Ship in the Panama Canal.

Panama Canal Cruises

Move through a man-made marvel, watch for rare birds and other wildlife, and take in astonishing views.

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Top Reasons to Cruise Panama Canal With Holland America

A Front-Row Seat to the Spectacular

Cruise through the jaw-dropping Panama Canal locks cocooned in comfort on a perfectly sized ship while your Cruise & Travel Director provides fascinating insights.

Sailings From East or West

Our 12- to 21-day Panama Canal cruises depart from Vancouver, Seattle, San Diego, and Ft. Lauderdale. Also new for 2025–2026 are our Panama Canal cruises sailing aboard Zuiderdam, which begin or end in Miami.

Diverse Ports of Call

Visit charming coastal towns in Mexico, El Salvador, and Costa Rica and taste the Caribbean’s vibrant flavors in Aruba and Cartagena.

Featured Panama Canal Cruise Ports

From Huatulco’s beautiful beaches and delectable Oaxacan cuisine to Cartagena’s colonial-era fortress and massive city walls, every day brings a new adventure on Panama Canal cruises.

Huatulco

Try fresh Oaxacan dishes
Tour archeological sites

With 9 bays and 36 beaches, you’re in for some serious natural beauty. Beyond the sand and surf, there is local cuisine to try, archeological sites to explore, and more than 225 avian species to set birders’ hearts aflutter.

Explore Huatulco

Map showing the Huatulco, Mexico port

Cartagena

Visit the city’s UNESCO-listed colonial fortress
Explore Cartagena’s Old Walled City

Walls ensconce Cartagena’s historic city center, designated a World Heritage Site because of its well-preserved fortresses and monuments. Stop for lunch to sample dishes infused with vibrant Caribbean flavors.

Explore Cartagena

Map showing the Cartagena, Columbia port

Acajutla

Sightsee at Izalco, an extinct volcano
Spot rare wildlife at national parks

This maritime port city boasts historic churches and vibrant markets filled with local products and snacks. While in Acajutla, try pillowy pupusas, El Salvador’s national dish and see Izalco, a nearby volcano.

Explore Acajutla

Map showing the Acajutla, El Salvador port

Puerto Caldera

Ride an aerial tram through the forest canopy
See sloths, coatis and monkeys at a wildlife sanctuary

One of the stops along the Panama Canal route, Puerto Caldera is your gateway to the country’s diverse flora and fauna. On rain forest treks, encounter awe-inspiring wildlife such as sloths, crocodiles, toucans and macaws.

Explore Puerto Caldera

Map showing the Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica port

Puerto Chiapas

Explore an intriguing Mayan archeological complex
See how chocolate is made

For travelers arriving by cruise ship, Puerto Chiapas is a jumping-off point from which to explore the bustling city of Tapachula, visit a coffee and flower plantation, and tour the Mayan archeological site of Izapa.

Explore Puerto Chiapas

Map showing the Puerto Chiapas, Mexico port

Panama Canal Huatulco Bird

Panama Canal Huatulco Waterfall

Panama Canal Huatulco Colorful Figurines

Panama Canal Huatulco Church

Panama Canal Cartagena Ruins

Panama Canal Cartagena Colorful Buildings

Panama Canal Cartagena Colorful Bags

Panama Canal Cartagena Woman Walking

Panama Canal Acajutla Cliffside

Panama Canal Acajutla Sunset

Panama Canal Acajutla Church

Panama Canal Acajutla Food

Panama Canal Puerto Caldera Waterfall

Panama Canal Puerto Caldera Seaside Pool

Panama Canal Puerto Caldera Tucan

Panama Canal Puerto Caldera Decorated Cart

Panama Canal Puerto Chiapas Cranberries

Panama Canal Puerto Chiapas Ruins

Panama Canal Puerto Chiapas Shell

Panama Canal Puerto Chiapas Old Building

Authentic Emberá Native Village

Authentic Emberá Native Village

Take a journey into the lives of the Emberá Native tribe, who maintain their traditions and lifestyle. Motor upriver at Chagres National Park to the Emberá village.

Aerial Tram & Ecological Encounter

Aerial Tram & Ecological Encounter

In the heart of the 55,000-acre Soberanía National Park, discover the secrets of the sun-dappled upper forest canopy on an aerial tram.

Cartagena by Land and Sea

Cartagena by Land and Sea

Enjoy a scenic harbor cruise for nearly an hour as your guide points out the best views of the walls surrounding the city. Then, visit the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas fortress on this incredible shore excursion.

Five Bays by Catamaran

Five Bays by Catamaran

Visit five of Huatulco’s nine bays aboard a motorized catamaran, passing a spectacular blowhole and stopping at Organo Bay for a swim. An open bar with domestic drinks is included on this excursion.

Authentic Emberá Native Village

Take a journey into the lives of the Emberá Native tribe, who maintain their traditions and lifestyle. Motor upriver at Chagres National Park to the Emberá village.

Aerial Tram & Ecological Encounter

In the heart of the 55,000-acre Soberanía National Park, discover the secrets of the sun-dappled upper forest canopy on an aerial tram.

Cartagena by Land and Sea

Enjoy a scenic harbor cruise for nearly an hour as your guide points out the best views of the walls surrounding the city. Then, visit the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas fortress on this incredible shore excursion.

Five Bays by Catamaran

Visit five of Huatulco’s nine bays aboard a motorized catamaran, passing a spectacular blowhole and stopping at Organo Bay for a swim. An open bar with domestic drinks is included on this excursion.

Authentic Emberá Native Village

Native Village

Aerial Tram & Ecological Encounter

Ecological Encounter

Cartagena by Land and Sea

Visit Cartagena

Five Bays by Catamaran

Catamaran

Panama Canal Cruise Articles

Things to do in Cartagena Cartagena, or Cartagena de Indias (Cartagena of the Indies as it is officially known), is the jewel in Colombia’s cultural crown.

Puerto Caldera: Home Port One of the stops along the Panama Canal route, Puerto Caldera is your gateway to the country’s mangroves and rainforests.

Visiting Panama Viejo In Panama City, centuries-old buildings stand in the shadows of glass skyscrapers and luxury condos.

View Panama Canal Travel Tips

Explore Panama Canal with Holland America

Immerse yourself in unforgettable shore excursions, savor world-class dining, and enjoy exclusive entertainment on your Panama Canal cruise.

Enjoy a Front-Row Seat to Panama Canal Wonders

Our mid-sized ships provide an intimate atmosphere, allowing you to experience the Panama Canal — one of the world's greatest engineering marvels. Enjoy extra space while lounging by the pool or taking in the breathtaking views from the deck or bow.

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Holland America Cruise Ship

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Pool on a Holland America Cruise Ship

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