There really is no better way to experience the Panama Canal than on board a cruise ship. Expensive? It can be. Unless you head out for an October cruise. Panama is a safe haven during the fall hurricane season. However, the boat has to get from its initial port to its final destination and those are waters that are susceptible.
The Panama Canal is 77 km in length and connects the Atlantic Ocean (Caribbean Sea) and the Pacific Ocean. The idea of a canal through the Panamanian jungle first began in 1881 by the French but was soon abandoned due to massive deaths caused by disease.
The canal was first used in 1914. Colon, Panama is found on the Atlantic end of the canal and Panama City is on the Pacific side. In the middle is Gatun Lake. Currently, there are two sets of locks (lanes) that are 34 metres wide, limiting what kind of ships can travel the full length of the canal. A third lane is nearing completion and will be much wider. For now, a ship that can fit in the Panama Canal is considered a Panamax Ship.
The cruises are limited in October. We’re going to take a look at three ships that travel the full length of the canal. Stateroom pricing was valid on May 13, 2013 and is included here as reference only. For up to date pricing and availability, click here.
The Millenium departs Ft. Lauderdale, Florida on October 7, 2013 on a 15 day journey. The ship arrives in San Diego, California on Tuesday, October 22. The Millennium transits the Panama Canal on October 12. The run of the canal starts at Colon at 6:00 am and arrives at Panama City at 6 pm. Of the three ships featured in this article, this is the best for enjoying the canal.
Stateroom Pricing
- Interior from $1,357
- Ocean View from $2,218
Ports of Call
- Cartegena, Colombia
- Colon, Panama
- Panama Canal
- Puntarenas, Costa Rica
- Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala
- Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
- Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
The Ship
The Millennium is one of four ships in the Celebrity Millennium Class. Her sister ships are the Constellation, Infinity and Summit). The ship has been in service since 2000. The vessel is 294 metres long and has a gross tonnage of 91,000. She has a capacity for 2,138 passengers.
The Zaandam departs Ft. Lauderdale, Florida on October 18, 2013 on a 17 day journey that finished up at Valparaiso, Chile on Monday, November 4. The ship runs the Panama Canal on October 23 in darkness. The transit starts at 7:00 in the evening and reaches the Pacific at midnight.
Stateroom Pricing
- Interior from $1,796
- Ocean View from $1,996
- Balcony from $3,894
- Suite from $7,689
Ports of Call
- Orangestad, Aruba
- Panama Canal
- Manta, Equador
- Salaverry, Peru
- Callao, Peru
- Puerto San Martin, Peru
- Arica, Chile
- Coquimbo, Chile
The Ship
The MS Zaandam of the Holland America Line has been in service since 2000. The Zaandam is a Rotterdam Class (R Class) ship and is sisters with the MS Rotterdam, MS Volendam and MS Amsterdam.
The Zaandam is 237 metres long and has a gross tonnage of 61,396. The ship has a intimate capacity for 1,432 passengers.
The Island Princess leaves Ft. Lauderdale on October 30 for a 15 day journey, arriving in Los Angeles, California on Thursday, November 14.
Stateroom Pricing
- Interior from $1,799
- Ocean View from $1,949
- Balcony from $2,449
- Suite from 2,949
Ports of Call
- Aruba, Netherlands Antilles
- Cartegena, Colombia
- Panama Canal
- Fuerte Amador, Panama
- Puntarenas, Costa Rica
- Puerta Chiapas, Mexico
The Island Princess of Princess Cruise Lines has been in service since 2003. The Island is one of two in the Coral Class of Princess ships. The Island and Coral are the only two Panamax ships in the Princess fleet. The ship is 294 metres long and has a gross tonnage of 91,627. She can accommodate 1,970 passengers.
Interested in Booking?
Time for a little shameless promotion. I am a Travel Consultant for Expedia Cruise Ship Centers. If you would like more information or would like to book a cruise, I can be reached by:
- Website: Orangeville Expedia
Be sure to go to the Website and fill out an on-line ballot to win a $5000 cruise for 2! The draw is in November.
