Panama Cruises

Crossing the Panama Canal is one of those journeys that leaves a lasting impression, whatever the time of year. For many travellers, it is a place they can genuinely say they have experienced, particularly when travelling through the canal on a cruise, which allows you to fully appreciate the scale and ambition of its engineering achievement.

The dry season, from December to April, is generally regarded as the most favourable period for a holiday in Panama, thanks to drier days and more consistent weather. However, it is by no means the only time worth considering. The canal is just as compelling in the months that follow, especially in autumn, when repositioning cruises pass through as ships move between regions. Travelling at this time offers a different, often quieter perspective, without diminishing the sense of occasion that comes with navigating one of the world’s most important waterways.

In Panama, the dry season extends from December to April. These months are characterized by dry, sunny weather with few rainfalls and temperatures ranging between 28 and 30 degrees Celsius. The rainy season, instead, lasts from May to November.

Throughout the year, you can take advantage of Panama cruise deals and visit this fantastic region at the best price. Additionally, cruises sailing to the Panama Canal are MSC Grand Voyages, which are repositioning cruises generally offered at more competitive prices compared to standard itineraries.

For the dry season, from December to April, characterized by hot weather and sunny days, your suitcase should include lightweight clothing such as linen shirts, t-shirts, lightweight pants, and summer dresses. We suggest also bringing a light sweatshirt for cooler evenings. As for footwear, comfortable shoes suitable for your excursions along the Panama Canal are recommended.

For the rainy season, from May to November, lightweight clothing is again recommended, as temperatures remain warm, but with the addition of some long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and sweatshirts for cooler evenings. Regardless of the time of year you choose to embark on your Panama Canal cruise, don't forget to bring a camera to capture unforgettable moments as you traverse this magnificent region.

Our Panama Canal cruises set sail on select itineraries operated by MSC Magnifica and MSC Poesia.

On MSC Magnifica, you’ll experience the Panama Canal as part of the unforgettable World Cruise 2027 and World Cruise 2028, our around‑the‑world experiences that include transiting this legendary engineering marvel.

Meanwhile, MSC Poesia offers a series of immersive itineraries that trace the length of the Americas between Miami and Seattle. Depending on the sailing, your cruise may begin in the glamorous buzz of Miami or the vibrant waterfront of Seattle, before leading you on a spectacular route through: Cartagena (Colombia), Colón (Panama), Puntarenas (Costa Rica), Huatulco (Mexico), Cabo San Lucas, San Diego and Los Angeles.

MSC Cruises itineraries typically transit the Panama Canal over two days and one night, giving you the time to take in the changing tropical scenery and the distinctive landscapes that frame the route. These crossings usually form part of longer voyages, most commonly repositioning cruises between Miami and Seattle, or vice versa, with itineraries lasting between 18 and 25 nights.

In addition to repositioning cruises, the Panama Canal can also be crossed as part of an MSC World Cruise, including the itineraries scheduled for 2027 and 2028.

Yes, MSC Cruises sail through the Panama Canal. The next Panama Canal cruise will sail in April 2026 with an unmissable MSC Grand Voyages route.

The Panama Canal is 81 kilometres long and connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. While The width of the canal varies along its course. Gatun Lake, with its 350 meters, is the widest part of the canal, while the Culebra Cut is the narrowest part, measuring only 90 meters. You can cruise through the Panama Canal in 2026 with MSC Grand Voyages

Panama uses Eastern Standard Time (EST). This means that Panama is five hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and four behind British Summer Time (BST) in the UK.

The official currency of Panama is the Panamanian Balboa, however, the US dollar is widely accepted and used.