The Panama Canal is a man-made, 48-mile-long waterway that was created to connect the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. This made sailing from the West Coast of the U.S. to the East Coast and South America — and beyond — far faster. Trade between nations has also increased due to this modern technological marvel.

Panama Canal cruises are sometimes split into two categories: partial and full transits. For instance, a partial transit might sail round trip from Fort Lauderdale, through Gatun Locks to Gatun Lake, and offer stops in beautiful Central American and Caribbean ports, including Cartagena, Limón, Ocho Rios, and Aruba.

Full transit Panama Canal cruises sail one way. You may depart from a west coast city such as Los Angeles or Vancouver, cruise through the Pedro Miguel, Gatun, and Miraflores Locks, and stop in the Caribbean and Central America before sailing up to an East Coast destination port like Miami.

Fleets that offer Panama Canal cruises are as luxurious or as low-key as you like. They include: Oceania, Holland America, Princess, Norwegian, and Seabourn.