Panama Canal

Cruising the Panama Canal is something some of us want to do and something others aren't too sure about, so let us give you a few reasons to consider a Panama Canal transit. The Canal itself was fully completed in 1914 and really is a true engineering masterpiece. The 80 kilometre journey Links Mexico and America to the Atlantic the Panama Canal allows ships to cross from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean in hours rather than days. During your transit your cruise ship is guided effortlessly through the locks whilst being just inches away from the Canal's sides. Although a cruise including the Panama Canal crossing is possibly the highlight there are numerous ports of call to explore both pre and post transit.

Panama Canal Ports

Roatan

Found just off the coast of Honduras is a beautiful island filled with lush beaches, botanical gardens, tropical jungles, mangrove canals and if that wasn't quite enough the island also sits pride of place on a glorious tropical coral reef. A popular attraction here is the Carambola Botanical Gardens. Here you can enjoy a guided and informative tour whilst you take in the amazing sights and sounds of the jungle habitat and delicately blooming flowers. The Roatan Butterfly and Birds Garden is also a popular stop amongst those who visit the Carambola Gardens. Here you will find some of the world's most delicate and magnificent butterflies.

Balboa

Balboa can be found at the Pacific end of your Panama Canal transit. Here you will discover the world famous Panama City where you can experience stunning views of the city and its skyscrapers, the chance to do some serious shopping and the opportunity to delve into the city's heritage. The yearly warm climate makes a cruise here truly enjoyable no matter what time of year your crossing. Some places to visit whilst you are here include The Cathedral on Plaza de la Catedral, Museo del Canal Interoceanico also known as the Canal Museum, The National Institute of Culture Building and directly opposite the French Embassy. Whatever you decide to do your visit to Panama City will be unforgettable. Should your visit fall of an evening then be sure to delight in the soft glow of the city's nightly skyline.

Puerto Quetzal

Quetzal is in the increasingly popular country of Guatemala and the Port of Quetzal is the country's largest Pacific Ocean port. There is plenty to see and do here and some more interesting little treats may well await you, for example how about the chance to take an African style safari?! The regions amazing zoo offers you the chance to see Zebras, lions, giraffes and many more up close but from the safety of an assisted tour bus, just as though you were out on a desert safari on the African plains. There is also a walk around area which houses your more common wildlife park animals that can be admired a little more closely. Take a relaxing stroll and enjoy some of the best animals Guatemala has to show you.

Acapulco

Acapulco is Mexico's best loved beach resort destination. Will you be going loco down in Acapulco? We think so. Sitting neatly on the Pacific coast you can find some of Mexico's most glorious beaches, sit back relax and watch the ocean gently caress the shore line as you drift into your Mexican Riviera adventure. If all the relaxation is too much then we strongly suggest a stroll to La Quebrada where you can watch cliff divers plunge 130 feet from the stunning cliffs into the raging blue waters below. The cliff divers are world famous and their jumps must be timed perfectly to coincide with the incoming waves. Shows are daily at lunchtime and early evening so be sure to get there early for a stunning view.