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While it’s true that the series of locks are a means to get from one side of Central America to the other, anyone who passes through cannot help but watch and take countless photos of the incredible engineering mechanisms. As well as the canal, admire the views on the deck of tropical forests that reach inland as far as the eye can see. Discover the rhythms, flavors, and exquisite natural beauty of the Panama Canal and Central America on a wide array of shore excursions. If you like the natural beauty, the music, and the rich culture of the Panama Canal region, you may enjoy visiting these similar destinations.
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In fact, more than 25% of Costa Rica is protected land or national parks. With more than 900 species of birds in this region, bird watchers can be sure to check the Resplendent Quetzal off their list. Scuba dive in its beautiful seas, or zip along a cable through the rainforest tree tops.
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There are so many fabulous encounters with nature available from this port, you'll have a hard time deciding on a shore excursion. A visit to the Tabacon Resort Hot Springs takes you to the slopes of the active Arenal volcano. The Poas volcano features the amazing sight of a huge crater filled with iridescent blue water. Walk through a cloud forest at Villa Blanca, where you're surrounded by mist and water droplets clinging to the vegetation. See one of Costa Rica's renowned rain forests at Pura Vida Gardens, or climb a set of wooden steps up to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Carnival Cruises has a range of Panama Canal cruises leaving from different ports in the US, including Tampa, New Orleans and Galveston.
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Discover ancient ruins, breathtaking architecture, and beautiful rainforests. Founded as an important Spanish port in 1533, the Old Town of Cartagena de Indias—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—remains largely intact behind high stone walls that peer out over the Caribbean. This wonder of engineering, first conceived and built over 100 years ago, has changed the shipping and tourism industries. It has brought us all closer and made the world simpler to navigate by allowing an easier flow of goods and people.
When you pass through the skinny Culebra Cut between Panama City and Gamboa, you’ll have the greenery of a national park on both sides, so this is a good time to look for monkeys and toucans in the trees. Typically, the transit of the Panama Canal takes eight to ten hours, but this depends on how much traffic there is and whether there is any congestion at the massive locks. Start off a breathtaking vacation in the Caribbean and South America.
Celebrity Beyond Holiday Cruise to the ABC Islands and Panama Canal - Royal Caribbean Blog
Celebrity Beyond Holiday Cruise to the ABC Islands and Panama Canal.
Posted: Sat, 16 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Fall in love with the romantic streets and flower-strewn balconies of Cartagena. Sail down the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal and visit a sprawling rainforest preserve in Colon. Take a swim in the warm, turquoise waters of Aruba, go snorkeling at Bonaire’s vibrant Bari Reef, and view magnificent stalactites and stalagmites inside Curacao’s Hato Caves. Add peace of mind and a sense of security to your vacation with a Cruise Plus® Hotel Package.
On Edge-Series ships, the Magic Carpet, suspended over the side of the ship, gives you uninterrupted sea views and is the perfect place to sit with a coffee or cocktail, enjoying the sea air. Or spend part of your Panama Canal transit in the Sunset Bar, at the aft of the ship, for wonderful views of the ships following you. Enjoy exploring all the different dining options, from made-to-order burgers and salads by the pool to French classics and a delightful 3D cartoon animation in Le Petit Chef, and steaks and seafood in the elegant Tuscan Grille. Elevate your experience to The Retreat and you can enjoy fine dining in Luminae, as well as suite accommodation and access to an exclusive lounge. On a transit from Panama City to Colon, the futuristic skyline of Panama City will be on your starboard (right) side.
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Passengers often choose an Atlantic to Pacific or Pacific to Atlantic route, depending on where they live, although you'll gain hours if you choose the latter. (Some people prefer to have their longer one-way flight at the beginning of a trip, instead of the end.) With this trans-canal option, you spend a day on the canal, crossing from ocean to ocean and going through the complete lock experience. If having the full "canal experience" is part of your bucket list -- or if you're an engineering geek and don't care too much about shore excursions within Panama itself -- this trip is for you. Most full Panama Canal cruises do call in the Western Caribbean, the Costa Rican ports of Limon (on the Atlantic side) and Puntarenas (on the Pacific), and Cartagena, Colombia.
For nature lovers, head to Hugh Taylor Birch State Park for trails and biking or travel inland to Everglades National Park for an airboat tour, complete with alligator and egret sightings. Beat the heat with a trip to the Museum of Science and Discovery in downtown Fort Lauderdale, where kids and adults can learn something new. Central America has breathtaking natural areas, perfect for spotting wildlife or hitting the trails.
A sailing from Miami to Los Angeles visits Cartagena, Puntarenas in Costa Rica, and Puerto Vallarta. The Panama Canal is open to ships year-round, but the most pleasant time to cruise is in the winter season, from November to May. During these months, the climate is less humid and there is less rainfall.
During the ride to the top, keep an eye out for local wildlife, including white-faced capuchin and howler monkeys, sloths, butterflies, iguanas, toucans and frogs. In addition to visiting Panama, many itineraries include ports of call in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Colombia or Mexico, which can be the highlight of the trip, especially for outdoor enthusiasts. This is one situation where a balcony cabin offers a unique perspective, but it isn't really a necessity (unlike on an Alaska or Hawaii itinerary, where you're guaranteed gorgeous scenery on either side of your ship). Bigger ships can only squeak through the canal, with two feet (or less) on either side. While the railing of the balcony can give you a better appreciation for just how tight that squeeze is, being up on the bow is the best way to appreciate the full scope of the process.
Other vantage points include the Magic Carpet, cantilevered over the side of the ship, as well as the Rooftop Terrace and the Sunset Bar. Visiting the Panama Canal for the first time is an extraordinary experience, made all the more special if you take some time to learn about this incredible feat of engineering. Stay current with special offers, news and destination-focused content. Gain a deeper understanding of the impressive engineering behind the 48-mile-long Panama Canal connecting the Atlantic and Pacific. Then continue your Viking journey to the heart of the Caribbean & Central America.
When to cruise the Panama Canal will depend on what's most important to you. With the high temperatures and humidity — and the threat of rain — you might want to take tours where you can easily escape from the heat and the showers. If you're in Panama City, visit the vibrant neighborhood of Casco Antiguo in the city's historic district. Cruising with Norwegian means more dining and entertainment options than ever. Passenger ships carrying anywhere between 20 and 2,800 guests pass through the Panama Canal regularly.
The thrill is not over after you go through the canal locks, there's more to see as you travel through the canal, with tropical flora and fauna adorning the way. Once you're crossing the canal, head to the front of the ship for the best view. Cruise from Los Angeles or Miami and pick the trips that make your favorite stops. There's a cruise with stops in Manzanillo, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas. Step into the past as you stroll down the Spanish Colonial lanes of Antigua in Guatemala, a picturesque town with pastel buildings and balconies filled with pink flowers.
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