How Much Does It Cost a Cruise Ship to Cross the Panama Canal?

By Anna Duncan

Cruising the Panama Canal is a bucket list experience for many travelers, but what does it cost a cruise ship to cross the canal? This can vary greatly depending on several factors including the size of the vessel, the number of passengers onboard, and the services requested during transit.

The Panama Canal Authority charges tolls based on a ship’s capacity and length. For example, a Panamax-sized vessel (the maximum size that can fit through the locks) measuring up to 294 meters in length, carrying up to 3,000 passengers with a maximum of 10,000 tons of cargo will be charged $219,000 for a one-way crossing. The cost increases depending on how many additional features are requested such as pilotage services or tugboat assistance.

In addition to tolls, cruise lines must also pay for fuel consumed during transit as well as costs associated with docking at ports along the way. Depending on how long it takes for the ship to pass through canal locks (which can take up to 8 hours), fuel costs can be considerable. Other port fees may include local taxes and related services such as garbage removal and various shore excursions.

Overall, cruising the Panama Canal is an unforgettable experience but one that is not without cost. The total expenses incurred by a cruise ship depend heavily on its size and special requests made during transit. The Panama Canal Authority charges tolls based on capacity and length while fuel consumption and port fees should also be factored in when calculating expenses.

Conclusion: How much does it cost a cruise ship to cross the Panama Canal? The answer depends on several factors including vessel size, number of passengers onboard, services requested during transit, fuel consumption, and port fees incurred along the way. All in all, cruising the canal is an unforgettable experience that comes with considerable cost attached.