Panama Canal - Panama City

Panama is a cosmopolitan, dynamic city, where the modern and the traditional come together to create a cheerful and relaxed atmosphere. Three main sections make up the city, the historical ruins of the 16th century called Panama Viejo, the 17th century Spanish Colonial Casco Viejo and the modern skyscraper city.

Top Things to Do in Panama City:

• explore Portobelo National Park
• watch ships pass through the Panama Canal
• shop until you drop at the Duty-Free Zone
• ride a vintage train on the Panama Railway

Cartagena is a feast for the senses, with its consistently warm air, bright colours, history and nightlife. Filled with legends, romance and splendour, the walled city features Spanish colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and cultural sites. Ships will dock at this port.

Top Things to Do in Cartagena:

• join a walking tour through the city
• visit the Rosario Islands
• explore the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
• visit the chocolate or emerald museums
• wander the streets of Old Town and the Plaza Santo Domingo
  

When you cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line you'll have plenty of great places to shop. Whether you are looking to splurge on yourself at one of our onboard boutiques or you want to shop for gifts for your friends and family on shore, our friendly staff will help you find exactly what you are looking for. Check your Freestyle Daily for shopping seminars, special sales and more on shopping while you cruise with us.

Dutch influence still lingers on this balmy Caribbean island, part of the former Netherlands Antilles until its independence in 1986. Aruba is a contrast, the island's arid interior is dotted with cactus and windswept divi-divi trees while secluded coves and sandy beaches make up its coast.

Top Things to Do in Aruba:

• 4WD through the Aruba Arikok National Park
• explore the islands capital, Oranjestad
• climb the steps to the summit of Hooiberg
• swim and relax at Eagle Beach
• snorkel or dive the Antilla shipwreck

Incredibly white sands and cobalt blue seas make the small island of Aruba a popular destination. In the bustling freeport town of Oranjestad, sherbet-coloured Dutch colonial buildings, draped in bougainvillea, oleander and hibiscus are simply picturesque. Ships will dock at the cruise terminal. 

Top Things to Do in Oranjestad:

• 4WD through the Aruba Arikok National Park
• visit the National Archeological Museum
• climb the steps to the summit of Hooiberg
• swim and relax at Eagle Beach
• snorkel at De Palm Island

Kralendijk, the capital of Bonaire, welcomes cruise ships at the North and South Piers. The town center is a mere 500 meters (0.3 miles) away, easily reachable on foot within 5-10 minutes. This proximity allows travelers to explore Kralendijk’s charming streets, colorful buildings, and local shops without hassle. A short trip of about 8 kilometers (5 miles) takes you to the stunning beaches of Lac Bay.

Discover a touch of old Amsterdam transported to an island paradise. The capital of the Caribbean island Curacao, Willemstad is famous for its technicolour UNESCO World Heritage Site city centre. Ships will dock at the port.

Top Things to Do in Willemstad:

• explore Christoffel National Park
• snorkel in Caracas Bay
• ride the trolley train through Willemstad
• relax on Cas Abao Beach
• visit the Hato Caves
• join an underwater tour in a semi-submarine

When it comes to the award-winning entertainment on board our ships, you won't believe your eyes or even your ears. Journey from the gritty streets of New Jersey to glamour and international fame with Jersey Boys. Put on your dancing shoes for Footloose. From hit Broadway musicals to buzzworthy original shows, discover the best entertainment at sea with Norwegian.

This bustling city is home to extravagant open-air markets that buzz with commerce, fascinating architecture and historical museums. Beyond the city lies a land that features thick rainforests, meandering rivers, and a variety of exotic wildlife. Ships will dock at the cruise terminal.

Top Things to Do in Puerto Limon:

• ride an aerial tram through the canopy of the Braulio Carrillo National Park
• cruise the waters of the Tortuguero Canals
• spot native animals in Cahuita National Park
• visit the wildlife rescue centre

The Panama Canal, a marvel of engineering, links the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, facilitating global maritime trade. Stretching approximately 80km/50mi, this intricate waterway features three locks - Miraflores, Pedro Miguel, and Gatun - that elevate and lower vessels to overcome the variation in sea levels.

The Miraflores Locks' visitor center offers an insightful experience, allowing observers to witness massive ships navigating the locks. The Gatun Locks, a crucial part of the canal, showcase the impressive process of raising and lowering water levels to enable the passage of ships.

Traversing the Panama Canal provides a firsthand glimpse into the intricate operations that have shaped international shipping for over a century.

Panama is a cosmopolitan, dynamic city, where the modern and the traditional come together to create a cheerful and relaxed atmosphere. Three main sections make up the city, the historical ruins of the 16th century called Panama Viejo, the 17th century Spanish Colonial Casco Viejo and the modern skyscraper city.

Top Things to Do in Panama City:

• explore Portobelo National Park
• watch ships pass through the Panama Canal
• shop until you drop at the Duty-Free Zone
• ride a vintage train on the Panama Railway