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Cruise from the Pacific to the Atlantic, or vice versa, and take in the scenery as you move through this engineering marvel built in 1914. We craft our Panama Canal itineraries to enrich our guests' experiences to provide the most exposure to this bucket-list destination. You'll be enchanted by Spanish and Dutch cities dating back centuries, as well as diverse tropical rainforests, white-sand beaches, dramatic volcanoes and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. And Princess provides live narration from the bridge while transiting the locks, just one reason we were voted "Best Cruise Line for Enrichment" by Cruise International. Before getting on a cruise from Galveston, start your vacation with a visit to the city’s museums, historic neighborhoods, and cultural icons.
THE 8 BEST Cruises from Tampa to the Panama Canal & Central America (with Prices) on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic
THE 8 BEST Cruises from Tampa to the Panama Canal & Central America (with Prices) on Cruise Critic.
Posted: Tue, 24 Oct 2023 03:05:07 GMT [source]
ONE TRIP, MANY ADVENTURES

Give yourself a few days to relax either before or after your Panama Canal cruise and take in the sights of a sensational city. Princess handles all the details – including transfers and baggage handling – with accommodations selected for their incredible locations and excellent service. With renowned cruise lines like and Carnival Cruise Line, offering captivating itineraries from Galveston, your journey through this historic waterway awaits.
Cruise Ship
On a Panama Canal cruise, there are several interesting islands that you can explore. One of the most popular islands is Aruba, known for its vibrant nightlife, picturesque beaches, and crystal-clear waters. Another must-visit destination is Cartagena, Colombia, which is famous for its historic walled city and colorful colonial architecture. Other exciting islands include Curacao, Costa Rica, and Jamaica, each offering a distinct and unforgettable experience. Each voyage offers a myriad of experiences and cultures.
Day 4: Fun Day at Sea
Jalisco, the state where Puerto Vallarta is found, is the definitive influence on this destination's cuisine. Go for the famous lemon-marinated grilled fish known as pescado embarazado, and ask for huichol sauce, a blend of chili peppers, cumin and vinegar. Cross foggy suspended bridges or zip-line along the treetops at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve near Puntarenas, Costa Rica, where local travel guides take you deep within the forest as you learn about its precious ecosystems. Accessible only by water taxi, El Arco at Land's End in Cabo San Lucas is a natural rock arch that frames a powdery beach. It's the perfect backdroparagraphCopy for a jaw-dropping photograph — just watch out for the sea lions that like to photobomb while sunbathing on the rocks.
Day 14: Fun Day at Sea
Descend on some of the most exciting travel destinations in Central America during a Panama Canal cruise. Stops in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; and Colón, Panama, means appreciating countless natural landscapes on top of traversing through the famous shortcut itself. Add peace of mind and a sense of security to your vacation with a Cruise Plus® Hotel Package.
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At Alchemy Bar® we make drinks into art, while the laid-back RedFrog Pub™ has "Caribbean cool" down to a science. And up in SkyBox™ Sports Bar, we've combined luxury-box comfort with the up-close view from the 50-yard line. This ship, which pays tribute to some of the most enduring legends throughout the ages, still features classic Carnival Legend favorites. Take a dip in the Camelot and Avalon pools, wish for fortune at Club Merlin Casino, and taste something savory at Truffles Restaurant. There’s more than one way to dine at Lido Deck’s Unicorn Café, including handmade faves at Guy’s Burger Joint™ and fresh taco-burrito goodness at BlueIguana Cantina™. And of course there’s our signature steakhouse, Nouveau Restaurant, where the multi-course meal is no myth.
Day Panama Canal Itinerary
This testament to human audacity joins the Pacific and Caribbean in the most direct way possible, and is worth making a leisurely part of your vacation. Even better, Panama Canal cruises call at Central American ports along the canal like Limón and Cartagena… plus at Caribbean island hotspots along the way. You’ll get to explore the local beaches and culture while heading to or from one of the greatest man-made marvels in the world. Cruises through the Panama Canal promise one legendary trip.
Santa Marta
Princess® returns to Galveston, sailing once again from this city tucked within a quaint Gulf Coast barrier island. With an overwhelming world of choices, we understand you may need some personal assistance to plan your perfect vacation. From finding the right destination to choosing the best departure date, we're here to help. Plus, our experienced travel consultants have access to exclusive vacation deals to make sure you get the best value for your time and money. Departing from Galveston, you'll embark on an awe-inspiring voyage through the legendary Panama Canal. Along the way, you may encounter ports such as Cartagena, Colombia, a city brimming with history, colonial charm, and impressive fortresses.
day Panama Canal cruise from Galveston
With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the services of the representative. And Princess provides live narration from the bridge while transiting the locks, just one reason we were voted "Best Cruise Line for Enrichment" by Cruise International. So stretch out on a Caribbean beach, admire the pristine rainforests, stroll the cobbled streets of colonial towns and journey through the fabled Panama Canal with Princess.
As the genesis of the Dream class, Carnival Dream set the direction for the ships that followed in her footsteps — first Carnival Magic and then Carnival Breeze. Stopping at different cruise ports during a Panama Canal crossing makes it easy to savor the varied flavors of these countries, each with its own signature spice and tang. You'll get to see other ships as they cross, too, giving you a different vantage point and a new way of learning how the canal works. Step into the past as you stroll down the Spanish Colonial lanes of Antigua in Guatemala, a picturesque town with pastel buildings and balconies filled with pink flowers.
Board a Carnival Journeys cruise and you’re on course for enriching experiences aboard, amazing destinations ashore, classic cruising flair and more. A cruise to the Panama Canal is a chance to land on amazing destinations during the same trip. Or go snorkeling along the coral reef off the coast of Grand Cayman. On a cruise from Galveston to the Western Caribbean, explore the beauty of unspoiled coral reefs and underwater caves as well as visit the ancient Mayan ruins throughout the region. One moment you can be walking among the vast ruins of this mighty civilization and the next delving into the culture of the Yucatán Peninsula or simply unwinding on beaches that offer some of the best snorkeling in the world.
Another significant stop is Puerto Limón, Costa Rica, offering lush rainforests, diverse wildlife, and the opportunity to explore national parks such as Tortuguero and Cahuita. These ports provide an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural wonders and cultural richness of Central America as you traverse the remarkable Panama Canal. From ships custom built to sail the massive locks to immersive onboard programs and onshore adventures that inspire, Princess is the number one way to explore this epic phenomenon. We've sailed the Panama Canal since 1967 and we have more itinerary choices and departures of any cruise line in the region. Some take vacations… and some take their vacation further. Carnival Journeys is a limited series of special sailings that’s made to amaze, starting with great destinations and less-traveled routes to get you there.
When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S. Cruise from Los Angeles or Miami and pick the trips that make your favorite stops. There's a cruise with stops in Manzanillo, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas.
Panama enjoys a gentle tropical weather almost every day of the year. This translates into the easy planning of a crossing anytime is convenient for you. A cruise to the Panama Canal is filled with country-hopping adventures that take you to Mexico's Mayan ruins, white beaches in Cabo San Lucas or Colonial treasures in Colombia. Along with crossing the impressive Panama Canal during your vacation, you can also get in touch with the local cultures of different countries, where indigenous peoples still live and where heritage and history are treasured and preserved. Known for its history, beaches and outdoor adventures, Galveston is truly a gem in Texas. Here’s everything you need to know about your cruise from Galveston.
Choose your preferred arrival window and make gangway reservations. A Panama Canal cruise from Galveston promises an extraordinary blend of history, engineering marvels, and captivating destinations. Get ready to witness the wonders of this iconic waterway and create memories that will last a lifetime. Follow our social media and blog for the latest cruise and travel news, including our best vacation deals. The best time to go on a Panama Canal cruise is anytime. The canal never stops working and you will traverse along with other ships and boats and witness the swift movement of these vessels.
Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city. Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. Rates are in USD and valid for US and Canadian residents only.