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Panama Canal cruises

A man-made wonder of the modern world. A marvel of maritime engineering. A bucket-list destination. 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.

But it's the canal crossing itself that's truly unparalleled. Cruise through the Panama Canal and witness the massive locks, huge water chambers that fill and empty to raise and lower the cruise. Admire the Gaillard Cut, the most challenging and significant part of the Panama Canal's construction, where the continental divide is located. Enter the Pedro Miguel Locks and the artificial Lake Miraflores, another vital component of the Panama Canal. A Panama holiday is a journey into human ingenuity!

Book your Panama Canal cruise in 2026 with MSC Cruises and start planning a true adventure, that will ignite your sense of wonder, open new horizons, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

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GOOD TO KNOW

Holidays to Panama: make every moment memorable

From the imposing history of the port city of Colón 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

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Discovering Emberá: an indigenous immersion in Panama

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Panama City: a Blend of Old and New

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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.

Gatun Lake wildlife | MSC Cruises

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.

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.

Discovering Emberá: an indigenous immersion in Panama

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.

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.

MSC SPECIAL OFFERS

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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POPULAR DESTINATIONS

Venice Cruise

Discover one of the most beautiful and unique cities in Europe with one of our Venice cruise ships, and experience the bustle of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built upon 118 small islands, interconnected by more than 400 bridges.

Mediterranean cruises, Grand Canal and Basilica Santa Maria della Salute-Venice | MSC Cruises

Venice has been a most influential port since de Middle Ages, when it amassed great wealth that is now visible in its impressive architecture and art. During your Venice cruise you can stroll around Saint Mark's Square, visit the city's museums, or go on a Gondola ride. The "Queen of the Adriatic" just awaits you: come on board and MSC Cruise to discover the treasures of each Mediterranean destination.

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How does it work?

Starting 19 April 2025, daily visitors entering Venice between 8:30 and 16:00 are required to pay an access fee before arriving. This fee amounts to €5 if paid at least four days prior to your arrival in Venice, or €10 if paid three days or less before your visit.

Please visit the map: https://cda.ve.it/

Please note that:

  • Guests booked on MSC shore excursions in Venice do not need to pay this fee directly, as it is included in the price of the tour.
  • Guests travelling to and from the Stazione Marittima Cruise Terminal to complete embarkation and disembarkation procedures are not required to pay, provided they do not enter the Ancient City. 

Beyond embarking and disembarking guests, the following categories are exempt:

  • Residents in the Veneto region and people born in Venice
  • People registered in the register of the temporary population of Venice
  • Minors under 14 years of age
  • People with disabilities (and any accompanying person)
  • Student of schools and universities located in the Ancient City or in the Lagoon's minor islands
  • Members of the Italian armed forces and law enforcement in Venice for service reasons

Full list of exemptions at the following link: https://cda.veneziaunica.it/en/exemptions

How do I pay the Entry Venice Fee?

The new payment system requires visitors to obtain a QR code showing proof of payment of the access fee or their exemption (check https://cda.ve.it/en/faq#persons-exempt for info).

To obtain your QR code ahead of your arrival, please visit  https://cda.ve.it/ and follow the instructions.

While there are no physical barriers to enter Venicethe local police may approach you and ask you to show your QR code or any other proof of payment/exemption at any time during your stay. Failure to provide this could result in a fine ranging from €50 to €300.

Please note that MSC Cruises cannot be held liable for non-compliance with the above.

MSC Excursions

Guests booked on MSC shore excursions in Venice do not need to pay this fee directly, as it is included in the price of the tour.

POPULAR PORTS

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 Colón, the starting point for your exploration of this amazing country.

Colón cruises via Cristobal

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POPULAR PORTS

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.

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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.

Cruises from Miami - Florida, USA | MSC Cruises
A plate filled with a colorful assortment of food | MSC Cruises

Your essential Panama Canal tips

1.

Engineering at its finest! The Panama Canal's lock system and artificial lakes are a sight to behold. Don't miss the opportunity to see how ships are raised and lowered through these massive structures, all while surrounded by the pristine nature of the Panamanian forests.

2.

The Panama Canal is an extraordinary biological corridor with incredible biodiversity. Its perfect location between two oceans allows for the presence of diversified habitats such as rainforests and mangroves populated by toucans, parrots, monkeys, and reptiles like iguanas and caimans.

3.

The Colón Free Zone is one of the biggest free zones in the Americas and in the world. Here you can do shopping without any type of tax. Its special tax regime of this zone makes the Colón Free Zone an attractive hub for commercial and logistics activities.

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?

In Panama, the dry season extends from December to April. These months are characterized by dry, sunny weather with few rainfalls and temperatures ranging between 28 and 30 degrees Celsius. The rainy season, instead, lasts from May to November.

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 Colón 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 April 2026 with an unmissable MSC Grand Voyages route.

How long is the Panama Canal?

The Panama Canal is 81 kilometres 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

What is the time zone in Panama?

Panama uses Eastern Standard Time (EST). This means that Panama is five hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and four behind British Summer Time (BST) in the UK.

What is Panama's currency?

The official currency of Panama is the Panamanian Balboa, however, the US dollar is widely accepted and used.