Panama and Central America is a region of the world that has long been legendary in the annals of exploration. The Panama Canal is a man made marvel and cruise ships transit this during the day so you can enjoy the spectacle of the great locks and the Panama countryside. The Panama Canal should be on everyone's list of must-see places. Ninety years after its completion, this link between two great oceans is as amazing as ever.

On the Caribbean side cruises visit Central America as part of a Western or Southern Caribbean cruise.

Cruise types

A number of cruise lines run a series of cruises through the Panama Canal which vary from shorter 7 night cruises up to the more traditional 14 night cruises that sail from Florida to the West Coast. The longer cruises include visits to ports in the Caribbean and the Mexican Riviera in their itineraries.

Repositioning and World cruises also transit the Panama canal offering passengers a great opportunity to view the marvel that is the Canal as well as visit the region.

Cruise seasons

Most cruises sail in the Northern winter months from October to April.

Main Ports
East to west – Ft Lauderdale and Miami
West to East – Los Angeles and San Diego

Weather
The region is tropical and days are hot, nights much cooler; temperatures range from 32 °C (90 °F) during the daytime to 21 °C (70 °F) in the evening practically year-round. Humidity is always high at about 80 percent. The rainy season takes place between October and November, and the best months to visit are mid-December and late March

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