Cruise ships traveling through the Panama Canal have become increasingly popular in recent years. The canal offers an amazing opportunity to experience some of the world’s most remarkable views and wildlife, as well as connecting the two great oceans – Pacific and Atlantic.
A cruise through the Panama Canal can be an unforgettable experience, but it comes with a hefty price tag. How much does it cost a cruise ship to go thru the Panama Canal?
The cost of transiting the Panama Canal varies depending on several factors such as size and type of vessel, cargo, route taken and even time of year. Generally speaking, a small passenger vessel would pay around $400,000 for a round-trip transit.
Larger vessels may pay up to $1 million or more depending on their size and tonnage. The Panamanian government charges a toll based on the tonnage of each vessel, which can range from $0.50 per tonne to as much as $3 per tonne. In addition to this toll, there is a fee for other services such as pilotage, line handling and tug assistance that could add up to thousands of dollars more.
In addition to these costs, cruise ships must also pay for fuel during their transit through the canal. Cruise ships typically burn about 1 gallon of fuel per hour when transiting the canal at cruising speed—which is usually between 8-12 knots (9-14 mph). The total fuel costs depend on how long it takes for each ship to traverse the canal; larger vessels may take up to 10 hours or more while smaller vessels may take only 6 hours or less depending on traffic and other factors.
Cruise lines generally include these costs in their advertised rates so you won’t have an additional charge for transiting the canal unless you book an excursion or activity separately during your transit time that requires payment outside of your cruise fare. It’s important to check with your cruise line ahead of time so you know what is included in your fare and what you will need to pay extra for while you’re onboard.
Conclusion:
Overall, the cost of transiting the Panama Canal can range from several hundred thousand dollars for small passenger vessels up to one million or more for larger vessels. Fuel expenses vary greatly depending on how long each vessel takes to traverse the canal but are generally included in advertised rates by cruise lines so passengers don’t have additional charges unless they book separate activities or excursions during their transit time.