The winter cruise season which is now in full swing, will bring a record number of ships to ports on both of Panama’s coasts. This is the fourth season since the ships began to return to Panama “discovering”this destination after ignoring the isthmus for many years. Between August 2002 and May 2003 Panama received over 150 cruise ship visits compared with 114 the previous season.

Quick Disclaimer: We are not in reality "Cruise Experts". But as questions related to Panama Canal cruises are among the most popular, we decided to put together a web site with the best links/ information we could find on taking a Panama Canal Cruise.

(On the other hand, we are quite knowledgeble about Panama Canal transits and tours - that is, full day or half-day crossings of the Panama Canal on locally based boats). Click here for more info on this option.)

Comprehensive schedule of upcoming Panama Canal Cruises

Panama Canal cruises - schedule for next 3 months - Courtesy of Cruise Direct. For all major cruise lines. Includes itinerary, rates, and departure city.

Finding Panama Canal Cruise Bargains... Everyone's favorite question!

We don't have any real earth-shaking advice in this area but instead have just tried to group in one place the top three online cruise sites that in our research consistently list the best Panama Canal cruise deals.

(Tip: If you want to open all the following sites without having to jump back and forth to this site, just press down your shift key as you click on the following links and they will open up in seperate windows)

Cruise 411
One of the most highly regarded independent cruise sites on the web...with the Web's largest cruise database - over 10,000 discounted cruises.

Online Cruise Agency
Comprehensive and price-oriented online cruise agency.
They claim the following:
"We offer you our lowest prices available on all your cruise sailings. As a top producer for the major cruise lines, we are immediately informed of cruise line hot deals and last minute specials that we can pass along to you".

Cruise Direct
Another comprehensive online cruise agency representing all the major cruise lines. Special features include: Deal finder, Last minute cruises, Group cruises, Top Ten Bargains, Online Exclusives and other Special Offers.

Off beat choices - Go freight... Or help crew a yacht!

Freighter Cruises - (Click on banner below)
An exotic alternative and an entree to real adventure... cruise the Canal, the world, on Freighters! In their own words:
'Incorporating the 45-year old Freighter Travel Club of America and 10-year old Maris Freighter Cruises, offering you schedules, reservations, news briefs and ... much more. Take advantage of the knowledgeable advice that comes from our vast experience. Find the ship and voyage that's perfect for you. "

Windstar
For those who wouldn't be caught dead on a mainstream vacation; divers and others who enjoy water sports in moderation; experienced cruisers looking for something different; those attracted by the romance of sailing ships but want upscale cruise ship luxury; self-starters, those with an active lifestyle and a taste for the finer things in life who can relax long enough to enjoy them.

Assorted Panama Canal Sites & Info

Pictures of Panama and the Panama Canal
Over 236 high quality images. By Corbis... a commercial site but they allow you to see the images. Some of the most professional of Panama on the Web. (You need to enter "Panama Canal' in the search box).

Panama-maps.com
For maps of the Panama Canal, including beautiful historical renditions. See especially the '1904' colored map.

Best book on the history / construction of the Panama Canal
A Path Between the Seas , by Pulitzer prize author McCullough. Other good Panama book recommendations as well at our sister site Travel-to-Panama.com.

Time-lapsed radar image of previous hour of the Panama Canal
Gives idea of cloud cover, but also nice detail of canal, lakes. Provided by the Panama Canal Authority.

Live webcams of the Miraflores and Gatun Locks
Very cool. Be sure to also see the time-lapsed 'movie' links below.

Super animation showing how a ship moves through the Canal
Another very cool site.

Travelogues of 19th century 'isthmus crossers'
Fascinating, well written acounts from the famous (Mark Twain, Lesseps, others) and not so famous, describing their journey across Panama. Posted on this great site chockfull of info on the Panama Railroad as well as the Canal.