About the Port
Panama City rises where the Pacific meets a canal that reshaped global trade, its glass towers standing in contrast to the cobbled lanes of Casco Viejo, the restored colonial quarter of plazas, balconied facades, and waterfront ruins. Nearby, the Miraflores Locks offer a close view of ships transiting between oceans, a spectacle that remains central to the region's identity and economy.
Beyond the city, Chagres National Park protects rainforest and the watershed that feeds the canal, home to howler monkeys, toucans, and dense tropical growth along the Chagres River. Full-day excursions typically combine a canal transit or lock visit with time in this protected wilderness, pairing engineering history with natural scenery. Casco Viejo's historic core sits within easy reach of the port, making it a practical first stop for travelers wanting to explore on foot before venturing farther afield.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Panama City.
Watch a Canal Transit at Miraflores
See massive ships rise and fall through the locks from the visitor center's viewing decks, just a short drive from port. Time visits around scheduled transits for the best action.
Wander Casco Viejo on Foot
Stroll cobbled streets past restored plazas, balconied facades, and waterfront ruins in the historic quarter. Easily walkable in a few hours, it pairs well with a coffee stop or rooftop view.
Explore Chagres National Park
Venture into rainforest along the Chagres River to spot howler monkeys and toucans while learning how this watershed sustains the canal itself. Best done as part of a full-day excursion combined with canal sights.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Cruises That Visit Panama City
| Departs | Cruise Line | Ship | Itinerary | Nights | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 2, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaMelodia | 13 | $7,516 | |
| Aug 5, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaMelodia | 10 | $5,824 | |
| Aug 7, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaMelodia | 15 | $7,874 | |
| Aug 12, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaMelodia | 10 | $5,324 | |
| Aug 16, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaMelodia | 13 | $7,016 | |
| Aug 19, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaMagdalena | 13 | $7,516 | |
| Aug 19, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaMelodia | 10 | $5,324 | |
| Aug 21, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaMelodia | 15 | $8,374 | |
| Aug 22, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaMagdalena | 10 | $5,824 | |
| Aug 24, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaMagdalena | 15 | $7,874 | |
| Aug 26, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaMelodia | 10 | $5,824 | |
| Aug 29, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaMagdalena | 10 | $5,324 | |
| Aug 30, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaMelodia | 13 | $8,016 | |
| Sep 2, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaMagdalena | 13 | $6,866 | |
| Sep 2, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaMelodia | 10 | $6,324 | |
| Sep 4, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaMelodia | 15 | $8,524 | |
| Sep 5, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaMagdalena | 10 | $5,174 | |
| Sep 7, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaMagdalena | 15 | $8,774 | |
| Sep 9, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaMelodia | 10 | $5,974 | |
| Sep 12, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaMagdalena | 10 | $6,224 |
Showing the next 20 of 293 upcoming departures. Browse them all in cruise search → or call 800-528-9300 for today's best pricing.