repositioning cruise panama canal

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Repositioning Cruises

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Luxury Repositioning Cruises

Sail from one incredible destination to another on one of our luxury repositioning cruises. Explore Europe’s dynamic cities. Lounge on Fort Lauderdale’s stunning beaches. Spend relaxed days on board one of our luxury cruise ships in the award-winning spa, dipping in the sparkling pool, and tasting world-class culinary creations inspired by global destinations. With plenty of days at sea and stops in some of the most coveted ports in the world, these repositioning cruises promise adventure both on and off the ship.

Browse Repositioning Cruise Itineraries

Itineraries, view all repositioning cruises, explore two continents on an unforgettable repositioning cruise.

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey across the Atlantic or the Pacific Ocean aboard our spectacular repositioning cruises. Sail from one continent to another on an award-winning ship , and experience unrivaled luxury, service, and entertainment as it relocates from one region of the world to another.

In the late fall, our repositioning cruises sail from Europe, where you’ll depart from fascinating cities like Lisbon, Southampton, and Rome, to North America. Stop in stunning destinations such as Nice, Provence, the Azores, and the Canary Islands, and luxuriate in consecutive days at sea before arriving at your debarkation port in Florida or the Northeast. Or cruise between Europe and South America on a cruise from Lisbon to Rio de Janeiro and explore ports in the Canary Islands and Brazil. 

In the early spring, our transatlantic cruises depart from the United States and head back across the Atlantic, stopping in beautiful European destinations along the way, such as the islands of Palma de Mallorca and Corsica, before arriving in Rome, Southampton, and Lisbon.

Whether you choose to board a relocation cruise in the spring or fall, you’ll find a wealth of options to choose from. Depending on your itinerary, you’ll explore the sun-soaked Mediterranean, visit popular ports across Western Europe, or stop in Iceland and Greenland along the way. 

Sail across the Bering Sea and the Pacific Ocean on a transpacific cruise that travels from Asia to North America—and vice versa. Depart from the exciting city of Tokyo and stop in destinations in Russia and Japan along the way. A highlight of a transpacific cruise is traversing the International Dateline.

You can also board one of our repositioning cruises between Hawaii and Australia. Depart from either Honolulu or Sydney and visit breathtaking islands in the South Pacific, including New Zealand’s idyllic Bay of Islands, dreamy destinations in French Polynesia like Bora Bora and Tahiti, and the tropical islands of Hawaii.

Aside from these remarkable journeys across continents, we also have exciting repositioning cruises that travel from one destination to another within the Western Hemisphere. Sail between San Diego or Los Angeles and Vancouver and cruise along the Pacific Coast, stopping in destinations throughout California, Oregon, Washington, and Canada along the way. Or combine a tropical vacation in the Caribbean with sightseeing in the Northeast by embarking on an open-jaw itinerary between Miami and Cape Liberty or Boston; San Juan and Cape Liberty; or a Caribbean cruise from Fort Lauderdale to San Juan.

On all of our repositioning cruises, you’ll have access to exciting venues and unlimited entertainment. Spend days at sea lounging by the outdoor pool or relaxing at the indoor solarium. Schedule a day at the spa and choose from a number of reinvigorating and revitalizing treatments. Dine on delicious dishes designed by a Michelin-starred chef. Dance under the stars at one of our rooftop lounges. There’s no shortage of magic and adventure awaiting on a Celebrity cruise.

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12 best Panama Canal cruises for a bucket-list trip

A Panama Canal transit is a rite of passage for many cruise lovers. Experiencing this marvel of early 20th-century engineering appeals to those with a wide array of interests, from history and politics to colonial architecture and wildlife. Built by the U.S. government between 1903 and 1914, this 50-mile waterway linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans revolutionized shipping by creating an expedited route for the transit of cargo and, ultimately, cruise ship passengers.

Panama Canal itineraries are offered by almost every cruise line. Thanks to a 2016 canal expansion project, a third set of locks can now accommodate larger vessels. It's possible to cruise the Panama Canal on ships of all sizes (from 148 guests to more than 3,000) on itineraries that range from a week in the sun to a six-month world cruise.

Some ships sail a full transit of the canal, from the Atlantic to the Pacific or vice versa. These one-way journeys between Miami or Fort Lauderdale and Los Angeles or San Diego visit ports in Central America, South America, Mexico and California.

Others sail only a partial transit, entering the locks from the Atlantic and cruising into Lake Gatun before turning around and exiting again. These itineraries, sailing round-trip from Florida ports, combine the canal experience with island hopping in the Caribbean.

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The array of options means that a Panama Canal cruise experience is possible even if you're short on time or have a limited budget — and chances are high that your favorite cruise line offers one or more itineraries. Most sailings attract couples, typically retirees, but if the timing is right, a Panama Canal cruise can also be a great multigenerational experience.

Here are a dozen of the best Panama Canal cruises to consider.

Holland America's 14- to 17-night Panama Canal cruises

Holland America offers a variety of Panama Canal cruises , but the most popular itineraries span 14 to 17 nights. They offer a full transit between Fort Lauderdale or Miami and San Diego, Seattle or Vancouver, British Columbia, or vice versa and are offered on multiple ships, including Koningsdam, Zuiderdam, Zaandam, Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam. These sailings call on Cartagena, Colombia; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; and Huatulco and Puerto Vallarta or Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Longer sailings also call on several Caribbean islands.

Who should go : Holland America ships sailing a full transit are popular with retired couples who appreciate the cruise line's consistency and good value. All four ships accommodate between 1,432 and 2,650 passengers and offer signature onboard experiences that include the Greenhouse Spa and the World Stage for evening production shows. The larger Eurodam, Koningsdam and Nieuw Amsterdam feature additional specialty dining options, such as Tamarind and Nami Sushi, as well as popular music venues B.B. King's Blues Club and Billboard Onboard.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises' 16-night Los Angeles-to-Miami cruise

Regent Seven Seas Cruises ' newest ship, Seven Seas Grandeur, debuted in November 2023 and will transit the Panama Canal on several occasions in the next few years. The 16-night Miami-to-Los Angeles (Dec. 13-29, 2024) and 16-night Los Angeles-to-Miami (Jan. 8-23, 2025) transits offer luxurious all-inclusive pampering, plus port calls in Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas and Acapulco, Mexico; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; Corinto, Nicaragua; Panama City; Cartagena, Colombia; and George Town, Grand Cayman.

Plan even further ahead for Grandeur's 22-night Miami-to-Los Angeles transit (Jan. 3-25, 2026) to enjoy additional Caribbean ports of call. From Jan. 25 to Feb. 9, 2026, the ship will sail a 16-night Panama Canal transit from Los Angeles to Miami with an itinerary similar to the 2024 and early 2025 cruises.

Who should go : This itinerary can be a wonderful splurge for a couple seeking to celebrate a milestone anniversary or birthday in a memorable way on a luxurious new ship. Prices start at a hefty $10,099 per person for a spacious balcony suite, but they also include airfare, transfers, gratuities, dining and beverages, Wi-Fi and shore excursions — meaning you'll hardly have any other vacation expenses.

Related: The 9 best luxury cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

Celebrity Cruises' 11-night Panama Canal & Southern Caribbean cruise

For a Panama Canal experience that begins and ends in Fort Lauderdale, Celebrity Cruises ' 11-night Panama Canal & Southern Caribbean itinerary is a great option. There's still time to book the Dec. 2, 2024, cruise or the half-dozen almost identical sailings that follow through April 2025. All sailings are aboard the 3,260-passenger Celebrity Beyond and visit Cartagena, Colombia; Colon, Panama; Oranjestad, Aruba; Kralendjik, Bonaire; and George Town, Grand Cayman (Willemstad, Curacao, replaces Grand Cayman on some 2025 sailings).

Who should go : Celebrity Beyond and its Edge-series sister ships appeal to millennials, Gen Xers and young-at-heart baby boomers who appreciate innovative design, entertainment and dining options. The ships are geared toward couples or groups of friends, but families with older teens might also enjoy the onboard vibe. There are no splash pools or waterslides for younger kids, although calls on three Caribbean islands offer aquatic fun.

Windstar Cruises' 7-night Costa Rica & Panama Canal cruise

To explore the Panama Canal region in a relaxed manner aboard an intimate motorized sailing yacht or small ship, check out Windstar Cruises' seven-night Costa Rica & Panama Canal itinerary. Bookable on more than a dozen dates from November 2024 through March 2026, the itinerary is offered aboard 148-passenger Wind Star or Wind Spirit (in 2024 and 2025) and 312-passenger Star Pride (in 2026). The ship will travel from Colon, Panama, to Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica (or vice versa), transiting the canal. Passengers can visit Panama City and Isla Parida in Panama, plus Golfo Dolce and Quepos (for Manuel Antonio National Park) in Costa Rica.

Who should go : Fans of small-ship cruising who enjoy a casual onboard ambience, are interested in nature and wildlife and wish to sample the regional flavors of Central America should consider a Windstar cruise . All accommodations on the sailing yachts are in snug yet well-designed staterooms with windows but no balconies. Wind Star and Wind Spirit are cozy and social four-deck ships, each featuring a pool and pool bar, a lounge and two restaurants. Star Pride is the better option for those who prefer a more spacious suitelike cabin with a balcony and a larger bathroom.

Related: Big vs. small cruise ships: Which will I like better?

Silversea's 18-night Fort Lauderdale-to-Los Angeles cruise

Silversea Cruises ' 18-night Fort Lauderdale-to-Los Angeles transit aboard 596-passenger Silver Moon offers a luxurious and leisurely way to experience the Panama Canal along with top ports in four countries and 10 sea days. The itinerary includes Cartagena, Colombia (where the ship overnights); Puntarenas, Costa Rica; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; and Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The sailing takes place from April 1 to 19, 2025.

Silver Moon is one of four Silversea ships to feature the S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) program, which combines regionally inspired dining in S.A.L.T. Kitchen, cooking classes and demonstrations in S.A.L.T. Lab with culinary-inspired shore excursions.

Who should go : Silversea's clientele is mostly mature couples with a luxury mindset and an appreciation for elevated dining with a strong regional focus. They also appreciate the cruise line's all-inclusive ease. An almost three-week itinerary such as this is likely to attract retirees seeking an extended warm-weather escape.

Related: The 10 best cruises for couples seeking romance and together time at sea

Carnival Cruise Line's 8-night Panama Canal cruise from Tampa

Experiencing the Panama Canal doesn't have to be time-consuming or budget-busting. Carnival Cruise Line 's eight-night Panama Canal from Tampa itinerary offers a round-trip, partial-transit sailing aboard the 2,124-passenger Carnival Legend and Carnival Miracle. The ships call in Limon, Costa Rica, and George Town, Grand Cayman. Itineraries are available on several dates in 2024 and 2025, and cruise fares begin at under $900 per person.

With multiple pools (including the adults-only aft Serenity Pool), a WaterWorks aqua park, the Camp Ocean kids club and a wide array of restaurants, these ships offer enough diversions for sea-day fun, even at half the size of Carnival's newest megaships.

Who should go : Carnival's action-packed ships and affordable cruise fares appeal to families, friends and couples of all ages who enjoy a lively onboard ambience and casual complimentary dining options (including a Guy Fieri burger venue).

Related: The best cruise lines for families

Seabourn's 34-night Caribbean Gems & Panama Canal cruise

For a one-way Panama Canal transit that visits 12 countries (St. Barts, Guadeloupe, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, the British Virgin Islands, the Dominican Republic, Curacao, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala and Mexico) and offers 15 relaxing and luxurious days at sea, consider Seabourn 's 34-night Caribbean Gems & Panama Canal cruise. The 450-guest Seabourn Sojourn will sail from Miami to Los Angeles, departing in November 2025.

You'll enjoy beach time as you island hop in the Caribbean, while calls on Golfito and Puntarenas in Costa Rica offer access to eco-adventure. Visits to Puerto Quetzal in Guatemala and Puerto Chiapas and Huatulco in Mexico feature excursions focused on pre-Spanish-colonial culture, coffee cultivation and more, while a call on Cabo San Lucas offers whale watching, deep-sea fishing or tequila tasting opportunities.

Who should go : Work-from-anywhere entrepreneurs and retirees who enjoy the luxury and refinement of small-ship cruising will enjoy this monthlong Panama Canal transit. Seabourn Sojourn pampers its guests with attentive service, elevated cuisine and all-ocean-facing suites featuring walk-in closets and spacious marble bathrooms. Seabourn's all-inclusive cruise fares also cover gratuities and complimentary wines and spirits.

Princess Cruises' 12-night Panama Canal with Costa Rica & Caribbean cruise

While Princess Cruises does offer several longer ocean-to-ocean Panama Canal itineraries, its popular 12-night Panama Canal with Costa Rica & Caribbean cruises conveniently sail round trip from Fort Lauderdale on more than 20 dates in 2024, 2025 and 2026.

What's more, you can choose between two ships: the 3,140-guest Caribbean Princess or the 3,080-guest Emerald Princess. In addition to the partial transit, these sailings call on several Caribbean islands, including Aruba, Curacao, Jamaica and Grand Cayman, as well as Cartagena, Columbia; Limon, Costa Rica; and Colon, Panama.

Who should go : Couples who enjoy a ship with a more traditional vibe and families with kids who are content to participate in interactive learning activities and nature-based adventure (versus waterslides) will enjoy this cruise. Princess ships are known for their Movies Under the Stars screenings, multiple pools, specialty dining options, such as Sabatini's Italian Trattoria and The Salty Dog Gastropub, and Crooners piano bar.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Princess Cruises ship

Norwegian Cruise Line's 12-night South America: Peru, Colombia & Ecuador cruise

There's no "Panama Canal" in this itinerary's name, but Norwegian Cruise Line 's 12-night South America: Peru, Colombia & Ecuador cruise (Feb. 27-March 11, 2026) does a full canal transit as it sails from Miami to Lima, Peru. The 2,402-passenger Norwegian Jade will visit historic Santa Marta and Cartagena in Colombia; Panama City; Manta, Ecuador; and Trujillo and Lima in Peru.

Who should go : Couples and friends interested in experiencing not just a Panama Canal transit but some of the top coastal experiences along the Pacific coast of South America should choose this itinerary. Norwegian Jade is an older, smaller vessel that was refurbished in 2022 and features a top deck more conducive to sunning than thrill rides. The ship also has a surprising number of restaurants for its size: two main dining rooms, a buffet restaurant, a pub-style bar and grill, an Asian restaurant and an outdoor grill on a complimentary basis, plus six specialty dining venues (including a steakhouse and venues showcasing French, Italian and Japanese cuisines) for an added fee.

Oceania's 16-night Miami-to-Los Angeles cruise

Oceania Cruises ' 1,200-passenger Vista — which debuted in May 2023 as the first new-build ship in Oceania's fleet in more than a decade — will offer back-to-back, 16-night Miami-to-Los Angeles (Jan. 8-24, 2025) and Los Angeles-to-Miami (Jan. 24-Feb. 9, 2025) itineraries. Both sailings visit six countries with port calls that include George Town, Grand Cayman; Cartagena, Colombia; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; Corinto, Nicaragua; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; and Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada, Mexico. (The second sailing visits San Diego instead of Ensenada.)

Who should go : Oceania's newest ship offers a great compromise between a small and medium-size vessel and is ideal for those seeking a premium cruise experience with casual sophistication. Older couples especially will appreciate the ship's elegant cabin decor in soft hues of wheat and seagrass, mix of grand and intimate spaces and wide array of dining options. (Two new and noteworthy venues on Vista include Ember for inventive American cuisine and Aquamar Kitchen for wellness-focused breakfast, lunch and dinner.) A more immersive mixology program features curated cocktail menus, indulgent pairing experiences and specialty beverage carts.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on an Oceania Cruises ship

Cunard's 26-night Southampton-to-San Francisco cruise

Cunard's brand-new 2,996-passenger ship Queen Anne, which debuts in May 2023, will make both its first transatlantic crossing and its first Panama Canal transit on this historic 26-night Southampton-to-San Francisco sailing (Jan. 9-Feb. 4, 2025). The ship will first cross the Atlantic and then overnight in New York before calling on Aruba, transiting the canal and visiting Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. It will conclude with an overnight in San Francisco.

The winter transatlantic crossing might not be right for everyone, but the second half of this voyage explores warm-weather destinations with plenty of relaxing sea days for sunning, reading, taking dance lessons and enjoying expert lectures.

Who should go : British cruise line Cunard appeals mainly to older travelers who savor the line's formal traditions. This cruise is for you if you enjoy afternoon tea, dressing up for dinner, gala evenings and dancing to big-band orchestras. This particular itinerary appeals to retirees who wish to visit several cruise regions in one sailing.

Viking's 180-day World Voyage

For the ultimate cruise indulgence, Viking's 180-day World Voyage I includes a Panama Canal transit (on Christmas Day, no less) as 930-passenger Viking Sky cruises from Fort Lauderdale to New York City (Dec. 19, 2024-June 17, 2025). This round-the-world cruise will visit 37 countries as guests enjoy Viking Sky's modern Scandinavian interior decor, soothing LivNordic Spa, two pools (including one with a retractable roof) and six onboard restaurants. Pricing includes airfare, gratuities and complimentary wine and beer with lunch and dinner.

If this longer voyage is sold out, consider the 138-day Viking World Cruise (departing Dec. 19, 2025), also on Viking Sky. This sailing, which travels from Fort Lauderdale to London (Greenwich), visits 28 countries and transits the Panama Canal on the eighth day.

Who should go : With cruise fares that start at $79,995 and $59,995 per person, respectively, these extended adventures at sea require a luxury budget. Viking 's base clientele is mostly retired or close-to-retirement-age professionals who enjoy the cruise line's focus on educational enrichment (via onboard lectures) and serene ambience (there's no casino, and the nighttime vibe is on the quiet side).

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Panama Canal Cruises

Experience one of the wonders of the modern world on Holland America Line’s Panama Canal cruises. Our Panama cruise itineraries depart from both east and west coasts for loads of convenient options. A cruise to the Panama Canal is an incredible experience, worthy of any bucket list as you travel between oceans. The shipping channel—which took 33 years to complete and cost more than 25,000 workers their lives—is arguably the greatest engineering achievement of all time. As you cruise the canal, you will pass through the two-chambered Miraflores Locks, the one-chambered Pedro Miguel Lock, and three-chambered Gatun Locks. Along the way you’ll find Gatun Lake, once the largest manmade lake in the world, which has proved a boon for the species that thrive here, undisturbed by the passing ships.

The Panama Canal Cruise Experience

Feel your ship rise 85 feet as water fills the locks on the Panama Canal. Listen as a historian shares tales of this incredible engineering feat that divided two continents. Explore the intriguing landscapes, culture and people of this amazing region. From engineering marvels to exotic wildlife, there's so much to discover while on your Panama Canal cruise.

See A Modern Marvel On Panama Canal Cruises

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Extraordinary Panama Canal Cruise Tours

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Something to Celebrate

Featured panama canal cruise ports.

Fuerte Amador, Panama

Cartagena, Colombia

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

Puerto Caldera (Puntarenas), Costa Rica

Puerto Chiapas, Mexico

San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua

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Panama canal travel articles.

The ultimate journey between two continents and two mighty oceans, a Panama Canal cruise encompasses Spanish colonial architecture, verdant rainforest and an engineering marvel. Learn more about our ports in the region with articles on  Cartagena’s  graceful Old City and  Costa Rica’s  exotic Pura Vida Gardens;  Antigua, Guatemala , including La Merced, the city’s 250-year-old cathedral; and the storied past of  Panama Viejo , a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And be sure to explore the complex and fascinating history of the  Panama Canal .

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Panama Canal Cruises

Set sail with princess® – the best panama canal cruise line.

Best Cruise Line Itineraries

13-Time Winner Recommend Magazine

We’re the number one cruise line sailing to this bucket list destination, and as awe-inspiring as it is to travel through one of  Condé Nast Traveler’s  7 Cruise Wonders of the World, we’ll help you explore equally fascinating places along the way. So stretch out on a Caribbean beach, admire the pristine rainforests, stroll the cobbled streets of colonial towns and journey through the fabled Panama Canal with Princess.

Roundtrip Ft. Lauderdale

From the East Coast

• Roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale
• Experience a partial transit of the Panama Canal
• Visit the pristine beaches of the Caribbean and explore the lush rainforests of Costa Rica
• Uncover two or three of the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao) and enjoy their vibrant culture and marine life

Between Atlantic & Pacific Oceans

Ocean to Ocean

• Sail from the East Coast to the West Coast or vice versa. Cruise from Ft. Lauderdale to Los Angeles or San Francisco, or cruise from either of those two West Coast cities to Florida.
• Ideal itinerary for those who want to experience a full transit of the Panama Canal
• Transit all three sets of locks

Why Princess is the #1 Panama Canal Cruise Line

Meaningful travel to a bucket-list destination

Destination immersion

We craft our Panama Canal itineraries to enrich our guests' experiences to provide the most exposure to this bucket-list destination. You'll be enchanted by Spanish and Dutch cities dating back centuries, as well as diverse tropical rainforests, white-sand beaches, dramatic volcanoes and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 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 .

Photo: Las Bovedas in Cartagena, Colombia

The leader in the Panama Canal

From ships custom built to sail the massive locks to immersive onboard programs and onshore adventures that inspire, Princess is the number one way to explore this epic phenomenon. We've sailed the Panama Canal since 1967 and we have more itinerary choices and departures of any cruise line in the region.

Photo: View of locks from the ship

Abundant adventures ashore

Each voyage offers a myriad of experiences and cultures. 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.

Photo: Old City in Cartagena, Colombia

Panama Canal Cruise Articles and Videos

Find fascinating articles with Panama Canal cruise tips for experiencing unforgettable attractions, regional cuisine, and more on both sides of this epic man-made wonder.

2024-2025 Panama Canal Cruises

Sail through a man-made marvel. Discover Panama Canal with Princess Cruises.

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Have a volcanic adventure during San Juan del Sur excursions from Princess Cruises. Nicaragua excursions show you dynamic landscapes and exotic wildlife.

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From walking the ruins of Old Panama to a tram ride through Soberania National Park, you'll come back enriched and enlightened from your Panama Canal cruise.

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Taste your way through the diverse culinary culture of Panama on your Panama Canal cruise with Princess.

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Partake in a Costa Rica excursion for a Caribbean adventure with Princess Cruises. There's something for everyone on Costa Rica shore excursions.

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Test your knowledge of facts about the Panama Canal with Princess Cruises.

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Panama Canal Cruise Tips, the Transit Experience, & Celebrity Infinity Review

February 3, 2015 By John Widmer 14 Comments

This is a three-part post about taking a Panama Canal cruise full transit.

• For  our own personal experience transiting the Panama Canal on the Celebrity Infinity , simply continue reading.
• For  Panama Canal cruise tips :  skip here .
• For our brief  Celebrity Infinity review of the Panama Canal transit:  skip to the end .

Our Panama Canal Transit Experience

The year 2014 marked the 100-year anniversary of the Panama Canal and we were happy to commemorate its centennial when we visited the famed waterway back in March, earlier in our trip. Then, we went to the visitor center at the Miraflores locks and watched a few ships transit them, which grew our fascination of the engineering marvel. As we witnessed this spectacle earlier on our trip, we never imagined that we would be making the Panama Canal transit ourselves, only nine months later. Yet here we were, now back in Colon Panama aboard the Celebrity Infinity, now in December, ready to make the bucket list crossing of continents from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

Our initial (land) visit to the Panama Canal – March 2014

To be honest, we weren’t really that excited to be transiting the canal. We booked this repositioning cruise , as we often do, simply because it was a comfortable, convenient and economical way for us to get from one place on the map to another. Yet for many people, the entire reason behind booking such a cruise is for The Day you transit the Panama Canal. For us, the Canal was just an added bonus as we were making our way down from Florida to Chile. Yet, it ended up being much more than that.

Preparing for the Big Day

The growing excitement of fellow passengers was perhaps contagious. By the night before our crossing, we were getting thoroughly geeked up for our transit. The Celebrity Infinity ran the 1987 David McCullough NOVA special – A Man, a Plan, a Canal – in the theatre and on the in-room TVs, which served up fun facts (alongside its nostalgic 1980’s production value) to further our interest in the following day’s crossing.

While most ships wait their turn to enter the canal, based upon their arrival, cruise ships tend to pay extra to ensure a daytime crossing, which was also evident in the taxes section of our cruise payment. During the evening before our transit, the Infinity revealed our slotted time to enter, to the appeasement of many curious passengers that can now review and plan their day. It would be an early morning to begin the journey, so the NOVA documentary would help send us to sleep as it prepared us with details of what was to come.

Goodbye Caribbean! The Panama Canal Pilot Joins Our Ship

Finally the day was here. As the sun began peaking its way into the cracks of our blinds, we arose to see our position entering the canal. The pilot boat should have arrived an hour earlier (around 5:30 am), so we figured that we had missed this event which kickstarts the day. But it was right then, when we spotted the small pilot boat motoring up to our megaship to drop off the pilot!

So what’s this pilot all about? It was explained that there are only two instances that the ship’s captain does not have authority over the boat: (1) when the ship is in dry dock for repairs and (2) when transiting the Panama Canal. A special canal pilot actually comes onto the ship to navigate through the canal and locks. We caught all the action of him jumping aboard the Infinity. What a cool way to jumpstart the day! We were officially excited and ready to take it all in.

Brief showers began to pass but we didn’t mind. As we left the Caribbean Sea and approaching the canal, a beautiful rainbow further taunted us to get out of bed and take in the experience. We were ready to enter. It was time.

Transiting the Gatún Locks

The first of three locks we would reach was the Gatún Locks, which was nearly at the mouth of the Caribbean Sea. This lock would lift us up from the Caribbean Sea and deposit us into Lago Gatún. The closed circuit TVs on the ship provided commentary and the bow of the ship (normally off limits) was open to passengers. But perhaps it was high atop the upper decks of the ship that perhaps provided the best views.

Upon the upper deck, you could really get a good vantage point of exactly how tight a squeeze this would be for the Celebrity Infinity. You see, at 964.6 feet in length and 105.6 feet wide, the Infinity is what is known as a Panamax vessel, as it is the maximum size able to fit in the Panama Canal. The locks are only 110 feet wide, so this only leaves about two feet on either side to spare! Once the new portions of the canal open in 2015, these dimensions will change, so it was kind of neat to do this transit on a Panamax ship in the original canal, 100 years after it was opened.

The Gatún Locks opened up. We smoothly glided in as if a hand had slipped into a perfectly sized glove. The boat was roped-up to devices that looked like little train engines that appeared to be pulling us in. In actuality, we learned these were more so helping to steer and straighten the massive ship as it entered.

Once inside, the gates slowly sealed closed behind us, water began to be pumped in, and the Celebrity Infinity began to rise. We even noticed some fish in the lock rising right along with us, getting a lift from the Caribbean Sea into the Canal.

It took what seemed like about an hour to complete this process in the Gatún Locks. From our stateroom balcony, we shouted “Hola!” to some of the canal workers. To our surprise, they seemed genuinely happy to see us, greeted us with big smiles and hollered back “Bienvenidos a Panama!” We would’ve thought since they’re doing this every day, the canal workers must grow bored and tired of such antics. Yet most of the workers were really excited and playful, having short conversations with us in broken Spanish. Yes, we were that close!

From Chicken Buses to Modern Luxury

In the distance we saw “chicken busses” pass by. These tricked-out old American school busses were often our primary means of transportation throughout the three-month overland journey from Mexico to Panama we had embarked on earlier during this same year. It was an interesting throwback to a prior time in our trip to view the rough and chaotic means of transport we always relied on, now from the balcony stateroom of our refined luxury cruise. And while the cruise is undoubtedly a nicer means of transportation in everyway imaginable, these crazy chicken busses also have an adventurous & fun allure to them. It was interesting to recollect on these two means of transportation we often use, that couldn’t be any more different from one another.

The Dreamy Sail Through Lago Gatún

Once in Lake Gatún, we would slowly cruise through for a few hours before reaching the next set of locks. In the past, when I’ve thought of the Panama “Canal,” I’ve literally envisioned it as a long skinny “canal” the entire way slicing through Panama. This was not the case. We chugged along through this massive lake that was very wide at points, passing lush jungle, feeder rivers, overgrown islands, and even hilly, nearly mountainous terrain. Enormous freighters occasionally passed by in the opposite direction as tropical birds soared overhead.

It would be a very slow and peaceful voyage of 37.5 kilometers down this most pleasant stretch of the Panama Canal. While the locks and the canal itself are the star attractions, we found that leisurely cruising through the Lago Gatún to be an unexpected delight. This relaxing jungle voyage through the curvy lake was equally awesome for us.

Meanwhile, life on the Celebrity Infinity carried on during this hot and humid day. Passengers cooled off in the pool, some more active and heat-resistant folks ran the jogging track, while others staked out a window inside a much cooler interior bar. The main dining room eventually opened for lunch and we were fortunate enough to snag a table with a fantastic view to marvel at the beautiful Panama scenery passing us by as we rejoined some friends to each chow down on a three-course feast.

The wide lake ultimately began to narrow and the pilot navigated the ship into the actual canal section. We roamed all around the many decks of the ship to enjoy the transit at different vantage points.

Lowering Into the Pedro Miguel Locks

Eventually we reached the Pedro Miguel locks and began our first of two descents. For us, it was time to crack open some brews to accompany this once-in-a-lifetime experience. We continued to be amazed at just how close the ship comes to the sides. They even blasted a few reminders over the loud speakers, reminding passengers “For your safety, please do not touch the sides of the canal.” That’s how close we were!

At one point, we think the ship may have even accidentally brushed up against the side of the canal. Once docked later in port, later on the cruise’s itinerary, I noticed them painting over some scratches on the ship, further corroborating our suspicions.

With this action-packed cruise day, it was time for a little snack to compliment our beers. So we thought it would be fun to take advantage of the gratis room service available on the Infinity and had some pizzas delivered directly to our stateroom. It was a little bit surreal to enjoy pizza delivery as we transited the famous canal.

The Miraflores Locks Reunion

The third and final set of locks was the Miraflores Locks, where we had previously visited in back in March. Here, we waved to all the tourists crowded on the stands at the visitor center, where we had been waving back to ships ourselves just months earlier. It’s a little bit of a peculiar scene here. All the tourists on the cruise ship are taking pictures of all the tourists at the Miraflores Visitor Center, as all the tourists at the visitor center were taking their best shots of our transiting ship.

Rather than attempt to shout over to the tourist hoards at the visitor center, we instead tried to again carry on conversations with the workers that were nearly eye-level with us on the side of the ship.

This final transit had come to an end and we could see Panama’s towering skyline off in the distance. We passed under the Bridge of the Americas, which seemed to be nerve-rackingly close to the top of the ship.

Entering the Pacific Ocean

Almost undetectable, we then began to pick up speed. The next time we glanced over the side of the Infinity, we were passing all the freighters lining up in the Pacific awaiting their transit to the Caribbean. The sun set down behind the Isla Tobaga, a familiar island for us to reflect back on, since we had spent a beach day there earlier in the year. And before we knew it, we were in open ocean. The transit was complete.

A Memorable Day Transiting the Panama Canal

We will remember this epic day crossing the Panama Canal on the Celebrity Infinity for the rest of our lives. This usually isn’t the type of activity that thrills us, yet our excitement and enjoyment on this day were at peak levels. We now completely understand the allure of this awesome voyage and relished every minute of it.

If You Go: Panama Canal Cruise Tips

There’s actually quite of few Panama Canal Cruise Tips you should be aware of if you are considering embarking on the transit. We jotted down notes throughout our voyage to assemble a collection of Panama Canal cruise tips for anyone who is considering this epic voyage. We hope you find these Panama Canal cruise tips to be helpful. And if you’ve done the transit yourself and have any Panama Canal cruise tips of your own, we’d love to hear about them in the comments section below.

Panama Canal Cruise Tips for Before Your Voyage

Choose a Ship to Transit the Panama Canal : The ship you choose can make or break your experience so be sure to do your research. We recommend the Celebrity Infinity and loved it (see review below). For whatever ship you may be taking, check review sites such as CruiseCritic.com for opinions and to vet out a sailing that fits your style and interests. Be sure to review the Panama Canal transits in particular too and not just the cruise ship itself.

Full or Partial Transit of the Panama Canal : There are many cruise lines making the Panama Canal transit throughout the year. Some ships make a partial transit, going up the Gatun Locks cruising the lake and returning down the Gatun locks. While other ships make the full transit, as described in this post.

Panama Canal Cruise Cost : At the time of writing, prices range from as low as $600 for a partial transit on a 10-day cruise. Prices for full transits were a bit higher and go on well into the thousands of dollars, depending on the ship, stateroom, itinerary and other factors. The absolute lowest rock bottom cost for a full transit is currently about $800 per person for an interior stateroom on a two week cruise (not including taxes, port charges, gratuities, or flights). When you consider this comes out to about $50 per person per day, you’ll realize this is of incredible value!

You can book with the cruise lines directly but you can sometimes get lower prices and better perks by booking with an agency. To search for a Panama Canal cruise with a low price, we recomend using VacationsToGo.com and we’ve detailed our process in this guide to searching for the best cruise deals .

Choosing the Port vs Starboard Side for the  Panama Canal Transit : If you’re fortunate enough to have a veranda stateroom, it is very pleasant to take in part of the experience right from your private balcony. If transiting from the Caribbean to the Pacific, the port (left) side of the ship may be a better consideration as this is the side that will have views of Panama City and where you’ll pass by the Miraflores Visitor Center. If transiting from the Pacific to the Caribbean, the opposite is true, and you may want to consider a Starboard (right side) room. However, it’s really not such a big deal since you’ll likely not be spending the entire time in your stateroom anyway. Our stateroom balcony was not on the favored side of the ship and we still really enjoyed the view. Yet those with mobility issues may want to more strongly consider choosing a veranda stateroom on the Panama City side.

Try to Get a Free Balcony Upgrade : Don’t have a balcony? It can be nice to have a balcony during the Panama Canal transit to relax on and soak in the surroundings. But they can get pricey. It’s very difficult these days to actually get a free balcony upgrade but we somehow managed to get one on this cruise and three of the past four cruises we’ve been. See our separate post on 10 Secrets to Get a Free Balcony Upgrade on a Cruise where we reveal our tips to increase your chances.

Prepare for Weather : Panama is hot. Really hot. And humid. This is a very important Panama Canal cruise tip! Load up on the sun screen and bring a good hat to help cover up. If you have an interior cabin, do not plan on hanging outside on a deck the entire day, as you may melt. No, really, it gets scorching hot. Have an inside space in mind to cool off in the air conditioning. For prime spots, you may need to get up very early to claim your space. But don’t be a jerk and leave personal items on a seat unattended all day long, only to come and go periodically as you please. Also, be aware that it does rain in tropical climates and can be a common occurrence during Panama Canal transits. Don’t let this ruin your day and instead be prepared with some rain gear so you can step outside to have a look.

Learn About the Panama Canal : Before your transit, take some time to educate yourself a bit about the canal. Read a book, watch a documentary, take in a lecture, read up on the Canal online, or go to the visitor center if possible when docked in Panama before your transit. Having some knowledge about the Panama Canal really enhances your experience to understand the inner-workings of this engineering feat in addition to all the absolutely incredible history behind it all. It truly is fascinating.

Don’t Book a Panama Canal Tour Excursion in Colon : This Panama Canal cruise tip will save you money and repetition. Many cruise ships dock for a day in Colon before or after the Panama Canal transit. A popular (and expensive) shore excursion that is offered is to take a boat tour of the Panama Canal. It sounds nice at first, but you’re essentially going to be doing the exact same thing while on the cruise ship. It’s going to be the same route, same locks, same transit, just a different smaller boat providing different narration. In our opinion, it’s a bit of overkill. Instead we recommend taking the opportunity in Colon to take a different shore excursion. Instead, we can personally highly recommend the Embera Indian Tour. Other Colon shore excursions you may want to consider is going to the MiraFlores Locks and Visitor Center, the Gatun Locks, or taking a Panama City Tour.

Panama Canal Cruise Tips on Transit Day

Consider Rising Early : The night before your transit, you will receive the approximate times of all the major moments. This begins with the pilot coming aboard the ship. If you wish to take in this spectacle, be sure to set an alarm to wake up early for the chance of seeing it. But bear in mind that the times will likely change, plus or minus a couple of hours so don’t plan your entire day around the schedule provided.

Best Places on the Ship During Panama Canal Transit : On the day of the cruise, be sure to experience the transit from many different vantage points. We strongly recommend not staying in one place. Going through the locks on the side of a lower deck provided a completely different experience than high atop an upper deck, yet both were great. Another prime location is on the bow of the ship, although it can get crowded. An often-overlooked place to take it all in is on the stern (the back) of the ship, which tends to be void of crowds and full of unobstructed panoramic views of the experience. Head to the back of the ship and watch the locks close up behind you.

Charge Your Devices : In this digital age that we currently live in, you may have a camera or cell phone with you to snap a few pictures. So don’t forget to charge them the night before so that you’ll wake up with batteries at 100%, enabling you to capture all those memorable moments of the transit. Many cruise only have one outlet in the stateroom. Consider buying a travel power strip like this which will give you three additional outlets and two USB ports to use for charging.

Mobile Phone Coverage on Panama Canal Cruise : Unlike a typical sea day in the open waters, you can pick up cell phone service when transiting the Panama Canal if you have a roaming package enabled with your cell phone carrier. We checked our phone periodically throughout the transit. Although we had some slow and sporadic phone coverage here and there, it wasn’t until approaching the Miraflores Locks that we picked up a solidly reliable signal, which lasted until well into the Pacific. So if you need to check your email or simply update your Facebook status with a pic of you crossing the Panama Canal, this is the time to do it. Don’t expect 3G or 4G data speeds though, but it was fast enough.

Best Lunch Options for Panama Canal Transit : During our crossing, it seemed that most passengers preferred the buffet. This caused some crowds and a bit of clustering when trying to get your hands on the salad tongs. Tables near a window were scooped up quickly and people tended to linger. Instead, consider two other much more attractive options.

(1) The main dining room will be open for lunch. Check the daily itinerary to determine when the main dining room opens up and head there right at that time, or perhaps a few minutes before. There will be little-to-no lines and you’ll almost be assured of a nice cool window seat to stare out into the Panamanian jungle as the waitstaff refills your iced tea.

(2) If you have a veranda stateroom, consider ordering room service to enjoy from the comfort of your cabin or on the balcony itself. And remember, with most cruises room service is typically complimentary.

The Best Panama Canal Cruise Tip : The best tip we can give is to simply to enjoy the day, however it suits you. This is your day. It’s your transit. Make the most of it and enjoy.

More Cruise Tips : The cruise tips mentioned above are specifically for Panama Canal cruise tips. We have an entire other blog post that you may find helpful that contains our Top 50 Cruise Tips .

Celebrity Infinity Panama Canal Review

We sailed through the Panama Canal on the Celebrity Infinity from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Valparaiso (near Santiago), Chile and give the entire experience an excellent review. This was our second repositioning cruise on Celebrity and we’re finding that they really deliver on their “modern luxury” branding. Perhaps most of all, we thoroughly appreciate and notice Celebrity’s extreme attention to detail throughout our entire experience on the ship.

The exotic South American ports of call (which included an overnight in Lima / Callao) during our cruise provided for a most interesting itinerary, docking in places not often visited by cruise ships. A highlight for us was swimming with the sea lions in Peru .

We found that dining on the Celebrity Infinity to be mostly of very good cuisine quality, with a few excellent standouts. Entertainment was hit or miss, but that’s a matter of opinion (and we are not the target audience, being in our early 30’s).

All of the crew members on the Infinity were pretty incredible, which greatly enhanced our experience during the two week voyage and our day transiting the Canal. Lectures and activities on the ship during sea days and in the evenings were among the best we’ve experienced on a cruise. There was always something to do and the CelebrityLife Activities team was fantastic. The crowd on board is largely composed of active retirees with very adventurous spirits, in addition to other cohorts sprinkled into the mix.

Overall, we give our Celebrity Infinity Panama Canal transit a great review and is most worthy of RoamingAroundTheWorld’s recommendation.

Related Posts

January 7, 2020 at 9:58 PM

John, Regarding the Panama Canal transit, you mentioned the time of the transit. Is there a way to determine what time a ship will transit the canal? Mary

January 9, 2020 at 4:30 PM

There’s really no way of knowing the exact time the ship will begin the transit in advance. The Captain should have some idea of the time, on the night prior to the transit, which is usually shared with passengers. But even that is only an estimated time. It’s my understanding that most cruises begin the transit through the Panama Canal sometime in the early morning hours. Cruises tend to try to best attempt to plan the bulk of the transit during daylight hours as this is obviously a highlight for passengers. Yet since it’s a long all-day transit with three locks to traverse, there will be plenty of time to soak it all in. Enjoy!

March 15, 2017 at 7:31 PM

Excellent review and want to commend you both on all the details and helpful hints on how to prepare for the Panama Canal. We are going this year in May and are very excited. Have never traveled on the Celebrity infinity. Is it a nice ship? Is there enough activities and restaurants s on board? We have a balcony room. How are they? Lots of questions. Thanks so much. If anyone can respond to these questions I would very much appreciate it.

March 17, 2017 at 5:44 PM

Hey Lori, thanks for the kind comment and questions. We’re thrilled that you found our article to be helpful while planning your Panama Canal cruise. The Celebrity Infinity is a fantastic ship. We particularly liked the indoor solarium and pool and found it to be the perfect place to relax. We had a balcony room and felt spoiled by the size of the room and the balcony itself is very spacious. We found the activities on board to keep us plenty busy during the sailing, as we’re the type to usually get pretty involved with the competitions and programs facilitated by the activities team. Daily team trivia was always a go-to. Enjoy your cruise this May, Bon Voyage!

November 14, 2016 at 12:28 PM

Thank you very much for all of your comments on a full transit through the panama canal. We will be sailing with Celebrity X (Infinity) on 24 November 2016, from west (San Diego) to east ending up at Fort Lauderdale. On 4 December 2016 we will be cruising through the panama canal. My husband and I love wildlife, and so look forward to seeing what we can spot as we go through the canal, which will give us another interest as well as the locks. I have made a note of all your tips, moving around the ship to get the different views, where to eat at lunch time to avoid the busy periods and about the humid temperatures through the canal. Your review is the best one that I have ever read and with lots of detail and photos. Thank you once again. We are getting really excited now as we have only just over a week to go to our holidays.

November 29, 2016 at 11:13 AM

Hey Carol! Thanks so much for the comment and the kind words! We’re so happy to hear you found our Panama Canal Cruise Tips helpful 😀 Have a fantastic cruise and please let us know how it goes and if you have any tips for us following your cruise experience.

August 25, 2016 at 7:47 PM

I find your your detail descriptions and photos about the transit very helpful. Thank you very much for sharing. I will have a 10 days partial transit this Christmas and i m looking foward to a wonderful experience!! best wishes. AP

August 29, 2016 at 12:19 PM

Hi Anita, thanks so much for the comment. We’re thrilled to hear you found our cruise tips helpful. Have a fantastic time on your Christmas cruise!

April 29, 2016 at 12:06 PM

We’re going on the newly refurbished Infinity in November. I did transit the canal when I was doing a Semester at Sea, but we went during the night. Also a fun experience; we stayed up all night on deck, which was cooler, and made a party of it. This will be different and fun. Thanks for the tips.

May 2, 2016 at 12:18 PM

I think you’ll be in for a treat! I didn’t realize the Infinity was due for refurbishment. We thought the ship was in good condition when we sailed on her about a year ago now. I’d have to imagine they’ll be making the ship even better. How cool to have transited the Panama Canal at night while on SaS! I’d imagine you’ll be in for a different experience on the Infinity. It probably won’t be quite as big as a party, lol, but I hope you’ll find it just as fun and memorable. Happy travels!

March 6, 2016 at 1:38 AM

Enjoyed reading about your transit. My husband and our then 8 year old daughter are looking to transit the Panama in canal in 2017. Your hints and tips, pics and blog have given me lots to consider 🙂

March 6, 2016 at 3:04 PM

It’s was such a neat experience and I hope you, your husband, and daughter all enjoy it to the fullest next year. What a fun (and education) trip that would be for an 8-year-old! Thanks for stopping by the blog and happy travels to the Canal in 2017! 🙂

September 7, 2015 at 8:39 PM

What a great review. Travelling over from Australia my partner and I will be sailing through the canal early April. Your advice was invaluable. Wishing you many happy future journeys. Pam.

September 8, 2015 at 3:38 AM

Thanks for the kind words! So glad to hear this was helpful. We hope you have an excellent voyage through the canal in April and enjoy every minute of it. Happy travel! -John & Heather

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Repositioning Cruises

Repositioning cruises are the perfect way to bask in the wonder of cruising.

Stand aboard a luxurious cruise ship as the ocean breeze flows through your hair and soothes your senses. Experience the sights and sounds of the water and the marine life as you cross some of the world’s largest bodies of water. Stop along the way, and discover new cultures, peoples and attractions you never dreamed of. Expect a memorable cruise!

Things to Do on a Repositioning Cruise

In order to make sure cruisers have the best possible weather conditions for both their pleasure and their safety, cruise ships institute time limits for cruises to certain regions. For instance, most cruises to Alaska take place from May until September when the weather is warm. When the last Alaska cruise comes to completion, cruise lines don’t just keep their ships empty till May, they sail to a new region of the world. These trips from one destination to another, for instance Alaska to the Caribbean or Europe to the Caribbean, are called repositioning cruises. The most popular of these are transatlantic cruises, featuring plenty of days at sea to enjoy the amenities of your ship. But don't sleep on transpacific cruises, as they explore some of the most secluded, beautiful islands in the world. Featured below are highlights from possible repositioning cruises:

• A stop in Bangkok is sure to leave you with plenty of options for adventure. Spend the day visiting several stunning and intricately designed temples, or go to one of the many tailors in the city who will custom tailor an outfit at an affordable price.  
• Enjoy a fruit market, beautiful colonial era architecture and a museum with traditional African masks in Dakar, Senegal. Make sure to have your camera ready as your tour this fascinating city on Africa’s west coast.  

• Spend an afternoon walking along Las Ramblas in Barcelona where you can try some of Spain’s most tasty treats, like tapas, paella and pintxos. While strolling along this scenic tree-lined pedestrian mall, you'll pass some of Barcelona's most historic buildings and get a better understanding for the city's culture.  
• Visit a Pineapple Greenhouse. Pineapples are a major crop in the Azores, an island chain off the coast of Portugal.  

• Snorkel through a shipwreck off the coast of the petite island of Bermuda on your way to the Caribbean or a cruise port in Florida. The sunken ships beneath the surface of the turquoise waters are home to several bright species of fish.  
• Get your hips moving as you learn to hula during a sunset luau when you visit Honolulu on the island of Oahu in Hawaii.  

Top 10 Repositioning Cruises

• Celebrity Eclipse 12 NIGHT GREENLAND & ICELAND CRUISE Departing From Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey (Aug 2024)
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• Nautica 35 NIGHT Repositioning CRUISE Departing From Singapore, Singapore (Apr 2025)
• Celebrity Silhouette 10 NT FORT LAUDERDALE TO CAPE LIBERTY Departing From Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida (Apr 2025)
• Celebrity Silhouette 12 NIGHT GREENLAND & ICELAND CRUISE Departing From Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey (Jul 2025)
• Celebrity Silhouette 13 NIGHT GREENLAND & ICELAND CRUISE Departing From Reykjavik, Iceland (Aug 2025)
• Symphony of the Seas 3 NIGHT DEADHEAD REPOSITIONING CRUISE Departing From Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey (Oct 2025)
• Brilliance of the Seas 7 NIGHT BOSTON TO SAN JUAN CRUISE Departing From Boston, Massachusetts (Nov 2025)
• Riviera 22 NIGHT Repositioning CRUISE Departing From Singapore, Singapore (Nov 2025)
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Repositioning: Cruise Lines

Looking for an adventure? Try a repositioning cruise which, in some instances, will take you on a journey across the globe. These cruises where ships relocate from one location to another are available on both popular and luxury cruises. Explore what cruise line you can take repositioning cruises with:

With innovative spaces like the Lawn and the AquaSpa Celebrity Cruises gives their customers a taste of modern luxury.

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Royal Caribbean International is known for ships with a wow factor. From ice skating rinks to zip lines, if you can think of it, you can find it on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Repositioning: Departure Ports

A repositioning cruise is when a ship moves from doing a lot of sailings in one region to another region. For instance ships that sail in Alaska usually move to a warmer weather spot in the fall. Repositioning cruises offer an extended itinerary with a lot of sea days for relaxing. You can find repositioning cruises year round. You can embark from cities like Sydney, Barcelona, Fort Lauderdale and Buenos Aires among other domestic and exotic ports. 

Boston is home to great sports, great food and loads of history with the Freedom Trail and Harvard.

Cape Liberty, which is just miles from New York City, offers incredible views of the city skyline and easy access to many cruise destinations, along with everything NYC has to offer.

With incredible weather, delicious fare and some stupendous attractions, you will find that Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades is one of the most attractive ports in the entire US.

Reykjavik was just a small village until seeing a major expansion after World War II, but this popular cruise destination still offers a small town feel different than any other European capital.

Singapore, Singapore

Southeast Asia’s most modern city, Singapore, also contains a lot of history and treasures from the past, along with a perfect tropical climate – all making Singapore a wonderful destination year round.

Photo Gallery for Repositioning Cruises

Repositioning cruises travel all over the world, and our repositioning photo gallery does the same – albeit virtually. Your virtual tour includes highlights from Asia, Africa, the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Pacific – each of which could be included in your repositioning cruise destinations.

Bermuda Coastline

Girl Hula Dancing

Las Ramblas in Barcelona, Spain

Grand Palace in Bangkok

Azores in Portugal

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Panama City, Panama

With the colonial days immortalized in its architecture, Panama City is a modern commercial center situated along the Pacific coast in the southernmost region of Central America. At the edge of the city lies the great Panama Canal, the 16th-century ruins of Panama Viejo and the rain forest of the Soberania National Park. Panama also offers great opportunities for snorkeling and deep-sea fishing.

• Holland America Line

Live From Nieuw Amsterdam Through the Panama Canal Followed by One Week in the Caribbean

By Crew News , October 6, 2023 in Holland America Line

Recommended Posts

" And another from Crew News! Thank you for generously sharing your time at sea with everyone at Cruise Critic! Upon return, please consider submitting it to the site for publication as well: Click: Write a Review "

Crew News was awarded the badge '"Live from...."' and 5 points.

This begins my traditional "live" thread.  During my15-day repositioning cruise through the Panama Canal and another seven days in the Caribbean, I will be collecting menus, answering CC questions, chasing rumors, experiencing the west entrance to the canal for the first time, giving my impressions (except on food quality), interviewing crew members, trying some new beaches, meeting CC members, and experiencing new excursions.

Although I have my standard list of questions to ask, I encourage all new ones to be posted here.

If you are on this cruise with me, feel free to add your experiences and photos.

The journey begins tomorrow.

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• Oct 6 Crew News changed the title to Live From Nieuw Amsterdam Through the Panama Canal Followed by One Week in the Caribbean

I'll be here reading along!

Can’t wait to travel along with you. I’ll be doing the canal next spring on the Volendam so I’m looking forward to hearing about your journey. Bon voyage!

I always enjoy your reviews.  Bon Voyage!

thank you for taking the time from your cruise to post.  I will be enjoying read about your adventure.

Looking forward to reading about your experiences and impressions. Thanks for bringing us along.

Wholeheartedmom

See you all soon!

Ken the cruiser

Looking forward to your review as we'll be on a similar HAL Panama Canal cruise in April 2025, and are interested to hear what enrichment lectures they will offer on your cruise.

Have a great cruise!!!

Hope the repositioning part goes well! We will be joining you in FLL.

CruisingGrandmaW

We leave on Oct 12th (Eurodam) thru the Canal.  Will be following you.

Thank you. I'm interested in how the Panama Canal goes, as I've been reading about the wait times, the backlogs, and the limiting of ship allowed in because the water levels are so low.

Embarkation Day began under blue skies and fluffy white clouds with temperature in the low 70's.

The Best Western Hotel on Ash street, five downhill blocks from the terminal, was beginning to fill with the incoming and outgoing passengers from two ships in port when I decided to get into the line to request a taxi be called.  When I checked in the night before, the Desk Clerk told me to allow ten minutes for a taxi to arrive after calling.  As I watched the line at the Front Desk grow, I activated my "mental math" skills from Great Courses to calculate fifteen minutes in line, plus ten minutes waiting for a taxi, plus seven minutes driving time to the port, putting me at the port five minutes before my check-in time. 

Glancing behind me, I noted more guests were joining the queue.  Ten seconds after I joined the line, the six guests in front of me took several steps to the right.  I was suddenly "next in line" and faced with a big decision.  Should I request a taxi now or allow others to pass me in line?  I opted to request a taxi.  When I turned to begin moving my luggage to the door, the taxi pulled to the curb no more than one minute from the Desk Clerk's phone being disconnected.  The taxi driver made every light and drove inside the terminal gates less than three minutes after I took my seat in the taxi.  It was not my fault that I arrived in the terminal a full 30 minutes before my assigned check-in time.  That is my story and I am sticking to it.

Boarding Process: The Security scanning area was filled with unintelligible screaming.  As I approached within 20 feet, I could recognize, "Everything out of your pockets."  Being a seasoned traveler, I carry a plastic bag for the contents of my pockets to not hold up the line. The normal booths and handheld camera photos were replaced with a single tablet facial recognition scan.  It was "open boarding" so no sitting or waiting.  At no time did anyone want to look under by right thumb to see my covered check-in time.  They just wanted to see a barcode.  A brief stop to make Specialty Restaurant reservations at the Deck 2 Pinnacle Grill podium and I was in my aft stateroom two minutes before my assigned check-in time

. No holes in my stateroom card so I had to join the dreaded Embarkation Day Front Desk queue to have one punched to use my lanyard. Much to my surprise eight personnel were working to help passengers and I was finished in five minutes. I made a mental note to start packing my own hole puncher again.

It must be noted that the boarding process was only for 1054 incoming guests and not the full ship capacity. The Eurodam in the next few days should have the same experience.

Staterooms: My stateroom was ready and in my initial inspection, I noted that the TV had been remounted on the wall with enough space for fingers and outlets for two more HDMI connections.  If I have an HDMI cable with me, I will give connecting my tablet a try.

There are two US and two European outlets on my verandah stateroom desk as well as two additional USB ports.  Each bedside has a single USB port.

I discovered that the ice bucket tray, with glassware, fits nicely in a bedside open nightstand shelf to give more room on the desk.  My collapsible 18-can cooler is filled with and requires filling only every two days for 33-degree beverages.  The best the minibar can do is 38 degrees at the very back.

Dining: Two of the three Specialty Restaurant Managers have confirmed that regular coffee is free  Will check with the PG Manager tomorrow.

The new Canaletto daily specials have a rotating schedule that I will have this week.

The Morimoto fish specials are an additional charge ($25 for lobster tails tonight in the MDR). No scheduled Morimoto nights in the Tamarind this cruise.

October 10th is a special Indonesian night in the Tamarind ($30).  Limited to longer cruises.

Someone aboard, after seeing all of my Specialty Restaurant reservations to spend a lot of OBC, decided that my "confirmed, requested table for two" should be changed to "anytime dining."  I opted for the Tamarind instead of the Embarkation Night rush and found only 20 guests in the restaurant.  My Tom Kakai soup bowl appeared to be 25% smaller than in May.  The filet was amazing and my cloud dessert a bit smaller than in May as well.  Over my last five cruises, I have never seen the Tamarind more than 2/3d full.  That means walk-up are quite possible now.

Beverages: Bar menus will be changing for the Caribbean in the next days as the current mixes disappear.  I will copy and post the new ones.

Miscellaneous: Departure was delayed because the individual that operates the gangway was stuck in traffic.

The ship tour for 10 CC members covered the public areas and noted the amazing new library.  The book exchange shelves are still a bit naked.

Dolphins were spotted on the port side during my Tamarind dinner.

My 6:00 PM dinner changed from partly cloudy skies to need to blow the fog horn. I spent around 20 minutes with Ruben Koolman, Hotel Manager, after he recognized me in the Lido Market and he declared his intention to attend our Meet & Greet tomorrow.  The downside is that the 3, 4,& 5 Star 30-minute Mariner Reception is at the same starting time as our Meet & Greet so he will be about 40 minutes late to our event in the Crows Nest.

I was surprised that the ship still has the three internet packages.  My premium plan was $279 before my Mariner $30 discount.  I will try to get the daily average price for the social package.

The WiFi antenna in my Samsung laptop is not so good but tethering via my phone is around 52 MBPS and 11 MBPS upload.  My tablet probably likes sharing with my phone as well.

No Starlink yet on this ship.

It was interesting talking with the crew and our shared four hours of 13-degree ship listing experience in Alaska this past May.  

Conclusion: And so it was on Day 1 of this Panama Canal repositioning and 7-Day Caribbean cruise. Tomorrow is a sea day with partly cloudy skies forecast.

We have only just begun, more later.

Aloha.  Thank you for taking time to post. Have a wonderful voyage!

Cruise Suzy

3 hours ago, Crew News said: The new Canaletto daily specials have a rotating schedule that I will have this week.  

Thanks in advance for this. 

Lovely Meet & Greet, Roger.Thanks.

How does a repositioning cruise differ from a regular Panama Canal cruise? We have been on three PC HAL cruises (would have been four if I hadn't been kicked off because I caught COVID during the eastbound trip), and they have always been 14 days each way.

CruiserBruce

11 minutes ago, IPB4IGO said: How does a repositioning cruise differ from a regular Panama Canal cruise? We have been on three PC HAL cruises (would have been four if I hadn't been kicked off because I caught COVID during the eastbound trip), and they have always been 14 days each way.

The repo Canal cruises are usually designed to get the ship from the Caribbean to Alaska, or vice versa, and usually take 17-19 days. The west bound usually end in Seattle or Vancouver.

The standard 14 day you mention are usually FLL to SD, or vice versa. Otherwise, there isn't difference I am aware of, and I have been on 5 total Canal cruises.

3 hours ago, katezufall said: Lovely Meet & Greet, Roger.Thanks.

I merely coordinated the date and location. 

Mamacita123 sent the invitations to the staff and for the first time in the last five years, THEY ALL JOINED US. Hopefully, lots of questions were answered.  If not, we all had our chance!!

crystalspin

5 hours ago, Crew News said: Mamacita123 sent the invitations to the staff and for the first time in the last five years, THEY ALL JOINED US. 

WOW -- I understood even pre-pandemic that officers were forbidden to attend and risk infection with any and every thing. So I stopped with the invites. Will re-think this!

Bon Voyage! 🥂 😊 Have a great time! Thanks for your posts.

20 hours ago, CruiserBruce said: The repo Canal cruises are usually designed to get the ship from the Caribbean to Alaska, or vice versa, and usually take 17-19 days. The west bound usually end in Seattle or Vancouver.   The standard 14 day you mention are usually FLL to SD, or vice versa. Otherwise, there isn't difference I am aware of, and I have been on 5 total Canal cruises.

OK, but he is embarking in San Diego on a 15-day cruise, followed by a Caribbean cruise. I don't understand how the 15-day repositioning cruise differs from the regular 14-day cruise. What am I missing?

1 hour ago, IPB4IGO said: OK, but he is embarking in San Diego on a 15-day cruise, followed by a Caribbean cruise. I don't understand how the 15-day repositioning cruise differs from the regular 14-day cruise. What am I missing?

Repositioning is just moving the ship from one area to the next. So in this case they are leaving from the summer Alaskan cruise season and repositioning for the winter season in the Caribbean. Otherwise not much else different than any other  panama canal cruise. They will be transitioning some of the stuff like menus and drinks from alsakan themed to Caribbean and that transition period can be interesting for some and can make the onboard experience slightly different than what you would get once the ship is full setup for their season wherever.

You aren't missing anything. The differences are semantics.

Day 2 began under sunny skies and bright sunshine.

Unlike previous Meet & Greets, everything was prepared 30 minutes before the start of our event and both the Events Coordinator and the Beverage Manager were present.   Roll call members began arriving a bit before 10:00 AM as did several other ship officers.   Mamacita123’s invitations as well as the promises support from the Hotel General Manager appeared to be quite successful.   At 10:15 AM, the ship officers that attended the Mariner Reception that started at the same time began arriving.   With great surprise, I welcomed the Captain, Staff Captain, Hotel General Manager, Assistant General Manager, Guest Services Manager, Cruise Director, and several others.   It was a great opportunity to ask questions.   Hopefully, those roll call members who attended realized what a monumental experience that CC offered this time.   A very special thanks to mamacita123 and Ruben Koolman, Hotel Manager, for making this event happen.

There were about 50 attendees at the Military Meeting at 5:00 PM.

The Beverage Manager assured me that no new bar menus were in the foreseeable future.

The Whatsapp phone app works well with the Premium internet plan. Internet speeds from my aft verandah stateroom measured by Okla are:   6.81/1.17 Mbps with VPN and 12.7/0.64 without VPN.

Per the Cruise Director, all classical music will be performed in the showroom.   There are production show being created now in LA for future Caribbean cruises.

Fixed early dining starts at 5:30 PM for a change.

There is some interesting weather ahead of us.

More later.

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Take the world's greatest shortcut with our Panama Canal cruise.

Traversing the 40-mile Panama Canal is a rite of passage and something you'll remember for a lifetime. Add in compelling ports like Cartagena, Manzanillo and Puerto Vallarta on your Panama Canal cruise holiday , and you're in for a unique adventure. Depart from various cities, including Miami or Los Angeles, and cruise to some of the most exotic and beautiful destinations on Earth. Discover for yourself why Norwegian is the Best Cruise Line in Panama Canal & Central America according to Cruise Critic.

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Travel across the Panama Canal in style on our award-winning ships. Voted Best Onboard Entertainment, Best Speciality Restaurants, and Best Casinos, you know you're in for an exciting cruise experience. Sit back, relax, and let Norwegian take you through one of the most magnificent marvels in the world.

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Best Panama Canal EXCURSIONS

We know the destinations you'll be visiting and what there is to see, do and experience. We offer you a variety of excursions to choose from, in every port you'll visit.

Five Bays Catamaran and Swim

You're in for a lovely day sailing the bays of Huatulco! Picturesque harbors, sun-drenched coastlines and unusual rock formations are just some of the sights that will remain with ...

Mexican Outback & Camel Ride

This Mexican Outback and Camel Safari is an unforgettable eco-adventure that combines spectacular views, delicious cuisine and an exciting beach camel ride....

Chileno Bay Snorkel

Cruise by the famed Lovers Beach, past the sea lion colony and the towering rock formations of Land’s End, then set sail for Chileno Bay. Here you'll discover the tropical fish and...

Safari Drive-Through

Visit one of the largest animal parks in Guatemala and from the comfort of your coach, you’ll see a variety of animals such as hippopotamus, giraffes, lions, zebras and more. ...

Panama Canal HOTELS

• PANAMA CITY (PACIFIC CRUISE TERMINAL)
• LOS ANGELES

Hilton Panama

Overlooking Panama Bay, this sophisticated hotel is 6 km from the Panamá Viejo historical district and 12 km from the Panama Canal locks.

The contemporary rooms offer free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and iPod docks, plus minibars and desks. Some rooms feature balconies and/or bay views. Executive rooms and suites provide access to a lounge with complimentary continental breakfast, snacks and drinks.

The contemporary rooms offer free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and iPod docks, plus minibars and desks. Some rooms feature balconies and/or bay views. Executive rooms and suites provide access to a lounge with complimentary continental breakfast, snacks and drinks. Suites add free-standing tubs and/or kitchens.

There are 2 elegant restaurants, including a steakhouse, as well as a trendy bar. Other amenities include a chic spa, a fitness centre and a rooftop pool with bay views.

Distance/Airport: 15 miles Distance/Pier: 20 miles

Package includes: Room and room tax Bellman gratuities Transfers between Airport and Hotel (via Hotel shuttle) Transfers between Hotel and Pier

Important Note: Accommodations are based on double occupancy per room. Some accommodation will allow triple and quad guests in a room and are subject to availability and surcharge will apply. Additional hotel rooms to accommodate triple and quads may be required, and surcharge will apply.

Hilton Checkers Los Angeles

Less than a mile from The Museum of Contemporary Art, this genteel hotel in a 1920s building is a mile both from the Walt Disney Concert Hall and from the Grammy Museum at L.A. Live.

Relaxed rooms offer flat-screen TVs, marble bathrooms and desks, as well as coffeemakers. Suites add separate living areas.

Relaxed rooms offer flat-screen TVs, marble bathrooms and desks, as well as coffeemakers. Suites add separate living areas. Some include patios and/or fireplaces.

There's a polished bar and an elegant restaurant. Other amenities include a fitness centre, a business centre and a rooftop terrace, plus meeting and event space.

Distance/Airport: 18 miles Distance/Pier: 23 miles

Package includes: Room and room tax Bellman gratuities Transfers between Hotel and Pier

The Sheraton Grand Los Angeles

Part of the Bloc shopping and entertainment centre, this upscale high-rise hotel is a minute's walk from a metro station, and less than a mile from the Crypto.com Arena.

Sophisticated rooms offer Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and coffeemakers; microwaves and minifridges are available on request. Suites add separate sitting areas. Club rooms provide access to a lounge with complimentary continental breakfast and afternoon snacks.

There's a hip restaurant featuring farm-to-table fare, and a lobby bar serving cocktails. Other amenities include a gym, plus 35,000 sq ft of meeting space.

Phone: (213) 488-3500

Distance/Airport: 17.5 miles Distance/Pier: 23 miles

Read THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT Panama Canal Cruises

We Bet They'll Surprise You

Check out these 9 Things You Didn't Know About Cruising. Cruising with Norwegian means more dining and entertainment options than ever. Here's why.

Over 60 million pounds of dynamite were used on the Panama Canal.

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