The Panama Canal Celebrates Its 100th Birthday

panama-canalThe Panama Canal first opened to boat traffic August 15th 1914. The canal provides a way for ships to cross between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans without having to travel all the way around the southern tip of South America. The Panama Canal is an engineering wonder, consisting of a series of artificial lakes, channels, and locks that make the crossing possible.

Cruising through the Panama Canal is on the wish list of many cruise enthusiasts. This anniversary year is a great opportunity to take one of these cruises.

There are two ways to experience the Canal. One-way re-positioning cruises are available as ships are moved to new locations for seasonal destination changes. Partial transit cruises that pass through the first set of locks at the Canal and then sail back out into the Caribbean.  Most of the partial transit cruises depart from Ft. Lauderdale.

Panama Canal Cruises from Miami

November 17, 2014 – 13 Night Panama Canal – Miami to Los Angeles aboard the Norwegian Star – Norwegian Cruise Line. Ports of call: Miami, Florida; Cartagena, Colombia; Panama Canal, Panama; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; Huatulco, Mexico; Acapulco, Mexico; Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Los Angeles, California

Thursday April 16, 2015 – 16 Night Panama Canal – Miami to Los Angeles aboard the Norwegian Pearl – Norwegian Cruise Line.  Ports of call: Miami, Florida; Cartagena, Colombia; Panama Canal, Panama; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; Puerto Chiapas, Mexico; Huatulco, Mexico; Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; San Diego, California; Los Angeles, California

Friday May 1, 2015 – 14 Night Panama Canal – Miami to San Diego aboard the Disney Wonder – Disney Cruise LinePorts of call: Miami, Florida; Cozumel, Mexico; Cartagena, Colombia; Panama Canal, Panama; Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; San Diego, California