Which Cruise Lines Go to Panama Canal Top Picks for 2024

Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Holland America Line lead the pack for 2024 Panama Canal voyages, offering immersive transit experiences and expert-led narration. These top-rated lines combine scenic daylight crossings with enriching onboard programming and shore excursions in ports like Cartagena and Fuerte Amador. With full transits, partial routes, and round-trip options, they cater to every traveler’s bucket list and budget.

Key Takeaways

• Holland America offers immersive Panama Canal itineraries with expert-led excursions.
• Celebrity Cruises features modern ships and partial/full canal transit options.
• Norwegian Cruise Line provides flexible 10–14 day Panama Canal voyages.
• Princess Cruises includes overnight stays for deeper cultural experiences.
• Royal Caribbean combines canal transit with Caribbean island stops.
• Book early for best cabin picks and seasonal 2024 sailings.

Which Cruise Lines Go to Panama Canal? Top Picks for 2024

The Panama Canal is one of the world’s most awe-inspiring engineering marvels—and a bucket-list destination for travelers seeking adventure, history, and natural beauty. Spanning 50 miles across the narrow isthmus of Panama, the canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, offering cruise passengers a once-in-a-lifetime experience of transiting through massive locks, lush rainforests, and tropical landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or planning your first ocean voyage, a Panama Canal cruise delivers a blend of luxury, culture, and discovery that few other itineraries can match.

In 2024, the popularity of Panama Canal cruises continues to grow, with more cruise lines offering diverse itineraries, from full transits to partial crossings, extended land tours, and even round-trip voyages. With over 14,000 ships passing through annually, the canal remains a vital maritime route—and an unforgettable cruise highlight. But with so many options, how do you choose the best cruise line for your Panama Canal journey? This comprehensive guide explores which cruise lines go to Panama Canal, highlighting top picks for 2024 based on itineraries, onboard experience, value, and unique offerings. Whether you’re looking for a luxury retreat, a family-friendly voyage, or an immersive cultural adventure, there’s a Panama Canal cruise tailored just for you.

Why Cruise the Panama Canal in 2024?

A Journey Through Engineering History

The Panama Canal is more than just a waterway—it’s a testament to human ingenuity. Opened in 1914, it shortened maritime routes by thousands of miles, revolutionizing global trade. Today, modern ships pass through a system of locks, lakes, and channels, including the impressive Miraflores, Pedro Miguel, and Gatun locks. Watching a cruise ship slowly rise or descend through these massive structures—sometimes with mere inches to spare—is an experience that captivates passengers of all ages.

In 2024, the canal continues to operate with upgraded infrastructure, including the Panama Canal Expansion completed in 2016, which allows “New Panamax” ships—up to 1,200 feet long and carrying 14,000 containers—to pass. This means more cruise lines can offer full transits, including larger vessels that once had to detour around Cape Horn.

Unique Itinerary Opportunities

Unlike many standard Caribbean or Alaska routes, Panama Canal cruises offer a mix of experiences. A typical 10- to 14-day voyage might include:

• Full or partial transit through the canal
• Stops in vibrant ports like Cartagena, Colombia; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; or Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala
• Exploration of tropical rainforests, wildlife reserves, and indigenous communities
• Optional excursions to Panama City, the San Blas Islands, or the Emberá village
• Scenic cruising through Gatun Lake and the Gaillard Cut

Many itineraries also combine the canal with stops in the Caribbean or Mexican Riviera, making it a perfect gateway to broader regional exploration.

Best Time to Cruise the Panama Canal

The optimal time to cruise the Panama Canal is during the dry season, which runs from mid-December to mid-April. This period offers sunny skies, lower humidity, and minimal rainfall, enhancing your chances of clear views during the canal transit and port excursions. However, cruising during the shoulder months (April–May or November–December) can provide better value with fewer crowds.

Keep in mind that hurricane season (June–November) affects the Caribbean side, so most major cruise lines schedule their Panama Canal voyages outside this window. In 2024, expect peak departures between January and April, with select sailings in May and November.

Top Cruise Lines Offering Full Panama Canal Transits

Holland America Line: The Panama Canal Pioneer

Holland America Line is one of the most experienced operators on the Panama Canal, having offered transits since the 1920s. Their 14- to 21-day itineraries are legendary for their depth and cultural immersion. Ships like the Eurodam, Koningsdam, and Zuiderdam regularly sail full transits from the Atlantic to the Pacific (or vice versa), often starting in Fort Lauderdale and ending in Los Angeles or San Diego.

What sets Holland America apart:

• Expert commentary during the canal transit from historians and marine biologists
• Onboard enrichment programs, including lectures on canal engineering and Panamanian culture
• Optional Panama Canal Experience shore excursions, such as a train ride across the isthmus or a visit to the Miraflores Visitor Center
• Mid-sized ships (1,900–2,100 passengers) offering a balance of intimacy and amenities

2024 Tip: Book early for their “Canal & Costa Rica” itinerary, which includes a full transit plus stops in Limón (Costa Rica) and Cartagena (Colombia), with a pre- or post-cruise stay in Panama City.

Celebrity Cruises: Luxury Meets Adventure

Celebrity Cruises brings modern elegance to the Panama Canal with its Solstice- and Edge-class ships, including the Celebrity Equinox and Celebrity Beyond. Their 10- to 12-day voyages often feature full transits with departures from Fort Lauderdale or Miami, ending in San Diego or Vancouver.

Highlights include:

• Spacious staterooms with infinite verandas (Edge-class)
• World-class dining, including specialty restaurants like Le Petit Chef and Eden
• Enhanced canal transit viewing from the Martini Bar or the Magic Carpet (on Edge-class ships)
• Optional excursions like zip-lining in Costa Rica or a guided tour of Panama City’s Casco Viejo

Celebrity also offers concierge-level service and curated shore experiences, making it ideal for travelers who want both adventure and luxury.

Princess Cruises: Family-Friendly Canal Journeys

Princess Cruises is a top choice for families and first-time Panama Canal cruisers. Their 10- to 14-day voyages on ships like the Regal Princess and Sky Princess combine full canal transits with family-friendly ports of call, including Cozumel, Roatán, and Puerto Vallarta.

Why Princess stands out:

• Discovery at SEA enrichment program with canal-focused activities for kids and adults
• Onboard movie nights under the stars with canal-themed films
• Interactive lock viewing with real-time narration from the bridge
• Family suite accommodations and kid-friendly dining options

Princess also offers land and sea packages, allowing you to extend your trip with stays in Panama City, Costa Rica, or even a visit to the Galápagos Islands.

Best Value and Budget-Friendly Panama Canal Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): Freestyle Cruising with Canal Access

For travelers seeking flexibility and value, Norwegian Cruise Line delivers. Their 10- to 12-day Panama Canal itineraries on ships like the Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Bliss offer full transits with departures from Miami or New York. What makes NCL unique is its Freestyle Cruising concept—no set dining times, no formal nights, and a la carte pricing for shore excursions.

Key features:

• Affordable base fares with frequent promotions (e.g., “Free at Sea” packages)
• Variety of dining options, including complimentary restaurants and premium venues like Cagney’s Steakhouse
• Thrilling onboard activities: go-kart tracks, water slides, and Broadway-style shows
• Optional canal transit viewing from the top deck or specialty restaurants

2024 Tip: Look for NCL’s “Panama Canal & Caribbean” combo itineraries, which include a full transit plus stops in Jamaica and Grand Cayman—great for maximizing your vacation time.

Royal Caribbean International: Big Ships, Big Value

Royal Caribbean offers some of the most affordable full-transit Panama Canal cruises on massive ships like the Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas. Their 10- to 14-day voyages often start in Fort Lauderdale and end in Los Angeles, with a full canal crossing in between.

Why Royal Caribbean is a great value choice:

• Low per-day pricing, especially when booking early or with group rates
• Extensive onboard entertainment: ice skating, rock climbing, surf simulators, and aqua theaters
• Family-friendly amenities: Adventure Ocean kids’ programs, teen lounges, and family suites
• Affordable shore excursions, including canal-side train rides and rainforest hikes

While the ship size (4,000+ passengers) may not appeal to everyone, the sheer number of activities and dining options make it ideal for multigenerational travel.

Carnival Cruise Line: Fun, Affordable, and Canal-Ready

Carnival Cruise Line is known for its fun, laid-back vibe—and it’s one of the few mainstream lines offering full Panama Canal transits at budget prices. Their 10- to 12-day voyages on ships like the Carnival Breeze and Carnival Horizon sail from Miami or Port Canaveral to the West Coast, with a full transit in the middle.

Highlights:

• Low base fares with frequent “Fun Select” deals
• Onboard water parks, comedy clubs, and 24-hour dining
• Affordable shore excursions (e.g., $50 for a Panama City city tour)
• Family-friendly staterooms and kids’ programs

2024 Tip: Book a balcony cabin for the best canal transit viewing—Carnival’s ships offer excellent deck access during the crossing.

Luxury and Small-Ship Panama Canal Experiences

Oceania Cruises: Intimate, Immersive Journeys

For travelers who prefer a more refined experience, Oceania Cruises offers small-ship Panama Canal voyages on vessels like the Insignia and Regatta. With just 684 passengers, these ships provide an intimate, personalized atmosphere and often include overnight stays in key ports, such as Panama City or Cartagena.

What Oceania delivers:

• All-inclusive pricing: open bars, gratuities, and most shore excursions included
• Gourmet dining with partnerships like Jacques Pépin and Nobu Matsuhisa
• Enrichment programs: cooking demos, wine tastings, and cultural lectures
• Optional land tours, including a visit to the Panama Canal Expansion site or a private jungle safari

Oceania’s 12- to 18-day itineraries are perfect for slow travelers who want to savor every moment.

Seabourn: All-Inclusive Luxury with a Focus on Nature

Seabourn’s Seabourn Ovation and Seabourn Quest offer ultra-luxury Panama Canal cruises with a strong emphasis on nature and sustainability. Their 10- to 14-day voyages often include a full transit, plus stops in Costa Rica, Colombia, and the San Blas Islands.

Standout features:

• All-suite accommodations with private verandas
• Complimentary premium wines, spirits, and dining
• Onboard naturalists and expedition guides
• Optional Zodiac excursions into mangrove forests or remote beaches
• Seabourn Conversations with guest speakers on marine biology and conservation

Seabourn is ideal for eco-conscious travelers seeking a serene, high-end experience.

Windstar Cruises: Yacht-Like Elegance

Windstar Cruises offers a unique, boutique experience with its 312-passenger Star Pride, which sails through the Panama Canal on select 10- to 14-day itineraries. As a small ship, it can dock in ports inaccessible to larger vessels, like the Pearl Islands or Coiba National Park.

Why Windstar is special:

• All-suite accommodations with ocean views
• Casual, elegant ambiance with no formal nights
• Water sports platform for kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling
• Optional overnight in Panama City with a private canal viewing party

Windstar’s focus on destination immersion makes it a favorite among experienced cruisers.

Partial Transits and Short Panama Canal Experiences

Cruise Lines Offering Partial Transits

Not all Panama Canal cruises involve a full crossing. Many lines offer partial transits, where the ship enters the canal but doesn’t complete the full 50-mile journey. These are often part of longer Caribbean or Mexico itineraries and are ideal for travelers with limited time.

Popular lines with partial transits include:

• Celebrity Cruises: 7- to 10-day Caribbean cruises with a stop at the Gatun Locks
• Princess Cruises: 7-day “Panama Canal Experience” voyages from Florida to the Caribbean
• Royal Caribbean: 8-day “Panama Canal Getaway” with a partial transit and stops in Aruba and Curaçao

While you won’t experience the full engineering spectacle, partial transits still offer a taste of the canal, including lock passage and scenic cruising through Gatun Lake.

When a Partial Transit Might Be Right for You

Choose a partial transit if:

• You have only a week for vacation
• You’re combining the cruise with a Caribbean beach holiday
• You’re traveling with young children or elderly family members who may not enjoy long sea days
• You want to “try out” the canal before committing to a full transit

Pro Tip: Book a balcony cabin on the starboard (right) side of the ship for the best views during a partial transit—ships typically enter from the Atlantic side, so you’ll face the locks head-on.

Data Table: Panama Canal Cruise Lines Comparison (2024)

Cruise Line	Ship Examples	Itinerary Length	Full Transit?	Best For	Starting Price (per person)
Holland America	Eurodam, Koningsdam	14–21 days	Yes	History lovers, enrichment seekers	$1,499
Celebrity Cruises	Equinox, Beyond	10–12 days	Yes	Luxury travelers, foodies	$1,799
Princess Cruises	Regal, Sky Princess	10–14 days	Yes	Families, first-time cruisers	$1,199
Norwegian Cruise Line	Joy, Bliss	10–12 days	Yes	Value seekers, multigenerational groups	$899
Oceania Cruises	Insignia, Regatta	12–18 days	Yes	Slow travelers, culture enthusiasts	$3,499
Seabourn	Ovation, Quest	10–14 days	Yes	Ultra-luxury, nature lovers	$5,999

Final Tips for Booking Your Panama Canal Cruise in 2024

Choosing the right cruise line for your Panama Canal adventure depends on your travel style, budget, and priorities. Whether you’re drawn to the engineering wonder of a full transit, the luxury of an all-inclusive yacht, or the affordability of a mainstream line, 2024 offers more options than ever. To make the most of your journey:

• Book early: Panama Canal cruises sell out quickly, especially during peak season (Jan–Apr).
• Choose the right cabin: Balcony staterooms on the starboard side (Atlantic entry) offer the best lock views.
• Pack smart: Bring binoculars, a camera, sunscreen, and lightweight clothing for tropical weather.
• Take a guided tour: The Miraflores Visitor Center offers an excellent pre- or post-cruise experience.
• Consider a land add-on: Many lines offer Panama City extensions with visits to the canal’s expansion locks or indigenous communities.

The Panama Canal is more than a destination—it’s an experience that connects oceans, cultures, and centuries of human achievement. With the right cruise line, your 2024 voyage can be a journey of a lifetime. Whether you’re marveling at the massive locks, exploring rainforests, or relaxing on a Caribbean beach, the Panama Canal awaits. So set sail, and let the adventure begin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which cruise lines go to Panama Canal in 2024?

Majestic cruise lines like Princess, Holland America, Norwegian, and Celebrity offer Panama Canal itineraries in 2024. Smaller luxury lines such as Regent Seven Seas and Oceania also provide immersive transits with expert narration.

Are there full transit or partial transit options for Panama Canal cruises?

Yes, most major cruise lines offer both full transits (spanning the entire canal) and partial transits (navigating Gatun Lake or Miraflores Locks). Full transits are longer (typically 10+ days), while partial options often fit into 7-day Caribbean or Mexico sailings.

What’s the best time of year to book a Panama Canal cruise?

Peak season runs from December to April, avoiding hurricane risks and aligning with cooler temperatures. Shoulder months (November, May) offer fewer crowds and lower fares while still providing reliable transit schedules.

Which cruise lines go to Panama Canal with luxury amenities?

Luxury lines like Seabourn, Silversea, and Regent Seven Seas feature Panama Canal voyages with all-inclusive perks, butler service, and private excursions. These smaller ships often secure prime docking positions for unobstructed lock views.

Do any Panama Canal cruise lines offer themed sailings?

Celebrity Cruises and Princess frequently host themed Panama Canal voyages, including culinary, wellness, or history-focused itineraries. These sailings feature guest experts, specialty dining, and curated shore tours.

Can families find kid-friendly Panama Canal cruise lines?

Absolutely! Norwegian, Disney Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean provide Panama Canal cruises with dedicated kids’ clubs, water parks, and family staterooms. Their shorter partial transits are ideal for first-time canal travelers.