PANAMA CANAL CRUISES
Sail through the heart of Central America with a Panama Canal cruise, and marvel at the engineering feat that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and ties the Americas by sea. Once a remote and inaccessible region, the Isthmus of Panama now stands as a vital hub of international trade.
In its 81 kilometres, the Panama Canal condenses a melting pot of experiences and wonders that you would be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in the world. From the Caribbean vibes of the Atlantic coast, through lush rainforests teeming with life, to the pristine beaches of the Pacific, our Panama cruises offer a truly unforgettable journey. Visit vibrant towns, from the historic port city of Colón, whose story is intertwined with the Panama Canal construction, to the charming Casco Viejo, Panama City's historic district and a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its narrow streets and colourful colonial buildings.
Holidays to Panama: make every moment memorable
From the imposing history of the port city of Colon and the cosmopolitan allure of Panama City, to the indigenous villages of the rainforests. With MSC Cruises, your Panama holiday is meticulously planned to ensure you explore the wonders of the region while enjoying the comfort of our ships.Kayaking at Gatun Lake
Nestled amidst Panama's lush rainforests, the artificial Gatun Lake is a true engineering marvel. Completed for the Panama Canal construction, Gatun was formed by damming the Chagres River and flooding a vast area, thanks to the Gatùn Dam, one of the largest dams in the world at the time of its construction.
Today it is one of the main attractions of the country, and it is an unmissable place for a respectable Panama holiday. Especially for nature lovers, Gatun Lake is surrounded by wildlife that boasts particularly lush fauna and flora.
Spanning over 164 square miles, Lake Gatun is one of the largest man-made lakes in the world, and with an MSC Cruises excursion, don’t miss the opportunity to go kayaking on this wonderful lake, admiring its unspoiled nature.
Kayaking at Gatun Lake
Panama City: a Blend of Old and New
The capital city is an absolute must-see during your Panama cruise, and there are more reasons than one! First and foremost, the atmosphere of Panama City, with its incredible blend of colonial past and its modern skyline of high-rise buildings reflecting in the sea, makes it a city with truly irresistible charm.
Geography is also on its side, situated at the entrance of the Panama Canal on the Pacific Ocean side, it is a city with breathtaking beaches and landscapes. With an MSC Cruises excursion, you can visit the oldest and most characteristic heart of Panama City: Casco Viejo, which in Spanish means “Old Compound”, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Casco Viejo is a colourful neighbourhood with a vibrant atmosphere, rich in picturesque streets lined with 17th-century churches and old buildings.
Also enjoy a stroll in the modern neighbourhoods of Panama City, with their shopping streets and the opportunity to taste local delicacies such as sancocho and carimañolas in the characteristic restaurants.
Panama City: a Blend of Old and New
Discovering Emberá: an indigenous immersion in Panama
Embark on a journey deep into the Panamanian rainforest to discover the Emberá villages. Primarily concentrated in Panama and Colombia, the Emberá people inhabit the provinces of Panama and Darién in Panama, and the Chocó department in Colombia. With an MSC Cruises excursion, you'll have the chance to delve into the lush Chagres jungle and encounter the Emberá people.
Interacting with this indigenous community, you'll leave the modern world behind and enter an ancient way of life. Living in harmony with nature, the Emberá people rely on the rainforest's resources for their sustenance.
Witness traditional dances performed with passion, listen to the enchanting melodies of their music, and learn about their deep connection to the land. With a Panama Canal cruise, you can immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Emberá culture.
Discovering Emberá: an indigenous immersion in Panama
Panama Canal cruise deals
Built in 1914, this feat of human imagination slices its way through the country, rising at times to 26 metres above sea level and across an ingenious series of locks and artificial lakes. Prepare to be inspired by the Panama Canal's magnificence with our best Panama cruise deals.
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Panama ports
Book a Panama cruise and marvel at the ingenious system of locks that seamlessly transition between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. MSC Cruises' main port through one of the world's most iconic waterways is Colon, the starting point for your exploration of this amazing country.
Colón cruises via Cristobal
Step into Panama at the historic port of Colón, situated at the Atlantic entrance of the Panama Canal. Colón's history is closely tied to the inception of the Panama Canal, having been founded specifically for the construction of what would become one of the world's most important waterways.
MSC Cruises shore excursions from Colón cover some of the key points and highlights of the Panama Canal. From the indigenous Emberá villages immersed with nature to the main lakes and locks of the region such as Gatún and Miraflores lakes and Agua Claras Locks. A Colón cruise also allows you to discover Panama City on the Pacific coast and experience its unique atmosphere by visiting landmarks such as Casco Viejo and San Lorenzo Fort.
Panama canal cruises FAQs
When is the best time to cruise the Panama Canal?
The dry season, from December to April, is the best time for a Panama holiday. During these months, you can expect pleasant weather with sunny days and lower chances of rain.
MSC Cruises will be offering an unmissable MSC Grand Voyage to Panama in April 2026 with MSC Poesia. This repositioning cruise will start in Miami on April 23rd, arriving in Colón, Panama on the 28th. Therefore, you’ll navigate the Panama Canal during one of the year's most pleasant periods. After crossing the Panama Canal, MSC Poesia will sail to Costa Rica, Baja California in Mexico, and the US West Coast, stopping in San Diego and Los Angeles before concluding in Seattle on May 1st.
What is the weather like in the Panama Canal?
How much is a cruise to Panama Canal?
Throughout the year, you can take advantage of Panama cruise deals and visit this fantastic region at the best price. Additionally, cruises sailing to the Panama Canal are MSC Grand Voyages, which are repositioning cruises generally offered at more competitive prices compared to standard itineraries.
What to pack for a Panama Canal cruise?
For the dry season, from December to April, characterized by hot weather and sunny days, your suitcase should include lightweight clothing such as linen shirts, t-shirts, lightweight pants, and summer dresses. We suggest also bringing a light sweatshirt for cooler evenings. As for footwear, comfortable shoes suitable for your excursions along the Panama Canal are recommended.
For the rainy season, from May to November, lightweight clothing is again recommended, as temperatures remain warm, but with the addition of some long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and sweatshirts for cooler evenings. Regardless of the time of year you choose to embark on your Panama Canal cruise, don't forget to bring a camera to capture unforgettable moments as you traverse this magnificent region.
Where do Panama Canal cruises leave from?
MSC’s cruises to Panama Canal will sail in April 2026 with a fantastic MSC Grand Voyages itinerary. This exceptional repositioning cruise will sail on April 23rd from the glamorous Miami, before heading southwards to the colonial charm of Colombia's Cartagena, where blooms of Bougainvillea compete with emerald sparkle to catch your eye. The cruise will arrive in Panama, at Colon on April 27th and will navigate the Panama Canal throughout the entire day of April 28th.
After bidding farewell to Panama, you’ll then heads north to Costa Rica and the historic city of Puntarenas for lush jungles, picture-perfect beachfronts, incredible wildlife and fascinating culture. From there, it’s time to experience Mexico and the talcum-white sands, pelicans, sea lions, and iconic bowed cliffs of Cabo San Lucas. Then, you return to the USA, specifically California and the West Coast. First up is San Diego's surfer heaven, then stroll down Sunset Boulevard and visit Beverly Hills in star-studded Los Angeles before ending the cruise in sensational Seattle on May 1st, where ancient forests and urban hustle await.
How long is a Panama Canal cruise?
MSC Cruises itineraries traverse the Panama Canal in two days and one night. Therefore, you’ll have plenty of time to soak up the ever-changing tropical scenery and spectacular landscapes of this region. The Panama Canal crossing is currently available in April 2026 with one MSC Grand Voyages itinerary of 18-nights. This repositioning cruise sets sail from Miami on April 23rd, hits Panama on the 27th and 28th, and ends in Seattle on May 1st.
Do MSC Cruises sail through the Panama Canal?
Yes, MSC Cruises sail through the Panama Canal. The next Panama Canal cruise will sail in 2026 with an unmissable MSC Grand Voyages route.
How long is the Panama Canal?
The Panama Canal is 81 kilometers long and connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. While The width of the canal varies along its course. Gatun Lake, with its 350 meters, is the widest part of the canal, while the Culebra Cut is the narrowest part, measuring only 90 meters. You can cruise through the Panama Canal in 2026 with MSC Grand Voyages.
