Start here · Essential guide
How Cruise Ships Go Through the Panama Canal
How cruise ships go through the Panama Canal: pilots, locks, Gatun Lake, the Neopanamax locks, size limits, timing and what passengers see on transit day.
Routes and Ports
Canal Cruises
How cruise ships transit the Panama, Suez and Cape Cod canals, and what a canal cruise costs.
Best Side of the Ship to See the Panama Canal
Port or starboard? On a Panama Canal cruise, where you stand matters more than which side. Tips on the best decks, viewing spots, cabins and timing.
Best Time of Year for a Panama Canal Cruise
Mid-December to April is the dry season and the usual pick for a Panama Canal cruise. See how weather, prices, crowds and transit types vary by month.
Can Cruise Ships Go Through the Suez Canal?
Cruise ships can transit the Suez Canal, but security concerns in the Red Sea have kept most lines away. Here is how the canal works and what to check.
Do Cruise Ships Go Through the Cape Cod Canal?
Large ocean cruise ships generally do not use the Cape Cod Canal. Here is why the canal exists, what limits ship size, and how to see it yourself.
Do I need a passport for a Panama Canal cruise?
In practice, yes. Panama Canal cruises call at foreign ports, and cruise lines generally require a passport. Learn about exceptions, validity and visas.
Does Royal Caribbean Cruise the Panama Canal?
Yes, Royal Caribbean offers Panama Canal cruises on select ships and dates. Here is how its sailings work, which ships fit the canal, and what to check first.
Full vs Partial Panama Canal Transit: What's the Difference?
A full transit crosses from ocean to ocean; a partial transit enters Gatun Lake and turns back. Compare length, flights, cost and the experience to choose.
How long do ships take to cross the Panama Canal?
Most ships take roughly 8 to 10 hours to cross the Panama Canal. Here is what that time includes, why it can run longer, and what it means on a cruise.
How much does a Panama Canal cruise cost?
A Panama Canal cruise can start under $1,000 per person on mainstream lines and run to five figures on luxury ships. See what drives the price and add-on costs.
What is the best cruise line for the Panama Canal?
There is no single best Panama Canal cruise line. Compare Princess, Holland America, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean and luxury and small-ship options by traveler type.
What It Costs a Cruise Ship to Transit the Panama Canal
What a cruise ship pays to transit the Panama Canal: how tolls are calculated, reported ranges, extra charges, and what it means for your cruise fare.
Which Cruise Ships Are Too Big for the Panama Canal?
The largest cruise ships, such as Royal Caribbean's Oasis and Icon classes, are generally too big for the Panama Canal. Learn the size limits that decide it.
Related topics