Full vs. Partial Transit Panama Canal Cruise: Ports of Call

Life's too short, so take one of the many Panama Canal Cruises available and discover what many consider to be the best engineering achievement of the 20th century. If you have ever wondered what crossing the Panama Canal would be like, you might have also wondered what the difference is between a full transit and partial transit Panama Canal cruise. But first, some background.

Traveling through different locks, the journey across the canal takes around 10 hours. See others make the crossing as well, from cargo ships to small sailboats; the canal serves all kinds of vessels. Approximately 13,000 ships make the crossing every year. Take a chance and cruise in comfort and style across the famous sliver of water.

The Panama Canal's construction was completed in 1914. It connects the Pacific Ocean with the Atlantic Ocean. No wonder it's the 2nd wonder of the world, that's made for cruising. The best part is you not only discover the canal, but also other ports of call before and after crossing. With exciting departing destinations and exotic ports of call, crossing the canal is definitely a remarkable experience you should have at least once in your lifetime.

Full Transit

With a full crossing, you sail from ocean to ocean, meaning you make it across the isthmus and reach an entirely different body of water afterward. Hop on your cruise from one of the most exciting cities in North America, such as Vancouver, Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

After crossing, you have easy access to some of the most exotic places on earth. Beautiful cities and towns in the Caribbean and Central America will fill your schedule with cultural immersion tours and thrilling excursions. Visit the San Juan Del Sur, in Nicaragua, a gorgeous, brightly-colored beach community of a nation known for its lakes and volcanoes, and vast cultural treasures. And Cartagena, Colombia; a storied city with castles, history museums, and monasteries. Cartagena is famous for its colorful folkloric shows. And that’s just the beginning; there are plenty of other destinations on your trip.

Partial Transit

Sail round trip from beautiful Fort Lauderdale and reach the Panama Canal to explore the Gatun Locks. These locks take you to Gatun Lake, a marvelous body of water you can explore by signing up for different excursions. You'll see firsthand how the canal works, and then reach some pretty amazing destinations such as Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Chiapas, Punta Arenas, or Ocho Rios. Found in the northern coast of the island of Jamaica, Ocho Rios — Spanish for "Eight Rivers" — is blessed with panoramic views of paradisaical beaches, rainforests, and rivers. Ocho Rios is also a window to the heart of Jamaican culture, and one of the best destinations aboard Panama Canal cruises.

Whether you choose a full or partial transit Panama Canal cruise, the opportunity of crossing this wonder is one of those experiences you'll remember for the rest of your life.