What Is the Largest Cruise Ship That Can Go Through the Panama Canal?

By Michael Ferguson

The Panama Canal is one of the world’s most important waterways and a key shipping route between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Millions of tons of cargo and people pass through the canal every year, making it an essential part of global trade. But with its limited size, only certain ships can make the journey through the canal – so what is the largest cruise ship that can go through the Panama Canal?

The answer to this question depends on a few factors. The width of a ship is an important factor, as only ships that are no more than 106 feet wide can make it through the Panama Canal. Many of today’s largest cruise ships are wider than this, meaning they cannot fit through the locks in their current configuration.

In addition to width, the length of a ship is also important. The maximum length for a vessel to make it through the canal is 965 feet, though larger ships may be able to fit if they are carrying lighter loads such as passengers or cargo containers.

The weight of a vessel also plays an important role in determining whether or not it can make it through the Panama Canal. In general, vessels need to be less than 50,000 tons in order for them to be able to fit into one of the three locks at either end of the canal.

Conclusion:

The largest cruise ship that can go through the Panama Canal is limited by size restrictions and must be no more than 106 feet wide and 965 feet long while weighing less than 50,000 tons. Larger ships may still be able to make it through if they are carrying lighter loads.