Do you know who is 100 this year? Of course, its the Panama Canal

Categories This summer marks the 100th anniversary of the completion of the Panama Canal.  Its impact on the world at the time was truly unforeseen in impact.  A truly global economy was able to advance to yet another level of efficiency in shipping, military strategy, and of course the cruise industry.  Knocking days off each way proved more then exciting.

When the third set of locks now under construction is finished, it may have an equal if not greater global impact, as industries and ports that have grown up in the present "Panamex" sized ship environment will find that now there will be few limits if any to the size of the ship that can transit the 48 mile canal.

When built through the jungles of Panama in the early 1900's it was sized for ships of those days and those envisioned.  No one foresaw the super sized ships, container ships, aircraft carriers and more of today.  The third canal will change the dynamics again when completed.

But now is still the time of romance in the Panama Canal transit.  Only cruise ships that are Panamex in size ( able to fit within a lock both in length, and breadth) are able to transit the entire canal. 

The cruise lines that do enter or transit the canal though are some of the best and greatest.

There are three basic types of intineraries.  Two versions transit the entire canal and generally during the November to March time frame depart the US east coast and transit the canal and disembark on the US west coast and then repeat the journey during the season.  The open jaw airfares that may be needed are many times less then a roundtrip airfare to one of the ports.  "Cruisaholics" might sail back to back, as many times the ports of call are different.

The second itinerary are those cruise ships sailing through the canal to other destinations whether that be Asia, Alaska, South America, or to the US ports, mainly in Florida.  Many times repositioning cruises are outstanding bargains and ways to see the Panama Canal as they might reposition from the Alaska season in late September to begin their fall Caribbean season, or the reverse in spring.

The third general category of itinerary are those cruise line who only go partly through the canal from the Atlantic side, but then turn around and return to the Caribbean Sea possibly to their departure port.  Generally the ships will enter and go through the first lock and then cruise Lake Gatun allowing plenty of time for excursions as well as having experienced transiting a lock.  These itineraries do not require as many days, offer a canal experience at generally less price as the taxes and fees for one lock are less then a full transit, and returning to the same port has advantages to many passengers.  They can also qualify for a closed loop cruise documentation need.

So which cruise line has the best Panama Canal Experience.   A lot depends on your style and needs and type of cruising experience you want.  Talk to us.  Our most recent Panama Canal experience was this past December, but our clients provide us so much useful information on their experience as well that we can pass on.

Here are some of the cruise lines and ships you might consider.

Princess Cruises

Princess has two ships specifically built for Panama Canal cruising, the Coral Princess and Island Princess — on 11-day partial transits round-trip from Fort Lauderdale and 15-day full transits between Fort Lauderdale and Los Angeles. The cruises are offered October to May.

Windstar Cruises

Windstar does a regular season of Panama Canal sailings with its Wind Spirit, combining a crossing with visits to small Panamanian islands with rainforest exploration in Costa Rica.

Celebrity Cruises

The famed waterway is explored on 15-day eastbound and westbound itineraries between Florida and San Diego on the Celebrity Infinity in March/April and November.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean ships mostly pass through the canal for repositioning purposes, in the spring and fall. But Legend of the Seas also does a pair of sailings between Fort Lauderdale and San Diego in November.

Holland America Line

Holland America Line ships do full transits of the canal, most on two-week itineraries in April, and September to February. Many of the cruises happen when ships are repositioning to and from Alaska.

Disney Cruise line

The Disney Wonder is Disney's representative in Alaska, and the ship repositions from warmer climes to the 49th state in May and September, bringing the Panama Canal into focus for Disney fans.

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic

The soft-adventure cruise line does a season of cruises between Colon, Panama and Costa Rica, December to March. Panama islets and both private and national nature parks in Panama and Costa Rica are on the itinerary.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian has several ships that reposition through the canal. The Norwegian Star also does a series of 13- to 15-day cruises (and longer itineraries too) between Miami and Los Angles, October and November and again in January and February.

Crystal Cruises

Luxury line Crystal Cruises passes through with its Crystal Symphony in May and October. The Crystal Serenity lingers for a series of 11-day cruises through the canal, between Miami and Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica, in November

Oceania Cruises

Oceania ships pass through on their itineraries around the world. The Regatta, the line's ship in Alaska, repositions through the canal in May and late August. In December, the ship also does a pair of 16-day sailings between Miami and Los Angeles — one a Christmastime itinerary.

For information on any of these cruise lines and ships

You can also click below and get specific itinerary and price information