When to transit the Panama Canal
Panama Canal cruises operate throughout the year, but the main season runs from October to April. This is when you’ll have the biggest choice of sailings. January and February are generally the driest months, but they’re also the busiest. In March and April it is slightly less crowded, with a little more rain. If you’re chasing a bargain, September is usually the best bet, followed by October and November. The cheaper months can be humid, and showers are common, but don’t let the forecast put you off. Tropical rain often arrives dramatically, delivers a soaking and disappears just as quickly.
Transiting the Panama Canal. Photo / Princess Cruises
One canal with two sets of locks
The Panama Canal has two sets of locks and its own ship-classing system, with the size of your ship determining which locks you’ll use. The original locks were built in 1914 and are used by smaller Panamax ships. Larger Neo-Panamax or New Panamax ships use modern locks that opened in 2016. So, choosing your ship is important. Here’s why.
Which ship and locks should I choose?
As mentioned earlier, both sets of locks are different. Panama Canal purists will tell you the original 1914 locks are the ones you should see. They have the history and old-school engineering and use special motorised trolleys instead of tugs. There’s a trade-off, though. Panamax ships are generally smaller and older, with fewer onboard facilities, and are generally showing their age. Newer ships such as Star Princess offer a more contemporary cruise experience and use the modern locks. Should you opt for a classic transit through the original locks or a better ship? Fortunately, there’s a way to have both.
Watching a Panama Canal transit. Photo / Princess Cruises
New ship, both sets of locks – here’s how you do it
If you want to sail on a new ship and transit through the 1914 locks, book your new ship’s Panama Canal original locks shore excursion. This tour takes you through the original locks in a small tourist boat for an intimate and dramatic look at the 1914 canal. The following day, you’ll do a full transit onboard your Neo-Panamax ship via the new locks. It’s a clever way to get the most out of the canal and your time on board.
Tips for watching the transit
Whichever set of locks your ship uses, the transit takes most of the day, with two to three hours spent inside the actual locks. There are three broad choices for viewing the transit, no matter which ship you’re on: an open deck (ideally close to your ship’s bow), an air-conditioned observation lounge, or your cabin’s balcony. While the balcony might sound appealing, your view of the locks will be limited, and you’ll miss a lot of action. An air-conditioned observation lounge is the most comfortable choice, while an open deck offers more space and your best chance of scoring a good position. Ideally, it’s best to move around all three options to provide some variety and a break during the hottest part of the day.
A couple watch a Panama Canal transit from a liner’s deck. Photo / Princess Cruises
Be sun smart and prepared
If you’re standing on an outside deck, wear a broad-brimmed hat and plenty of sunscreen. Don’t forget the backs of your legs, neck and hands, as these spots are easy to miss and fully exposed. Drinking plenty of water is important, as it’s easy to get dehydrated while you’re watching the transit. Rain is another consideration, particularly if you’re sailing during shoulder season. Pack a rain jacket and take it with you whenever you head out on deck, even if the sun is shining. Tropical showers can arrive with little warning and be impressively heavy.
Learn about the canal
Panama Canal cruises include commentary during the transit and often have guest lecturers on board. These experts add another layer to the experience with entertaining talks about the canal’s history and the extraordinary engineering involved in building it. Attend as many of these lectures as you can before transit day. If you’d also like to prepare in advance, there’s no shortage of excellent documentaries on YouTube.
Six cruise lines that offer full or partial Panama Canal transits:
Princess CruisesHolland America LineNorwegian Cruise LineRoyal CaribbeanCarnival Cruise LineCelebrity Cruises