The Panama Canal is a bucket-list destination for many cruisers. It’s a marvel of engineering and history, but here’s the thing—a Panama Canal cruise is not easy to check off your bucket list.
In this post, I’ll share why Panama Canal cruises aren’t easy to book and how we found an alternative. A Royal Caribbean Panama Canal Shore Excursion: Agua Clara Locks and Fort San Lorenzo Tour.
First, why are cruises that transit the canal challenging to cross off that cruise bucket list?
1. There are limited sailings available. In many cases, the ships that transit the canal are repositioning from the west coast to the east coast or vice versa. This means there may be two passages per year (roughly April and October). Only a small number of ships make this transition. Additionally, despite the new locks, these sailings are typically offered on the smaller/older cruise ships, such as Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas.
2. It often comes with a premium price tag – for both the ship and the guests. It’s extremely expensive for ships to transit through the canal. This fee can be several hundred thousand to up to a million dollars for larger ships. Yikes! No wonder cruise lines usually offer this on their smaller ships as fees are based on size and capacity.
3. Transiting the canal usually requires a long itinerary of 14+ days, which isn’t an option for many cruisers. Throw in the added expense of flying to/from multiple cities, and the costs and time really add up.
An Alternative Panama Canal Cruise Option
But that doesn’t mean you can’t still experience this iconic waterway! During our recent Explorer of the Seas cruise, our ship didn’t transit the Panama Canal, BUT…we did have a port day in Colon, Panama.
I found a great workaround—a shore excursion that brought us up close and personal with this legendary passage. While we still would like to transit the canal someday, our experience was great.
Our Objective: See the Panama Canal
We booked our tour through the cruise line, which offered a visit to the Agua Clara Locks (the “new locks” on the canal) and a stop at the historic Fort San Lorenzo. It felt like the perfect compromise—an opportunity to check the Panama Canal off our list without the long itinerary or steep costs of a full transit.
Royal Caribbean Shore Excursion: San Lorenzo and Canal Locks
Tip: If you’re planning something similar, keep an eye on your cruise planner for tour options and prices. These excursions can vary, so it’s good to book early if it’s high on your list! We grabbed this tour during a Black Friday sale for only $69 per person!
Setting Off: A Crowded Start but Good Vibes
Our tour kicked off outside the cruise terminal. It wasn’t the smoothest start—the meeting point was a bit chaotic, and the group was large. But the guides were clearly doing their best, and their enthusiasm set the tone for the day. Once we boarded the motorcoach, things started falling into place, and the tour went smoothly.
Related Post: What to Pack in Your Shore Excursion Day Bag
The Journey to the Canal
Our guide shared fascinating tidbits about life around the Panama Canal as we drove through Colon. Did you know Panama’s Free Trade Zone is a bustling hub of commerce, where virtually billions of dollars change hands daily? Or that the canal handles on average 28 ships a day, generating a whopping $1 million daily or 3.5 billion a year.
And then there’s the canal—8 to 10 hours for a ship to pass through the locks! It’s incredible to think about the scale and precision of it all.
Related Post: When to Book Your Shore Excursions through the Cruise Line
Agua Clara Locks: A Front-Row Seat to History
At the Agua Clara Locks, we got an up-close look at the canal’s new expansion. The visitor center here is top-notch, complete with:
- Educational videos explaining the canal’s history and operation.
- Fantastic views of ships in Lake Gaton and awaiting the locks.
- Information guides are available to answer questions and share information.
- A playground and facilities make it family-friendly.
Next Stop – Fort San Lorenzo: The Unexpected Photo Op
Our next stop was the historic Fort San Lorenzo, and I wasn’t expecting to be as blown away as I was. This fort, perched above the Caribbean Sea, offers jaw-dropping views that make it feel like stepping into a postcard.
The fort itself isn’t as grand as many you’ll find in the Caribbean, but it’s surrounded by lush greenery and ocean views that add to its charm.
We had plenty of time to explore, snap photos, and soak in the area’s serene beauty. Honestly, the views here were so stunning they earned the title of “most screen-saver-worthy moment” of our cruise.
However, I have to share, that while it was STUNNING, we also saw the biggest ant hills we have ever seen in our lives. They didn’t even look like ant hills until you got up close. They looked like huge mounds of dirt. It was unbelievable. I kept my distance!
Final Thoughts: A Must-Do Excursion
If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing the Panama Canal but don’t have the time or budget for a full transit, this shore excursion is a perfect alternative. The combination of history, engineering marvels, and stunning views made it one of the highlights of our trip.
If you’d like to venture to the locks independently, taxis are available at the report and for return at the visitor center. Entry to the Agua Clara Visitor Center is $10 per non-resident adult and $5 for children 12 and under. While this option might be better for allowing you to spend as much or as little time at the visitor center, the taxi rate is unknown and variable depending on traffic. While we normally prefer exploring on our own, we felt the price of the tour was very reasonable for what was included.
This tour reminded me that sometimes, travel isn’t about checking off a box—it’s about finding creative ways to experience the world’s wonders, even if it’s not the exact way you had originally planned. While we still hope to one day cruise and experience a full transit, this was a great experience and we are very glad we took advantage of the opportunity!
Worrier’s Guide:
- Book early! Tours like this are popular and can sell out quickly.
- Bring water and sunscreen—it’s hot and humid in Panama.
- Be ready for some walking; the visitor center is quite large. However, a shuttle will go from the top section to the lower section of the center.
- Clean restrooms and vending machines with drinks and snacks are available at the visitor center. Restrooms were also available at the fort. However, they were a little less modern.
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