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Keep in mind that die-hard canal lovers will stand on deck the entire time, blocking the view from inside, so be prepared to move around. But since a Panama Canal cruise is unique, you'll encounter some logistical considerations that you won't on other itineraries — including the fact that your debarkation and embarkation ports might be different. Your Holland America Line ship’s Casino offers a wide array of gaming options.
Holland America Line Opens West Coast-Based Hawaii and Panama Canal Cruises for 2025-26 - TravelAge West
Holland America Line Opens West Coast-Based Hawaii and Panama Canal Cruises for 2025-26.
Posted: Thu, 07 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Panama Cruises Trivia: 5 Facts You Should Know About The Panama Canal
Passengers often choose an Atlantic to Pacific or Pacific to Atlantic route, depending on where they live, although you'll gain hours if you choose the latter. (Some people prefer to have their longer one-way flight at the beginning of a trip, instead of the end.) With this trans-canal option, you spend a day on the canal, crossing from ocean to ocean and going through the complete lock experience. If having the full "canal experience" is part of your bucket list -- or if you're an engineering geek and don't care too much about shore excursions within Panama itself -- this trip is for you. Most full Panama Canal cruises do call in the Western Caribbean, the Costa Rican ports of Limon (on the Atlantic side) and Puntarenas (on the Pacific), and Cartagena, Colombia.
Set sail with Princess® – the best Panama Canal cruise line
During the 48-mile transit, you’ll see everything from intricate lock systems to the serene landscapes of the rainforest and Gatun Lake. Your ship will be raised up 85 feet through a system of three locks to the level of the freshwater Gatun Lake. Once you’ve crossed the lake, you will descend 85 feet back to sea level through another set of locks. After your cruise ship completes the journey through the Panama Canal, you may dock at a port such as Colon, Panama for a pre-determined length of time.
Try These 6 Panamanian Foods on Your Panama Canal Cruise
On average, it takes ships 8 to 10 hours to pass through the Panama Canal. Here’s what you’ll get to experience if you travel the Panama Canal onboard a Holland America Line cruise ship. As you embark on a voyage with Holland America Line, one of the most captivating experiences is navigating the locks of the Panama Canal.
This lock raises the ship another 31 feet, aligning it with the level of the Miraflores Lake. As you transition from the Pacific Ocean to Miraflores Lake, you’ll witness Pedro Miguel Lock’s unique operation, offering fascinating insight into the complexity and precision of this century-old engineering marvel. 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. Many Panama Canal and Central America ports are relatively industrial, and some -- particularly Colon and Puerto Limon -- have a reputation for petty crime within the main city.
Princess Cruises' 10-day Panama Canal with Costa Rica & Caribbean cruise
If you want a front-row view of the action, you'll probably have to do the same. Partial transits often originate in Florida or the Caribbean, enter the canal at Limon Bay and travel 7 miles to the Gatun Locks. They then turn around at Gatun Lake, heading back to Colon and continuing on the itinerary. World Stage features innovative cruise ship shows and a two-story LED screen that creates a vivid wraparound display.
Tortuguero National Park offers close encounters with the green tortoise, crocodiles, monkeys and exotic birds, all seen at water level on the canals. There are so many fabulous encounters with nature available from this port, you'll have a hard time deciding on a shore excursion. A visit to the Tabacon Resort Hot Springs takes you to the slopes of the active Arenal volcano. The Poas volcano features the amazing sight of a huge crater filled with iridescent blue water.
Major cruise lines that sail to Panama include Carnival, Royal Caribbean Princess, Holland America Line (HAL), Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), Celebrity, Oceania and Viking. Prices per person depend on several factors, including which line you book, the month you travel and the duration of the trip. Obviously, a forward location on the ship will give you a clear vantage point as you head into the locks. After that, you'll traverse the Chagres River, then sail 8 miles through the Culebra Cut.
The bathroom includes a dual-sink vanity, full-size whirlpool bath and shower, and an additional shower stall. Whether you’ve always longed to experience the infamous mechanisms of the Panama Canal, or it’s something you’ve not given much thought to, a Panama Canal cruise unlocks a wealth of enticing destinations and experiences. Specifically designed to travel through the Panama Canal, the Island Princess is a great choice for those who want to experience a new culture in this region. This ship also has approximately 700 balconies and a majority of its staterooms give travelers a magnificent view of the ocean.
Holland America Line Opens Bookings For Panama Canal and Hawaii Cruises - Porthole Cruise and Travel
Holland America Line Opens Bookings For Panama Canal and Hawaii Cruises.
Posted: Mon, 04 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
From engineering marvels to exotic wildlife, there's so much to discover while on your Panama Canal cruise. 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. And Princess provides live narration from the bridge while transiting the locks, just one reason we were voted "Best Cruise Line for Enrichment" by Cruise International.
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. Similar to the Coral Princess, the Island Princess also has New Orleans-inspired cuisine and The Bayou Cafe and Steakhouse for those who want a taste of this unique culture. There are also several lounges, a Lotus Spa and a casino for those who want to kick back and relax. Traveling on the Island Princess can make this one of the most memorable Panama Canal cruise vacations of your lifetime.
The initial descent starts at the single-stage Pedro Miguel Lock, which lowers the ship 31 feet. After passing a mile through Miraflores Lake, you'll reach the two-stage Miraflores Locks, which will descend the ship the last 54 feet back to sea level. The final step is sailing 8 miles to go under the Bridge of the Americas and finally reach the Pacific Ocean. Even if the canal transit is what you're cruising for, don't forget to check out the rest of the stops on the itinerary. You'll want to consider whether you're more interested in Caribbean islands or Central and South American destinations. Sailing through the Panama Canal makes for a cruise itinerary like none other.
The port provides a jumping-off point for tours of working coffee plantations, the Pacaya Volcano (one of the country's many active mountains) and Lake Atitlan. Stopping at different cruise ports during a Panama Canal crossing makes it easy to savor the varied flavors of these countries, each with its own signature spice and tang. Once you're crossing the canal, head to the front of the ship for the best view. Step into the past as you stroll down the Spanish Colonial lanes of Antigua in Guatemala, a picturesque town with pastel buildings and balconies filled with pink flowers. A short trip from the port at Puerto Quetzal, the city is home to museums like Casa de los Sueños, where the history of this town is depicted through art.
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