Royal Caribbean
Passengers sailing on Royal Caribbean's Panama Canal cruises have the option of round-trip partial trips or one-way complete trips from Florida; full transits from Florida to Los Angeles or San Diego, California; or the reverse. Typical cruises sail through the Panama Canal from September to April with some cruises available throughout the year. Highlights for adventure travelers include swimming with stingrays at Stingray City in George Town at Grand Cayman, floating down Costa Rica's Tortuguero canals, watching cliff divers in Acapulco or exploring beautiful Cheeseburger Reef in semisubmersibles. On-board activities include rock-climbing walls, various dining options and spas.
Royal Caribbean
9414 International Court
St. Petersburg, FL 33716
(888) 313-8883
royalcarib.com
Crystal Cruises
Since 1994, Crystal Cruises has offered its passengers the two highest-rated ships in the world'Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity. On board either ship for 11 to 22 days, patrons sail toward a Panama Canal journey filled with adventures and discoveries. Depending on packages chosen, guests will find themselves enveloped in the serenity of the Caribbean islands, inspired by the rich cultures and history of South American destinations, immersed in the trendy and chic air of South Beach in Florida or awe-struck by the beauty of coastal cities. Outdoor adventures include swimming with stingrays, cycling through rainforests, kayaking, snorkeling and sailing. Cruises to the Panama Canal sail from November to February.
Crystal Cruises
2049 Century Park East
Suite 1400
Los Angeles, CA 90067
(866) 446-6625
crystalcruises.com
Holland America
With a fleet of 14 midsize ships, Holland America Line takes its passengers to exotic destinations in all seven continents such as the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, Australia, Asia, the Amazon and Antarctica. It offers 10- to 28-day trips to the Panama Canal from September to April with home ports in Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Seattle, Washington; and San Diego and Los Angeles, California, plus Vancouver in Canada. Guests can visit Half Moon Cay, the cruise line's award-winning private island, learn about Guatemala's colonial history, explore Incan and Mayan ruins, see volcanoes in Ecuador and trek the rainforests of Costa Rica.
Holland America Line
300 Elliott Avenue West
Seattle, WA 98119
(877) 932-4259
hollandamerica.com
What to Bring
Bring casual attire such as sport clothes or resort wear, a few swimsuits and low-heeled footwear.
Pack a camera and binoculars.
Evening wear comprises casual clothes, which include slacks and blouses for women and sport shirts plus trousers for men. Smart casual attire means dresses or pantsuits for women and jackets for men. Formal wear includes cocktail dresses for women and suits and ties or tuxedos for men.
