Starting to look into a Panama Canal Cruise for 2019. Interested in the 14+ day.
Looking for input on best cruise line for this type of cruise. I have sailed on RCCL, Princess, NCL and Viking. Leaning towards Royal.
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Contributor Level:
Purser
Best Cruise Line for Panama Canal Cruise
19 Answers
Contributor Level:
Purser
We are sailing the 16 day ocean to ocean cruise on Norwegian. We are long time NCL fans. Cannot wait to board the Joy in a few short months!
Contributor Level:
Admiral
Originally posted by:
RedChief
As a naval architect (and Chief Engineer on a large ship), I'm pretty sure the Panamax term was for the older, narrower canal. The newer, wider canal can handle what are called New Panamax vessels. If a ship is too big for the Panama Canal, it is referred to as Post Panamax...
You should know. Thank you for the clarification. This is a great place to learn some of the nuances of sailing.
Contributor Level:
Deck Hand
Originally posted by:
AuntPinkie
The smaller ships will transit the old canal as the new one is wider and made for the larger ships called "Panmax".
As a naval architect (and Chief Engineer on a large ship), I'm pretty sure the Panamax term was for the older, narrower canal. The newer, wider canal can handle what are called New Panamax vessels. If a ship is too big for the Panama Canal, it is referred to as Post Panamax...
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Purser
In 2016 I took the Pacific Princess from Long Beach CA (Los Angeles) to Fort Lauderdale in May. It was a 17 day cruise with 10 of those days being at sea. We went thru the "old canal". It was very enjoyable. The smaller ship was terrific - 690 passengers. We usually go on the mid sized ships around 2000 passengers,. Got to know crew and other passengers and service was excellent. Will definitely go thru the canal again but westbound this time.
Contributor Level:
Admiral
Originally posted by:
coasterking
Went thru the old canal on Carnival Miracle, then did a partial on Carnival Triumph, going thru the new canal on Carnival Freedom, so I guess I like Carnival.
I am looking forward to reading your review on the new locks. It looked cool from the older locks this past December.
Contributor Level:
Cruise Director
Went thru the old canal on Carnival Miracle, then did a partial on Carnival Triumph, going thru the new canal on Carnival Freedom, so I guess I like Carnival.
Contributor Level:
Admiral
I agree that it is hard to book a cruise line based on its Panama Canal cruises. I think that it is best to do a full transit, so I would pick a cruise line that does these. Three times I have done full transits from East to West & West to East with HAL and I was never disappointed. The narration on board was excellent. They open the bow of the ship, serve lemonade, juice and continental breakfast outside so you don't miss a thing. They also come around during the afternoon with refreshment so you stay hydrated. Lunch was served poolside also.
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Purser
Like LaCastillo, we did HOL. I was up before the sun and had the entire experience from a great position. Warning: the sun is a baker. I lathered up having been forewarn except for my sandal feet. ohhh..............
Contributor Level:
Captain
My only suggestion would be to look for a ship that is doing a repositioning. You might be able to save some money.
Contributor Level:
Admiral
Originally posted by:
MisterBill99
How can you tell which one it will use? Is it mentioned on their website? Does it really matter? I booked Oceania for next year, 18 night cruise from SF. It's more expensive than the lines that have been discussed here, but another option. Given that it's a smaller ship, I suspect it won't be as tight a fit as the larger ships when transiting the canal.
The smaller ships will transit the old canal as the new one is wider and made for the larger ships called "Panmax".
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19 Answers