Through the Locks: Cruising the Panama Canal on Oceania Insignia

By Emma, Editor of Into The Blue magazine

I’ve wanted to embark on a Panama Canal cruise for as long as I can remember. The idea of sailing between two oceans through one of the world’s greatest engineering achievements has always fascinated me, but it wasn’t just the canal that convinced me to book this voyage. Oceania Insignia’s itinerary ticked every box, combining an overnight stay in Panama City with visits to Cartagena, Costa Rica, Honduras and Mexico before finishing in Miami. It felt like the perfect balance of bucket-list experience and discovery.

The ship itself was just as much a part of the appeal. Oceania Cruises has built a reputation around destination-rich itineraries, exceptional dining and a more intimate style of cruising, and Insignia felt perfectly suited to this voyage. Carrying around 670 guests, she’s small enough to visit ports that larger ships often can’t, yet spacious enough to offer all the comforts you’d expect from a premium cruise line. Better still, her size meant she could transit the original Panama Canal locks – something that simply isn’t possible for many of today’s larger cruise ships.

Having now experienced it for myself, I can safely say the entire holiday exceeded every expectation. Yes, the Panama Canal is every bit as fascinating as you’ve probably imagined, but the combination of sailing aboard Oceania Insignia and exploring Central America at a more leisurely pace made this one of the most rewarding cruises I’ve taken.

What It’s Really Like to Transit the Panama Canal

Canal day was the one I’d been looking forward to from the moment I booked the cruise. Our Panama Canal cruise began with a full transit on day one, which was perfectly planned to take place entirely during daylight hours. There was no fear of missing out here, as from the first approach to the Miraflores Locks until we emerged into Gatun Lake, there was always something happening.

There was a real buzz around the ship that morning. Guests were out on deck early with cameras, binoculars and coffee in hand, all keen to find the perfect viewing spot. I don’t think anyone wanted to be the person who disappeared for breakfast and returned having missed part of the transit!

One of the first sights that caught my attention wasn’t actually the canal itself, but the Miraflores Visitor Centre. Looking up from the ship, the viewing platforms were packed with spectators watching vessels make their way through the locks. It really brought home just how significant the Panama Canal is. While we were fortunate enough to be experiencing it from the deck of Insignia, hundreds of people had travelled there simply to watch ships transit from the shore.

As we entered the first lock, the scale of the engineering was hard to ignore. The concrete walls seemed almost within touching distance and, despite knowing the ship would fit perfectly, I found myself wondering just how much room there really was. Watching Insignia glide slowly between the lock walls with such precision was fascinating, especially as the enormous gates closed behind us and the water gradually lifted the ship to the next level.

Having a guide from the Panama Canal Authority on board throughout the transit added so much to the experience. His live commentary explained exactly what we were seeing as we made our way through the locks, covering everything from the canal’s construction and history to the engineering and logistics involved in moving ships between two oceans every day. The commentary was broadcast throughout many public areas, and if you fancied spending some time on your balcony, you could even listen to it through the TV in your stateroom. Later in the afternoon, he also hosted a Q&A in the Insignia Lounge, where guests could ask everything from technical questions about the locks to what it’s really like working on one of the world’s most famous waterways.

He also had an incredible eye for what was happening around us. While most of us were fixated on the locks, he suddenly pointed towards the water alongside the ship. Sure enough, an alligator was swimming calmly beside us. It was one of those unexpected moments that nobody had seen coming, and within seconds cameras were pointing at the water instead of the lock gates. It was a lovely reminder that, despite being one of the world’s busiest shipping routes, the canal is also surrounded by an incredible natural environment.

One of the real advantages of sailing on a ship the size of Oceania Insignia is that we were able to transit the original Panama Canal locks. Running alongside us, the newer Neo-Panamax locks were handling enormous container ships that simply wouldn’t fit through the historic route. Seeing the two systems operating side by side was fascinating. On one side was the original canal that transformed global trade when it opened in 1914; on the other, the modern expansion built to accommodate today’s giant cargo vessels.

I spent much of the day wandering around the ship to experience different viewpoints, but I always found myself returning to the Spa Terrace. Access is included for Concierge Level guests, and because it’s positioned right at the bow, it offered one of the best vantage points on board as we approached each lock. The sloping canopy overhead provided welcome shade from the Panamanian sunshine, making it a comfortable place to settle in for a while without feeling exposed to the heat. Watching the lock gates open directly ahead while the ship edged forward at little more than walking pace is a view I’ll remember for a long time.

Before long, the final lock was behind us and Insignia emerged into the Atlantic Ocean, bringing an unforgettable day to a close. I’d spent hours on deck without once wondering what time it was, completely absorbed by the history, engineering and precision unfolding around us. It was the perfect start to a journey that would continue through Central America and the Caribbean.

Ports Beyond the Panama Canal

Although the Panama Canal was the reason I’d been so excited about this itinerary, it was only one part of a much broader journey through Central America and the Caribbean.

Our first port of call after the transit was Cartagena, Colombia, and it proved to be the perfect introduction to the region. Stepping inside the UNESCO-listed walled city felt like travelling back in time, with its colourful colonial buildings, flower-filled balconies and lively plazas. It’s the kind of place that’s best explored on foot, wandering through cobbled streets, discovering hidden squares and soaking up the atmosphere.

From there, we continued to Puerto Limón in Costa Rica, where dense rainforest stretches almost to the shoreline. The contrast with both Cartagena and canal day couldn’t have been greater. One day I’d been watching lock gates and container ships; the next I was cruising through the Tortuguero Canals, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and keeping an eye out for wildlife. We were fortunate enough to spot plenty of monkeys and sloths, along with colourful birds hidden amongst the trees, before continuing to Cahuita National Park. Walking through the park while spotting wildlife in its natural habitat was a real highlight of the cruise, and I’d wholeheartedly recommend an excursion that combines both the canals and the national park.

Roatán, Honduras, was another destination that exceeded expectations. Before this cruise, I knew relatively little about the island, but its relaxed atmosphere, crystal-clear water and palm-fringed beaches quickly made it one of my favourite ports of call. It has all the charm of the Caribbean yet still feels refreshingly unspoilt.

The final ports, Costa Maya and Cozumel, showcased another side of the region. Both offered beautiful coastline and turquoise water, but each had its own distinct character, from Costa Maya’s gateway to ancient Mayan history to Cozumel’s colourful waterfront, excellent shopping and world-famous reefs.

Looking back, that’s what made this itinerary feel so well balanced. In the space of a couple of weeks, we’d wandered through the historic streets of Cartagena, sailed one of the world’s greatest engineering marvels, explored Costa Rican rainforest, spotted wildlife, relaxed on Caribbean islands and discovered Mexico’s colourful coastline. Every few days it felt as though we had arrived somewhere completely different, and that constant sense of variety is what made this such a memorable voyage.

Is a Panama Canal Cruise Worth It?

Without hesitation, I’d say yes.

For many people, the canal itself is the reason to book, and it certainly lived up to everything I’d hoped for. Watching Insignia pass through the original locks, listening to the commentary from the Panama Canal Authority and spending the day on deck as the ship made its way between two oceans is something I’ll remember for a long time.

What I’ll remember just as fondly, though, is how naturally the rest of the itinerary complemented that experience. Costa Rica’s rainforest, the Caribbean charm of Roatán and the colourful ports of Mexico ensured the journey never stood still. It felt less like a cruise with a headline attraction and more like a carefully planned voyage where each destination added another chapter to the story.

Ready to embark on your own Panama Canal cruise? From Oceania Cruises to Cunard and Princess Cruises, find your sailing by clicking here.