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While several ships bring lecturers onboard to talk about the canal's history, this is one trip where a little extra reading might add to your enjoyment. "The Path Between the Seas," by historian David McCullough, is highly recommended. Experience the natural wonders of Australia, the unique culture of New Zealand and the island paradises of Tahiti, Fiji and beyond with Princess in 2025–2026.
Panama Canal (Cruising) Shore Excursions
From the ship, you'll get great views of Soberania National Park, a 55,000-acre area of protected rainforest that's home countless species of birds, mammals and reptiles. See if you can catch a glimpse of an orange-chinned parakeet or a white-faced capuchin monkey. Let Princess whisk you to stunning cities and timeless villages in Asia. Each destination tells its own story through celebrated landmarks, popular markets, culinary secrets and traditions. Explore places like Bangkok, Hong Kong, Ho chi Minh City, as well as join our return to breath-taking Halong Bay, Vietnam. Sail on Diamond Princess®, and discover why Princess was awarded “Best Cruise Line in Asia” by Porthole Magazine.
Costa Rica Excursions: Something for Everyone
You'll undoubtedly learn many fascinating factoids about the construction of the Panama Canal and the steps needed to cross it. This starts with the fact that the captain of the ship has to relinquish control to a Panama Canal official who is in charge of navigating the vessel through the canal the entire day. Obviously, a forward location on the ship will give you a clear vantage point as you head into the locks. Don't miss your ship's information session the evening before the crossing so that you can learn more about the process and find out when your ship is scheduled to begin its transit.
Abundant Adventures Ashore
Delight in South America’s vibrant cultures and stunning landscapes and get swept away by the breathtaking beauty of Antarctica. Experience the thrill of sailing through the Strait of Magellan, the 19th-century treasures of Buenos Aires or cruise through the icy waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula. You'll first see the skyscrapers of Balboa on the port side, then eventually the Bridge of the Americas will come into view. Take some photos and video as you go underneath it; if it's too crowded with passengers jockeying for position, head aft on the ship and snap some after you pass under it. While it's enthralling to stand on the deck, watch the locks fill with water and the ship imperceptibly rise, remember that sun reflects off the water. You might have a false sense of security that just because you're wearing street clothes instead of sitting by the pool in a bathing suit, your exposure is minimal.
Give yourself a few days to relax either before or after your Panama Canal cruise and take in the sights of a sensational city. Princess handles all the details – including transfers and baggage handling – with accommodations selected for their incredible locations and excellent service. 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. In Summer 2024, Diamond Princess® sails out of Tokyo (Yokohama) with a variety of ways to enjoy the traditions and beauty of the region.
Don't be surprised if people start grabbing spots in the predawn hours in the best viewing areas. If you want a front-row view of the action, you'll probably have to do the same. Even if the canal transit is what you're cruising for, don't forget to check out the rest of the stops on the itinerary. You'll want to consider whether you're more interested in Caribbean islands or Central and South American destinations. One of the most significant waterways in the world, the man-made Panama Canal, provides passage for almost 14,000 ocean vessels per year.
2025 South America & Antarctica cruise itineraries
Relax in a deluxe 1938 air-conditioned dome car for a different perspective on the Canal riding on the Panama Canal Railway—a Discovery™ recommended excursion. Cruise through the mangroves of Puntarenas to the sanctuary of the Scarlet Macaw. Listen carefully for chirping birds and monkey calls as you soar over Gamboa Rainforest in Colon in an open aerial tram. In Puerto Quetzal, trek up the active Pacaya Volcano and take in panoramic vistas of towering trees, and lush vegetation dotted with exotic orchids.
Walk among the ruins of Casco Viejo, the original site of Panama City, a UNESCO site. Part art, part science, this museum is acclaimed as Panama’s newest icon. See wildlife in their natural habitat as you cruise through Gatun Lake. When planning your trip to the Panama Canal, make it a point to book your cruise with Princess for a memorable, fun-filled experience. If you've always wanted to get a taste of New Orleans, traveling on the Coral Princess is a great way to do so. At the Bayou Cafe and Steakhouse, you can take in a live jazz show while dining on New Orleans-inspired cuisine.
Political unrest prevented the United States from building a pathway until after Panama declared its independence in 1903. In that time, President Roosevelt's pro-Panamanian independence efforts were considered controversial. The Panama Canal stands today as a testament to modern engineering, but its creation was not without hurdles. The idea to build the Panama Canal was first noted in 1534, but all progress was halted by a series of wars. But it was only after hundreds of years, with immeasurable planning efforts, that the Panama Canal was finally constructed.
The warm waters of the canal and the abundance of wildlife make this a great place to explore marine life. Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airlines, allow you to modify your flight up to 45 days prior with no penalty and protect you if your flight is late or canceled. Taste your way through the diverse culinary culture of Panama on your Panama Canal cruise with Princess. 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. 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.
Here are some Panama Canal cruise tips to help you plan and get the most out of this bucket list experience. This is one situation where a balcony cabin offers a unique perspective, but it isn't really a necessity (unlike on an Alaska or Hawaii itinerary, where you're guaranteed gorgeous scenery on either side of your ship). Bigger ships can only squeak through the canal, with two feet (or less) on either side. While the railing of the balcony can give you a better appreciation for just how tight that squeeze is, being up on the bow is the best way to appreciate the full scope of the process.
A visit to the Tabacon Resort Hot Springs takes you to the slopes of the active Arenal volcano. The Poas volcano features the amazing sight of a huge crater filled with iridescent blue water. Walk through a cloud forest at Villa Blanca, where you're surrounded by mist and water droplets clinging to the vegetation. See one of Costa Rica's renowned rain forests at Pura Vida Gardens, or climb a set of wooden steps up to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens. With a full crossing, you sail from ocean to ocean, meaning you make it across the isthmus and reach an entirely different body of water afterward.
THE BEST Cruises from San Francisco to the Panama Canal & Central America (with Prices) on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic
THE BEST Cruises from San Francisco to the Panama Canal & Central America (with Prices) on Cruise Critic.
Posted: Fri, 19 Apr 2024 00:15:10 GMT [source]
On August 15, 1914, the SS Ancon was the first ship to pass through the Panama Canal, changing the face of the world and broadening horizons for travelers. Today, renowned for its beauty and rich history, the canal has become an international landmark that many travelers dream of visiting. Learn about one of the greatest engineering feats as you cruise through the Panama Canal and visit neighboring ports.
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