Image by David Carroll / CC BY
At just over 100 years old, the Panama Canal is one of the true engineering marvels of the world. For this reason, it is also one of the destinations that appears on practically every avid cruise enthusiast’s “to do” list. For those vacationers who have the opportunity, a Panama Canal cruise certainly won’t disappoint.
Ordinarily, a Panama Canal cruise is relatively long, taking two weeks or more from Florida to the West Coast. For those who may have only a week of vacation time, there are also partial cruises that go partway into the canal before turning around.
It is even possible to see the canal on a more traditional Caribbean or Central American cruise. Be on the lookout for an itinerary that includes Colon, Panama. From Colon, look for small boat or rail excursions that take cruisers the last 50 miles to glimpse the Pacific and bring them back to their waiting cruise ships.
Regardless of which Panama Canal route you choose, though, don’t forget to consider timing. The cruise season typically runs from October through April, but savvy cruisers might consider waiting until after the seasonal rains end in November.
A Panama Canal cruise attracts many travelers largely because of the area’s rich history and incredible natural beauty. The story of the canal is rich with tragedy, politics, and stubborn determination, so sailings here almost always include several informative activities highlighting its laborious construction and clever engineering.
Of course, in addition to the canal itself, there are a number of other interesting historical and cultural sites. From Colon, for example, a cruiser can visit a village of the native Embera people. And Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala, is renowned for its lovely colonial architecture and ruins.
For outdoor enthusiasts, there are several parks and wildlife sanctuaries along the canal. Tortuguero National Park near Port Limon, Costa Rica, offers close encounters with area wildlife, including crocodiles, brilliantly plumed birds, and lively monkeys. More adventurous cruisers can also try their hand at white-water rafting.