To describe the Panama Canal as anything less than awesome would be an injustice. This unbelievable feat of engineering (not to mention human struggle and loss) took over 20 years to complete and when construction finished in 1914 it linked the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific. An 8-hour journey through the canal, from start to finish, is a fascinating process that takes passengers 80 km through three locks. Many cruise lines who feature Panama Canal cruises offer 10 to 14-night itineraries and include ports in Central America, the Caribbean or Mexico along the way.

For a peak into traditional culture, a Panama Canal cruise itinerary may offer a stop in the San Blas Islands. These islands, a stunning archipelago, are home to the Kuna Indians. Their traditional handicrafts include textile art of all sorts and can be purchased locally. A stop in Costa Rica is a perfect opportunity for endless land tours – an adventure seeker’s dream! An eco-walk, for the more timid and white water rafting for the more daring and for the nature lover, beautiful rainforests overhead and are home to almost 900 species of birds and 200 species of mammals.

Often, as your ship cruises the Panama Canal an expert is brought on the ship for the day to give passengers an overview of its history and facts. While on board, you’ll notice that you often have just a foot or two between the hull and the edges of the Canal!

- With more and more mega-ships being built and the Panama Canal only able to transition ships less than 100,000 tonnes, the Colón 2000 project was created. This allows larger ships to enter the port of Colón (the Caribbean entrance near the Canal), where passengers can enjoy shore excursions to learn about the Canal.