https://my.cunard.com/api-mc/mc-getCruiseSummary/v1

Central America leaves a lasting impression, with its modern resorts, rich rainforest and a fascinating Mayan legacy, not to mention the world-famous Panama Canal.

Protected nature surrounding Gatun Lake, a freshwater artificial lake to the south of ColÃ³n, Panama. It forms a major part of the Panama Canal

/content/dam/cunard/content-fragments/en_GB/parent/destinations/panama-canal-and-central-america/panama-canal-and-central-america-2026-parent

Top featured voyages

Discover the sights, sounds and tastes of Central America, and make the iconic Panama Canal transit, as well as exploring some of the most idyllic destinations of the Americas.

Please correct the errors below and try again.

You’ll shortly receive an email from us to confirm your sign up. Please click on the link contained within this email to start hearing more from us. If you are unable to find this email in your inbox, please check your junk mailbox.

The drier season lasts from December until March, so this is perhaps the most reliable time to cruise in terms of weather. Even so, humidity and temperature are likely to be high, and the varied terrain and elevation mean that weather will vary a lot, depending on how far you travel. If you don't mind the rain, visit in September and October, when the rainforests are at their greenest and most impressive.

What is the best month to cruise the Panama Canal and Central America?

Humidity and heat are plentiful in this part of the world. Bring light, breathable clothes for maximum comfort, so you can add or remove layers as the temperature varies along your cruise route, and include sunscreen, a hat and glasses in your luggage too. A waterproof jacket is recommended, even in the drier season. Be sure to include comfortable walking shoes for on shore exploration, as the terrain can be rough and some of the more spectacular sights require hiking. We also recommend binoculars and a decent camera so you can treasure the experience for years to come. Lastly, bring along swimwear so you can make the most of our on-board pools and spa facilities, and formalwear for our famous Gala Evenings.

What should I pack for a cruise to the Panama Canal and Central America

Frequently asked questions: Panama Canal and Central America cruises

Explore the many ports and destinations you could visit on your Cunard cruise, from the sapphire waters of Costa Maya, Mexico to the Creole culture and jungle temples of Belize.

Explore wild jungles, white sandy beaches and ancient temples with our range of Central America Shore Experiences.

Panoramic Aerial View of Puerto Vallarta Skyline in Mexico.

Looking towards Centennial Bridge from Culebra Cut, heading towards the Pacific ocean from the Atlantic ocean via Panama Canal.

Join us as we celebrate the world's most famous sweet treat, with a special Cunard cake recipe from our Executive chef.

Central America is home to an abundance of natural beauty and ancient history. Join us as we explore tropical rainforests and marine wildlife, and discover manmade feats such as jungle temples and the famous Panama Canal.

Carved quetzal on the pillar of Quetzalpapalotl Palace at Teotihuacan in Mexico City, Mexico.

Dip your toe into the Cunard experience as we explore a dozen ways to spend your time on board, from exciting guest speakers and theatre to fitness and art classes.

A little more spa. A little more dining. A little more adventure. Tailor every moment with US$250 on board credit to spend your way. Plus, reserve your next voyage with our new unmissable fares. Book by 31 August.

The Norwegian Fjords with new, unmissable fares

Reserve your next escape from just £50 per person with our new low deposits on selected 2026 and 2027 voyages. Book by 23 June 2026 to enjoy this exclusive offer.

We're delighted to introduce our new Cunard Signature Packages. Save up to 30% and enjoy drinks, Wi-Fi, and dining credit to use in our alternative restaurants.

Discover a world of inimitable luxury, inspired entertainment, and flavoursome world cuisine on board a Cunard Queen, all with the added advantage of a special offer.

The first places most people think of are Rome and Athens, due to their unique historical and cultural sights. Cunard also visits Spain - Barcelona features amazing Gaudi architecture that's well worth a look - Southern France - famous for its vineyards - and Croatia, where lesser-known but just as impressive historic sites await.

What are the best places to visit in the Mediterranean?

The best weather in this region is from April until November, and Cunard visits the Mediterranean within this window. If you're looking for a tan and don't mind the heat, travel in June or July, but if you prefer milder temperatures book your cruise in the autumn months.

What is the best time of year to cruise the Mediterranean?

Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, Malta, Croatia, and Greece all use the Euro. Gibraltar uses the Gibraltar Pound, (although Pound Sterling and Euros are unofficially accepted in parts).

What is the currency in the Mediterranean?

The Mediterranean has a changeable climate, depending on the season, but dry, hot and sunny days are to be expected in the peak summer months and often during spring and into autumn. It's not out of the question for temperatures to exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in July or August while even September and October can herald warm and pleasant weather. If you're hoping to spend time relaxing on some of the Mediterranean's sandy beaches, it's best to avoid travel during November to March when temperatures are cooler and days can be fresh and rainy.

What is the weather like in the Mediterranean?

A variety of languages are spoken in the Mediterranean. In Spain, where Spanish is the official language, you'll also find regional languages including Catalan, Galician, Basque and Occitan. Spanish is also spoken in Gibraltar, even though the official language of Gibraltar is English. Similarly, in Malta both Maltese and English are spoken.
In France the native language is French, in Italy it's Italian, in Greece it's Greek and in Croatia it's Croatian. French is also the official language of Monaco but you'll encounter Italian spoken by much of the population here too.

What languages are spoken in the Mediterranean?

Depending on the time of year, you'll need cool clothes and comfortable shoes for exploring the exciting ports along your journey. A sunhat and sunscreen are a must in the summer months, and would be wise in the autumn too, as the sun can still be strong in September and October. For evenings on deck bring light jackets for when the temperatures cool.
For more details and suggested packing lists, see our special guide on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/cruise-destinations/mediterranean/mediterranean-cruise-packing-guide">what to pack for Mediterranean cruises</a>.

What should I pack for a Mediterranean cruise?

There are twenty sovereign countries that surround the Mediterranean Sea: Spain, Gibraltar, France, Monaco, Italy, Malta, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia &amp; Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, Greece, Turkey, Syria, Cyprus, Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco.
Cunard typically sails to countries on the Southern European Coast; Spain, Gibraltar, France, Monaco, Italy, Malta, Croatia and Greece. Be sure to check our exciting itineraries for more details.

Which countries are in the Mediterranean?

UK and EU citizens, residents of Schengen countries, plus residents of the US, Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan and New Zealand don't currently require a visa to travel to the Mediterranean, provided the duration of stay is less than 90 days.
Some countries within the Mediterranean require a minimum 6-month validity on your passport, so it's advisable to check the local requirements of the countries included in your Mediterranean cruise itinerary.

Will I need a visa for a Mediterranean cruise?

/en-gb/advice-and-policies/diversity-and-inclusion

/en-gb/advice-and-policies/legal-information

/en-gb/the-cunard-experience/sailing-with-confidence

/en-gb/advice-and-policies/privacy-notice

/en-gb/advice-and-policies/website-terms-of-use

/en-gb/advice-and-policies/passenger-bill-of-rights

Footer Bottom

sm-Facebook

sm-Twitter

sm-Instagram

sm-Youtube

AbtaLogo

AtolLogo

Support

more voyages ( or XX nights) and you will unlock XXXX membership

more voyages and you will unlock XXXX membership

Panama Canal and Central America cruises

Featured Panama Canal and Central America Cruises

Our latest offers

The Norwegian Fjords with new, unmissable fares

Low deposit from £50 per person

Cunard Signature Packages

View all offers

Explore the Panama Canal and Central America

Ports we sail to in Central America

Central America Shore Experiences

Where we sail in Central America

Be inspired

Raising the chocolate bar

Natural treasures

A world of possibilities

More destinations to explore

South America

Caribbean

USA and Canada

Transatlantic Crossings