What are the top sights in the Panama Canal?

The Panama Canal is a spectacle to behold in itself. While it’s true that the series of locks are a means to get from one side of Central America to the other, anyone who passes through cannot help but watch and take countless photos of the incredible engineering mechanisms. As well as the canal, admire the views on the deck of tropical forests that reach inland as far as the eye can see. View our itineraries <a href="https://www.cunard.com/en-us/find-a-cruise#{!tag=destinationTag}destinationIds=Panama-Canal-and-Central-America&{!tag=embarkTag}embarkPortCode=&{!tag=departTag}departDate=&{!tag=durationTag}duration=&{!tag=roomsTag}roomIds=&{!tag=portsTag}portsOfCall=&{!tag=priceTag}price_GBP_anonymous=&{!tag=shipsTag}shipId=&{!tag=themesTag}themeIds=&soldOut=false&sort=departDate asc,price_GBP_anonymous asc&group.sort=departDate asc,price_GBP_anonymous asc&start=0">here .

Is a cruise a good way to see the Panama Canal?

A cruise is an ideal way to see the Panama Canal because it gives you an opportunity to get close to the impressive mechanics, and really appreciate what this piece of engineering is. To experience for yourself, the very thing it was made for, is a truly special occasion. Browse our itineraries <a href="https://www.cunard.com/en-us/find-a-cruise#{!tag=destinationTag}destinationIds=Panama-Canal-and-Central-America&{!tag=embarkTag}embarkPortCode=&{!tag=departTag}departDate=&{!tag=durationTag}duration=&{!tag=roomsTag}roomIds=&{!tag=portsTag}portsOfCall=&{!tag=priceTag}price_GBP_anonymous=&{!tag=shipsTag}shipId=&{!tag=themesTag}themeIds=&soldOut=false&sort=departDate asc,price_GBP_anonymous asc&group.sort=departDate asc,price_GBP_anonymous asc&start=0">here .

What is the average temperature in the Panama Canal?

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. February and March, on the other hand, are the driest months.

What is the main departure ports for a Panama Canal cruise?

Cunard voyages that include the Panama Canal usually start in either <a href="https://www.cunard.com/en-us/find-a-cruise#soldOut=false&=&start=0&sort=departDate asc,price_USD_anonymous asc&group.sort=departDate asc,price_USD_anonymous asc&{!tag=destinationTag}destinationIds=Panama-Canal-and-Central-America&{!tag=embarkTag}embarkPortCode=YVR&{!tag=departTag}departDate=&{!tag=durationTag}duration=&{!tag=roomsTag}roomIds=&{!tag=priceTag}price_USD_anonymous=&{!tag=portsTag}portsOfCall=&{!tag=shipsTag}shipId=&{!tag=themesTag}themeIds=">Vancouver , <a href="https://www.cunard.com/en-us/find-a-cruise#soldOut=false&=&start=0&sort=departDate asc,price_USD_anonymous asc&group.sort=departDate asc,price_USD_anonymous asc&{!tag=destinationTag}destinationIds=Panama-Canal-and-Central-America&{!tag=embarkTag}embarkPortCode=SFO&{!tag=departTag}departDate=&{!tag=durationTag}duration=&{!tag=roomsTag}roomIds=&{!tag=priceTag}price_USD_anonymous=&{!tag=portsTag}portsOfCall=&{!tag=shipsTag}shipId=&{!tag=themesTag}themeIds=">San Francisco , or <a href="https://www.cunard.com/en-us/find-a-cruise#soldOut=false&=&start=0&sort=departDate asc,price_USD_anonymous asc&group.sort=departDate asc,price_USD_anonymous asc&{!tag=destinationTag}destinationIds=Panama-Canal-and-Central-America&{!tag=embarkTag}embarkPortCode=LAX&{!tag=departTag}departDate=&{!tag=durationTag}duration=&{!tag=roomsTag}roomIds=&{!tag=priceTag}price_USD_anonymous=&{!tag=portsTag}portsOfCall=&{!tag=shipsTag}shipId=&{!tag=themesTag}themeIds=">Los Angeles for an eastbound transit.

What langauge is spoken in the Panama Canal?

Throughout Panama and its neighbouring countries, the dominant language is Spanish. In Central and South America, the Spanish is slightly different to that spoken in Spain, and Europe, but you should find it easy to get by using any helpful phrases you know.

How long does it take to go through the Panama Canal?

It takes between eight and ten hours to do a full transit of the Panama Canal. Browse our itineraries <a href="https://www.cunard.com/en-us/find-a-cruise#{!tag=destinationTag}destinationIds=Panama-Canal-and-Central-America&{!tag=embarkTag}embarkPortCode=&{!tag=departTag}departDate=&{!tag=durationTag}duration=&{!tag=roomsTag}roomIds=&{!tag=portsTag}portsOfCall=&{!tag=priceTag}price_GBP_anonymous=&{!tag=shipsTag}shipId=&{!tag=themesTag}themeIds=&soldOut=false&sort=departDate asc,price_GBP_anonymous asc&group.sort=departDate asc,price_GBP_anonymous asc&start=0">here .

Panama Canal cruises

First opened in 1914, the Panama Canal is a marvel of engineering. Gaze out at the tropical jungle from the decks of your Cunard Queen, as you glide through the 50 miles of locks and waterways that connect North and South America.

Panama Canal cruises 2024 and 2025

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.

Aerial View from Panama City in Panama.View to Casco Viejo and Panama Canal

Panama Canal cruise highlights

As you sail between the mighty Atlantic and Pacific oceans, spend your time on board in any way you wish, perhaps pondering the historic journeys that have taken this unique route in years gone by. If you’re interested in the mechanics of the canal, maybe find a spot on deck and watch as your ship makes its way through. The entire transit takes around eight to ten hours, giving you plenty of time to come and go as you please without feeling like you’ve missed the experience.

Mareel spa hydrotherapy pool on Queen Mary 2, showing aqua pool, floor to ceiling windows behind gauze curtains, loungers and water jets

On board a Panama Canal cruise

Should you feel like you’ve seen enough, perhaps you’ll be tempted by the array of pastimes to choose from on board. While away the hours completely relaxed by the pool, getting lost in your vacation read as a familiar waiter brings your usual. Maybe you’ll sign up to see an Insight talk or take part in a watercolor class. The choice, as always with Cunard, is yours.

Aerial view of Panama Canal on the Atlantic side; Shutterstock ID 616055753; Invoice Number: -

Experience a Panama Canal cruise

A transit of the Panama Canal is something that many people have dreamed of experiencing for themselves. Even if you have no particular interest in engineering, the feeling of your ship rising or falling as it travels through the locks is certainly an extraordinary event. One that truly encapsulates the dream of adventure travel. As you watch the passing landscapes, perhaps order a little something to toast the occasion.

History of Panama Canal cruises

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.

You too could experience this truly extraordinary transit, rising up – or down – 26 meters above sea level through six sets of locks, all against a backdrop of ever-changing scenery. Then, after you make the journey, a whole host of exciting experiences await in Central America itself.

FAQs about the Panama Canal

The Panama Canal is a spectacle to behold in itself. While it’s true that the series of locks are a means to get from one side of Central America to the other, anyone who passes through cannot help but watch and take countless photos of the incredible engineering mechanisms. As well as the canal, admire the views on the deck of tropical forests that reach inland as far as the eye can see. View our itineraries here.

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. A light showerproof jacket can also be useful in case of rain. To find the correct things to pack during specific months, follow our cruise guide here.