The Panama Canal is a popular tourist destination. It offers a blend of engineering marvel, tropical beauty, and culture. This canal is a testament to human ingenuity as it is man-made. This canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans across the Isthmus of Panama.
Tourists opting for a cruise to the Panama Canal experience a comfortable journey. You can travel to rainforests, coastlines, and other famous destinations. Visitors learn about the cultural, economic, and environmental impact of this artificial waterway.
This blog guides you through the various options for cruises to the Panama Canal. It also explores the diversity of destinations and shore excursions. Read on to find the best Panama Canal cruise for your next trip.
30-Second Summary
The Panama Canal holds a significant place in history. This man-made waterway has been facilitating maritime trade since it opened on August 15, 1914. This canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and shortens the sailing distance.
Panama has a lot of lush rainforests and exotic landscapes that captivate people’s interest. You can enjoy several activities if you plan a cruise trip to this destination. This blog details the diverse geographical and cultural landscapes of the Panama Canal. You will learn about various cruise lines and select the Best Panama Canal cruise that suits your taste.
Ideal Cruise Lines for the Panama Canal
Every cruise line offers a distinct experience to passengers. You can enjoy the luxurious lifestyle onboard with excellent amenities. Moreover, you can participate in various expeditions to soak in the beauty of the Panama Canal. Let’s take a look at some major cruise lines offering trips to the Panama Canal.
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises takes tourists through this fantastic destination and offers immersive excursions. This cruise line visits some famous ports of call before taking you to the canal’s locks. You can partake in a forest excursion or immerse yourself in the culture by interacting with the locals. All in all, Princess Cruises lets you see the Panama Canal in all its glory.
Holland America Line
Holland America visits this dream destination while providing comfort to the guests onboard. Whether you want to have a thrilling expedition or a relaxed vacation, this cruise line will make your trip memorable. You visit intriguing ports of call as well as the beautiful locks of the canal. Your journey is filled with exciting adventures with Holland America.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Cruising to the Panama Canal with Norwegian Cruises offers you an unmatched travel experience. This cruise line takes you to the most stunning engineering marvels. Take an air tram to explore the Soberania National Park. You can visit Fort San Lorenzo and the Embera tribe to interact with locals. Norwegian Cruises provides a truly unforgettable trip to this canal.
Royal Caribbean International
Experience this man-made marvel through the Panama Canal itineraries of Royal Caribbean. This cruise line ensures you will visit all the breathtaking places to have an exceptional travel experience. Explore the historical sites to learn about the past of this canal. Create memories by interacting with authentic Embera tribes.
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line takes you through breathtaking locks, which are the ultimate tourist destination in the Panama Canal. Cruise along the vibrant scenery of coastlines and experience different expeditions. If you are seeking an enjoyable vacation, relax on the white sand beaches to soak up the warmth of the sun.
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises promises a unique trip of a full Panama Canal transit that you won’t forget ever. Sailing along some incredible ports of call gives you the opportunity to see this waterway in its complete beauty. Travelers learn about the history of the canal and the surrounding regions. You can discover coffee plantations and Panamanian jungles while traveling.
Cunard Line
Cunard Cruises offers an astonishing travel experience along this passageway. You can see this engineering marvel from the balcony of your suite on the cruise. Observe the natural beauty surrounding this canal. Cunard Cruises provides several opportunities to explore the stunning lands of Central America, from Puerto Rico to Nicaragua.
Seabourn Cruises
With Seabourn Cruises, you experience a luxurious trip to this impressive man’s engineering feat. You get ample opportunities to marvel at the breathtaking locks and lush rainforests while traveling with this cruise line. Shore excursions include learning about the ancient ruins, interacting with locals, and viewing vibrant wildlife.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Regent Seven Seas provides a luxurious and enriching trip to the Panama Canal. You can explore the natural beauty of Central America and the surrounding regions. Travelers visit various ports and immerse themselves in the local culture. You can indulge in Panamanian cuisine and actively experience its rich culture.
Viking Ocean Cruises
Traveling through the magnificent Panama Canal is an exhilarating experience. Viking Ocean Cruises offers a memorable sailing through this waterway. Travelers explore each cruise destination and the unique experiences they offer. Discover the mighty locks and participate in thrilling shore excursions.
Azamara
Azamara Cruises’ travel itineraries include the Panama Canal, Central America, and California. It visits one of man’s finest engineering achievements and its magnificent locks. Enjoy the vibrant culture of Central America, where you can groove to the beats of Afro-Caribbean music. Discover the unspoiled nature of La Paz and the laid-back environment of Santa Barbara.
Windstar Cruises
Windstar Cruises allows travelers to discover off the beaten path for a more personal and authentic Panama Canal journey. The itinerary also includes Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Sail through a biologically diverse region of Costa Rica or zip through the lush rainforests. You can also relax in beautiful Central America.
Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages visits the striking Panama Canal and offers various ports as destinations. The destinations include Cartegana, Cabo San Lucas, and Colón. Each port has a unique culture, history, and adventure. Moreover, onboard entertainment, such as interesting shows, live music, and themed parties, offers an enriching experience.
Panama Canal: An Engineering Marvel
The Panama Canal revolutionized the world of transport. It stands as one of the most incredible man-made wonders, which captivates people to date. This waterway has held a prominent place on people’s bucket lists for a long time. This canal shortens sailings from the east to the west coasts of the United States by about 15,000 km (8000 nauticals).
Early History
In the early 16th century, Spain recognized the importance of a canal across the Central American Isthmus. With the westward expansion of the United States, the Bidlack Treaty was signed between New Grenada and the US in 1846.
After negotiating the Hay-Pauncefote Treaty with Great Britain, the US got the exclusive right to construct and regulate any isthmian canal.
After Panama’s independence, the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty was negotiated between the US and Panama. The construction of the canal was completed in 1914.
Recent History
From 1914 until 1979, the US controlled the canal. Control passed to the Panama Canal Commission in 1979, which was a joint agency of the United States and Panama. On December 31, 1999, Panama took complete control of the canal.
Now, it is regulated by the Panama Canal Authority (PCA). The project opened up for expansion in June 2016. This project doubled the canal’s capacity by adding two new steps of three-step locks. The new capacity allowed the passage for a new generation of supersized ships.
Why is it Important?
Each year, around 5% of global trade follows the stretch of this canal. 40% of the containers in the US go through it. More than 70% of the canal’s cargo either goes from or to America. Thus, the waterway connects 170 countries through 1,920 ports.
Diverse Landscapes of the Panama Canal
Panama is the land of captivating and diverse landscapes. This country’s mountain range, called the Cordillera Central, spans from the western to the eastern borders. This range has the highest peak of Panama, known as Baru Volcano.
The surrounding areas of the Panama Canal are biodiverse, with lush rainforests and wetlands. They are crucial for migratory bird habitats.
Northern Side
The Caribbean Sea surrounds the northern side of Panama. The Caribbean side is known for its lush rainforests, beautiful mangroves, and beaches. The tropical rainforests and vibrant marine ecosystem continue to capture the interest of tourists.
Southern Side
The southern coast of Panama is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, offering an entirely different landscape. This side has more expansive beaches and more marine life. The southern side also has coastal plains and volcanoes, contributing to this region’s topography.
The Panama Canal
The central attraction of this country is the famous Panama Canal. This canal slices through the isthmus and serves as a significant conduit for global maritime trade. The construction of the canal modified the landscape extensively and created artificial lakes and waterways. These water bodies are integral to the country’s ecosystem.
The Culture of Panama
Panama’s cultural landscape reflects its history, geography, and diverse population. This cultural mosaic is celebrated and preserved with some modern influences. You can find the indigenous heritage, colonial history, African influences, and contemporary expressions in the thriving culture of this country.
Cultural Influences
Below are the significant culture influences of Panama:
Indigenous Heritage
The indigenous communities of Panama are Embera, Ngabe, and Guna. These tribal groups played a crucial role in shaping the culture of the country. These groups maintain strong connections to their ancestral ecosystems through distinct languages and traditions. Many cultural practices are passed down from generation to generation, reflecting their true heritage.
African Influences
Afro-Panamanian culture was brought in by the African slaves who were sent to the region during colonization. African influences can be seen in the musical traditions, like the “congo, memoranda, and calypso”. Many religious and traditional practices reflect the impact of African culture on this country.
Spanish Colonial Heritage
The colonization of Spain has left a permanent mark on the country. You can see it in religious practices, architecture, and language. The historic district of Casco Viejo still has its narrow streets, colonial buildings, and plazas. The Fiesta de Cristo Negro is an excellent example of how colonial impact hs blended with Afro-Panamanian and indigenous elements.
Celebrations
Carnival in Panama is one of the most celebrated festivals that takes over cities. This annual function fuses different cultural elements into one grand celebration. This festival has parades, vibrant costumes, dances, and music.
In Las Tablas, the rival groups compete for the most extravagant floats, costumes, and performances. Carnival is not an expression of Spanish colonial heritage. It blends Afro-Panamanian beats, indigenous influences, and modern cultural elements to show the bright festive spirit of people.
Art and Music
If you want to discover the true essence of Panama’s art, traveling on Central America cruises is ideal. These cruise itineraries show you the vibrancy of artistic expressions of this country. The contemporary influences combine with traditional art forms, creating a dynamic culture.
The music genres of reggaeton and salsa are prevalent in Panama. The musicians blend these musical beats with traditional style and create sounds that resonate locally and globally. Art exhibitions and other cultural festivals are becoming popular to reflect the growing artistic confidence.
Cuisine
Just like any other aspect, Panama’s cuisine also reflects the blend of African, Spanish, and Caribbean influences. Staple dishes include ceviche (marinated seafood), arroz con pollo (chicken with rice), and sancocho (chicken soup). These dishes are enjoyed everywhere in the country.
Afro-Caribbean culinary delights are particularly prevalent in the coastal areas. Dishes like patacones (fried plantains) and carimañolas (fried yuca filled with meat) are famous. The country’s diverse agricultural produce is a symbol of pride.
Shore Excursion Options
The Panama Canal offers a rich colonial history as well as stunning landscapes. A cruise trip can show you the marvelous beauty of this place through shore excursions. These expeditions highlight the beauty and adventure of each destination. Let’s look at some famous Panama Canal shore excursions below.
Colon, Panama
Colon in Panama is considered the gateway to observe the unique biodiversity of the region. Travelers can visit Monkey Island and Gamboa Rainforest to see monkeys, birds, and crocodiles in their habitats. You can opt for an aerial tram to see the bewitching view of the rainforest canopy.
You can observe sloths up close in the Gamboa Sloth Sanctuary. You can stop at Corozal Art Center to observe the local artistry. If you are interested in cultural immersion, go for the excursions that allow you to explore the local tribes. You can learn about traditional arts, music, and dance. You can also explore landscapes on foot during a guided walk or hike and encounter wildlife.
Grand Cayman
Grand Cayman is home to crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches. Visitors can swim with stingrays, go snorkeling in coral reefs, and relax on pristine Starfish Beach. Tourists can also explore natural wonders in Cayman Crystal Caves.
See the unique rock formation and tropical flora in the caves. For sightseeing enthusiasts, you can visit Seven Mile Beach. You can explore cultural landmarks, such as the Hell District. Afterward, you can relax on the popular Seven Mile Beach.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
This destination is ideal for adventurous souls. Tourists can go zip-lining to observe the canopy of the jungle and the Orquideas River. A trip to Puerto Vallarta also offers opportunities for an exhilarating speed boat ride.
You can opt for swimming with dolphins, where you can see bottle-nosed dolphins up close. Puerto Vallarta provides a mix of nature, adventure, and local culture. This place has something for everyone.
Ideal time to visit the Panama Canal
Whether you are an engineering buff or a nature enthusiast, visiting the Panama Canal is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is essential to know the right time to visit to make the most of your trip.
January to March: January to March is the driest time in Panama. Plenty of sun and minimal rain mean more visibility underwater. It is the best time if you want to go snorkeling or scuba diving.
April: April is usually the midpoint between the busy dry season and the rainy season. The temperature and humidity start to rise this month. Plan and book ahead if you want to visit the region in April.
May to August: May to August is a heavy rainy period in Panama. However, this does not deter tourists from visiting, particularly North Americans and Europeans. If you are an adrenaline seeker and enjoy rafting, this time is perfect as rivers swell due to rainfall.
September to November: These months also bring rain and thunderstorms. If you want fewer crowds and accept rain as an eventuality, you can see many festivals. There are three Independence Day celebrations in November that you can enjoy.
December: As the year ends, the country sees bright sunshine again. The number of crowds starts to increase toward Christmas and New Year’s Eve. However, make sure to avoid the coastal beaches of Bocas del Toro. They get heavy rainfalls during December.
Final Thoughts
The Panama Canal offers an exciting travel experience to every tourist. The vibrant culture and historical heritage of Panama make it an ideal destination for many people. Whether you opt for half transit or a complete journey from coast to coast, each port has breathtaking scenery.
This blog took a deep dive into the beauty of one of man’s most significant architectural achievements. It walked you through the culture, natural landscapes, and shore activities offered by this region. With this information, you can smoothly plan and enjoy the best Panama Canal travel experience.
Before Crusing just be sure to check age restrictions on cruises and drinking policies before you sail.
FAQs
What are Panama Locks?
The Panama Canal locks are a system of water-filled chambers. They lower and raise the ships to help them navigate the 26-meter elevation between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. These locks are on both sides of the canal and help ships sail smoothly across the 50-mile canal.
What is the Panama Canal Famous for?
The Panama Canal shows human ingenuity. It is a man-made waterway that is crucial for maritime trade. This canal is famous for connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It reduces the distance for ships traveling between these oceans by 8000 nautical miles.
What Should I Pack for a Panama Canal Cruise?
When you are packing for a trip to Panama, there are some essentials that you should not forget to put in your luggage. Make sure to pack rain gear, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, sunscreen, bug repellent, light and breezy clothes, and water-safe shoes.