Destinations
Panama Canal
Discover the epic wonders of the Panama Canal with Princess Cruises. You can explore both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans as you traverse the massive locks of The Canal. Discover the historic colonial villages along The Canal, adventure into the surrounding rain forests of Costa Rica, and dine on authentic Panamanian cuisine. Princess has partnered with the Discovery Communications to bring you new onboard experiences through the Discovery at Sea program and unique excursions ashore, including exclusive Discovery or Animal Planet options you can only get through Princess. Experience the Panama Canal with Princess Cruises and come back new!
The diversity of the cultures you’ll meet in Central and South America is a wonder to behold. Travel by dugout canoe to an Embera village in the heart of Chagres National Park in Fuerte Amador. Visit Fort San Lorenzo, one of the most complete and biggest forts built in Panama. Learn how your favorite coffee arrives in your cup with a tour of one of Guatemala’s most renowned coffee farms in Puerto Quetzal.
We’re the destination experts. Every year, we sail more voyages to the Panama Canal than any other cruise line, so no one knows the exotic jungles of Panama, the historic roads of Colombia or the sandy beaches of Aruba like Princess®.
Princess® has joined forces with Discovery Communications to introduce Discovery at SEA™, offering immersive experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Onboard, participate in hands-on activities and events. On shore, Discovery™ and Animal Planet™ recommended excursions and exclusive options you can only get from Princess.
Try authentic Panamanian cuisine, celebrating the cultural influences of African, Spanish and Native American, with traditional favorites such as empanadas, bollos and torrejitas. Sample the Grand Cayman’s world famous rum cake made with local rum. Raise your glass and say “salud” as you sip tequila at Puerto Vallarta’s Viva Tequila.
Experience the rainforest world of sloths, learn why they’re sooo slow and why these drowsy tree-dwellers sleep up to 20 hours a day when you visit the Sloth Sanctuary, an Animal Planet™ Exclusive excursion, in Limón. Step into the "birthplace of time," when you visit the Mayan archaeological site of Izapa just outside of Puerto Chiapas.
Enjoy a bird’s-eye-view of the world with a high-flying zipline ride in Costa Rica. Relax in a deluxe 1938 air-conditioned dome car for a different perspective on the Canal riding on the Panama Canal Railway—a Discovery™ recommended excursion. Cruise through the mangroves of Puntarenas to the sanctuary of the Scarlet Macaw. Listen carefully for chirping birds and monkey calls as you soar over Gamboa Rainforest in Colon in an open aerial tram.
Princess brings the Panama Canal and surrounding regions to life onboard. Our Carnaval de Panama Festival of the World celebration focuses on indigenous music and dance, locally inspired cuisine, plus expert guest speakers and enrichment programs that put the spotlight on the unique history of the Canal.
We craft our itineraries to enrich our guests’ experiences to provide the most exposure to this bucket-list destination. You’ll be enchanted by Spanish and Dutch cities dating back centuries, as well as diverse tropical rainforests, white-sand beaches, dramatic volcanoes and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. And Princess provides live narration from the bridge while transiting the locks, just one reason we were voted "Best Cruise Line for Enrichment" by Cruise International.
From ships custom built to sail the massive locks to immersive onboard programs and onshore adventures that inspire, Princess is the number one way to explore this epic phenomenon. We’ve sailed the Panama Canal since 1967 and we have more itinerary choices and departures of any cruise line in the region.
Retrace the steps of 17th-century Spanish colonists with a walk through the well-preserved Old City of Cartagena. Stroll the historic quarter of Panama City, once renowned as one of the richest cities in the New World. Admire the architectural delights of Antigua in Puerto Quetzal, home to several 17th- and 18th-century landmarks.
Each voyage offers a myriad of experiences and cultures. There is something for every type of explorer in this culturally diverse region. Choose from immersive excursions such as exploring the engineering mastery of the Canal, trekking through surrounding rainforests, visiting local villages and relaxing on the pristine beaches of the Caribbean.
Yes, the Panama Canal is a true wonder... But beyond the locks, there’s even more to see. Walk among the ruins of Casco Viejo, the original site of Panama City, a UNESCO site. Visit the architectural marvel known as the BioMuseo. Part art, part science, this museum is acclaimed as Panama’s newest icon. Enjoy traditional native music, song and dance at Embera village. See wildlife in their natural habitat as you cruise through Gatun Lake.
From the Pyramids of La Campana in Manzanillo to the 227 species of birds that call the Copalita River home in Huatulco, and from a 200-year-old coffee plantation in Puerto Vallarta to the colorful coral that resides in the warm waters of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico’s ports of call are unlike any other on the Mexican Riviera.
Cartagena is a vibrant city that harbors a fascinating and colorful past, and a lively, welcoming present. Admire the architecture of Cartagena’s Old City, born at the height of the Spanish empire and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Shop the quaint markets in search of that perfect souvenir. Applaud a Colombian folkloric professional dance and music show. Design your own emerald jewelry with a hands-on class.
Enjoy a gentle rafting adventure down the beautiful Corobici River in Puntarenas. Explore a vibrant rainforest filled with exotic tropical plants as you ride in a leisure boat down the world famous Tortuguero Canals. Be alert to spot the bird life along the riverbank as well as other animals such as caimans, turtles, monkeys, and sloths!
In Puerto Quetzal, trek up the active Pacaya Volcano and take in panoramic vistas of towering trees, and lush vegetation dotted with exotic orchids. Walk in the footsteps of Mayan warriors in the ancient ruins of Iximche. See how Guatemalan coffee is cultivated, harvested, and processed from the seeding of the coffee bean to the preparation of the coffee beverage during a tour of Filadelfia Coffee Estate. Marvel at the surroundings of Lake Atitlan, tucked between impressive volcanoes.
Tranquil aquamarine waters, a rich history and breathtaking landscapes make the captivating Caribbean a treasured paradise. View hundreds of exotic butterflies flying freely within large meshed enclosures in Aruba. Discover the undersea splendor of Grand Cayman aboard the world’s first submarine designed for passenger excursions.