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Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S. While the temperature in Panama is reliably warm, averaging between around 77°F and 87°F all year, rainfall can vary quite significantly. November is the peak of the wet season when most days see a vast amount of rain.
The 3 Types of Panama Canal Cruises
BEST Princess Cruises to the Panama Canal & Central America (with Prices) 2024 & 2025 on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic
BEST Princess Cruises to the Panama Canal & Central America (with Prices) 2024 & 2025 on Cruise Critic.
Posted: Fri, 19 Apr 2024 19:49:10 GMT [source]
Entering Gatun Lake, it’s fun to be forward on deck as you can see the procession of ships coming towards you. You could also be aft, at the back of the ship, with a pair of binoculars to spot other ships. Dazzling biodiversity in its treasure trove of animals, birds, fish, and plant species, for one; this is where you’ll see glossy toucans perched in the trees and graceful macaws, scarlet against the bottle green of the rainforest.
DIVERSE DESTINATIONS
The best historical structures are the churches, including the Catedral de Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion, dating from 1619, and the Iglesia de San Jose, noted for its vaulted side chapels and golden altar. On your Panama Canal cruise, venture deep into the Panamanian rain forest, meet the locals, and learn the inner workings of the fascinating Panama Canal’s locks. Take an Eco Cruise on Lake Gatun and explore island habitats created during the Canal’s building.
SAVOR GUATEMALA
There is something for every type of explorer in this culturally diverse region. Choose from immersive excursions such as exploring the engineering mastery of the Canal, trekking through surrounding rainforests, visiting local villages and relaxing on the pristine beaches of the Caribbean. The Panama Canal cruise season peaks between October and April, outside of the rainy season that can start as early as mid-March and extend into the fall. With a tropical climate, this region is home to rainforests, incredible biodiversity, lush landscapes, abundant wildlife and beautiful beaches, but the weather can be wet at certain times of the year. Silversea Cruises' indulgent 31-day New York to Lima sailing aboard its newest ship, 728-guest Silver Nova features a Panama Canal transit in the middle of the trip.
Sailing through the Panama Canal - Hernando Sun
Sailing through the Panama Canal.
Posted: Sun, 21 Apr 2024 20:30:38 GMT [source]
Extraordinary Panama Canal Cruise Tours
Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information. When packing for a Panama Canal cruise, it’s a good idea to be prepared with light layers. You can depend on it being warm, so a few thin tops, shorts, skirts, or dresses are suitable, but you may want to bring a shirt, thin scarf, or cardigan to cover up in the evenings. To find the correct things to pack during specific months, follow our cruise guide here. From the ship, you'll get great views of Soberania National Park, a 55,000-acre area of protected rainforest that's home countless species of birds, mammals and reptiles.
It takes passengers through the remaining two Canal locks, all the way to the Pacific Ocean. A motorcoach ride delivers passengers back to their waiting ships at Colon. 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.
The notion of a canal to link the Pacific and Atlantic oceans had been in conception since 1534 after Spanish explorers arrived in Panama. After centuries of attempts, the project was finally completed and opened in 1914, enabling ships to make the journey without needing to face the difficult route around Cape Horn in Chile. Fort Lauderdale has white sandy beaches, endless shopping on Las Olas Boulevard, and the Atlantic Ocean that welcomes you to swim year-round.
Panama Cruises
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.
With drier weather and high temperatures hovering around 88 degrees, it's less humid in the region in December. However, it's the holiday season, so cruise fares and other costs, like hotels for pre- and post-cruise stays, will be more expensive if you travel this month. December is one of the peak tourism months in Panama, with Panamanians traveling for the holidays and visitors from North America and Europe escaping the cold weather at home.
The calm, warm waters of the Bay of Banderas make for excellent diving, or you can just watch artists sculpt spectacular creations in the sand. The fine art galleries in El Centro are perfect spots to explore local art. Or take a trip to Panama City itself, a dramatic contrast between glassy skyscrapers and the narrow alleys and colorful facades of the atmospheric Casco Viejo, or old town, dating back to the 17th century. There are excursions to an Embera village, too, where you can learn about the traditional lifestyle of this rainforest tribe.
On Celebrity Summit, guests of The Retreat can view the locks from the Retreat Sundeck on deck 12 forward. Other options include the Sky Lounge, which has panoramic forward views and is climate-controlled, or the Rooftop Terrace, aft. You will most likely find you want to enjoy the experience from different areas on the ship. When you’re in a lock, it’s fascinating to watch the mechanisms of these engineering masterpieces, so find the best position on deck to observe this. Our one-way cruises take you either east or westbound between Florida and California. See the intricate workings of the locks and the graceful Bridge of the Americas as you cross the narrow Panama isthmus.
For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. When it comes to packing for a Panama cruise, make sure you bring lightweight, breathable clothing to be comfortable in the country's hot and humid tropical climate. It takes between eight and ten hours to do a full transit of the Panama Canal. Panama is one of the most diverse and multi-cultural countries in Central America. Tucked between Colombia and Costa Rica, it’s known for its indigenous arts, woodworking, mola embroidery, and pottery.
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