34 PM, BillB48 said: One of the biggest differences in the two locks is in the method the ships are taken through the lock. The original locks use up to 8 locomotives ( electric mules) to take the ships through the locks, whereas the new locks use tugs.

Not sure of your definition of the "Mules" taking ships through the old locks. While they are secured Fwd & Aft on both sides, there role is only holding the ship in position.

When within the locks, ships use main propulsion to reach the far gate and also to move through a series of multiple locks. When dealing with "Panamax" size vessels, it takes a significant amount of power to drive the ship into the lock, as they must displace an equal volume of water. With minimal clearance on the sides and below the keel, the ship creates a pressure cushion ahead, so it takes significant power to push into the locks, way more than provided by the mules.

On my first trips through the Canal, I was amazed at how long we pushed into a lock, with engines stopped just before the end gate. Once engines were stopped the ship quickly stopped.

4 hours ago, Heidi13 said: Not sure of your definition of the "Mules" taking ships through the old locks. While they are secured Fwd & Aft on both sides, there role is only holding the ship in position. When within the locks, ships use main propulsion to reach the far gate and also to move through a series of multiple locks. When dealing with "Panamax" size vessels, it takes a significant amount of power to drive the ship into the lock, as they must displace an equal volume of water. With minimal clearance on the sides and below the keel, the ship creates a pressure cushion ahead, so it takes significant power to push into the locks, way more than provided by the mules. On my first trips through the Canal, I was amazed at how long we pushed into a lock, with engines stopped just before the end gate. Once engines were stopped the ship quickly stopped.

When I first operated the mules (tho we never called them that, but the public did) in 1969, the usual number of locos used per ship was 4... two on the bow and two on the stern. Some of the larger vessels at that time use six locos, two on the bow, one each on port and starboard bow followed by two on the stern. Very rarely were more than six used on any ship. A four loco ship would not really be a challenge the width of the lock as their beam would rarely exceed 80', leaving ample room for water displacement as well as a lot of the six loco ships left ample room for water displacement. Draft was not a factor. On approaching the locks, normal procedure is to pick up the No. 1 center wall machine first, the pilot would use No. 1 cw to spring against or check movement towards the side wall along with his engine and rudder movements to position the stern. After reaching the jaws of the lock where the No. 1 side wall loco came on board, both No.1 locos would be ordered to tow. The stern was kept in check by the number 2 cw and engine/rudder movements. After 2 side wall came aboard, both 2 locos maintained a breaking lead. When the ship was far enough into the chamber No. 1 locos were brought back to a braking lead and both 1 and 2 locos were ordered to brake. After the ship was stopped No. 1 locos were moved ahead to towing position to hold the ship during the fill/spill.

Moving between chambers... After the gates opened, the normal command from the pilot was No. 2s release, No. 1s tow. Depending on the ship and pilot the engine may (or may not) be used to overcome the initial inertia. Keep in mind that bridge control of the engines at that time was a rarity... just the old telegraph. Then you also had many more steam ships that often times by they had revs on the prop, the locos had the ship up to a standard towing speed which the fastest was 3 mph. Some times diesels were a little more responsive, but still not all that rapid response. Again when the ship was far enough into the next chamber, No. 1s were dropped back to a braking and then 1s and 2s ordered to break.

Ships requiring 6 locos would operate much in the same manner. When a 6 loco ship was a Panamax, say 600+ feet and around 106' beam along with max draft (39 '06") more use of the ship's engine was the norm. This of course was when the ship had to overcome the "piston" effect, a lot of water had to move down the sides and between the the keel and lock floor. There can be as little as 2' of water between the keel and the lock floor. The ship's engine will be used for the bulk of the time necessary to place the ship in the correct position in the chamber. While getting the ship in the chamber it was normal procedure for the No. 1 locos to be towing and in some cases the No. 2 locos were in towing leads as well. However more times than not, the No. 2 locos would remain abreast the chocks with tight wires which helped minimize slightly differences in towing force between the two No. 1 locos. More than once I have had the No. 1 loco drawing over 500 amps during the towing portion of moving the ship. Even had cases where a deep draft ship using a lot of engine, would stop engine because the stern had squatted too much and just wait for the water to equalize some to raise the stern.

OK, let's move into slightly more modern times. As ships continued to push the limits of the original locks which are presently 965'x106', is when the method in moving ships in and around the started changing. While there still were your classic 700 to 800 x106 max draft bulker ships, pure container ships and auto carriers were making their appearance. At this time bridge control of fairly quick responding engines and were in the 700x106 ballpark, they were not particularly deep draft making it much easier to move. There is a huge difference in the way a ship that size handles with 34 or 35' draft, there is so much more room under the keel to get rid of that displaced water. This when the method of handling the ships of this type started to change. As the locos came on board it became easier to keep all machines abreast of the chocks and use the ship's engine to drive the ship into the chamber as well as move from chamber to chamber.

Panamax ships that are not particularly deep draft often times use a blend of towing and substantial use of the ships engine. Also many of these Panamax ships are now using 8 locos, this in large part is due to fact because the height of the ship in comparison to the lock wall renders four of the locos useless at some portion of the lockage because of the almost vertical angle of the loco cable going to the ship. Only when the ship is low in the chamber do all eight locos have effective angles/leads to work the ship. On my last transit through the Canal in November, while moving from the upper level of Miraflores Locks, the control pilot had the No.1 and No. 3 locos in a towing lead and towing. Really depends on the pilot, the ship, time constraints and even the response the pilot is getting from the loco operators as whether or not the locos are used more actively or not.

I think that many cruise passengers have been treated to the version that the locos just center the ship in the chamber, it is an easy description to picture in the mind's eye. While that is accurate to a degree, specially pertaining to Panamax passenger ships, it really is an over simplification of what is a fairly complex operation which has many different facets.

A little historical look back... The first really modern pure mega container ship to transit was OCL's Tokyo Bay. She was around 800' long and was 106' in beam. She was just barely 2000 TEUs Meanwhile 5000 TEUs or the norm at the original locks and the new locks just transited a 15,000+ TEU ship!

If you need a visual of the difference, here is a thread I started earlier last year, following ships through the canal. Using the webcams of the canal, and bridge cams when ships have them (and they are working...). Toward the bottom of the first page, you can see really good pics from the bridgecams of a Crystal ship. On page 7, you can see pics from NCL Bliss in the new locks.

This thread also has some cam views of the new locks:

2 weeks later...

Thanks for a very detailed explanation of how it's done. I really enjoy our transit of the canal & hope to do another.

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Panama Canal

Old vs New Locks

By bclay , January 29 in Panama Canal

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1 hour ago, bclay said: Looking at a Panama Canal cruise in January 2024 and having a hard time getting a definitive answer or whether these ships use the old or new locks. Can anyone help me with: Norwegian Gem, Celebrity Constellation, Holland America Rotterdam and Ruby Princess. Thank you!

There's a thread pinned to the top of this board that lists the ships that can use the original locks, known as Panamax ships. Of the ships on your list, Norwegian Gem and Celebrity Constellation qualify.

Cruise till you drop

The partial transit is the old locks. I think the full transit uses both new and old locks

1 hour ago, Cruise till you drop said: The partial transit is the old locks. I think the full transit uses both new and old locks

No, that's incorrect on both counts.

NeoPanamax ships use the new locks for their entire transit, whether partial or full. On a partial transit they use Agua Clara locks and on a full transit the Agua Clara and Cocoli locks.

Panamax ships use the original locks, Gatun, Pedro Miguel and Miraflores, for their entire transit, whether partial or full.

Once in a great while...presumably only if there's an operational problem with the original locks...a Panamax ship may use the new locks, but that is an unusual exception to normal procedure. A NeoPanamax ship has no choice but to use the new locks.

7 minutes ago, njhorseman said: No, that's incorrect on both counts. NeoPanamax ships use the new locks for their entire transit, whether partial or full. On a partial transit they use Agua Clara locks and on a full transit the Agua Clara and Cocoli locks. Panamax ships use the original locks, Gatun, Pedro Miguel and Miraflores, for their entire transit, whether partial or full. Once in a great while...presumably only if there's an operational problem with the original locks...a Panamax ship may use the new locks, but that is an unusual exception to normal procedure. A NeoPanamax ship has no choice but to use the new locks.

Interesting. We were on Celebrity and used the old locks for the partial to Gatum lake

6 minutes ago, Cruise till you drop said: Interesting. We were on Celebrity and used the old locks for the partial to Gatum lake

Which ship? Summit, Infinity, Constellation and Millennium are all Panamax ships, so they can and will use the original locks.

27 minutes ago, njhorseman said: No, that's incorrect on both counts. NeoPanamax ships use the new locks for their entire transit, whether partial or full. On a partial transit they use Agua Clara locks and on a full transit the Agua Clara and Cocoli locks. Panamax ships use the original locks, Gatun, Pedro Miguel and Miraflores, for their entire transit, whether partial or full. Once in a great while...presumably only if there's an operational problem with the original locks...a Panamax ship may use the new locks, but that is an unusual exception to normal procedure. A NeoPanamax ship has no choice but to use the new locks.

Our friends also just got back from a cruise on NCL Jewel and said they used the old locks

CruiserBruce

17 minutes ago, Cruise till you drop said: Our friends also just got back from a cruise on NCL Jewel and said they used the old locks

If the ship fits the old locks, most, but not 100% of the time, will use the old locks. If the ship is too big, it MUST use the new locks.

5 minutes ago, CruiserBruce said: If the ship fits the old locks, most, but not 100% of the time, will use the old locks. If the ship is too big, it MUST use the new locks.

Thanks for not saying I was incorrect and clarifying the true condition

27 minutes ago, Cruise till you drop said: Our friends also just got back from a cruise on NCL Jewel and said they used the old locks

Of course they did. The NCL Jewel is a Panamax ship so it normally uses the original locks.

3 minutes ago, Cruise till you drop said: Thanks for not saying I was incorrect and clarifying the true condition

I don't want to beat you up on this subject, but your first post was wrong when you said a partial transit uses the old locks. A NeoPanamax ship can't use the old locks whether it's doing a partial transit or a full transit.

I also explained in the last paragraph of my first reply to you that a Panamax ship would only use the new locks under unusual circumstances.

17 minutes ago, njhorseman said: I don't want to beat you up on this subject, but your first post was wrong when you said a partial transit uses the old locks. A NeoPanamax ship can't use the old locks whether it's doing a partial transit or a full transit. I also explained in the last paragraph of my first reply to you that a Panamax ship would only use the new locks under unusual circumstances.

was I incorrect or partially correct ?

just making sure we’re treating each other with a little respect is all

PS - I have no idea what you mean by NeoPanamax (not sure what language that is)

24 minutes ago, Cruise till you drop said: PS - I have no idea what you mean by NeoPanamax (not sure what language that is)

That's PanCanalese or Panama Canal Speak 😁 . A Panamax ship ship is a ship that has dimensions that permit it to pass through the original locks of the Canal. A NeoPanamax is the "new" maximum sized ship that must use the new locks which were completed in 2016. Often times many people just refer to the locks as original or old locks and the larger locks as the "new" locks. The Canal generally refers to the different set of locks as Panamax Locks or Neo Panamax Locks.

37 minutes ago, Cruise till you drop said: was I incorrect or partially correct ? just making sure we’re treating each other with a little respect is all PS - I have no idea what you mean by NeoPanamax (not sure what language that is)

I interpreted your second sentence " I think the full transit uses both new and old locks" to mean that you thought any individual ship uses both sets of locks on a full transit, which would be wrong. I interpreted it that way because of your first sentence stating that a partial transit uses the old locks, which was wrong.

If your second sentence meant that a full transit could use both sets of locks then technically you would be correct, subject to your understanding that a NeoPanamax ship can only use the new locks, while a Panamax ship can use either, although their use of the new locks is extremely rare .

As to a little respect, you didn't give me the respect of answering my question about which Celebrity ship you were on. I assume that means I was correct about your being on one of the Millennium-class ships.

31 minutes ago, BillB48 said: That's PanCanalese or Panama Canal Speak 😁 . A Panamax ship ship is a ship that has dimensions that permit it to pass through the original locks of the Canal. A NeoPanamax is the "new" maximum sized ship that must use the new locks which were completed in 2016. Often times many people just refer to the locks as original or old locks and the larger locks as the "new" locks. The Canal generally refers to the different set of locks as Panamax Locks or Neo Panamax Locks.

Thanks for clarifying

hubofhockey

Is there any advantage to going on the smaller ships like Azamara or Oceania vs the M Class on Celebrity? I do see that Celebrity will be sending the Beyond in 2024 and that’s probably a non-starter for us. Thanks. Looking right now at Azamara Journey 10-day from Miami to Panama City and it does the three old locks. It includes ABC islands and an overnight in Cartagena, Columbia.

As long as the M class ships are the Millennium sized ships which can use the original locks, there would be no advantage to either size ships (the Azamara being a little smaller), just what ever you prefer size wise. The only other factor is what itinerary are you most satisfied with. If this is your first transit of the Panama Canal, I think the original locks are more rewarding and would be my first choice.

4 minutes ago, BillB48 said: As long as the M class ships are the Millennium sized ships which can use the original locks, there would be no advantage to either size ships (the Azamara being a little smaller), just what ever you prefer size wise. The only other factor is what itinerary are you most satisfied with. If this is your first transit of the Panama Canal, I think the original locks are more rewarding and would be my first choice.

Thanks, both lines are great for us, so probably just booking Azamara for the itinerary.

1 month later...

Are the old locks more interesting/better than the new ones? It will be our first time doing the Panama Canal

To most of us, yes. Much more history, more activity going on. EM

Add my yes to that as well. For the reasons EM stated, particularly more activity in and around the locks. There is visual interest not only in your lane at the locks but also you can view the operation in the other lane. Whereas the new locks is just a single lane.

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The 3 Types of Panama Canal Cruises

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The 40-mile Panama Canal is a common route for cruise ships due to its lush scenery and gentle waters. The canal cuts through a part of protected rainforest—Soberania National Park—that would otherwise be tough for tourists to see. Along the route, you're likely to get a glimpse of the resident monkeys, crocodiles, manatees, and more.

Panama Canal cruises also highlight the marvel of the manmade canal, itself. This big ditch was made in the early 20th century and has fascinated travelers for decades. There are three types of cruise ships you can take to see the wonder up close.

Full Transits

Passenger ships carrying anywhere between 20 and 2,800 guests pass through the Panama Canal regularly. A 2016 expansion now allows for larger ships (as wide as 160 feet as opposed to the original limitation of 106 feet). Ships like the Norwegian Pearl , Island Princess, Queen Elizabeth, and Disney Wonder fit into these restrictions.

Full transits between the Caribbean and the Pacific are available during most of the year on ships of nearly all sizes, but many people opt for a repositioning cruise on one of the ships that is either on its way to Alaska during late spring or returning from Alaska during fall. These cruises usually travel between Florida and California, stopping in the Caribbean, Central America, and Mexico along the way. These same cruise itineraries are popular from October through April.

Full transits are also available as part of longer voyages like world cruises, circumnavigations of South America, or other extended-length journeys. They offer longer itineraries than partial cruises for those who have the time (and money) to spare.

Partial Transits

Most of the full-transit cruises through the Panama Canal take 11 days or more, but not all travelers have the time to take such a lengthy vacation. For that reason, some cruise ships offer partial transits of the Panama Canal, usually as part of a larger cruise of the western or southern Caribbean. These ships pass through the Gatun Locks, enter Gatun Lake, and then exit the same way.

Although these cruises don't actually cross the entire Panama Canal, they do provide a taste of its spectacular rainforest scenery and offer a glimpse into Panama, itself, via a stopover at Colon as well. Even partial transits allow passengers to learn about the fascinating operation of the canal firsthand.

Small Ship Cruise Tours

Those who can't stand the hustle and bustle of a big cruise ship like the Norwegian Pearl may rather travel the canal on a smaller vessel—say, one that has only 60 guests as opposed to 2,000-some. Some companies, like Grand Circle Travel , offer full-transit land-and-cruise tours for these smaller groups of people. The combination tours—which can last between one and two weeks—provide a more intimate experience and they actually allow travelers to see more of the country than they would aboard a mega-ship. The bigger vessels don't stop at places like Panama City like small ships do.

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Panama Canal & Locks Transit by Boat

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Panama Canal Expansion

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Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Experience the full wonder of the Panama Canal with a crossing of the canal by tour boat on this daylong adventure. Travel by ship's tender to the Gatun Yacht Club, where you will board an air-conditioned transportation for the narrated drive through the isthmus to the small village of Gamboa. From Gamboa, embark on your ferry tour boat for a transit of the canal through two more sets of locks. Cross the Gaillard Cut and enter the Pedro Miguel Locks, which lower your vessel 28 feet on its way to the Pacific. Your boat will settle on Miraflores Lake. Sail across Miraflores Lake to the Miraflores Locks. A light lunch is available during your scenic cruise of the lake and locks. Your cruise ends at the port of Balboa in Panama City, where you board your air-conditioned transportation for the return trip to the ship via the new four-lane highway.

Special Notes:

Child price:.

Tour timeline may vary to avoid overcrowding, etc.

Depart from ship for a transit of the Panama Canal to the Pacific Ocean

Transport type: Air Conditioned Transportation
Transport Capacity: 40
Travel time: 01:00
Time at site: 04:00
Inside visit: Yes
Walking distance: 20
Wheelchair accessible: No
Restroom available: Yes
Shopping available: Yes

Re-board your transportation and meet your ship in Colon

Which Cruise Ships Go Through The New Panama Canal

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Holland Americas ship Zaandam arrived Friday, March 27 to Panamanian waters. Like all vessels that use the Panama Canal, the Zaandam had to comply with the regulations on health and prevention of contagious diseases. Following protocol of Panamas Ministry of Health, if a vessel has individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 on board, it cannot make any port operations or transit the Canal. All ships transiting the Panama Canal require personnel, including line handlers, boarding officers, and Panama Canal pilots, to board the ship throughout the transit in order to ensure a safe passage throughout the waterway. These protocols are in place to safeguard our customers and workforce.

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Panama Canal Full Transit: Pros And Cons

For engineering geeks and bucket list travelers, a full transit of the Panama Canal is the only way to go. Most ships take a full day to cross the canal during daylight hours, often getting a very early morning start. Your ship will pass through all six locks , and you’ll sail through Gatun Lake and the Culebra Cut.

Travelers have lots of choice of cruise lines, from mainstream to luxury, when it comes to full transits. Some lines offer regular crossings, with back-to-back Panama Canal cruises, while others offer full transits only as repositioning cruises, often at the beginning and end of the Alaska cruise season. Some luxury lines might include a Panama Canal crossing as part of a world cruise segment. Windstar and Lindblad Expeditions also offer regular Costa Rica and Panama Canal transits with full crossings.

Panama Canal cruises are offered from late August to May, though be prepared for intense heat if not traveling in the winter . With the exception of Windstar’s and Lindblad’s seven-night voyages to Costa Rica and Panama, most full crossings are 14 days or longer, often with lots of sea days. You’ll need to be able to take lots of time off and should enjoy a more relaxed pace cruise if you plan on choosing this option.

The Deck Offers The Best Seat In The House

How long does it take for a ship to pass through the Panama Canal? The full Panama Canal crossing from the Pacific to the Atlantic takes an average of 8 to 10 hours. Much of that time is spent peacefully navigating flat waterways like Gatun Lake and the Culebra Cut, an artificial valley running through the Continental Divide, and scanning the shoreline to spot monkeys and birds. While passing through the locks, however, the action picks up.

Traveling from the Atlantic to the Pacific, your ship first enters the three Gatun Locks, which raise it 85 feet from sea level to reach the level of Gatun Lake. The process is so slow and smooth that it feels like nothing at all is happening, but as you watch the walls of the lock, you can measure your ships steady progress. After navigating across Gatun Lake, your ship enters the Pedro Miguel Lock, where its lowered 31 feet . The two Miraflores Locks do the rest of the work, moving your ship 54 feet back down to sea level. This process reverses when traveling from the Pacific to the Atlantic.

The sensation of traveling smoothly up and down through each lock as more than 100,000 cubic meters of water moves slowly in and out is almost meditative. Its also a real-world physics lesson that you dont have to be a scientist to appreciate it.

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Each Panama Canal Crossing Brings History To Life

During your Panama Canal cruise , remember that the waterway is more than 100 years old, and much of the infrastructure is original. From the front or back of your ship, check out the original steel doors on both ends of each lock. They may look old or hand-crafted, even, and perhaps sturdy enough to hold back tons of water. But theyre actually engineering marvels. Though each steel door weighs up to 662 tons, their semi-hollow construction means they can be operated reliably by two 25 horsepower motors.

There are three observation decks at locks along the Panama Canal. As your ship moves through, you and your vessel become a fascinating focal point for canal watchers. The Gatún Lock, which has a small grandstand seating area, happens to be the longest and most dramatic lock in the canal.

Even the most stoic of passengers should prepare for their waving arms to tire from greeting those onshore. Theyre sure to enthusiastically watch your precise passage from ocean to ocean thanks to the Panama Canals enduring engineering wonders.

Top Panama Canal Cruise Destinations And Shore Excursions

First Cruise Ship Through Expanded Panama Canal gCaptain

A cruise through the Panama Canal can be done either from the Atlantic to the Pacific or vice versa. Panama cruise crossings take in the best of the Mexican Riviera as well as taking you through the impressive canal itself. While cruising along the canal you can take in the Gatun Locks, the former pirate paradise of Portobelo or the canal-side jungle. The Mexican Riviera side of the cruise takes you to Acapulco, famous for its white sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife, and Huatulco, as well as Puntarenas in Costa Rica, home to some of the finest beaches and the Manuel Antonio Park.

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Keep An Eye On The Weather

While some cruise lines continue to operate in the Panama Canal throughout the summer, many close down in anticipation of hurricane season , which runs from June 1st to November 30th in the Atlantic and May 15th to November 30th in the Eastern Pacific, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. If you choose to book a cruise during this time frame, its important to pay close attention to any tropical storm warnings and sign up for weather alerts on a mobile device. Its unlikely that your cruise ship will be caught by a severe storm while its at sea, but preparing for the worst can give you significant peace of mind.

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Panama Canal Cruise Unlike Any Other

After 105 years, the Panama Canal remains one of the worlds greatest engineering marvels. The best way to fully appreciate its time-tested ingenuity? By crossing the canal on a cruise ship for an absolutely incredible vacation experience.

MIAMI, Oct. 28, 2019 /PRNewswire/ On a cruise through the ingenious 105-year-old Panama Canal, you may find yourself wondering how far the human mind can go in its quest to find solutions.

As your ship slowly traverses the 50-mile manmade shortcut through the jungle between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, howler monkeys screech in the distance and electric mules with ropes guide your ship through a series of locks and gates and across manmade lakes. It is an innovation for the ages, and it is hard not to feel inspired.

On a cruise through the Panama Canal, passengers marvel at the ingenuity of one of the worlds greatest wonders.

A Panama Canal cruise is unlike any other youll experience, says Colleen McDaniel, editor-in-chief of the website Cruise Critic, and a big fan of Panama Canal cruises. The main draw is the actual crossing of the canal, and to be able to do so on a ship is absolutely incredible. You can perch yourself in a viewing area and watch the mechanical marvel front and center. You simply cant replicate that experience with a land visit.

McDaniel says its important to pick the sailing thats right for you, whether you do a full or partial crossing.

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Largest Cruise Ship To Transit The Panama Canal

Norwegian Bliss is now in the record books as the largest cruise ship to transit the Panama Canal. The newest ship for Norwegian Cruise Line, the 4,004 passenger Norwegian Bliss made its North American debut in New York City on May 4-6. From there, Norwegian Bliss cruised the eastern seaboard for another inaugural debut in Miami on May 8-10.

Built with Alaska cruising in mind, Norwegian Bliss charted a course that would take it through the Panama Canal and into the Pacific Ocean.

As scheduled, there will be yet another inaugural event in Los Angeles on May 25-27. Afterwards, the ship will head up the west coast to Seattle. When Norwegian Bliss arrives in Seattle, the official naming ceremony and more festivities are planned for May 30-June 2.

We are very proud to showcase our newest ship and celebrate one more exciting milestone with Norwegian Bliss as the largest passenger ship to transit the new Panama Canal, said Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. We are excited for this sixteenth ship in our young and modern fleet to begin welcoming guests in her home port of Seattle and provide them with the outstanding service, dining, entertainment and amenities for which we are recognized.

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Planning A Panama Canal Cruise

I think a Panama Canal cruise is similar to an Alaska cruise for several reasons.

Its a bucket list cruise for many
Splurge and reserve a balcony stateroom
Do a little research before the cruise
Go to the enrichment presentations

If your ship makes a port call in Cartegena, Colombia and Panama City, Panama, youre in luck. These were my two favorite ports on my Panama Canal cruise. Why? Cartegena is emerging as a world-class vacation destination with great restaurants, historical sights and fabulous shopping.

Panama City seems to rise out of the sea with unexpected ultra-modern skyscrapers that extend along the shoreline. Panama City is very modern urban city, and was a total surprise for me.

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Is The New Panama Canal Now Open

4.9/5 new opened Canal’s Panama Canal New canal

Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela is set to host an inauguration ceremony of Panama’s newly expanded canal on Sunday. After more than $5 billion and close to a decade of construction, Panama opens the long awaited expansion of its storied canal .

Also Know, how wide is the new Panama Canal? In 2009, the Panama Canal Authority published the dimensions for New Panamax. The authority has initiated the construction of the third lane of locks having bigger dimension of 427 m in length, 55m in width and 18.3 m in depth, in order to accommodate larger ships called New Panamax.

Also asked, how many locks are in the new Panama Canal?

The Panama Canal has twelve sets of locks . Both the old canal and the new expansion have six sets of locks each. Each set of locks corresponds to steps . The new expansion consists of a single lane which alternates for Pacific or Caribbean bound ships.

How much did the new Panama Canal cost?

The Panama Canal cost Americans around $375,000,000, including the $10,000,000 paid to Panama and the $40,000,000 paid to the French company. It was the single most expensive construction project in United States history to that time.

Panama Canal Cruise Holidays

Everyone should sail through the Panama Canal at least once. It is a remarkable experience and a moving one when you know the mixture of tragedy and triumph, French farce and financial meltdown which went into its building. The French spent 20 fruitless years trying to build a canal Suez-style straight through the land.

Then the Americans tried a lock-based canal and, between 1903 and 1914, completed the waterway that stands today. Look out for memorial plaques to the thousands who died in its creation, mainly of diseases rife in the forests and swamps through which the canal was forged. It is 50 miles long and, from the Caribbean side, your ship will be lifted 85ft by the Gatun Locks into Gatun Lake. She then negotiates the narrow Gaillard Cut to the Pedro Miguel and Miraflores locks which lower her back down to the level of the Pacific, which you first see stretching out on the other side of the towering Bridge of the Americas.

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More About The Panama Canal & Central America

What is the best time to cruise to the Panama Canal & Central America?

Panama Canal and Central America cruise season is from October through April. The rainy season doesn’t end until November, so cruises here are more popular from December onward. For more: Best Month to Cruise to the Panama Canal

Which cruise lines go to the Panama Canal & Central America?

Most major cruise lines, including Princess and Holland America, feature at least a few Panama Canal sailings in addition to expedition lines like Tauck and Lindblad. Cruisers can choose from a partial or full transit of the canal . Cruises that specifically explore countries like Costa Rica are on offer, from small-ship lines like Windstar Cruises.

What are some things to do in the Panama Canal & Central America?

In addition to either a full or partial crossing of the Panama Canal, most cruises in this region include stops in popular ports throughout Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean. That means you can do anything from lounge on the beach to explore ancient ruins or enjoy some duty-free shopping. If you can, trek Arenal Volcano from Puerto Limon, Costa Rica.

Do you need a passport to take a cruise to the Panama Canal & Central America?

Yes, a passport is required for travel throughout Central America, including Panama.

What should I pack for a cruise to the Panama Canal & Central America?

The 3 Types Of Panama Canal Cruises

Island Princess passing through Panama Canal lock. # ...

The 40-mile Panama Canal is a common route for cruise ships due to its lush scenery and gentle waters. The canal cuts through a part of protected rainforestSoberania National Parkthat would otherwise be tough for tourists to see. Along the route, you’re likely to get a glimpse of the resident monkeys, crocodiles, manatees, and more.

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Panama Small Ship Cruises

Panama has it all: mountains, jungles, beaches, an astounding biodiversity of flora and fauna, world-renowned coffee, indigenous cultures and the incredible Panama Canal. Panama small ship cruises feature daily excursions into awe-inspiring national parks, immaculate shoreline and numerous islands. AdventureSmith handpicks Panama small ship cruises tailored for adventures in nature. A cruise to Panama will introduce you to the Isthmus in the best way

through nature, wildlife, geology and history. Many visitors want to ensure their small ship cruises the Panama Canal. The mighty Panama Canal acts as a vital link between the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, shepherding some 14,000 ships each year through its more than 50 miles of lakes and locks. Fortunately, many cruises do a full transit of the canal speak with our experts to select the right Panama Canal small ship cruise for you.

Panama Canal Cruise Ship Transition Cost

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

LNG carriers and LGP tankers’ tolls are based on m3 .
Dry bulk carriers’ tolls are based on DWT .
Tankers’ tolls are on PC/UMS tons and metric cargo tons.
Container tolls are based on TEU capacity .
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 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 PanamÃ¡ 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 . Also new is the handling service fee – USD 5,000 and USD 1500 .

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Where Is The Panama Canal And Why Is The Panama Canal Important

The construction of the Panama Canal took more than a decade and cost nearly $400 million. By the time it was completed in 1914, the Panama Canal had created a shorter and more economical shipping route between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, dissecting Central America to simplify the transportation of goods. Today, ships pass through the 48-mile-long waterway about 11,000 times each year without the need to navigate around Cape Horn or the Straight of Magellan. It was a bold project made possible by ground-breaking engineering, and theres still nothing else like it on earth.

The Panama Canal works by moving ships from one ocean to another through inland waterways. But because those waterways lead down to sea level, six lock chambers each work as elevators. Gatun Lake holds the massive amounts of water needed to operate this system that raises and lowers ships from sea level up to the level of this reservoir and then back down again.

Will The Expanded Panama Canal Accept Mega Cruise Ships

Cruise Line & Cruise Ship Celebrity Cruises Jason Leppert December 18, 2015

The Panama Canal is a marvel of engineering that allows cruise and cargo ships to efficiently cross Central America instead of skirting the southernmost tip of South America at Cape Horn. For years, most cruise ships could pass through the locks, but as they got increasingly bigger over time, they outgrew the canal. Now the canal is expanding with a third lane of larger locks and will be able to accept many bigger cruise ships in the near future.

Norwegian Cruise Line Updates Cancellation Policy Cruise Line & Cruise Ship

Anyone who has taken a Panama Canal cruise knows just how fascinating it is to be on a ship of around 90,000 tons in size as it effectively rides an aquatic escalator up the continent, over a central lake and back down again on the other side. Clearances are often super snug, as ships steel hulls glide gracefully past concrete walls as close as inches away, guided by mule trains tied to the mooring lines. Just go down to a lower deck to see the locks immediately outside a window to really perceive the staggering scale.

You Shall Not Pass

So once completed, will the Harmony of the Seas be able to fit through? Well, not quite. The new lane of locks, under construction in parallel with the existing ones, will measure in at 1,400 by 180 feet with a 60-foot draft, but the maximum allowed ship size will be capped to 1,200 by 161 feet and a 50 foot draft.

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The fascinating past and present of the Panama Canal

Posted: November 23, 2023 | Last updated: November 23, 2023

<p>It's been over 20 years since Panama gained control of the Panama Canal from the United States, a stranglehold the US had exercised since 1903. Recently expanded to allow the transit of larger ships, the canal remains one of the seven wonders of the modern world. But its construction is a story of danger, disease, tragedy, and triumph.</p><p>Browse this gallery for an illustrated history of this unique waterway that connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean.</p>

It's been over 20 years since Panama gained control of the Panama Canal from the United States, a stranglehold the US had exercised since 1903. Recently expanded to allow the transit of larger ships, the canal remains one of the seven wonders of the modern world. But its construction is a story of danger, disease, tragedy, and triumph.

Browse this gallery for an illustrated history of this unique waterway that connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean.

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A marvel of civil engineering

Pictured is a 1913 topological map of the Panama Canal, which also includes statistical information about its construction.

French diplomat Ferdinand de Lesseps was the inspiration behind the idea to construct the Panama Canal. He was responsible for building the Suez Canal, completed in 1869.

Ferdinand de Lesseps (1805–1894)

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Pictured is a share coupon of the Compagnie Universelle du Canal Interocéanique de Panama, issued November 29, 1880, and signed by Ferdinand de Lesseps. He was able to raise substantial funds in France as a result of the huge profits generated by his successful construction of the Suez Canal in <a href="https://uk.starsinsider.com/travel/138731/the-truth-behind-the-plagues-of-egypt" rel="noopener">Egypt</a>.

First French construction attempt

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Eventually, the money ran out. Work was suspended in 1889, and de Lesseps' dream was over. In 1894, a second French company took over the project to create a lock-and-lake canal. Pictured is the excavation of the artificial gorge known as the Culebra Cut, or Gaillard Cut.

Second French construction attempt

American intentions to influence the area (especially the Panama Canal construction and control) led to the separation of Panama from Colombia in 1903. The US formally took control of the canal property in May 1904.

America takes control

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John Frank Stevens took over from John Findley Wallace as the project's chief engineer after Findley resigned over the appalling conditions and lack of working equipment.

John Frank Stevens (1853–1943)

Pictured is a giant shovel vehicle operating during the construction.

United States construction of the Panama canal, 1904–1914

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<p>Pictured are Spanish laborers working on the Panama Canal in the early 1900s. More than 75,000 men and women worked on the canal in total. Unfortunately, 28,000 died while doing so.</p>

Huge labor force

Pictured are Spanish laborers working on the Panama Canal in the early 1900s. More than 75,000 men and women worked on the canal in total. Unfortunately, 28,000 died while doing so.

Gorgas, a US Army physician, was appointed the project's chief sanitation officer in 1904. He is credited with considerably reducing the death rate among workers from mosquito-borne diseases.

William Crawford Gorgas (1854–1920)

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<a href="https://uk.starsinsider.com/lifestyle/170446/surprising-facts-about-all-45-presidents">President</a> Theodore Roosevelt, on a visit to the site in 1906, is pictured sitting on a steam shovel at Culebra Cut.

Presidential visit

Culebra Cut

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The risk of landslides was a constant threat. Workers had to continually widen the main cut through the mountain at Culebra and reduce the angles of the slopes to minimize landslides into the canal.

George Washington Goethals (1858–1928)

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Ernest Hallen spent 30 years documenting the construction and progress of the Panama Canal. He also photographed Americans living and working in the Panama Canal Zone. For his efforts, Hallen was awarded the Roosevelt Medal with two bars.

Ernest “Red” Hallen (1875–1947)

Gatun Upper Locks

Documenting the canal's construction and progress

This 1913 image shows workers drilling holes in bedrock for dynamite. Steam shovels in the background move the rubble to railroad cars.

Drills and dynamite

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Building the canal required developing a lock system to raise and lower ships from a large reservoir 85 ft (26 m) above sea level. Pictured is one of the locks under construction in 1913.

Building the lock system

This created both the largest dam (Gatun Dam) and the largest man-made lake (Gatun Lake) in the world at the time.

Record-breaking work

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On October 10, 1913, the Gamboa Dike was deliberately blown up. This flooded the Culebra Cut, thereby joining the Atlantic and Pacific oceans via the Panama Canal. Pictured is the seagoing tug <em>Gatun</em> making a trial run through Gatun Lock.

The oceans meet

The canal was formally opened on August 15, 1914 with the passage of the cargo ship SS<em> Ancon</em> (pictured).

Official inauguration

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By 1915, numerous boats were using the canal. Here, vessels move through the Culebra Cut, which crosses the Continental Divide.

Open for business

Pictured is the <em>USS Ohio</em> passing through the Panama Canal on July 16, 1915. The ship is passing the Cucaracha Slide in the the eight-mile-long (12.8-km) Culebra Cut.

Sailing across the Continental Divide

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The Madden Dam

By the 1930s, ships of all sizes, including pleasure craft, were transiting the canal.

A waterway for all

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<em>USS Missouri</em> passes through the canal in 1945. The Iowa-class battleships were designed to be narrow enough to fit through the locks.

Narrow margin

Pictured is the first P&O Orient liner SS <em>Oriana</em> returning to Southampton, England after her maiden voyage to the Panama Canal. This was the largest vessel to pass through the canal since the German liner <em>Bremen</em> in 1938.

A boost for tourism

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After <a href="https://uk.starsinsider.com/lifestyle/217689/fascinating-photos-of-world-war-ii">WWII</a>, relations between the US and Panama soured. Many Panamanians felt that the Canal Zone rightfully belonged to Panama, and demands for the US to hand over the canal increased.

Conflict of interests

Anti-American riots

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The Torrijos–Carter Treaties signed in 1977 by US President Jimmy Carter and General Omar Torrijos of Panama guaranteed that Panama would gain administration of the Panama Canal after 1999. Pictured is the handover on December 31, 1999, which ended the control of the canal that the US had exercised since 1903.

US handover of the canal

Pacific side of the canal

Pictured are ships crossing Miraflores Locks in the Pacific end of the Panama Canal. Panama City is visible in the background.

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An aerial view of the Gatun locks on the Atlantic side.

Atlantic side of the canal

<p>The total length of the canal is 50 miles (80 km), and consists of artificial lakes, several improved and artificial channels, and three sets of locks.</p>

Lengthy progress

The total length of the canal is 50 miles (80 km), and consists of artificial lakes, several improved and artificial channels, and three sets of locks.

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Vessels transiting the canal must pay tolls. Tolls for the canal are set by the Panama Canal Authority, and are based on vessel type, size, and the type of cargo. The average toll is around US$54,000.

Canal expansion

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Pictured is the first trial run with a larger Post-Panamax cargo ship in the new sets of locks on the Atlantic side of the Panama Canal in 2016.

Bigger and better

A super yacht approaches the Miraflores Locks. It takes an average 11.38 hours to pass through the canal.

Passing time

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Pictured is the Russian destroyer <em>Admiral Chabanenko</em> in transit through the canal. The vessel was the first Russian military ship to cross the canal since WWII.

Military maneuver

A cruise ship sails under the Bridge of the Americas, which spans the Pacific entrance to the canal. The experience of transiting the famous waterway is a sightseeing highlight.

Sightseeing highlight

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A French railroad steam engine salvaged from the depths of the Panama Canal awaits restoration in Colon City. The locomotive, dating back to the failed French bid to build a canal across Panama during the 1880s, was hauled out of the waterway by workers using a heavy-duty Goliath crane.

From the depths of history

<p>In 1914, annual traffic numbered around 1,000 ships. In 2018, the Panama Canal registered 13,795 transits. Pictured at anchor are cargo ships waiting to navigate the canal.</p><p>See also: <a href="https://www.msn.com/en-au/lifestyle/smart-living/the-most-amazing-tunnels-in-the-world/ss-BB17q4d2?li=AAgfLCP"><span>The most amazing tunnels in the world</span></a></p>

Navigating the way

In 1914, annual traffic numbered around 1,000 ships. In 2018, the Panama Canal registered 13,795 transits. Pictured at anchor are cargo ships waiting to navigate the canal.

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PANAMA CANAL

What cruise line goes to the Panama Canal?

Have the Panama Canal on your bucket list? Check out this article to know what cruise lines go to the Panama Canal.

Book Cruise to Panama Canal

The 51-mile-long Panama Canal, one of the world's greatest technical marvels, is a significant tourist destination in Central America. It's also a popular cruise destination, linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The canal is more than a century old, but it is busier than ever. Many Panama Canal cruises visit this man-made wonder.

A Panama Canal passage is an essential experience for many cruise fans. However, the canal is not a straight line. It is made up of multiple man-built canals, lakes, and three locks that boost ships upward as they sail across the Panama isthmus. It's an incredible experience. Let’s check out which cruise lines go to the Panama Canal.

From October through April, the Panama Canal is open for cruises. The best time to visit is in November, when the rainy season ends.

Which cruise lines go to Panama Canal?

Cruise lines along the panama canal.

Every season, most of the main lines, as well as some smaller ones, provide at least a few Panama Canal sailings. Princess developed two ships to cruise the canal, Island Princess and Coral Princess; each ship has more than 700 balcony bedrooms and both sail the canal all winter. The Panama Canal is also a common way for ships to reposition themselves between Alaska as well as the Caribbean. Expedition ships, such as Lindblad Expeditions, and river cruise tour companies, such as Grand Circle and Tauck, also undertake the route.

Nowadays, almost all major cruise lines offer one or more Panama Canal trips , whether partial or full crossings.

Holland America
Regent Seven Seas
Royal Caribbean

Also Check: Best Time to Explore Panama Canal on a Cruise

Itineraries for Panama Canal Cruises

Historically, Panama Canal cruises took 14 days from Florida to the West Coast, with landings in the Central America, Caribbean, and Mexico. Cruise companies have extended their offers in the last decade, keen to attract new travelers to the seas and catch cruisers who may have previously sailed the canal once or twice. The current voyage lengths range from 7 to 9 days, 10 to 11 days, and 14 to 16 days.

The most common Panama Canal itinerary is still some variation of the conventional Florida to West Coast trip. The primary departure cities in Florida are Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Although lengthier transits depart from Seattle or Vancouver , the major West Coast cities are Los Angeles , San Diego , and San Francisco .

Passengers frequently pick an Atlantic to Pacific or Pacific to Atlantic route depending on where they live, albeit the latter saves time. This trans-canal option involves spending a day on the canal, traversing from ocean to ocean and experiencing the entire lock experience.

If experiencing the whole "canal experience" is on your bucket list, or if you're an engineering nerd who doesn't care about Panamanian shore activities, this trip is for you. The Western Caribbean, the Costa Rican ports of Limon (on the Atlantic side) and Puntarenas (on the Pacific side), and Cartagena, Colombia are all stops on most complete Panama Canal voyages. Some passengers also make stops at Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala, and western Mexico.

Postcards from a Panama Canal Transit on Celebrity Infinity takes you through the whole journey.

Partial Crossing

A partial crossing occurs when the ship does not traverse the full canal. Instead, the ship passes through one lock before disembarking passengers in the town of Gamboa, which is located along the canal. Passengers may then enjoy a variety of shore excursions and view sights that they would not see on a daylong journey. Excursions on smaller boats are provided for people who want to visit the whole canal, including the Gaillard Cut, the Centennial Bridge, and the Bridge of the Americas.

Faux Crossing: Some companies provide the same "half crossing" shore excursions without ever entering the canal; instead, ships land for a day at the canal's Caribbean mouth, at Colon, Panama. Look for itineraries that include Colon in the Caribbean or Central America , and double-check the shore excursion options.

Many Panama Canal and Central American ports are rather industrial. If you don't like excursions, know that municipal officials in Colon have controlled taxis and established nice retail and dining facilities at the two main cruise ship landing places, Colon 2000 and neighbouring Cristobal Pier.

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What to pack for a Panama Canal cruise

Packing for a cruise that travels through the Panama Canal isn't all that different from packing for an itinerary for other tropical destinations. However, since the trip brings with it the bucket list experience of the all-day canal crossing, which can last 10 hours or more, you'll want to make sure to bring things to stay comfortable outside on deck and items to capture and truly enjoy this unique journey.

You'll also want to pack for the other destinations on your itinerary, whether they're Caribbean islands, other Central American ports or both.

Follow this Panama Canal cruise packing list to make sure you don't forget anything on your Central America cruise of a lifetime.

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

Panama has a hot and humid, tropical climate, with temperatures that stay pretty constant throughout the year, in the mid- to high-80s Fahrenheit during the day and the mid-70s at night.

The rainy season generally lasts from May to December, bringing anywhere from 10 to 30 inches of rain, while the shorter dry season runs from January to May. As is typical in tropical destinations, showers can be brief, passing quickly before the sun comes back out.

Considering you're going to be outside for a long time watching your ship pass through 12 locks and travel across Gatún Lake, you'll want to pack to protect yourself rain or shine.

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

Sun protection

It will take your ship at least 10 hours to traverse the entire Panama Canal, and since this crossing is such a unique experience, you'll want to be on deck for much of that time. This means you'll need ample protection from the already intense Panama sun, made more so as it reflects off the water.

Pack sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30; spray is convenient, but it doesn't provide as much coverage as lotion and is better for touch-ups. If you're not checking your luggage, purchase a set of small silicone squeeze bottles that meet TSA carry-on liquid requirements and fill them with sunscreen lotion.

If you're planning any snorkeling expeditions during the rest of the cruise, buy reef-safe sunscreen, which uses a physical barrier like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide rather than a chemical one. Don't forget lip balm with an SPF, too.

Bring sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection and a hat with a wide or floppy brim to shield your face from the sun. Choose one with a chin strap, so it doesn't blow off on the windy deck. A rashguard, swimshirt, quick-drying board shorts (or another quick-drying bathing suit) and a cover-up are useful if you want to take a quick dip the day of the crossing but don't want to miss anything by going back to your cabin to change.

Related: Packing for a cruise? These items aren't allowed on board

All of these items will also come in handy for any tropical beach ports on the itinerary before or after the Panama Canal crossing.

Comfortable clothing and shoes

Your Panama Canal cruise packing list should be full of cool and comfortable clothing to help you weather the Panamanian heat. Natural fabrics like cotton and linen are a better choice than synthetic ones like polyester. Shorts and T-shirts are safe bets, as are cotton skirts or sundresses.

If you plan on being up on deck in the early morning hours as your vessel enters the first set of locks, you might want to bring a lightweight sweatshirt, cotton sweater or casual button-down shirt that you can remove as the sun and heat become more intense.

A lightweight rain jacket or poncho will keep you dry during those brief tropical showers that can leave as quickly as they came. You'll definitely need wet-weather gear if you're cruising during the rainy season.

Since you might be standing for much of the day, pack comfortable shoes — whatever that means for you. Some people prefer sneakers or tennis shoes, while others like boat shoes or sandals.

Even if you love wearing flip-flops, pack a pair of sneakers or close-toed shoes if you've signed up for excursions during the rest of the cruise, such as a Panama City walking tour, visit to a coffee plantation or a hike through a rainforest.

Eveningwear

While you'll want to be comfortable and casual during the crossing and any excursions, you might need to pack dressier attire for the evenings.

Depending on the cruise line and onboard restaurants you select, dinners can be casual, dressy or semi-formal. Plus, cruises often have themed nights where passengers are invited to wear a certain color or costume. Check the cruise line's website for the most relevant information about what to pack for evening soirees.

Related: Bow ties and ballgowns: 5 reasons I always dress up on cruise ship formal nights

If you don't have room to pack a multitude of dressy outfits, stick with neutral colors that you can dress up with accessories, like a basic black dress with a few scarves or different jewelry, or a tan suit with a few ties and pocket squares.

Items to help you capture the Panama Canal crossing

If you're a serious photographer, pack a point-and-shoot or digital SLR camera with a decent zoom lens to capture the Panama Canal crossing and the scenery and wildlife you view along the journey. A tripod that wraps around the ship's railing, like ones made by GorillaPod, will come in handy for hands-free shooting and time-lapse photos and video.

Depending on the make and model of your cell phone, your camera might be sufficient to take high-quality pictures and videos — especially if you just want to capture memories for social media or a photo book when you come home. If your cell phone tends to lose battery power quickly, bring an external charging block, so you can stay juiced up all day and don't have to be tied to an outlet.

A waterproof phone case will be helpful in case it's raining on the day of the crossing. Plus, you can use it for beach, boating and snorkeling excursions the rest of the cruise.

If your phone doesn't already have a time-lapse feature, download an app designed for this purpose; going through each lock is a time-consuming process of entering the lock and having it filled or emptied to raise or lower the ship. Time-lapse videos that capture this process are very cool. You'll want a tripod that attaches to your phone for the best results.

Binoculars are useful for spotting wildlife on the banks of Gatún Lake. You might also want a small notebook to jot down notes, thoughts and cool things you see, as well as factoids from the onboard local guide providing commentary during the Panama Canal crossing.

Books about the Panama Canal and the surrounding region

If you're a reader who wants to glean all you can about this engineering marvel, pack a book that tells about the history and construction of the canal or download one onto your Kindle.

"The Path Between the Seas: The Creation of the Panama Canal, 1870-1914," by David McCullough does an excellent job of capturing the tragedy and triumph involved in building the canal.

If you're traveling with kids, "What is the Panama Canal?" by Janet B. Pascal breaks it down in an accessible way designed for those aged 8 to 12.

"Silver People: Voices from the Panama Canal" by Margarita Engle talks about the human toll that was needed, and "Erased: The Untold Story of the Panama Canal" by Marixa Lasso recounts the history from the Panamian point of view.

Related: The best time to cruise the Panama Canal

If you want something that encompasses more about the region, especially if you'll be exploring Caribbean islands on your cruise, James Michener's classic "Caribbean: A Novel" takes you through 700 years of conquests, pirates, revolution and romance.

While not necessary, a few optional items can make your trip more pleasant.

You'll be thankful for a portable fan charged via USB when you're standing on the deck during your crossing, embarking on a walking tour or waiting in line.

A wet bag to keep your phone and valuables dry is helpful for snorkeling trips, sunset cruises and jet skiing, and a lightweight nylon backpack that folds into itself will be great to hold what you need during city jaunts and day trips away from the ship.

Insect repellent will keep those pesky mosquitos, which can be brutal in Central America, especially after it rains, at bay.

Panama Canal cruise packing list

Here is a list of some essential items, as well as nice-to-haves, for your Panama Canal cruise adventure:

Comfortable warm weather clothing (shorts, skorts, skirts, T-shirts, tank tops, cotton or linen casual button-down shirts for layering)
Swimwear, including a rashguard, swim shirt, board shorts and/or beach coverup
Lightweight rain jacket
Comfortable shoes
Flip-flops or sandals
Evening attire for nicer dinners and events on the ship
Wide-brimmed or floppy sun hat, ideally with a chin strap
Toiletries and medications
Sunscreen (minimum 30 SPF and ideally reef-safe) and lip balm with sun protection
Sunglasses with UV protection
Insect repellent
Charging block
Waterproof phone case
Point-and-shoot or digital SLR camera (optional)
Tripod with wraparound stand
Small backpack (ideally a nylon one that folds into itself)
Books about the Panama Canal

Related: The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Bottom line

Packing for a Panama Canal cruise is similar to other Caribbean sailings, but you'll want a few extra things that will help you enjoy — and mark — the most memorable day in your bucket list itinerary.

Photos and videos are fitting souvenirs of this event, so make sure you're prepared on the tech side. But since you'll also want to be in the moment and take in all the sights and sounds, dress comfortably and protect yourself from the elements. In that way, you can better enjoy the 48-mile ride without distraction.

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Panama Canal is so backed up and ‘unreliable’ that ships are detouring thousands of miles to avoid costly delays

The Panama Canal has become so backlogged that the world’s largest operator of chemical tankers has decided to reroute its fleet to the Suez Canal.

London-based Stolt-Nielsen, which has a tanker division with 166 ships, is charging customers additional costs for the longer route, it said in an email. A bottleneck at the Panama Canal due to low water levels has prompted shippers to divert to Suez, the Cape of Good Hope, or even through the Strait of Magellan off the tip of South America.

“Stolt Tankers has found that the service through the Panama Canal has become increasingly unreliable in recent months,” the company said in an email. “Our customers need reassurance that their cargo will arrive on time to avoid negatively impacting their supply chains, therefore we have been rerouting our ships via the Suez Canal.”

The Panama Canal Authority, which normally handles about 36 ships a day, announced on Oct. 30 that it will gradually reduce the number of vessels to 18 a day by Feb. 1 to conserve water heading into the dry season. Panama had the driest October on record due to a drought caused by the El Niño weather phenomenon, the authority said.

It’s unlikely that the canal will be able to increase traffic until the rainy season starts in mid-2024, according to experts. Some ships have had to wait as long as 20 days to get through the canal this year. Stolt said other shippers are “taking a similar approach” to deal with the backlog at the canal.

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14-Night Very Merrytime Eastbound Panama Canal Cruise from San Diego ending in Galveston

Make Holidays Wishes Come True During a Seasonal Celebration at Sea Learn More

Dressed in holiday attire, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse pose together in front of a Christmas tree

Behold Disney Characters in jolly holiday attire and join Santa for a grand celebration featuring classic holiday tunes.

Chip and Dale wearing holiday scarves and hats pose in front of a Christmas tree

Enjoy some merry fun and get creative with Christmas arts-and-crafts cheer for both the young and young-at-heart.

Donald Duck and Daisy Duck pose in front of a Christmas tree on a Disney Cruise Line ship

Festive decorations include a life-sized gingerbread house, a 24-foot Christmas tree, shimmering lights and more.

What's Included in the Price of a Disney Cruise

Broadway-Quality Shows

Pools, Waterslides & Recreation

Spacious Staterooms

Upscale, Casual & 24-Hour In-Room Dining

Adult-Exclusive Activities

Clubs for Kids, Tweens & Teens

Cruise Itinerary

Visit Disneyland Resort, home to Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park
Enjoy up-close, exotic animal encounters at San Diego Zoo
Explore the USS Midway Museum, where the famed aircraft carrier resides
Watch a Broadway-quality musical and splash it up in a freshwater pool
Savor upscale restaurants, buffets, poolside snacks and room-service
Find one-of-a-kind fun in unique clubs designed for kids, teens, tweens and adults
Behold the photogenic beauty of El Arco at Land's End
Swim and sunbathe at Lover's Beach, a hidden cove accessible by boat
Explore the 18th-century church known as Iglesia de San Lucas
Sunbathe and swim at Playa de los Muertos
Take a tasting tour of a tequila distillery in Mezcales
Roam the celebrated Our Lady of Guadalupe Church
Snap photos as you pass through the historic locks
Behold lush vegetation and tropical rainforests
Keep an eye out for animals in the wild, including crocodiles, sloths and monkeys
Stroll along Las Bovedas and visit Inquisition Palace
Take a dip in the glorious waters of Playa Bianca
Surrender to sweeping city views at Convento de la Popa
Follow in the footsteps of history at Pedro St. James Castle
Peruse historical artifacts at Cayman Islands National Museum
Connect with nature at Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park
Scuba dive at Playa San Francisco Beach
Shop for handmade jewelry at the duty-free Port Shopping District
Trace the history of Cozumel at the Museo de Cozumel
Zip line, swim or take in animal exhibits at Moody Gardens
Enjoy amusement park fun at Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
Shop and sightsee in the delightful downtown district

IMAGES

Panama Canal Cruise Highlights
Cruise Ship Passes Through Gatun Locks Panama Canal Photograph by Amy
Two Ships in the Locks Panama Canal Photograph by Kurt Van Wagner
PHOTOS: First Ship Passes Through Panama Canal's New Locks
Panama Canal cruise: Squeeze in a trip to the Eighth Wonder of the
Which Side of Ship Is Best for Panama Canal Cruise

COMMENTS

Old locks
Old locks - which lines/ships? By Dinah1230, August 23, 2022 in Panama Canal Followers 4 1 2 Next Page 1 of 2 Dinah1230 12 July 27, 2021 California #1 Posted August 23, 2022 We'd like to...
Which Panama Canal Cruise To Go On The Old Or New?
June 16, 2019 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.
Panama Canal cruise port schedule
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).
Old Locks or New?
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...
Panama Canal locks
The Panama Canal locks ( Spanish: Esclusas del Canal de Panamá) are a lock system that lifts ships up 85 feet (26 metres) to the main elevation of the Panama Canal and down again. The original canal had a total of six steps (three up, three down) for a ship's passage.
Excursions
Excursions - Princess Cruises Select a Destination Select Alaska Asia Australia & New Zealand California Coast Caribbean Europe Hawaii Japan Mexico Panama Canal Trans-Atlantics World Cruises Then Select Port of Call Select View Details View cruises with Panama Canal Full Transit Historic Locks
How to Choose the Perfect Panama Canal Cruise
The ships also cannot be taller than 201-feet to fit under the Bridge of the Americas. You could probably send an email to the Panama Canal Authority with any questions and they may even have a list of ships slated to use the original canal locks for 2022-23. Basically, the smaller the ship, the more likely it will transit through the old locks.
Princess Ship Sails Through Expanded Panama Canal Locks
Modified Date: Jan 29, 2021 Photo By: Princess Cruises Caribbean Princess becomes the first mega cruise ship to sail through the newly expanded Panama Canel locks and making history for the...
Agua Clara Locks & Old Canal Zone
Dining on sale - Exclusive Dining Offer. Reserve your dining now. 25422881. Apr 1, 2014. Norwegian Communications Center. Norwegian Communications Center. Make a payment and confirm your reservation. Don't Lose Your Reservation! 25422881.
Excursions
The expansion now doubles the waterway's capacity. Take in the views of the sparkling Gatún Lake and, if lucky, watch ships transit the chambers. There is also a nearby nature trail for up close exploration of the indigenous vegetation. At the completion of your visit, travel past the former Panama Canal. Relax on your drive back to port.
New Locks vs Old Locks
CruiserBruce 47.1k July 11, 2000 Petaluma, Ca. 94954 #2 Posted September 10, 2019 Some reading would be beneficial. The locks are different to allow for BIGGER ships, not really more ships,...
Just one cruise ship scheduled to use new Panama Canal locks
Jun 23, 2016. |. The new, wider locks on the Panama Canal will open June 26 with the first official transit of a cargo ship, but don't expect much traffic through them from cruise ships. Only ...
Old vs New Locks
#1 Posted January 29 Looking at a Panama Canal cruise in January 2024 and having a hard time getting a definitive answer or whether these ships use the old or new locks. Can anyone...
The 3 Types of Panama Canal Cruises
Ships like the Norwegian Pearl, Island Princess, Queen Elizabeth, and Disney Wonder fit into these restrictions.
Cruising the Panama Canal: Small Ship vs. Big Ship
Moving Through the Locks on a Small Cruise Ship. Transiting the Panama Canal on a small ship gives you a dramatic impression of the size and depth of the canal's locks. While large ships never ...
The rival to the Panama Canal that was never built
It is a traffic jam on a colossal scale. More than 200 ships, according to some estimates, float there, just waiting. Some are loaded with containers stuffed full of items including furniture ...
Excursions
Note: The Panama Canal Authority assigns specific time slots for the transit of a vessel through the locks. The ship will anchor in a designated area and will wait for instructions. Once clearance is transmitted to the ship, procedures begin to bring ship's tour passengers ashore. Therefore, tour departure times may vary and will be announced ...
Excursions
Your cruise ends at the port of Balboa in Panama City, where you board your air-conditioned transportation for the return trip to the ship via the new four-lane highway. Special Notes: This excursion departs from Gatún Lake and ends in Colón, where you will re-board the ship. Canal transits are scheduled and controlled by the Panama Canal ...
Which Cruise Ships Go Through The New Panama Canal
Viking News Which Cruise Ships Go Through The New Panama Canal By Mary H January 9, 2022 0 191 Don't Miss What To Do In Skagway Cruise Port September 19, 2021 Can You Use Marriott Points For Cruises September 13, 2021 Where Do Cruise Ships Dock In Aruba November 4, 2021 Royal Caribbean Cruise Directors 2022 October 9, 2022
12 best Panama Canal cruises for a bucket-list trip
Celebrity Beyond. RYAN WICKS/CELEBRITY CRUISES. For a Panama Canal experience that begins and ends in Fort Lauderdale, Celebrity Cruises ' 11-night Panama Canal & Southern Caribbean itinerary is a great option. There's plenty of time to plan ahead for the Dec. 2, 2024 cruise or the half-dozen almost identical sailings that follow through March ...
The fascinating past and present of the Panama Canal
Building the canal required developing a lock system to raise and lower ships from a large reservoir 85 ft (26 m) above sea level. Pictured is one of the locks under construction in 1913. Getty Images
Stolt and United Heavy Lift Confirm Diversion Plans Avoiding Panama Canal
The company wrote saying the service at the Panama Canal "has become increasingly unreliable," and to reassure customers, "we have been rerouting our ships via the Suez Canal." The Panama ...
What cruise line goes to the Panama Canal?
Carnival Norwegian Oceania Princess Celebrity Holland America Regent Seven Seas Royal Caribbean Also Check: Best Time to Explore Panama Canal on a Cruise Itineraries for Panama Canal Cruises
What to pack for a Panama Canal cruise
Here is a list of some essential items, as well as nice-to-haves, for your Panama Canal cruise adventure: Comfortable warm weather clothing (shorts, skorts, skirts, T-shirts, tank tops, cotton or linen casual button-down shirts for layering) Swimwear, including a rashguard, swim shirt, board shorts and/or beach coverup.
Panama Canal is so backed up and 'unreliable' that ships are detouring
A bottleneck at the Panama Canal due to low water levels has prompted shippers to divert to Suez, the Cape of Good Hope, or even through the Strait of Magellan off the tip of South America....
Severe drought is constraining the Panama Canal
The Panama Canal provides a short cut between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans for 6% of the world's maritime commerce. At its maximum capacity between 38 and 40 ships can pass through the canal ...
Panama Canal holds first auction for vessels in queue
The first auction was held on Saturday 25 November and the base price was $55,000. Only vessels that arrived before 17 November in Panamanian waters and did not have a reservation were accepted to ...
14-Night Very Merrytime Eastbound Panama Canal Cruise from San Diego
14-Night Very Merrytime Eastbound Panama Canal Cruise from San Diego ending in Galveston . Dec 3-17, 2023. Ship: Disney Magic . ... San Diego Zoo offers family fun while Old Town recalls the city's Spanish-colonial heritage. ... A seemingly endless array of one-of-a-kind offerings to inspire and delight awaits you throughout the ship.

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

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Which Panama Canal Cruise to Go On Old or New?

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