Princess Cruises has opened bookings for its upcoming 2024/25 Panama Canal season. According to John Padgett, president of Princess, three ships will transit the Canal during the 2024-2025 season, offering full-transit sailings, ocean-to-ocean or roundtrip options from Ft. Lauderdale. Coral Princess will return to the region, where it was christened in 2003 by the then president of Panama, Mireya Moscoso.
The three ships will operate 26 departures, visiting 23 destinations in 12 countries, including 24 transits through the new locks and 13 transits through the historic locks.
The 12-day roundtrip “Panama Canal with Costa Rica and Caribbean” itinerary is new for Princess. For the first time ever, guests can experience the partial transit of the Panama Canal, have stops in the Southern Caribbean with a late night in Aruba, and enjoy an additional stop in Bonaire or Curacao. This itinerary is ideal for guests who want to experience the Panama Canal transit and unique culture in South and Central America while visiting Caribbean islands and rainforests. All sailings go through the new locks.
For guests who want a full transit experience, the 16-day “Ocean-to-Ocean” itineraries stop in Fuerte Amador, providing an in-depth exploration of the lock system and access to Panama City. These itineraries sail between Los Angeles or San Francisco to Ft. Lauderdale, and Ft. Lauderdale to Los Angeles or San Francisco. All “Ocean-to-Ocean” itineraries sail through the historic locks.
The only way to go through the Panama Canal is via ship, and guests can enjoy an immersive experience with onboard destination experts explaining the history and culture of Panama as ships sail through the locks. Ashore, guests can explore rainforests and wildlife by visiting a sloth sanctuary on an Animal Planet recommended shore excursion.
Guests opting for the “Princess Plus” package for $60 per person per day covering drinks, Wi-Fi and crew gratuities also receive two desserts per day, two fitness classes per voyage, and unlimited juices at almost 60 percent off a retail value of $140 if components are purchased separately. Guests who add the “Princess Premier” package for $80 per person per day can avail of nearly 70 percent savings with $257 per day in total amenity value. They will receive Wi-Fi for four devices, two nights of specialty dining, reserved seating in the Princess Theater (cannot be purchased separately), premium desserts and drinks, unlimited smoothies or juices, unlimited Pure Barre, Yoga Six, Stretch Lab fitness classes, a photo package, signature prizes, complimentary Medallion accessory and crew appreciation.
The 2024/25 Panama Canal season includes visits to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Spanish Fortifications at Portobelo and San Lorenzo (from Colón), The Archaeological Site and Historic District of Panama, and the Port Fortress, or walled city, of Cartagena.
For more information, call 1-800-PRINCESS or visit www.princess.com.
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