Panama Canal Cruises
Journey Through A Man-Made Wonder
Embark on a remarkable journey through Central America with a Panama Canal cruise, where you'll experience the extraordinary engineering marvel that links the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Once a remote and inaccessible area, Panama has transformed into a crucial hub for international trade, showcasing its pivotal role in maritime history. A Panama Canal cruise with MSC Cruises offers a unique opportunity to explore a region that has evolved into a vibrant intersection of culture and commerce.
As you traverse the 81 kilometers of the Panama Canal, you'll encounter a stunning array of landscapes and experiences. From the lively Caribbean atmosphere of the Atlantic coast to the lush rainforests brimming with wildlife and the pristine beaches of the Pacific, each moment is unforgettable. Stops include the historic port city of Colón, intimately connected to the canal's construction, and Casco Viejo, Panama City's UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its narrow streets and colorful colonial architecture. The highlight of your journey will undoubtedly be the canal crossing itself, where you can marvel at the massive locks and the challenging Culebra Cut, witnessing firsthand the ingenuity behind this monumental achievement.
Panama canal departure ports
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?
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.
