Panama Canal by Princess: Experience The Shortcut!

Princess Cruises, a renowned authority on the Panama Canal, has been providing guests with unforgettable experiences in this highly desirable region since 1967. The upcoming 2024-2025 season is now available for booking, offering an exceptional chance to witness the Panama Canal—a remarkable feat of modern technology and engineering. Often referred to as the “world’s greatest shortcut,” this iconic waterway is best explored and appreciated from the vantage point of a cruise ship. Prepare to embark on a breathtaking journey through this magnificent destination.

Princess Cruises Photo

“Three ships will transit the historic Panama Canal during our upcoming 2024-2025 season offering full transit sailings, ocean-to-ocean or roundtrip options from Ft. Lauderdale,” said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president. “We’re excited to bring Coral Princess back to the region, returning the ship to her roots where she was christened in the Panama Canal in 2003, by the then president of Panama, Mireya Moscoso.”

Three ships sailing on 26 departures, visiting 23 destinations in 12 countries, feature 24 transits through the new locks and 13 transits through the historic locks.

  • 12-Day Panama Canal with Costa Rica and Caribbean: The 12-day roundtrip itinerary is new for Princess. For the first time ever, guests can experience the partial transit of the Panama Canal, have stops in the Southern Caribbean with a late night in Aruba, and enjoy an additional stop in Bonaire or Curacao. This itinerary is ideal for guests who wants to experience the Panama Canal transit, unique culture in South and Central America while visiting Caribbean islands and rainforests. All sailings go through the new locks.
  • 16-Day Ocean-to-Ocean Itineraries: For guests who want a full transit experience, Ocean-to-Ocean itineraries stop in Fuerte Amador, providing an in-depth exploration of the lock system and access to Panama City. These itineraries sail between Los Angeles or San Francisco to Ft. Lauderdale, and Ft. Lauderdale to Los Angeles or San Francisco. All Ocean-to-Ocean itineraries sail through the historic locks.

The only way to go through the Panama Canal is via ship and Princess guests enjoy an immersive experience with onboard destination experts explaining the history and culture of Panama as ships sail through the locks. Ashore, guests can explore lush rainforests filled with ecological wonders and unique wildlife by visiting a sloth sanctuary on an Animal Planet™ recommended shore excursion.

Princess packages give guests more value and savings than ever. Guests opting for the popular Princess Plus for just $60 per person per day covering drinks, Wi-Fi, and crew gratuities also receive premium desserts (two per day), fitness classes (two per voyage), and unlimited juices, at almost 60% off a retail value of $140 if components are purchased separately.

Guests who add Princess’s latest vacation value-enhancing package Princess Premier for $80 per person per day, enjoy almost 70% savings with $257 per day in total amenity value and receive:

  • MedallionNet Wi-Fi for four devices (regularly $40/day)
  • Two nights of premium specialty dining
  • Reserved seating in the Princess Theater (cannot be purchased separately)
  • Premium desserts and drinks
  • Unlimited smoothies or juices
  • Unlimited Pure Barre, Yoga Six, and Stretch Lab fitness classes
  • Photo package
  • Princess Prizes
  • Complimentary Medallion accessory
  • Crew Appreciation

The 2024-25 Panama Canal season includes seven desirable UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Spanish Fortifications at Portobelo-San Lorenzo (from Colón), The Archaeological Site and Historic District of Panama, and the Port Fortress, or walled city, of Cartagena.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237) or by visiting the company’s website at www.princess.com.