What is the best cruise line for a Panama Canal Cruise?

1. Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises is one of the best options for a Panama Canal cruise. It has a variety of itineraries that include the canal, ranging from 10 to 20 days. Princess Cruises ships are known for their luxurious amenities and excellent customer service. They offer several dining options, including specialty restaurants and 24-hour room service. Princess Cruises also has excellent onboard entertainment, with live shows, music, and movies under the stars. The highlight of a Princess Cruises Panama Canal voyage is its onboard experience. It has knowledgeable guides who provide commentary on the canal's history and engineering, making the trip educational and informative. Princess Cruises also offers shore excursions that allow you to explore the local culture and attractions. You can visit Panama City's old town, walk through the rainforest, or take a boat tour on Gatun Lake. Princess Cruises' Panama Canal itinerary is perfect for those who want a mix of luxury, entertainment, and education.

Highlights

• Full Transit Cruises: Princess Cruises has full transit cruises that take passengers through the entire canal, giving them a complete tour.
• Scenic Cruising: Passengers are provided with numerous chances to observe the beauty of the canal, with numerous spots on the deck and in other parts of the ship.

2. Holland America Line

Holland America Line is another excellent choice for a Panama Canal cruise. Its ships are known for their elegant décor and classic style. Holland America Line offers several Panama Canal itineraries, ranging from 10 to 21 days. Its onboard experience is also top-notch, with multiple dining options, live entertainment, and a spa. Holland America Line's Panama Canal journey includes several ports of call, giving passengers the opportunity to explore the region's diverse cultures and landscapes. You can visit Costa Rica's tropical rainforests, Nicaragua's colonial cities, or Colombia's historic landmarks. Holland America Line also offers shore excursions that allow you to experience the canal up close, such as a canal transit or a visit to the canal's museum.

Highlights

• Extensive Itineraries: Holland America has several itineraries that include the Panama Canal, full transit from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and round trips from U.S. ports such as Fort Lauderdale.
• Expert Lectures: On board, guests can attend lectures and presentations by canal specialists, which will help deepen knowledge of the history and construction of the canal.
• Shore Excursions: The cruise line has several options for shore excursions, such as the Gatun Locks, wildlife viewing, and cultural tours in Panama and Costa Rica.

Also Read: What cruise line goes to the Panama Canal?

3. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

Norwegian Cruise Line is an excellent option for those who want a more casual and relaxed experience. NCL ships have a vibrant atmosphere, with bright colors and modern designs. Norwegian Cruise Line offers a 15-day Panama Canal itinerary that includes several ports of call and a full transit of the canal. Norwegian Cruise Line's onboard experience is focused on entertainment and fun. It has multiple dining options, including specialty restaurants and casual eateries. Norwegian Cruise Line also has a wide range of activities, such as water parks, casinos, and Broadway-style shows. For those who want a more relaxing experience, this cruise line also offers a spa and fitness center. Norwegian Cruise Line's Panama Canal itinerary includes several shore excursions that allow you to experience the local culture and scenery. You can visit a coffee plantation in Costa Rica, explore the old town of Cartagena, or take a boat tour of Gatun Lake. Norwegian Cruise Line's Panama Canal voyage is perfect for those who want a more casual and fun experience.

Highlights

• Freestyle Cruising: Freestyle cruising is NCL’s concept that offers its passengers the opportunity to dine where, when and with whom they prefer.
• Entertainment Options: There are also numerous entertainment facilities and amenities available on the cruise line such as Broadway-style performances, live music, and a variety of bars and lounges.
• Adventure Tours: The shore excursions include thrilling activities like ziplining in the Costa Rican tropical rainforest and visiting the Mayan ruins in Guatemala.

Also Read: Activities to Enjoy During a Panama Canal Cruise

4. Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises is a luxury cruise line that offers an excellent Panama Canal itinerary. Celebrity Cruise ships are known for their contemporary designs and modern amenities. A 15-day Panama Canal trip with several places of call and a complete transit of the canal is available from Celebrity Cruises. Celebrity Cruises' onboard experience is focused on relaxation and indulgence. It has multiple dining options, including Michelin-starred restaurants and a 24-hour café. Celebrity Cruises also has a spa and fitness center.

Highlights

• Luxurious Ships: Celebrity’s ships are designed with sleek interiors, large cabins, and a vast array of dining choices, including fine dining restaurants.
• Cultural Enrichment: Additional features that the cruise line provides are cultural activities such as cooking, painting, and wine tasting, which are also valuable.
• Exclusive Excursions: Shore excursions offered by Celebrity include such unique opportunities as the guided tour of the locks and the visit to the Panama Canal Authority.

5. Cunard Line

Cunard Line is a British cruise line with a rich history that provides a traditional and luxurious cruise through the Panama Canal. Cunard Line’s ships and the quality of service provided to the guests ensure that the trip is indeed memorable.

Highlights

• Grand Voyages: Cunard has great itineraries that include the Panama Canal as part of a longer cruise, thus offering a more extensive tour of several locations.
• White Star Service: White Star Service is the cruise line’s commitment to providing quality service and care that makes the cruise experience more enjoyable.
• Themed Cruises: Cunard sometimes has subject-specific voyages, such as history, literature, or food and wine, which enrich the experience of the cruise.

6. Royal Caribbean International (RCI)

Royal Caribbean International is ideal for those who are in search of an adventurous vacation that also includes leisure. Royal Caribbean is famous for its unique vessels and various activities; therefore, the Panama Canal cruise will be very interesting.

Highlights

• Innovative Ships: Royal Caribbean’s ships also have some of the most unique amenities, including rock climbing walls, surf simulators, and large entertainment spaces.
• Family-friendly: The cruise line is perfect for families with children, as it has special facilities for kids, family restaurants, and many things to do for children and adults.
• Active Excursions: Some of the activities that are offered in shore excursions are - kayaking in Gatun Lake, snorkeling in Cozumel, and hiking in national parks.

Also Read: Can I bring food and drinks on Royal Caribbean cruise?