If you’re planning a cruise through the Panama Canal, it’s important to know which cruise lines are able to navigate through the new locks. The Panama Canal Authority completed a major expansion in 2016, allowing larger ships to pass through the canal. Here are some of the cruise lines that now offer itineraries through the new Panama Canal:
Carnival
Carnival Cruise Line has several ships that sail through the new locks, including the Carnival Freedom and Carnival Miracle. These ships offer a variety of itineraries that include ports of call in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Princess
Princess Cruises was one of the first cruise lines to offer itineraries through the new locks. Their ships, including the Island Princess and Coral Princess, offer trips that travel between Fort Lauderdale and Los Angeles or San Francisco.
Norwegian
Norwegian Cruise Line offers several cruises that pass through the new Panama Canal locks. These include trips from Miami to Los Angeles or San Francisco on board their ship, Norwegian Bliss.
Holland America
Holland America Line has been offering Panama Canal cruises for years and now their newer ships can go through the expanded canal. Their itinerary options include full transits of the canal or partial transits with stops in ports along its route.
Celebrity
Celebrity Cruises offers an itinerary called “The Ultimate Caribbean & Central American Treasures” which includes a full transit of the new Panama Canal on board their ship Celebrity Reflection.
Final Thoughts
When planning your trip through the Panama Canal, be sure to check which cruise lines offer itineraries that pass through both old and new locks. The expanded canal offers an incredible opportunity to see this engineering marvel up close while enjoying all that a cruise has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a short trip or a longer adventure, there’s sure to be a cruise that fits your needs.