Panama Canal Grand Passage Cruise
February 14, 2028 thru March 2, 2028
Experience one of the world’s great cruising adventures on a 17-day voyage from Fort Lauderdale to Los Angeles, highlighted by a full transit of the legendary Panama Canal and its historic locks. Relax aboard your Princess ship as you sail from the Caribbean to the Pacific, with a colorful stop in Aruba before spending an unforgettable day navigating the canal. Continue to Panama City and the lush tropical landscapes of Costa Rica, with relaxing days at sea providing plenty of time to enjoy the ship along the way.
Your journey continues north along Mexico’s beautiful Pacific coast with visits to Puerto Chiapas, Huatulco, and Puerto Vallarta, each offering its own blend of culture, scenery, and local character. From Caribbean beaches and Central American rainforests to charming Mexican ports and the engineering wonder of the Panama Canal, this coast-to-coast cruise combines fascinating destinations with the comfort and leisurely pace of an extended Princess voyage.
This cruise package includes Princess Plus with the following inclusions:
- Plus Beverage Package – cocktails, wine by the glass, beer and spirits priced up to $15 each, plus zero-alcohol cocktails, fountain sodas, specialty coffees and teas, and other qualifying nonalcoholic drinks. The beverage package has a 15-drink daily limit for applicable beverages; small bottled water has a separate limit of up to 12 per day.
- MedallionNet Max Wi-Fi – internet access for 1 device per guest.
- Crew Appreciation – daily crew gratuities are included.
- 4 Casual Dining Meals per guest during the cruise.
- OceanNow delivery – delivery fee is waived for ordering food and drinks to eligible locations around the ship.
- Room Service Delivery – delivery is included.
Transportation
Roundtrip Economy Air Transportation
Transportation
16 nights aboard the Island Princess
Duration
18 days, 17 nights
Meals
All meals aboard included
Availability
Available
Documents Required
Passport
Tour Highlights
- Full Panama Canal Transit through the historic locks
- Aruba – colorful Oranjestad and beautiful Caribbean scenery
- Panama City – historic neighborhoods and a striking modern skyline
- Puntarenas, Costa Rica – tropical landscapes and abundant wildlife
- Puerto Chiapas – culture and traditions of southern Mexico
- Huatulco – picturesque bays, beaches, and coastal scenery
- Puerto Vallarta – Banderas Bay, the Malecón, and Old Mexico charm
- Princess Cruise Experience – 17 days of dining, entertainment, and relaxing days at sea
Inclusions
- Roundtrip economy air transportation from ABQ (not including baggage & in-flight charges)
- All airport/hotel/ship transfers
- Baggage handling at hotel (1 piece)
- 1 night lodging at excellent hotel
- 16-night cruise with all meals onboard
- All gratuities, except for excursions or special services
- Your SUN TOURS escort with 10 passengers
- Government fees & taxes
- Princess Plus Package Included – featuring beverages, Wi-Fi, crew appreciation, casual dining, OceanNow delivery and room service delivery
Day 1 – Fly to Fort Lauderdale, Florida | Pre-Cruise Overnight
Our Panama Canal adventure begins today with flights to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Upon arrival, transfer to our local hotel and settle in for a relaxing overnight stay. Arriving a day before embarkation provides a comfortable start to the journey and eliminates the worry of same-day flight delays.
Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure and get ready for tomorrow’s embarkation and the start of our remarkable voyage from the Caribbean to the Pacific.
Overnight: Fort Lauderdale-area hotel
Day 2 – Fort Lauderdale | Embarkation
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Fort Lauderdale before transferring to the cruise terminal and boarding our Princess ship. Settle into your stateroom, explore the ship, and begin discovering the many dining, entertainment, and recreational amenities that will be yours to enjoy throughout the voyage.
This afternoon, we sail from Fort Lauderdale and begin our journey toward the Caribbean. Gather for dinner aboard as our unforgettable Panama Canal cruise gets underway.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 – At Sea | Caribbean Cruising
Our first full day at sea provides the perfect opportunity to relax and become familiar with everything your Princess ship has to offer. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, attend an enrichment program, browse the shops, relax by the pool, or find a comfortable spot on deck to watch the Caribbean roll by.
With no schedule to keep, today is all about enjoying the pleasures of cruising and looking forward to the fascinating destinations ahead.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 – At Sea | Relax & Unwind
Continue south through warm Caribbean waters during another leisurely day at sea. Perhaps enjoy a spa treatment, take part in one of the ship’s many activities, attend a presentation, or simply settle in with a good book and an ocean view.
This evening, enjoy dinner and live entertainment aboard as we draw closer to our first tropical port of call, Aruba.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 – Aruba | Dutch Caribbean Charm
Arrive in beautiful Aruba, a sunny Dutch Caribbean island known for turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, colorful architecture, and its fascinating desert-like interior. The island’s capital, Oranjestad, offers an inviting combination of historic buildings, shops, cafés, and Caribbean atmosphere.
Spend the day exploring independently or choose an optional shore excursion to discover Aruba’s beaches, natural landmarks, and distinctive landscapes before returning to the ship.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 – At Sea | Cruising Toward Panama
Enjoy another relaxing day aboard as our ship cruises toward Panama. Take advantage of the ship’s dining, entertainment, activities, and inviting public spaces, or spend a quiet afternoon enjoying the warm tropical breezes from the deck.
Anticipation builds for tomorrow’s unforgettable experience—a complete passage through one of the greatest engineering achievements in the world.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 – Panama Canal | Full Transit of the Historic Locks
Today is the centerpiece of our voyage as we make a full transit of the Panama Canal through its historic locks. From the ship’s open decks, watch this remarkable engineering system in action as our vessel is raised and lowered through massive lock chambers on its journey from the Caribbean to the Pacific.
Throughout the day, enjoy views of tropical forests, waterways, passing vessels, and the impressive infrastructure that has connected two oceans for more than a century. Crossing the Continental Divide by ship is an experience few travelers ever forget.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 – Fuerte Amador, Panama | Panama City
Our ship calls at Fuerte Amador, located near the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal and serving as a gateway to Panama City. Discover a fascinating combination of old and new, from a dramatic modern skyline to historic neighborhoods filled with colonial architecture.
Spend the day exploring independently or choose an optional excursion to Panama City, historic Casco Viejo, or attractions associated with the canal.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 – At Sea | Pacific Coast Cruising
Settle in for a relaxing day at sea as we cruise north along Central America’s Pacific coast. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast followed by a day filled with as much—or as little—activity as you choose.
Attend a lecture, enjoy the pool and spa, sample the ship’s dining venues, or simply relax on deck as we make our way toward Costa Rica.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 – Puntarenas, Costa Rica | Tropical Landscapes
Welcome to Costa Rica, celebrated for its spectacular natural beauty and remarkable biodiversity. Our port of Puntarenas provides access to lush tropical landscapes, rainforests, wildlife, gardens, coffee-growing regions, and picturesque countryside.
Choose from optional excursions showcasing Costa Rica’s natural and cultural treasures, or enjoy time discovering the local area and its famous pura vida lifestyle.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 – At Sea | Cruising Toward Mexico
Enjoy a restful day aboard as we continue north toward Mexico. Start the morning at your own pace and choose from the ship’s many activities, entertainment options, restaurants, and comfortable gathering spaces.
Whether you prefer an active day or a quiet afternoon watching the Pacific, today offers another opportunity to enjoy the pleasures of cruising.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12 – Puerto Chiapas, Mexico | Southern Mexico
Arrive in Puerto Chiapas, along Mexico’s southern Pacific coast near the border with Guatemala. This fascinating region is known for tropical landscapes, coffee-growing traditions, archaeological heritage, and strong Indigenous cultural influences.
Optional excursions offer opportunities to discover the region’s history, traditions, countryside, and local communities, providing a different perspective on Mexico from the resort destinations farther north.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13 – Huatulco, Mexico | Beautiful Bays & Beaches
Today we visit Huatulco, one of the gems of Mexico’s Pacific coast. Famous for its beautiful bays, golden beaches, clear waters, and lush hillsides, Huatulco combines spectacular coastal scenery with a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere.
Explore the charming town of La Crucecita, browse local shops and markets, enjoy the beach, or choose an optional excursion by land or sea.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14 – At Sea | Cruising the Mexican Pacific
Enjoy another leisurely day aboard as we cruise north along Mexico’s Pacific coast. With several fascinating destinations already behind us, today provides time to relax, recharge, and enjoy your favorite features of the ship.
Perhaps attend an enrichment program, meet friends for lunch, enjoy afternoon tea, or simply watch the ocean before another evening of dining and entertainment.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15 – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico | Mexican Riviera
Discover Puerto Vallarta, beautifully situated between the Sierra Madre Mountains and the sparkling waters of Banderas Bay. The city combines traditional Mexican charm with a lively waterfront, cobblestone streets, galleries, shops, restaurants, and beautiful coastal scenery.
Stroll along the famous Malecón, explore the historic center, or choose an optional excursion into the surrounding countryside before returning to the ship.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 16 – At Sea | Northbound Along the Pacific
Our ship continues north toward California as we enjoy another peaceful day at sea. Revisit a favorite restaurant, attend an onboard program, browse the shops, or simply relax with friends while enjoying the passing Pacific scenery.
As our voyage begins to wind down, there is still plenty of time to enjoy the comfortable pace and amenities of life aboard your Princess ship.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 17 – At Sea | Final Day Aboard
Savor your final full day at sea as we continue toward Los Angeles. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, take part in a favorite onboard activity, or find a quiet place to relax and reflect on the remarkable variety of destinations we’ve experienced.
From Aruba and the historic Panama Canal to Costa Rica and Mexico’s Pacific coast, this voyage has crossed two oceans and explored an extraordinary collection of cultures and landscapes. Tonight, enjoy a final dinner aboard.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 18 – Los Angeles, California | Disembarkation & Flights Home
Arrive in Los Angeles this morning, completing our remarkable coast-to-coast voyage. After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer to the airport for flights home.
Return home with wonderful memories of Aruba, Panama, Costa Rica, Mexico, and the unforgettable experience of making a complete transit of the Panama Canal from the Caribbean to the Pacific.
Meals: Breakfast
Itinerary subject to change. ***Passport Required***
Fun Facts
Panama Canal Construction
The construction of the Panama Canal began in the late 19th century by the French, led by Ferdinand de Lesseps, but it was later taken over and completed by the United States. It officially opened on August 15, 1914.
Panama Canal Lock System
The canal uses a system of locks to raise and lower ships between the different water levels of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. There are three sets of locks: Miraflores and Pedro Miguel on the Pacific side, and Gatun on the Atlantic side.
Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Puntarenas features extensive mangrove forests along its coastline, which serve as important breeding grounds for various aquatic species and provide opportunities for boat tours and birdwatching.
Package Pricing
$6,295*
IB - Inside Stateroom per person
Deposit: 20% holds your space!
$8,225*
BC - Balcony Stateroom per person
Deposit: 20% holds your space!
$8,365*
BB - Balcony Stateroom per person
Deposit:
$9,415*
MB - Mini Suite Stateroom per person
Deposit: 20% holds your space!
*Price per person, including air from ABQ, double occupancy.
Single occupancy Upon Request, Limited Availability.
Deposit: 20% holds your space!
Final payment due:
October 13, 2027
Deposit: N/A
Price Includes
Roundtrip economy air transportation from ABQ (not including baggage & in-flight charges)
All airport/hotel/ship transfers
Baggage handling at hotel (1 piece)
1 night lodging at excellent hotel
16-night cruise with all meals onboard
All gratuities, except for excursions or special services
Your SUN TOURS escort with 10 passengers
Government fees & taxes
Princess Plus Package Included – featuring beverages, Wi-Fi, crew appreciation, casual dining, OceanNow delivery and room service delivery
Booking Policy
***Passport Required***
CANCELLATION FEES:
- None through October 13, 2027
- 50%* – October 14 – November 10, 2027
- 100%* – after November 10, 2027
*Fee as percentage of total package price.
We pride ourselves on great service and an enjoyable experience for all and will go over our booking policies after you make your request for booking. If you’d like to learn more about our booking policies before your trip, give us a call at (505) 889-8888, or visit our Travel Terms & Conditions page. Click here for more information on our Travel Terms & Conditions.
Travel Insurance
In today’s changing travel environment, it’s important to help protect your travel investment so you can relax and enjoy your trip. Unforeseen events such as flight delays, baggage loss or even a sudden sickness or injury could impact your travel plans. For your convenience, we offer a Travelex Insurance Services protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. TRAVEL PROTECTION IS ENCOURAGED. Please click here for more information.
ITINERARY
For your reference, we send to you a detailed itinerary approximately 3-4 weeks prior to the scheduled tour departure. This has day-by-day locations and events, hotel information where you can be reached in case of an emergency, and airline information.
The times listed on the itinerary are all approximate. We cannot be held responsible for schedule changes due to unforeseen circumstances with the weather, transportation agents, highway conditions, hotels or contracting agents.
AIRLINE TICKETS
You will be issued your boarding pass the morning of our departure, after your arrival at the Albuquerque International Sunport. If you have an American Airlines frequent flyer number, or a TSA number, please call our office at least 3 days prior to the tour to ensure we can note these in your reservation.
If you are joining the tour from locations other than Albuquerque, we can make other arrangements for you to join the tour. Please call our office for more details.
AIRPORT SECURITY
Do not forget to bring your government issued picture ID to show at the airport. A Driver’s License or Passport is preferred. If you do not have the proper ID, the airline will turn you away.
BAGGAGE
We have arranged for handling for one piece of luggage per person regarding the skycaps (where available) and hotels. If you check through luggage note that the maximum weight for the checked piece of luggage is 50 pounds and maximum size is 62 inches (length + width + height). If your bag weighs over 50 pounds the airlines will levy an extra fee that you will be responsible to pay. If you feel the need to lock your checked through luggage and your bag is searched, your lock could be damaged in the process. You can purchase a TSA (Transportation Security Administration) accepted and recognized lock at any luggage store. Make sure you ask for a TSA approved lock. These locks are the kind that TSA screeners can open by using a special tool without breaking. Passengers can carry-on 1 bag (dimensions are limited to 10x16x24 inches), plus a personal type bag, like a purse. We advise that you pack your carry-on lightly. There are restrictions regarding your carryon baggage and contents due to enhanced security measures. If you have further concerns, please visit the TSA's Web-site at www.tsa.gov. There is room inside the motorcoach for your hand carried bag.
CHECKED BAGGAGE FEES
On our airline for this tour, passengers are assessed a fee per checked in bag, by the Airlines, upon checking in for the flight.
EMERGENCY CONTACT
It is always a good idea to carry on your person a list of medications that you are taking and an emergency contact phone number while you are traveling. And we suggest making a copy of the itinerary and provide it to a friend or family member.
GRATUITIES/ITEMS INCLUDED IN PRICE
The traditional end-of-tour gratuity is included on this tour. All hotel porterage and airport skycap (when available) fees are included. We also include the gratuities for the coach drivers. Hotel housekeeping tips are not included. Tips for guides/services on optional excursions or individual on-ship services are not included.
LODGING REQUESTS
If you would like to request special accommodations at the hotel(s) where we are lodging, please call us as soon as possible and we will forward these requests for you. The phone numbers of the hotel(s) where we are staying are listed on the itinerary.
Many hotels around the country have instituted a "reconditioning fee" of $300 or more that is levied upon a guest that smokes in a non-smoking room. If this occurs during our tour you will be responsible for paying this fee to the hotel prior to check-out.
TRAVEL REQUESTS
We pay close attention to your requests but please realize that these are merely requests and cannot be guaranteed.
RESPONSIBILITY
SUN TOURS acts solely as an agent in arranging hotels, transportation, sightseeing, baggage-handling, and other services and does not assume any liability for injury, damage, loss or delay due to any act or default of any company or person. We, along with our subcontractors, reserve the right to make changes to an itinerary if it is necessary for the proper handling of a tour.
WEATHER AND CLOTHING/MISC. SUGGESTIONS
Expect warm, sunny tropical weather for much of the cruise, with daytime temperatures generally in the 80s to low 90s, followed by pleasantly cooler conditions as we approach California.
Call 505.889.8888 to Book Today!
If you aren't ready to inquire by email or would rather call and speak to a team member, we look forward to hearing from you.
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