Panama Canal Cruises
One of the greatest engineering feats on Earth
Transiting the Panama Canal is a bucket-list experience — watching your ship rise and fall through the massive Gatun Locks while crossing between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Panama Canal cruises typically run 14–21 days, sailing between Florida and California with stops in Costa Rica, Colombia, and Central American jungle ports.
Highlights
- Full transit through all locks — Pacific to Atlantic
- Partial transit (Gatun Lake) available on shorter itineraries
- Costa Rica rainforest and wildlife extensions
- Cartagena, Colombia — the most beautiful colonial city in South America
- San Blas Islands — indigenous Kuna Yala culture
Top Ports of Call
Cruise Lines We Recommend
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to transit the Panama Canal?
A full transit takes approximately 8–10 hours from the Pacific entrance (Miraflores Locks) to the Atlantic exit (Gatun Locks). Ships typically begin the transit at dawn, making for an all-day experience. Onboard naturalists and canal experts narrate the crossing.
What is a partial transit Panama Canal cruise?
Some itineraries offer partial transits — sailing into Gatun Lake and back without completing the full crossing. These are less expensive and still offer the lock experience. A full transit crosses both oceans and is the complete bucket-list experience.
What other destinations do Panama Canal cruises visit?
Most Panama Canal cruises combine Costa Rica (Jacó, Puerto Limón), Colombia (Cartagena), and Caribbean ports. Some include the San Blas Islands (indigenous Kuna Yala) — one of the most exotic and remote destinations accessible by cruise ship.
Ready to Cruise Panama Canal?
Pam Jaffe plans every Panama Canal cruise with firsthand expertise — from cabin selection to shore excursions. Everything is completely free.