How Long Does a Cruise Ship Take to Go Through the Panama Canal?

By Robert Palmer

Cruising through the Panama Canal is one of the most popular ways to explore Central America. It’s a great way to get up close and personal with the region’s incredible wildlife, stunning scenery, and fascinating culture. But how long does it take a cruise ship to make its way through the Panama Canal?

The answer depends on several factors.

The size of the cruise ship, the current traffic in the canal, and whether or not it is making any stops along the way can all affect how long it takes. On average, it takes a cruise ship between 10-13 hours to complete its journey through the Panama Canal.

The Panama Canal is an engineering marvel that was completed in 1914. It links the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, providing an important trade route for ships from all parts of the world. The canal is 80 km (50 miles) long and consists of two main sections: The Atlantic side which runs from Colón to Balboa and then onto Panama City; and The Pacific side which runs from Balboa to Punta Arenas in Costa Rica.

Cruise ships typically travel through both sections of the canal during their voyage. As they pass through each section they must follow certain rules such as maintaining a certain speed and navigating around other vessels. Additionally, they must pay fees depending on their size.

Once a cruise ship has passed through both sections of the canal, it will continue on its journey towards its destination. Cruises can vary greatly in length depending on where they are going; some may be as short as one week while others may last for several months or even years.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, it typically takes a cruise ship 10-13 hours to go through the Panama Canal depending on factors such as size and traffic levels. After passing through both sections of the canal, the cruise ship will continue its journey towards its destination which could be anywhere in Central America or beyond!