Best Cruise Reviews

Situated in the country of Panama in Central America
is the Panama Canal – a manmade waterway connecting
the great oceans of the Pacific and the Atlantic
together. It is 80 kilometers in length and is wide
enough to accommodate a whole host of ocean-going
vessels, including Panama cruise ships. The Panama
canal marks the only point at which the landmass
of the North American continent and South American
continent are physically separated from each other
– a fact that distinguishes the canal as a true
wonder of the 20th century engineering world.

The Panama Canal was initially designed to cut
travel time for vessels that needed to cross
between the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans.
It first opened its commercial doors on 15 August,
1914 and is now used by more than thirteen
thousand vessels each year. Along the canal’s
length are three sets of locks. The locks act as
water elevators, enabling vessels to traverse
upslope/downslope across the canal terrain.

A Panama cruise takes in the full length of this
magnificent canal, revealing some awe-inspiring
views of an incredible feat of engineering, as
well as offering a tantalizing selection of
tour options along the canal. These include
sailing or kayaking on Gatun Lake, through which
the canal passes. Visitors can also book a tour
of the Panama Canal railroad, which takes in
dramatic views of the canal itself and the Central
American rainforests.

Vibrant Panama City with its eclectic mix of
architecture, people and culture is an essential
excursion to take while on a Panama cruise. The
historical district of Casco Viejo is well worth a
visit, if only to see the remnants of the 17th
century Spanish fortifications there. For
sports-minded cruisers there is a world-class
golf course located just 20-minutes away from
Panama City.

Panama cruises depart from many of the coastal
seaports around the U.S. The most popular cruise
routes are one-way cruises departing from one
port on the Atlantic or Pacific side and ending
at a U.S. port on the opposite coast. Round-trip
cruises are available too. These provide passengers
with more ‘at sea’ time, and use the Panama Canal
as the furthest destination point on the cruise.

Whether one-way or round-trip, Panama cruises
incorporate other stops en-route to the Panama Canal
and are often of between 10-20 nights in duration.
A typical 12-night round-trip Panama cruise itinerary
departing from Florida includes calls at Mexico,
Jamaica, Costa Rica and Columbia as well as taking
in the entire length of the Panama Canal. With so
much variety on offer, its no wonder a Panama Cruise
is top of the vacation wish list of many an American!

Technorati Tags: Caribbean cruise, carnival cruise, cruis, cruise, cruise line, cruise lines, cruise ship, cruise to, cruises, cruises Caribbean, cruising, Disney cruise, family cruises, kids cruises, Norwegian cruise

Panama is one of the most exotic countries with constant cruise destinations and ports because of its many different attractions and of course the gorgeous Panama Canal. When you choose Panama as your cruise destination, there are several different ports you can leave from and different destinations within your cruise you can stop at. It can take some time choosing the destinations you are interested in visiting, and each cruise line offers different routes and ports for your cruise package.

First and foremost is the Panama Canal cruise package. This is by far the most popular Panama cruise tour package because you literally have the opportunity to travel from coast to coast and right through the famous Panama Canal. You can choose to depart from several different ports for this cruise package including Fort Lauderdale, Miami, New York, Seattle, Los Angeles and New Orleans to name the most popular department ports. This makes it incredibly accessible and easy for anyone in the USA to take advantage of this once in a lifetime Panama Canal cruise package.

Not only will you be able to see the Panama Canal at an exceptional view point but you will also be able to view and visit some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Each beach is only a few minutes drive from Panama City, which makes enjoying the beach life and city life of Panama during your cruise activities and days extremely easy. El Palmar is one of the most popular beaches for those of you looking to do water excursions during your free time in Panama, as it offers the most ideal water conditions.

The Panama Canal cruise six immense locks literally raise the cruise ship from sea level up 85feet then gently lower it, sometimes with only inches to spare on each side. This is an experience everyone should enjoy once in their lifetime as it is unique and almost incomparable! As Panama is so far from the USA, you will find the shortest and average length of a Panama Cruise is generally 10-15 days. When you are traveling from coast to coast like this it takes time, this is one of the longest cruise ship tours created today.

What is great about the Panama Canal cruise is your ability to choose whether you are looking for a round-trip cruise or you can simply choose to take the cruise to Panama and then stay there for your vacation and fly home. This type of cruise offers so many different customizable features and destinations that you can literally create the cruise vacation of your dreams through your preferred cruise line.

Take your time planning your Panama Canal cruise and consider the aid of a travel professional to help make sure you have covered every detail and have created the trip of your dreams so when you leave, there is nothing to worry about. Panama is a beautiful country and the ability to see it from all its glory from the ocean and the famous Panama Canal is quite frankly a once in a lifetime opportunity!

Technorati Tags: Caribbean cruise, carnival cruise, cruis, cruise, cruise line, cruise lines, cruise ship, cruise to, cruises, cruises Caribbean, cruising, Disney cruise, family cruises, kids cruises, Norwegian cruise

Originally the Panama Canal was built to shorten the travel time for ships that needed to cross between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It opened to vessels on August 15th, 1914 and is now estimated to be used by no less than 13,000 commercial vessels annually.

Since its early commercial uses the canal has become an exotic travel destination for those who want to travel through the magnificent canal. There are numerous cruises offered and they vary in duration, accommodation, different ports and different routes the cruise takes through the canal. Which ever cruise you choose it will be a memorable vacation that will not be forgotten.

You can choose to embark on your cruise form various different locations. You can leave from Miami, Seattle, Los Angeles, New York, Fort Lauderdale and New Orleans. Because of the many departure points this makes it very convenient to take a Panama Canal Cruise.

No matter were you start your cruise you will be taken across the full length of the canal that will include breathtaking views of an incredible engineering accomplishment while affording you many tour options along the canal. You can Kayak or Sail on Lake Gatun, you can schedule visits to the canal railroad which highlights sites along the canal and takes you through miles of Central Rain forest.

There are six large locks along the canal that lift up the ships form sea level up to eighty five feet and then smoothly lower it. Sometimes there are only inches to spare on each side and this is a site that each of us should experience once in our lifetime.

There was a time when Panama Cruises were thought to be for the old and rich. Now cruises are available for all ages and pocketbooks. The next time you are thinking of taking a cruise make sure you include the Panama Canal as one of your options.

Technorati Tags: Caribbean cruise, carnival cruise, cruis, cruise, cruise line, cruise lines, cruise ship, cruise to, cruises, cruises Caribbean, cruising, Disney cruise, family cruises, kids cruises, Norwegian cruise

Whether you have never yet been on a cruise before, or whether you are cruise junkie, you need to take a cruise to Panama. There are few people on this planet who would not enjoy a Panama cruise.

And there are so many options for Panama cruises! You can start your cruise from San Francisco, Ft. Lauderdale, Vancouver, and many other starting points. You can find a starting point that is close to your location, or you can travel to a starting point and spend a few nights there, turning into and extra, mini-vacation.

There are also a variety of lengths of cruises. You can even find Panama cruises that last for longer than 20 days! Of course, the majority of us cannot afford such a luxury as a 20 day cruise, so do not worry if you cannot, either. There are plenty of shorter cruises that will only require you to take a week or less off from work.

There are also Panama cruises to suit all different styles and budgets. You can find cruises that require formal wear and cruises that require no more than a nice pair of slacks.

Remember, the cost of a cruise includes much more than just the cost of your transportation: it also includes your food, your lodging, activities, entertainment, port taxes, and so much more. In other words, you know in advance (and pay in advance) for all of the major costs of your trip, so you know exactly how much cash you have left over for other things like excursions and souvenirs.

On a Panama cruise, you have plenty of opportunities to explore other cultures, new environments, and that famous man-made wonder, the Panama Canal. There are also adventure opportunities for those who need an adrenaline rush. And Panama cruises do not simply let you explore Panama, but other places, as well.

A sample Panama cruise might take you to: the Panama canal, Golfo Dulce, Corcovdo national park, Darien Junble, isla de Coiba, Drake Bay, Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica, and other fantastic places

To find the best Panama cruise for you, it is best to talk with a travel agent. A travel agent will help you find exactly which cruise line fits your personality (and age) best. A travel agent will help you make sure that your Panama cruise hits all the destinations that you want to see, starts when and where you want it to, and is as long as you want it.

Life is in the journey, and that seems to be one of the themes of Panama cruises – the destination is perfect, but the journey of getting there is just as good.

Technorati Tags: Caribbean cruise, carnival cruise, cruis, cruise, cruise line, cruise lines, cruise ship, cruise to, cruises, cruises Caribbean, cruising, Disney cruise, family cruises, kids cruises, Norwegian cruise

The sea, the sun, and beautiful locations are what cruises are all about. There is something about taking a cruise that makes the adventure of visiting new places and cultures more fun and exciting. Perhaps it is the idea of being on the high seas and discovering unseen parts of the world that appeals to the explorer in all of us.

If you are planning a visit to Panama, then the best way to do it is on a Panama cruise. After all, the country is flanked on two sides by water bodies, the North Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. One of the country’s biggest treasures is its beautiful and exotic marine life. And where better can you experience it best but on a cruise.

Choosing a Cruise

There are plenty of cruises and cruise liners for you to select from. You need to first decide where you want to board the ship. If you live at a port, such as Vancouver or San Francisco, from where the journey begins, you can begin your adventure from your hometown. Otherwise you can choose a port you wish to board from and can spend a few days exploring it.

There are many different types of cruises, such as ones that are rather formal and those that are meant especially for families. So select a cruise that suits your requirements and fits your bill of a perfect cruise. You could choose a cruise that is a week long or one that has you sailing for over a fortnight. You also need to decide if you want to end your cruise at Panama and travel to the interior of the country or only restrict yourself to the coastal areas.

A Panama cruise often also includes a stop at Costa Rica and you may enjoy seeing the country too. Of course, finally your budget for the cruise will also play a pivotal role in your choice of cruises. Most cruises to Panama stop at some of the most beautiful parts of the country. This would include stops at San Blas islands, Isla De Coiba, the Panama Canal, Golfo Dulce, Corcovdo National Park and Darien.

One of the wonderful things about taking a cruise is that you don’t have to bother with travel arrangements, food and accommodation details. Also you don’t have to worry about catching a flight or a train to get from one place to another. This helps make your holiday truly relaxed and enjoyable. The cost of a Panama cruise would depend on many factors, including the length of the cruise, accommodations and services.

Best Time to Go

The tourist season in Panama begins in September and goes on till April. The winter months here are relatively dry while the summer ones are rainy. You should also decide on the time of your cruise according to the kind of climate you prefer. January and February can be quite hot in the daytime, while April is relatively cooler. If you are interested in diving and whale sighting then check for the best season for these activities. Irrespective of when you choose to take a cruise to Panama you can be assured that it will be an experience of a lifetime.

In case you want to take a short cruise to experience what it is like to cross the Panama Canal, you can also do so. You can also embark on any of the chosen ports and decide to continue your holiday of the Central American countries.

A Panama cruise is a wonderful way to arrive in this wonderful tropical paradise. There are plenty of cruises to choose from and you are sure to find one that suits you well.

Technorati Tags: Caribbean cruise, carnival cruise, cruis, cruise, cruise line, cruise lines, cruise ship, cruise to, cruises, cruises Caribbean, cruising, Disney cruise, family cruises, kids cruises, Norwegian cruise

The Panama Canal often comes to mind when we think of the country’s up north and is most likely the single best known among Americans. The canal bridges the Isthmus of Panama which connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. It defined its country’s predestination since the beginning of the Spanish settlement. Commonly hailed as the Crossroads of the world, it is the shipping center with over thirteen thousand boats fleeting the canal from ocean to ocean to myriad destinations every year.

The history of the Panama Canal which was built by the United States recedes to 16th century when it was suggested after recognizing the riches of Peru, Ecuador, and Asia. The realization that cutting out a piece of land somewhere in the country would make trips shorter and faster and the risk of enchanting the reserves throughout the isthmus would validate such an endeavor. Its opening on 1914, symbolized the fulfillment of a valiant vision for more than 400 years. One of the hardest ever won by human initiative and is one of the world’s best engineering wonders.

Sustainable and adequate tourism and nature management and conservation activities such as wildlife and flora and vegetation watching sites are being developed and cultivated in less-developed areas of the former Canal Zone.

The Panama Canal has made it to be a worldwide business hub and an international attraction with more than ninety years, exotic flora and fauna. As an end result, its economy is now strongly based on services such as tourism and trans-shipment, free-trading operations, banking or financial services, commerce and private industries.

To make certain upcoming competitiveness, the Panama Canal Administration plans to dig a new additional set of wider, deeper and larger locks at a cost of $5.2 billion that would make path for modern container ships, cruise liners, tankers and vessels that are extremely large for its present 108-foot-wide locks. This plan is said to be the biggest innovation plan in the 92-year history of the Panama Canal. The excavation work for the channels leading to the new locks is under way targeting its completion by 2015.

Panama Canal cruises have become one of the most popular way to visit the Panama Canal and its cruise season runs from late September to April. While on the Panama Canal cruise sailing through the lock, just inches from the canal side, you can look out the hostile jungle beyond with its flora and fauna, gaze at the tropical birds overhead and take in the babble and yells of the rain forest’s natural world as you go. Whether you are planning an extravagant cruise or just a last minute getaway, a short sailing or an extended trip, Panama Canal cruise makes available the fun, relaxation and indulging holiday and retreat.

Many have returned to that stunning and interesting Panama that they had just only viewed from a passing freighter, tanker, passenger ship or vessel. Being one of the few amazing engineering efforts, the Panama Canal ought to be on everyone’s list of must-see places.

Technorati Tags: Caribbean cruise, carnival cruise, cruis, cruise, cruise line, cruise lines, cruise ship, cruise to, cruises, cruises Caribbean, cruising, Disney cruise, family cruises, kids cruises, Norwegian cruise