{"id":55566,"date":"2024-10-29T14:44:28","date_gmt":"2024-10-29T12:44:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/msccruises.co.il\/?page_id=55566"},"modified":"2024-10-29T14:54:07","modified_gmt":"2024-10-29T12:54:07","slug":"panama","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/msccruises.co.il\/en\/our-cruises\/destinations\/caribbean-cruises\/panama\/","title":{"rendered":"Panama"},"content":{"rendered":"

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PANAMA CANAL CRUISES<\/h1>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Sail through the heart of\u00a0Central America with a Panama Canal cruise<\/strong>, and marvel at the engineering feat that\u00a0connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans<\/strong>\u00a0and ties the Americas by sea. Once a remote and inaccessible region, the Isthmus of Panama now stands as a vital hub of international trade.<\/p>\n

In its\u00a081 kilometre<\/strong>s, the Panama Canal condenses a melting pot of experiences and wonders that you would be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in the world. From the Caribbean vibes of the Atlantic coast, through lush rainforests teeming with life, to the pristine beaches of the Pacific, our Panama cruises offer a truly unforgettable journey. Visit vibrant towns, from the historic\u00a0port city of Col\u00f3n<\/strong>, whose story is intertwined with the Panama Canal construction, to the charming\u00a0Casco Viejo<\/strong>,\u00a0Panama City’s historic district<\/strong>\u00a0and a\u00a0UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/strong>\u00a0renowned for its narrow streets and colourful colonial buildings.<\/p>\n<\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>Read More<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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But it’s the canal crossing itself that’s truly unparalleled. Cruise through the Panama Canal and witness the massive locks, huge water chambers that fill and empty to raise and lower the cruise. Admire the Gaillard Cut, the most challenging and significant part of the Panama Canal’s construction, where the continental divide is located. Enter the Pedro Miguel Locks and the artificial\u00a0Lake Miraflores<\/strong>, another vital component of the Panama Canal. A Panama holiday is a journey into human ingenuity!
\nBook your\u00a0Panama Canal cruise in 2026 with MSC Cruises<\/strong>\u00a0and start planning a true adventure, that will ignite your sense of wonder, open new horizons, and create memories that will last a lifetime.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

HOLIDAYS TO PANAMA: MAKE EVERY MOMENT MEMORABLE<\/h2>\n

From the imposing history of the port city of\u00a0Colon<\/strong>\u00a0and the\u00a0cosmopolitan allure of Panama City,<\/strong>\u00a0to the indigenous villages of the rainforests. With MSC Cruises, your Panama holiday is meticulously planned to ensure you explore the wonders of the region while enjoying the comfort of our ships.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Kayaking at Gatun Lake<\/h3>\n
Nestled amidst Panama’s lush rainforests<\/strong>, the\u00a0artificial Gatun Lake<\/strong>\u00a0is a\u00a0true engineering marvel<\/strong>. Completed for the Panama Canal construction, Gatun was formed by damming the Chagres River and flooding a vast area, thanks to the Gat\u00f9n Dam, one of the largest dams in the world at the time of its construction.
\nToday it is\u00a0one of the main attractions of the country<\/strong>, and it is an unmissable place for a respectable Panama holiday. Especially for nature lovers, Gatun Lake is surrounded by wildlife that boasts particularly lush fauna and flora.
\nSpanning over 164 square miles<\/strong>, Lake Gatun is one of the largest man-made lakes in the world, and with an MSC Cruises excursion, don\u2019t miss the opportunity to go\u00a0kayaking\u00a0<\/strong>on this wonderful lake, admiring its unspoiled nature.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Panama City: a Blend of Old and New<\/h3>\n
The capital city is an absolute must-see during your Panama cruise, and there are more reasons than one! First and foremost, the atmosphere of Panama City, with its incredible blend of colonial past and its modern skyline<\/strong>\u00a0of high-rise buildings reflecting in the sea, makes it a city with truly irresistible charm.
\nGeography is also on its side, situated at the entrance of the Panama Canal on the Pacific Ocean side, it is a city with breathtaking beaches and landscapes. With an MSC Cruises excursion, you can visit the oldest and\u00a0most characteristic heart of Panama City<\/strong>:\u00a0Casco Viejo<\/strong>, which in Spanish means \u201cOld Compound\u201d, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Casco Viejo is a colourful neighbourhood with a vibrant atmosphere, rich in picturesque streets lined with 17th-century churches and old buildings.
\nAlso enjoy a stroll in the modern neighbourhoods of Panama City, with their shopping streets and the opportunity to taste local delicacies such as sancocho and carima\u00f1olas in the characteristic restaurants.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Discovering Ember\u00e1: an indigenous immersion in Panama<\/h3>\n
Embark on a journey deep into the Panamanian rainforest to discover the Ember\u00e1 villages<\/strong>. Primarily concentrated in Panama and Colombia, the Ember\u00e1 people inhabit the provinces of Panama and Dari\u00e9n in Panama, and the Choc\u00f3 department in Colombia. With an MSC Cruises excursion, you’ll have the chance to delve into the lush Chagres jungle and encounter the Ember\u00e1 people.
\nInteracting with this\u00a0indigenous community<\/strong>, you’ll leave the modern world behind and enter an ancient way of life. Living in harmony with nature, the Ember\u00e1 people rely on the rainforest’s resources for their sustenance.
\nWitness\u00a0traditional dances\u00a0<\/strong>performed with passion, listen to the enchanting melodies of their\u00a0music<\/strong>, and learn about their deep connection to the land. With a Panama Canal cruise, you can immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Ember\u00e1 culture.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

PANAMA CANAL CRUISE DEALS<\/h2>\n

Built in 1914, this\u00a0feat of human imagination\u00a0<\/strong>slices its way through the country, rising at times to\u00a026 metres above sea level\u00a0<\/strong>and across an\u00a0ingenious series of locks and artificial lakes<\/strong>. Prepare to be inspired by the Panama Canal’s magnificence with our best Panama cruise deals.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Summer 2026 in Panama<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>
Discover More<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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ALL DEALS<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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UP TO 20% OFF ALL MSC EXCURSIONS
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EASY TRAVEL<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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STRESS FREE DISCOVERY<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

PANAMA PORTS<\/h2>\n

Book a Panama cruise and marvel at the\u00a0ingenious system of locks that seamlessly transition between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans<\/strong>.\u00a0 MSC Cruises’ main port through one of the world’s most iconic waterways is Colon, the starting point for your exploration of this amazing count<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Col\u00f3n cruises via Cristobal<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Step into Panama at the historic port of Col\u00f3n, situated at the Atlantic entrance of the Panama Canal. Col\u00f3n’s history is closely tied to the inception of the Panama Canal, having been founded specifically for the construction of what would become one of the world’s most important waterways.
\nMSC Cruises shore excursions from Col\u00f3n cover some of the key points and highlights of the Panama Canal. From the indigenous Ember\u00e1 villages immersed with nature to the main lakes and locks of the region such as Gat\u00fan and\u00a0Miraflores lakes\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0Agua Claras Locks<\/strong>. A Col\u00f3n cruise also allows you to discover Panama City on the Pacific coast and experience its unique atmosphere by visiting landmarks such as Casco Viejo and San Lorenzo Fort.<\/p>\n<\/div>

FIND YOUR CRUISE<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

PANAMA CANAL CRUISES FAQS<\/h2>\n<\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>When is the best time to cruise the Panama Canal?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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The dry season, from December to April, is the best time for a Panama holiday. During these months, you can expect pleasant weather with sunny days and lower chances of rain.<\/p>\n

MSC Cruises will be offering an unmissable MSC Grand Voyage to Panama in April 2026 with MSC Poesia. This repositioning cruise will start in Miami on April 23rd, arriving in Col\u00f3n, Panama on the 28th. Therefore, you\u2019ll navigate the Panama Canal during one of the year’s most pleasant periods. After crossing the Panama Canal, MSC Poesia will sail to Costa Rica, Baja California in Mexico, and the US West Coast, stopping in San Diego and Los Angeles before concluding in Seattle on May 1st.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>What is the weather like in the Panama Canal?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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In Panama, the dry season extends from December to April. These months are characterized by dry, sunny weather with few rainfalls and temperatures ranging between 28 and 30 degrees Celsius. The rainy season, instead, lasts from May to November.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>How much is a cruise to Panama Canal?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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Throughout the year, you can take advantage of Panama cruise deals and visit this fantastic region at the best price. Additionally, cruises sailing to the Panama Canal are MSC Grand Voyages, which are repositioning cruises generally offered at more competitive prices compared to standard itineraries.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>What to pack for a Panama Canal cruise?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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For the dry season, from December to April, characterized by hot weather and sunny days, your suitcase should include lightweight clothing such as linen shirts, t-shirts, lightweight pants, and summer dresses. We suggest also bringing a light sweatshirt for cooler evenings. As for footwear, comfortable shoes suitable for your excursions along the Panama Canal are recommended.<\/p>\n

For the rainy season, from May to November, lightweight clothing is again recommended, as temperatures remain warm, but with the addition of some long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and sweatshirts for cooler evenings. Regardless of the time of year you choose to embark on your Panama Canal cruise, don’t forget to bring a camera to capture unforgettable moments as you traverse this magnificent region.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>Where do Panama Canal cruises leave from?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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MSC\u2019s cruises to Panama Canal will sail in April 2026 with a fantastic MSC Grand Voyages itinerary. This exceptional repositioning cruise will sail on April 23rd from the glamorous Miami, before heading southwards to the colonial charm of Colombia’s Cartagena, where blooms of Bougainvillea compete with emerald sparkle to catch your eye. The cruise will arrive in Panama, at Colon on April 27th and will navigate the Panama Canal throughout the entire day of April 28th.<\/p>\n

After bidding farewell to Panama, you\u2019ll then heads north to Costa Rica and the historic city of Puntarenas for lush jungles, picture-perfect beachfronts, incredible wildlife and fascinating culture. From there, it\u2019s time to experience Mexico and the talcum-white sands, pelicans, sea lions, and iconic bowed cliffs of Cabo San Lucas. Then, you return to the USA, specifically California and the West Coast. First up is San Diego’s surfer heaven, then stroll down Sunset Boulevard and visit Beverly Hills in star-studded Los Angeles before ending the cruise in sensational Seattle on May 1st, where ancient forests and urban hustle await.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>How long is a Panama Canal cruise?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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MSC Cruises itineraries traverse the Panama Canal in two days and one night. Therefore, you\u2019ll have plenty of time to soak up the ever-changing tropical scenery and spectacular landscapes of this region. The Panama Canal crossing is currently available in April 2026 with one MSC Grand Voyages itinerary of 18-nights. This repositioning cruise sets sail from Miami on April 23rd, hits Panama on the 27th and 28th, and ends in Seattle on May 1st.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>Do MSC Cruises sail through the Panama Canal?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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Yes, MSC Cruises sail through the Panama Canal. The next Panama Canal cruise will sail in 2026 with an unmissable MSC Grand Voyages route.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>How long is the Panama Canal?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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The Panama Canal is 81 kilometers long and connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. While The width of the canal varies along its course. Gatun Lake, with its 350 meters, is the widest part of the canal, while the Culebra Cut is the narrowest part, measuring only 90 meters. You can cruise through the Panama Canal in 2026 with MSC Grand Voyages.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>What is the time zone in Panama?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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Panama uses Eastern Standard Time (EST). This means that Panama is five hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and four behind British Summer Time (BST) in the UK.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>What is Panama's currency?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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The official currency of Panama is the Panamanian Balboa, however, the US dollar is widely accepted and used.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":21,"featured_media":0,"parent":28799,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"100-width.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[269],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-55566","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-countries"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/msccruises.co.il\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/55566","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/msccruises.co.il\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/msccruises.co.il\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/msccruises.co.il\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/21"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/msccruises.co.il\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=55566"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/msccruises.co.il\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/55566\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/msccruises.co.il\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/28799"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/msccruises.co.il\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=55566"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/msccruises.co.il\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=55566"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/msccruises.co.il\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=55566"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}