Can a Cruise Ship Go Through the Panama Canal?

By Anna Duncan

The Panama Canal is an engineering marvel and one of the world’s most important waterways. Spanning 82 kilometres across the Isthmus of Panama, it provides a crucial link between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, allowing ships to travel between them without having to go around South America. But can a cruise ship go through the Panama Canal?

The answer is yes, but there are some restrictions.

The canal has three locks which raise and lower ships to allow them to pass safely through the waterway. The locks are too small for some of the larger modern cruise ships, meaning they cannot make it through without being split in two. This process is known as ‘transit by transshipment’, and involves unloading cargo onto smaller vessels which can make it through the locks.

Not all cruise ships are suitable for transshipment either; they must meet specific criteria to be considered eligible. If a ship does qualify, then it will be split in two sections at either end of the canal before being reassembled once it reaches its destination. This process takes several days and is expensive, so not all cruise companies choose to do it.

In addition, there are other factors which can affect a ship’s ability to navigate through the canal. The maximum width allowed for vessels is 106 feet, while the maximum height above sea level is 85 feet – these measurements must be taken into consideration when deciding whether or not a ship can transit.

To summarise, while some modern cruise ships may be too large for transit through the Panama Canal, many others do qualify and make successful journeys along this famous waterway every year. With careful planning and preparation, travellers can enjoy an incredible experience travelling from one ocean to another with minimal disruption.

In conclusion, yes – a cruise ship can go through the Panama Canal if certain criteria are met. However, if these requirements cannot be satisfied then alternative transportation methods must be sought.