# Panama Canal and Caribbean cruise season

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/panama-canal-and-caribbean-cruise-season
> Updated: 2026-10-07T15:45:26.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

The 2026-2027 cruise season involving the Panama Canal and Caribbean regions is characterized by expanded itineraries and increased transit activity.

Princess Cruises announced holiday sailings from Thanksgiving through New Year’s, featuring destinations such as the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, and the Panama Canal. This includes a 12-day Panama Canal trip and voyages involving Celebration Key in the Bahamas, a private destination with a capacity for over 13,000 passengers per day.

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has officially launched the 2026-2027 season, scheduling more than 220 transits. The season includes 39 neopanamax vessel transits and features major operators such as Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean Cruises. Industry projections indicate growth driven by a 5% increase in global passenger demand.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-07: Panama Canal begins 2026-2027 cruise season with 220+ transits

The Panama Canal begins its 2026-2027 cruise season with over 220 scheduled transits, while Nicko Cruises announces new holiday routes through the Pacific coast.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panama-canal-begins-2026-2027-cruise-season-with-220-transits

### 2026-09-27: Princess Cruises announces holiday sailings to Caribbean and Panama Canal

Princess Cruises is offering holiday sailings to Hawaii, Mexico, and the Caribbean, including new stops at Celebration Key in the Bahamas and expanded itineraries through the Panama Canal.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/princess-cruises-announces-holiday-sailings-to-caribbean-and-panama-canal

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Cite as: Panama Canal and Caribbean cruise season. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/panama-canal-and-caribbean-cruise-season