Panama Canal - Ocean to Ocean

Relish the best of sand, sun and sea on a cruise from Fort Lauderdale with Princess. The most popular beach resort in Florida is even more rightly famed as the "Yachting Capital of the World," with more than 40,000 registered crafts calling its waters home. The city also prides itself on being the "Venice of America" with more than 300 miles of navigable waterways.

Princess ships generally berth at Pier 2/Terminal 2 in Port Everglades, which is located in the Northport section. This facility is used for both embarkation and disembarkation. Luggage collection, check-in, and immigration and customs inspections are all conducted on the ground level. The second level provides seating for passengers who have been checked in and are waiting to board. On days when multiple ships are in port, another berth may be assigned. Ship pier/terminal assignments are posted at the entrance of the port and will direct you to the appropriate location.

Experience “Voyage to the Stars Planetarium” bringing a stunning indoor planetarium to the sea, displaying real-time images of constellations, planets and galaxies to complement our live stargazing with "Discovery at SEA" experience.

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
  

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

Fuerte Amador, located at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal, is a man-made peninsula extending into the Pacific Ocean. The one-mile (1.6km) causeway is formed by connecting four small islands with rocks from the canal, and hosts shops and restaurants around a marina which serves as a tender dock to visiting ships. Offering panoramic views of Panama City's skyline, the causeway is also home to the Smithsonian Institute of Tropical Research. The tender dock is conveniently located, providing easy access to Panama City with a transfer time of around 25 minutes (14km/8.5mi distance).

Original musicals, dazzling magic shows, feature films, top comedians, and nightclubs that get your feet movin' and groovin' - there’s something happening around every corner, and you have a whole cruise of days and nights to experience it all.

Puntarenas beckons with its rich tapestry of lush landscapes making it a vibrant spot for adventure and relaxation. This coastal city is a treasure trove of biodiversity, offering thrilling activities like zip-lining and river rafting amidst its natural parks, and is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts eager to spot sloths, scarlet macaws, and capuchin monkeys in their natural habitats.

The city's history is as rich as its landscapes, from its indigenous roots to its emergence as a vital coffee exporting hub. Today, Puntarenas thrives with cultural landmarks such as the Casa de la Cultura and the Marine History Museum, blending educational experiences with natural exploration. Whether it's wandering through the Paseo de los Turistas, visiting the NATUWA Macaw Sanctuary, or exploring the Monteverde Cloud Forest, Puntarenas offers a unique blend of cultural and ecological wonders for every traveller.

Puerto Caldera's cruise terminal is approximately 23 kilometers (about 14 miles) from the city of Puntarenas, around 30 minutes away. For transportation, you can opt for taxis, which are readily available at the port, or consider an organized shore excursion to maximize your visit. A must-see is the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, offering a glimpse into the country's diverse flora and fauna.

Take a dip in our sparkling freshwater pools and leave your everyday world behind. Unwind on a padded lounger and soak up the sun, catch up on reading, listen to music or dream of your next adventure on board or ashore. And what better way to relax and revitalize after a day exploring the world than a long soak in one of our whirling hot tubs. And don’t forget, there is always a server nearby to bring you a refreshing cocktail or favourite beverage.

Cabo San Lucas is the sunny resort town on the tip of Mexico’s Baja California. This colourful small town is known for its excellent big-game fishing, great diving spots and challenging surf waves. Ships will anchor offshore in Cabo San Lucas bay and tender guests to shore.

Top things to do in Cabo San Lucas:

• catch the sunset at El Arco de Cabo San Lucas
• snorkel the coral reefs along the Sea of Cortez
• relax on Medano beach
• explore nearby Todos Santos

Prefer to dine on your balcony or while catching a sunset on the top deck? It’s easy with OceanNow®. Order your favorite food and drinks on your smart device or directly through a crew member, and we’ll bring them right to you! Guests with the Princess Plus® and Princess Premier® packages enjoy OceanNow and room service delivery with no charge. Sit back, relax and enjoy not having to stand in line or deal with crowds.​

The Port of San Francisco annually hosts more than 80 cruise ships at the James R. Herman Cruise Terminal (Pier 27) and nearby Pier 35. The terminal is in a prime location, with easy access to popular attractions including Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf, the Ferry Building and Union Square.

One of the most spectacular things about cruising from San Francisco is passing under the Golden Gate Bridge. Make sure you are on the lido deck for the sailaway party. It’s certainly a ‘hold your breath’ moment as the ship sails under the bridge.