Cruises in Panama 2026: Cruise Ports, Itineraries, and What Every Traveler Should Know

Reside Panama

Panama is emerging as an exciting cruise destination and gateway for unforgettable maritime experiences. With record cruise traffic expected for the 2025–2026 season, Panama’s two main ports are welcoming more ships and passengers than ever, making the country a must‑see stop on Caribbean and Central American itineraries.

A Record Cruise Season Ahead

Panama is preparing for a busy 2025–2026 cruise season, with 246 cruise ship reservations confirmed by the Panama Maritime Authority — including 76 ships operating as Home Port (where itineraries begin or end) and 170 as Port of Call (port of call stops). These figures reflect a significant uptick in activity compared with previous seasons and highlight Panama’s growing importance in the global cruise market.

Authorities estimate that this season will bring around 324,000 passengers during port of call visits and about 145,600 from home port operations, with even higher numbers possible when embarkation and disembarkation activity is included.

To view cruises in Panama, use the official websites of cruise lines such as:

Each of them provides detailed itineraries through the Panama Canal, or you can use agencies such as Cruceros.com.pa, where you can find offers from multiple cruise lines. You can also use the Portal Logístico de Panamá to view real-time traffic.

Key Cruise Ports in Panama

Port of Amador — Pacific Gateway

The Port of Amador, located on the scenic Amador Causeway in Panama City, is one of the most modern cruise terminals in Central America. With the capacity to handle two large ships at once, each with up to 5,000 passengers, it has become a major hub for Pacific‑bound cruise itineraries.

Passengers arriving in Amador can quickly access Panama City’s cultural and urban attractions, including:

Casco Viejo (Old Town) — Historic neighborhoods with colonial architecture and lively squares.
Panama Canal museums and views — Learn about one of the greatest engineering feats in the world.
Amador Causeway — Perfect for biking, waterfront dining, and panoramic views of the city skyline.

Colón 2000 — Caribbean Port of Call

On the Caribbean coast, Colón 2000 hosts many international cruise calls — especially for ships following Caribbean or Panama Canal‑inclusive routes. The recent home port operation by Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas from Colón marked a milestone: it’s one of the first times this port has served as an embarkation point for Caribbean cruises.

From Colón 2000, travelers can choose from a range of popular excursions:

Partial or full Panama Canal cruise experiences — See the canal locks and the engineering marvel up close.
Portobelo National Park — Historic forts and Caribbean‑coastal rainforest.
Colón city tours — Markets, local food, and cultural insights.

Cruceristas often combine their visit with excursions to the Panama Canal Visitor Center or Gatun Lake nature tours, offering both historical and natural highlights.

Typical Cruise Itineraries

Cruise itineraries including Panama vary widely, offering something for many types of travelers:

1. Caribbean and Central America Routes

Many cruises stop in Panama as part of longer Caribbean or Central American circuits, with ports such as Aruba, Cartagena (Colombia) and other regional destinations. Panama adds cultural richness and historical depth amid tropical settings.

2. Canal Transit Cruises

Some cruise lines offer routes featuring a partial or full Panama Canal transit — an unforgettable experience where passengers witness the canal’s locks and inland waterways firsthand — sometimes the highlight of the entire voyage. These itineraries may span 10–14 nights or more depending on departures and ports of call.

3. Home Port Cruises from Panama

With more ships operating from Panama as a home port, travelers now have the option to start or finish their cruise directly in Panama, providing flexibility for longer land stays before or after sea travel — perfect for exploring Panama City, surrounding parks, beaches, and other attractions.

Excursions and On‑Shore Activities

Once docked, cruise passengers have many exciting options:

Panama Canal tours — Visit the canal from its Caribbean or Pacific entrance.
Eco‑adventures — Birdwatching, rainforest hikes, and river kayaking.
Cultural trips — Explore Afro‑Caribbean heritage, indigenous village visits, and old colonial forts.
Urban experiences — Enjoy performance arts, contemporary gastronomy, and local markets in Panama City or Colón.

Whether you prefer nature, history, or city life, Panama’s port stops offer diverse activities suited to all tastes.

Approximate prices and comparisons

Cruise Line	Typical Duration	Starting Price (USD)	Type of Experience
Royal Caribbean	7 nights	$900 – $1,500	Family-friendly, entertainment, modern ships
Norwegian Cruise Line	7–10 nights	$750 – $1,400	Flexible, modern, diverse
MSC Cruises	7–10 nights	$700 – $1,300	Elegant, international, great value
Carnival Cruise Line	7 nights	$700 – $1,200	Fun, affordable, relaxed atmosphere
Princess Cruises	10–16 nights	$900 – $2,000+	Classic, cultural, Panama Canal routes

Why Panama Stands Out for Cruisers in 2026

Panama’s strategic location between the Pacific and Atlantic, state‑of‑the‑art cruise terminals, and year‑round warm climate make it a highly desirable stop or departure point for itineraries across the Americas. With an expanding list of cruise lines and routes, travelers can expect more choices, longer stays, and richer experiences than ever before.

From world‑class canal experiences to vibrant coastal cultures and natural beauty, a Panama cruise stop delivers a full spectrum of travel experiences — all within one destination.

The Bottom Line

For 2026, Panama’s cruise landscape is bustling with activity, innovation, and promise. With more ships, deeper port infrastructure, and exciting itineraries, cruise passengers — whether stopping briefly or making Panama the start or end of their journey — will find plenty to explore both on and off the ship.

Panama’s twin cruise ports are ready to offer rich cultural, historical, and natural experiences that complement your voyage and make your trip truly unforgettable.