Over 220 cruise ship transits are expected through the Panama Canal during the 2026–2027 season. The season was launched last week with the Carnival Miracle.
The vessel began its northbound passage through the Miraflores Locks, from the Pacific to the Atlantic, as part of a 16-day repositioning cruise departing from Seattle, in the State of Washington.
In a press relase the Canal Authoriy said that this season confirms that the Panama Canal continues to be an attractive strategic route for the cruise industry and reinforces its role in itineraries linking the tourist markets of North America, the Caribbean and the Pacific coast.
In 2027, global demand for cruise passengers is expected to grow by 5%, whilst the global fleet is set to increase by 16 vessels, bringing the total to 490.
Throughout the season, cruise companies such as Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean Cruises will operate itineraries that include either a full or partial crossing of the Panama Canal. Smaller ships are also expected to transit, including the Le Bellot, Star Legend, National Geographic Quest and the Wind Star.
Five cruise ships are to sail along the Panama Canal for the first time this season: the Austral, the Laperouse, the Seven Seas Prestige, the Spirit of Adventure and the Explora III.
39 Neopanamax vessel transits are also scheduled, including three of the largest ships, with a gross tonnage of 177,882 tonnes: the Star Princess, the Norwegian Bliss and the Norwegian Joy.
This programme marks the start of a promising new cruise season for the Panama Canal, with a wide variety of transits, ranging from large Neopanamax vessels to smaller ships offering specialised tourist packages.
The Panama Canal’s cruise season runs every year from October to May.
Translation by Giles Foster
