Would you get up early on vacation to see one of the finest works of engineering ever created? If the response is yes, pay attention: Last-minute voyages via the Panama Canal are being discounted by a number of cruise lines.
With Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America, Princess Cruises, and other cruise lines, if you can set sail in the next two months, you may save a tonne of money on this must-see location.
In order to save time by avoiding a more southerly route through South America, cruise ships frequently pass the Panama Canal when repositioning from coast to coast in the United States. When that occurs, travelers may be able to score huge savings, and not just on older ships.
In fact, a trip on Norwegian's practically brand-new Norwegian Encore, which made its debut in late 2019, is now one of the best offers.
The best Panama Canal cruise offers for spring departures are listed here.
Panama Canal cruise deals
If you've been itching to cruise the Panama Canal, here is a sample of approximately a dozen current sailings that may provide excellent value:
• A 21-day Miami-to-Seattle sailing on Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Sun, leaving April 21, from $799 per person ($38 per person, per day) for an inside cabin.
• A 16-day cruise aboard Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Encore from Miami to Los Angeles (San Pedro), leaving on April 16, is available for $689 per person (or $43 per person, per day) for an inside cabin.
• A 17-day itinerary traveling from Miami to Seattle on the Carnival Spirit, which departs on April 16, is available for as little as $749 per person (or $44 per person, per day) for an inside cabin.
• A 19-day Fort Lauderdale-to-Los Angeles (San Pedro) journey on Princess Cruises' Emerald Princess, setting sail April 16, from $849 per person ($45 per person, per day) for an inside cabin.
• A 22-day trip on Holland America's Volendam from Fort Lauderdale to Vancouver, departing on April 15, starts at $1,099 per person ($50 per person, each day) for an inside cabin.
• A 16-day trip from Los Angeles (San Pedro) to Fort Lauderdale on Princess Cruises' Island Princess, leaving May 11, costs $849 per person ($53 per person, per day) for an inside cabin.
Things to consider
There are a number of factors that make these sailings so cost-effective, so you should think about them all before making a reservation to see if they still offer a good overall value to you.
Costs shown are exclusive of taxes, fees, and port charges, which can add up to several hundred dollars per person. The prices are also for inner cabins, which are enclosed and don't have windows or balconies. The cost will go up if you upgrade to a different cabin type. (You'll probably want a vista during a Panama Canal voyage.)
Each of these sailings lasts for more than two weeks, and some even go for over three. These cruises are not for you if you don't have a lot of vacation time or can't be gone for so long. Also, because these sailings are for repositioning, the itineraries may include more sea days than a regular trip.
These voyages via the Panama Canal also don't start and finish in the same ports. This necessitates the purchase of open-jaw flights, which are generally more expensive. It might be a problem given how expensive flight is at the moment.
In conclusion
If you have two or three weeks to spare and are prepared to leave within the next two months, pack your luggage. These offers are an inexpensive option to go via the Panama Canal, a must-see location that will leave you in amazement.
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