What Does a Cruise Ship Pay to Go Through the Panama Canal?

By Alice Nichols

Cruising through the Panama Canal is one of the most popular ways to travel between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The canal, completed in 1914, has since been a crucial part of international trade and commerce. For cruise ships, it offers a unique experience, with stunning views of rainforest jungles and engineering marvels.

But what does a cruise ship pay to go through the Panama Canal? The cost for passage varies based on the size of the vessel, its cargo load, and other factors.

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) operates on a toll system. To use its services, vessels must pay a fee that is calculated according to size and cargo capacity.

The ACP also charges fees for optional services such as pilotage, tugboat assistance, and line-handling services. Prices for these services are available upon request from the ACP’s customer service department.

For cruise ships that are large enough to require tugboat assistance during transit, there is an additional charge for this service as well. Tugboats help guide large vessels through tight spaces in the canal or when they need extra thrust to reach higher speeds while cruising in open water areas.

Vessels must also pay fees for line-handling services when they enter or exit locks or moor at ports along their journey through the canal. This fee is usually paid directly to line handlers who provide assistance with mooring ropes during transit and docking maneuvers at ports along the way.

The total cost for passage through the Panama Canal depends on several factors including vessel size, cargo capacity, and optional services needed during transit. In addition to toll fees charged by ACP, cruise ships may need to pay additional fees for tugboat assistance or line-handling services when entering or exiting locks.

Conclusion:
Cruise ships must pay a variety of fees when travelling through the Panama Canal including toll fees charged by ACP as well as optional fees for tugboat assistance and line-handling services if needed during transit. Knowing what costs you may incur can help ensure your cruise experience is as smooth and stress free as possible!