The Panama Canal & Suggested Port of Call Itineraries

Tips and Guides, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, The Panama Canal, Holland America Line,
18/Apr/2023

Jetline Cruise - Cruising Through the Panama Canal

Thinking about taking a cruise through the Panama Canal? Jetline Cruise can make your dreams come true! We offer cruises that depart from both the Pacific and Atlantic sides of the canal, so you can choose which route is best for you. Our cruises include all meals, onboard entertainment, and exciting excursions to popular tourist destinations. Book your Panama Canal cruise today and start planning your dream vacation!

Traveling to Panama - What to Expect

When traveling to Panama, it's important to be aware of the culture, customs, and geography before embarking on your journey. Panama is known for its lush tropical rainforest and diverse wildlife, so don't forget to bring a pair of binoculars.

When in the capital city of Panama City, you will find a modern metropolis with an impressive skyline boasting colonial architecture as well as recently constructed high-rises. The local people are incredibly friendly, so don't hesitate to make some new friends. Always remember to respect their traditions and customs, making sure that what you wear meets local standards of dress code.

As for food, seafood holds a significant role in traditional Panamanian cuisine, so make sure you plan at least one meal at a seaside seafood restaurant. Take your time while exploring this beautiful country and have safe travels.

The History of the Panama Canal

The Panama Canal has a long and interesting history. Constructed at the beginning of the 20th century, it was an immense engineering feat that still stands today as a globally recognized symbol of human ingenuity and ambition. For centuries, even before its construction, the tremendous effort had gone into finding a way to connect the Atlantic and Pacific oceans with a canal across the Isthmus of Panama.

The Panama Canal project was undertaken by the French during the 1880s but failed after 15 years of mismanagement. In 1904 however, work began again and only 10 years later, on August 15th, 1914, the newly built man-made waterway officially opened for shipping traffic providing much-needed maritime access between East and West. To this day it continues to play an integral role in global trade and will remain one of the engineers’ most impressive accomplishments for many years to come.

Touring the canal on a Jetline Cruise

Taking a Jetline Cruise down the canal promises to be an unforgettable experience. There is no better way to appreciate the beauty of the landscapes, cities, and sites along the canal than from a cruise ship.

Experienced guides provide informative tours tailored to each group's interests, ensuring that you'll make the most of your trip. Friendly service and luxurious accommodations make the touring experience perfect for visiting friends and family or even just taking some time away with your special someone.

See some of our amazing Panama Canal Cruise Experiences below:

Princess Cruises - Full Transit
Norwegian Cruise Line - Premium All-Inclusive
Holland America - Grand Panama Canal
Royal Caribbean - Panama Canal Collection

What to see and do in Panama City

Panama City is one of the most exciting cities to visit in Central America. Located in Panama, it offers plenty of activities and attractions that will keep you busy. From exploring the nearby Panama Canal to enjoying delicious seafood, shopping for souvenirs in the unique markets, or visiting the city’s not-to-be-missed historic monuments, no matter what you are interested in, there is something for everyone.

For those who love nature and wildlife, there are beautiful beaches and lush forests to explore along with a variety of activities like fishing, kayaking, and zip-lining. To get a glimpse into local culture and history, historic sites include Casco Viejo and Las Bovedas Prison Museum.

There are also plenty of high-quality restaurants offering fresh local cuisine to international options, making it a great destination to take your taste buds on an adventure.

Tips for making the most of your cruise

Cruises can be an unforgettable experience and a great way to explore the world, but to get the most out of your voyage, it helps to have some preparation. Before you board, research popular and less busiest times to cruise so that you can avoid crowds while still enjoying as many activities as possible. You'll also want to select dining options carefully, as each cruise offers different options for varying budgets.

Be sure to double-check the mandatory tipping rate or policy so that you can budget accordingly for that expense, as well. However, if you decide to spend your time in transit and at each port of call, make sure you take plenty of pictures so that you can revisit this incredible journey.

From the rainforest to the city, there’s so much to explore on a Panama Canal cruise, and with our tips, you’re sure to have an amazing time.

Cruise Itinerary and Suggested Things to Do

Here is the itinerary for a cruise on the Norwegian Bliss and a suggested itinerary of excursions you can take from each port of call:

Day 1 - Miami (Overnight Hotel)
Day 2 - Embark Ship
Day 3 - At Sea
Day 4 - At Sea
Day 5 - Cartagena, Colombia
Day 6 - Panama Canal (Full Transit)
Day 7 - Panama City, Panama
Day 8 - At Sea
Day 9 - Puerto Quetzai, Guatemala
Day 10 - At Sea
Day 11 - Acapulco, Mexico
Day 12 - At Sea
Day 13 - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Day 14 - Mazatlan, Mexico
Day 15 - Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Day 16 - At Sea
Day 17 - Disembark Ship (Home time)

Suggested Itinerary for each Port of call:

Day 5 - Cartagena, Colombia:

Morning:

  • Start your day early and head to the historic walled city of Cartagena, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Take a walking tour of the city with a knowledgeable local guide who can show you around and share stories about the city's history and culture.
  • Visit some of the iconic landmarks in the walled city, such as the San Felipe Castle, the Plaza Santo Domingo, and the Cathedral of Cartagena.

Late morning/early afternoon:

  • After the walking tour, head to the Getsemani neighborhood for a taste of local culture and street art. This vibrant neighborhood is home to many murals and graffiti, as well as small shops and restaurants.
  • Have lunch at one of the local restaurants in Getsemani and try some traditional Colombian dishes, such as arepas or empanadas.

Day 7 - Panama City, Panama:

Morning:

  • Start your day early and head to the Panama Canal, which is one of the most impressive engineering feats of the 20th century. You can take a guided tour of the canal, which will take you through the locks and give you a glimpse into the history and operations of this important waterway.

Late morning/early afternoon:

  • After the canal tour, head to Casco Viejo, which is the historic district of Panama City. Take a walking tour of the area and visit some of the iconic landmarks, such as the Plaza de la Independencia and the San Jose Church.
  • Have lunch at one of the local restaurants in Casco Viejo and try some traditional Panamanian dishes, such as ceviche or arroz con pollo.

Afternoon:

  • After lunch, head to the Causeway Islands, which are a series of small islands connected by a causeway to the mainland. Here you can enjoy beautiful views of Panama Bay and the city skyline.
  • Rent a bike or take a stroll along the causeway and visit some of the attractions on the islands, such as the Frank Gehry-designed Biomuseo or the duty-free shopping center.

Day 9 - Puerto Quetzai, Guatemala

Morning:

  • Start your day early and head to Antigua Guatemala, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most charming colonial towns in Central America. The town is about an hour away from Puerto Quetzal, so consider booking a private tour or taking a shuttle.

Late morning/early afternoon:

  • After arriving in Antigua, take a walking tour of the town with a local guide who can show you around and share stories about the town's history and culture. Visit some of the iconic landmarks in Antigua, such as the Cathedral of Santiago and the Santa Catalina Arch.
  • Have lunch at one of the local restaurants in Antigua and try some traditional Guatemalan dishes, such as pepián or chiles rellenos.

Afternoon:

  • After lunch, head to the Pacaya Volcano, which is one of the most active volcanoes in Guatemala. You can take a guided tour of the volcano and hike to the summit, where you can see lava flows and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Alternatively, you can visit some of the coffee plantations in the area and learn about the process of growing and harvesting coffee beans.

Day 11 - Acapulco, Guatemala

Morning:

  • Start your day early and head to La Quebrada, which is one of the most famous attractions in Acapulco. Watch as divers jump off a cliff into the ocean from a height of over 130 feet.
  • After the show, take a short walk to the nearby Fort of San Diego, which is a museum that showcases the history of the city.

Late morning/early afternoon:

  • After the fort, head to the Zocalo, which is the main square of Acapulco. Take a walking tour of the area and visit some of the iconic landmarks, such as the Cathedral of Nuestra Señora de la Soledad and the Municipal Market.
  • Have lunch at one of the local restaurants in the Zocalo and try some traditional Mexican dishes, such as tacos or enchiladas.

Afternoon:

  • After lunch, head to the nearby La Roqueta Island. Take a boat tour around the island and enjoy the beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters.
  • Alternatively, you can visit the Acapulco Botanical Garden, which is a beautiful garden with over 5,000 species of plants.

Day 13 - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Morning:

  • Start your day early and head to the Malecon, which is a scenic boardwalk that runs along the beach. Take a stroll and enjoy the views of the ocean and the sculptures along the way.
  • After the Malecon, visit the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which is a beautiful church with a distinctive crown-shaped tower.

Late morning/early afternoon:

  • After the church, take a taxi or bus to the nearby town of Sayulita. This charming town is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant art scene.
  • Have lunch at one of the local restaurants in Sayulita and try some traditional Mexican dishes, such as ceviche or tacos.

Afternoon:

  • After lunch, head back to Puerto Vallarta and visit the Vallarta Botanical Gardens. This beautiful garden is home to a wide variety of plants and wildlife, as well as a butterfly sanctuary.
  • Alternatively, you can take a boat tour to the nearby Marietas Islands, which are popular spots for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Day 14 - Mazatlan, Mexico

Morning:

  • Start your day early and head to the historic center of Mazatlan, which is known as the Centro Historico. Take a walking tour of the area and visit some of the iconic landmarks, such as the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and the Angela Peralta Theater.
  • After the historic center, head to the Mercado Municipal, which is a bustling market where you can find local handicrafts, fresh produce, and traditional Mexican snacks.

Late morning/early afternoon:

  • After the market, head to the nearby El Faro Lighthouse, which is the highest-operating lighthouse in the world. Enjoy the panoramic views of the city and the ocean from this vantage point.
  • Have lunch at one of the local restaurants in the nearby Olas Altas neighborhood and try some traditional Mexican seafood dishes, such as ceviche or shrimp tacos.

Afternoon:

  • After lunch, head to the nearby Stone Island, which is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. You can take a boat tour of the island and enjoy the beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters.
  • Alternatively, you can visit the Mazatlan Aquarium, which is one of the largest aquariums in Mexico and home to a wide variety of marine life.

Day 15 - Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Morning:

  • Start your day early and head to the nearby El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, which is a distinctive rock formation at the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula. You can take a boat tour of the area and enjoy the stunning views of the ocean and the rock formations.
  • After El Arco, head to the nearby Lover's Beach or Medano Beach, which are beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters. Enjoy some swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Late morning/early afternoon:

  • After the beach, visit the nearby Marina Cabo San Lucas, which is a beautiful marina with many shops, restaurants, and cafes. Take a stroll and enjoy the views of the boats and the ocean.
  • Have lunch at one of the local restaurants in the marina area and try some traditional Mexican dishes, such as fish tacos or guacamole.

Afternoon:

  • After lunch, head to the nearby San Jose del Cabo, which is a charming town with beautiful architecture and art galleries. You can take a taxi or bus to the town and explore the historic center, which is known as the Old Town.
  • Alternatively, you can visit the nearby Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, which is a protected area with beautiful coral reefs and marine life. You can take a boat tour or go snorkeling or scuba diving.