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Taking over thirty years to construct, at a cost of almost $382 million, the Panama Canal stands as one of the seven wonders of the modern world. Now, more than a century since its completion, over 13,000 ships traverse its waters annually. This engineering marvel shaves almost 8,000 miles off a voyage circumnavigating the southern tip of South America, providing seamless access between east and west.
Considered by many as the eighth wonder of the world, the Panama Canal is a must-see destination for global travelers. The result of historic collaboration among nations, a Panama Canal cruise offers a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, best enjoyed by sailing through this remarkable feat of engineering. Whether you marvel at the ingenuity behind the Panama Canal's creation or relish cruising through this historically significant region, the experience is unparalleled.
The massive locks, responsible for regulating water levels in the canal, enable ships to traverse this 51-mile "water bridge." The entire journey takes approximately nine hours, during which ships are raised and lowered a total of 170 feet as they cross from the Caribbean to the Pacific, navigating the Isthmus of Panama and crossing the Continental Divide.
Colon, the second-largest city in Panama, sits on the Atlantic coast at the Caribbean entrance to the canal. Designated a duty-free port in 1953, it boasts the world's largest Free Trade Zone outside Hong Kong. Colon's vibrant history is steeped in tales of pirates lurking in its waters and gold rush adventurers hacking through Panama's jungles in search of California's riches. Today, tourists are the treasure hunters in Colon, discovering fantastic shopping opportunities and savings.
Fuerte Amador, located at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal, is a man-made peninsula jutting into the Pacific Ocean. As a bustling cruise hub, it serves as an ideal starting point for further exploration. From here, immerse yourself in the sights of Panama City, the dynamic trade capital of the region.
