Mexico and Central America: Panama Canal - Ocean to Ocean Cruise

Princess Cruises

Sailing between the Atlantic and Pacific, you'll have the chance to really appreciate this engineering marvel with a full transit of the Panama Canal locks. But a Panama Canal cruise goes beyond the canal. Experience stunning landscapes and historic cities while learning and celebrating colorful cultures.

Included Extras

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Digital Costco Shop Card

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Sailing Itinerary

Note: Cruise itineraries are subject to change. Please verify ports and times directly with the cruise line.

Day 1 Port of Call Fort Lauderdale Departure 3:00p.m.

Overview

 
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Ft Lauderdale is a city of islands held together by an intricate web of canals, rivers, bays and waterways hundreds of miles long. Needless to say, boating is a favorite city pastime, whether zooming along on a speedboat, enjoying a fishing charter, or cruising the coastline by yacht. Beautiful homes of every size and style make up the bulk of this primarily residential area. By the beach, a leisurly stroll can be taken along the new landscaping wavewall design of the beachfront promenade. But this city is anything but sedate. Once a spring break hot spot, the town still has an energetic and colorful nightlife. Nearby, charming Laudrdale-By-the-Sea is home to one of the only living coral reefs in the US accesible from shore. Las Olas Boulevard, a shoppers paradise, is the chic new shopping and trendy dining area of downtown. If sports are more your inclination, dozens of golf courses and hundreds of public parks allow you to absorb the great Florida outdoors. Cultural arts are also popular. Water taxis bring theater-goers from throughout the city to the Performing Arts Center on the water.

Day 2 Cruising
Day 3 Cruising
Day 4 Port of Call Aruba Arrival 9:00a.m. Departure 6:00p.m.

Overview

 
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Aruba's path to the present day is marked by the mystery of ochre-colored rock drawings left behind by island shamans, the enterprising spirit of European adventurers and settlers and the diverse experiences and traditions brought by the many nationalities that have since sought out the island as either a new home or temporary resting place. The look of the people, the languages they speak and the innate hospitality that manifests itself in the Aruban psyche is the result of a multi-cultural mix that reflects a rich past.

Day 5 Cruising
Day 6 Port of Call Panama Canal Arrival 6:00a.m. Departure 4:30p.m.

Overview

 
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The Panama Canal is an artificial 48-mile waterway in Panama that connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean. The canal cuts across the Isthmus of Panama and is a key conduit for international maritime trade. The Canal uses a system of locks -compartments with entrance and exit gates. The locks function as water lifts: they raise ships from sea level (the Pacific or the Atlantic) to the level of Gatun Lake (26 meters above sea level); ships then sail the channel through the Continental Divide. Each set of locks bears the name of the townsite where it was built: Gatun (on the Atlantic side), and Pedro Miguel and Miraflores (on the Pacific side). The lock chambers -steps-- are 33.53 meters wide by 304.8 meters long. The maximum dimensions of ships that can transit the Canal are: 32.3 meters in beam; draft -their depth reach- 12 meters in Tropical Fresh Water; and 294.1 meters long (depending on the type of ship). The water used to raise and lower vessels in each set of locks comes from Gatun Lake by gravity; it comes into the locks through a system of main culverts that extend under the lock chambers from the sidewalls and the center wall. The narrowest portion of the Canal is Culebra Cut, which extends from the north end of Pedro Miguel Locks to the south edge of Gatun Lake at Gamboa. This segment, approximately 13.7 kilometers long, is carved through the rock and shale of the Continental Divide. Ships from all parts of the world transit daily through the Panama Canal. Some 13 to 14 thousand vessels use the Canal every year. In fact, commercial transportation activities through the Canal represent approximately 5% of the world trade. The Canal has a work force of approximately 9 thousand employees and operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, providing transit service to vessels of all nations without discrimination.

Day 7 Port of Call Fuerte Amador Arrival 7:00a.m. Departure 6:00p.m.

Overview

 
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Fuerte Amador is a Peninsula jutting out into the Pacific from Balboa. It is separated from Panama city by Ancón Hill and is situated at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal. It was built to protect the canal entrance from the Pacific Ocean and is a major port of call for the cruise lines. There is also a Marina, the Flamenco Yacht Club.

Day 8 Cruising
Day 9 Port of Call Puntarenas/Costa Rica Arrival 7:00a.m. Departure 7:00p.m.

Overview

 
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The Central Pacific's largest city, Puntarenas sits on a long, narrow peninsula in the Gulf of Nicoya. For years, it was the country's principal port, and although a newer port in nearby Caldera now handles cargo and Puntarenas the cruise ships, a large fishing fleet still anchors in the estuary behind town. Being the country's most important fishing port, Puntarenas is the perfect place to enjoy fresh seafood, be it camarones al ajillo (shrimp scampi), pescado entero (a whole fried fish), or ceviche de corvina (bits of fresh fish marinate in lime juice with onions, peppers and spices).

Day 10 Port of Call San Juan del Sur Arrival 8:00a.m. Departure 6:00p.m.

Overview

 
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A picturesque port and popular beach town, San Juan del Sur is located 138 kilometers south of Managua, and is easily reached by way of the Pan-American Highway, veering right after passing the small community of La Virgen. San Juan is one of the most important seaports on Nicaragua’s Pacific Coast. Its waters are calm, transparent, and moderately temperate yearlong, making it an excellent swimming and fishing spot, attracting foreign and national tourists alike, particularly during the dry summer months. Interesting wind-blasted rock formations surround San Juan’s crescent-shaped bay, with magnificent, romantic sunsets adding to the surreal beauty of its beach. The plentiful amount of hotels and restaurants in the San Juan del Sur area add to the port town’s growing popularity. Although the specialty in most San Juan restaurants is seafood, delicious fritanga can be enjoyed at some of the popular eateries.

Day 11 Cruising
Day 12 Port of Call Huatulco Arrival 8:00a.m. Departure 5:00p.m.

Overview

 
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Huatulco is a resort region in the Mexican state of Oaxaca with white Pacific coast beaches. The region is made up of 9 bays, including the popular cruise-ship port of call Santa Cruz Bay. Tangolunda Bay is home to upscale resort hotels and a golf course. In the inland community of La Crucecita, there are restaurants and shops around a central plaza.

Day 13 Cruising
Day 14 Port of Call Puerto Vallarta Arrival 8:00a.m. Departure 5:00p.m.

Overview

 
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Puerto Vallarta is a resort town on Mexico’s Pacific coast, in Jalisco state. It is known for its beaches, water sports and nightlife scene. Its cobblestone center is home to the ornate Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe church, boutique shops and a range of restaurants and bars. El Malecón is a beachside promenade with contemporary sculptures, as well as bars, lounges and nightclubs.

Day 15 Cruising
Day 16 Cruising
Day 17 Port of Call Los Angeles Arrival 7:00a.m.

Overview

 
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Los Angeles is the second-most populous city in the United States, after New York City, and the most populous city in the Western United States. With an estimated population of four million, Los Angeles is the largest and most populous city in the state of California and the cultural, financial, and commercial center of Southern California. Nicknamed the "City of Angels" partly because of its name's Spanish meaning, Los Angeles is known for its Mediterranean climate, ethnic diversity, and sprawling metropolis. The city is also one of the most substantial economic engines within the nation, with a diverse economy in a broad range of professional and cultural fields. Los Angeles is also famous as the home of Hollywood, a major center of the world entertainment industry. A global city, it has been ranked 6th in the Global Cities Index and 9th in the Global Economic Power Index. The Los Angeles combined statistical area also has a gross metropolitan product of $831 billion, making it the third-largest in the world, after the Greater Tokyo and New York metropolitan areas. Los Angeles hosted the 1932 and 1984 Summer Olympics and will host the event for a third time in 2028.

Onboard the Island Princess

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Costco Member Reviews

Island Princess® is a fabulous floating resort designed to make your stay onboard truly memorable. This vessel has 90 percent ocean-view staterooms, with more than 700 balconies and a wraparound Promenade Deck. After being mesmerized by the scenery off the bow, become dazzled by the entertainment in the state-of-the-art lounges and choose from a myriad of dining options.

Onboard Activities

Activities & Services (included in cruise)

Movies

  • Card Room
  • Casino
  • Disco/Nightclub
  • Game Arcade
  • Movies Under the Stars®
  • Theater/Show Lounge
  • Beauty Salon
  • Fitness Center
  • Fitness Classes
  • Miniature Golf
  • Pool - Children's
  • Pool - Outdoor
  • Pool - Indoor
  • Sports Facilities
  • Whirlpool/Jacuzzi
  • Art Gallery
  • Bars/Lounges
  • Library
  • Children's Indoor Play Area
  • Children's Outdoor Play Area
  • Educational Classes
  • Organized Age Specific Activities
  • Teen Center or Disco
  • Teen Programs
  • Business Center
  • Duty-Free Shops/Boutiques
  • Elevators
  • Infirmary/Medical Center
  • Religious Services
  • Self-Service Laundromat
  • Wedding/Vow Renewal

Activities & Services (available for an extra fee)

Full-Service Spa

  • Full-Service Spa
  • Spa Services/Massage
  • Sauna/Steam Room
  • Educational Programs
  • Internet Center
  • Babysitting
  • Dry Cleaning/ Laundry Service

Costco Travel makes every effort to verify the accuracy of all information provided. Additional fees for amenities or services may be charged by the cruise line. Amenities or services may be discontinued or revised by the cruise line without notice. Staterooms designated as wheelchair-accessible do not necessarily meet ADA requirements. Costco Travel is not responsible for inaccuracies or provider modifications.

Dining

Dining Room

Main Dining

Provence Dining Room: After final payment, through the MedallionClass® app, you may request your dining preference with Dine My Way℠. Customize your dining experiences nightly by choosing your seating time, dining companions and dietary needs.

Bordeaux Dining Room: After final payment, through the MedallionClass® app, you may request your dining preference with Dine My Way℠. Customize your dining experiences nightly by choosing your seating time, dining companions and dietary needs.

Sabatini's

Specialty Dining

Sabatini's: An upscale authentic Italian dining experience in a remarkable eight-course meal. The menu features both local seafood specialties and other regional favorites. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Bayou Café & Steakhouse: Experience this New Orleans-style restaurant at sea, featuring Creole and Cajun traditional cuisine, such as jambalaya, etouffee and crawfish gumbo. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Chef’s Table Experience: A multi-course menu that is specially created by the chef, and is not offered anywhere else on the ship. Specially selected wines complement the meal, and each couple at the Chef's Table will receive a personalized autographed copy of Courses, A Culinary Journey. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Crab Shack: Seafood lovers won’t want to miss this full crab shack experience. An intriguing bistro option housed within the Horizon Court buffet, Crab Shack diners can savor Bayou-style boiled crawfish and spicy sausage, popcorn shrimp, steaming clam chowder and a tantalizing mixed steamer pot filled with snow crab, jumbo shrimp, clams and mussels. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Princess Pizzeria

Casual Dining

Horizon Court: 24-Hour casual buffet dining.

Amuleto Café: Savor specialty coffees and teas from our New Grounds Crafted Coffee menu and choose from a selection of sweet treats baked fresh every day. Sandwiches and quick bites are offered throughout the afternoon and evening.

Princess Pizzeria: Poolside pizzeria serving fresh pizza by the slice.

La Patisserie: Casual sidewalk café-style setting for cappuccino, espresso and other coffee specialties, as well as fresh pastries throughout the day. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

The Bar and Grill: Follow your nose to the Deck Barbecue where the burgers are flipping and the hot dogs roasting, served with a variety of fixin’s and crisp fries. Veggie burgers, bratwurst and grilled chicken breast are also served and all are sure to hit the spot when you are relaxing out on deck.

Room Service: Call for room service delivery or order through OceanNow® in the Princess® MedallionClass® app at any time of the day or night. Guests with the latest Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages enjoy OceanNow® and room service delivery with no charge. Otherwise, a one-time access fee of US $ 14.99 per person per voyage will apply for OceanNow® delivery and a US $ 5 room service fee will apply for each order placed by stateroom phone. To order, guests can press the "Room Service" button on their stateroom phone, or order through OceanNow®.


Disclaimer regarding ship dining

Times, costs and other specifics are outside the control of Costco Travel. All information is at the sole discretion of the cruise line and is subject to change without notice. Dining time and table size preferences are submitted to the cruise line on a first-come, first-served request basis and are confirmed aboard ship. Questions, concerns and/or special needs regarding dining arrangements must be addressed with the maitre d' hotel aboard ship. Every effort is made to accommodate travelers' preferences; however, Costco Travel cannot guarantee dining arrangements. In specialty restaurants, space is limited and reservations are recommended. A cover charge and dress code may apply.

Staterooms

Affordable staterooms feature twin beds that make up into a queen, refrigerator, spacious closet and a bathroom with shower.

Interior (Category: IA)

Category: IA
Approximately 156 sq. ft., this well-appointed interior stateroom provides fine amenities.

Interior (Category: IB)

Category: IB
Approximately 156 sq. ft., this well-appointed interior stateroom provides fine amenities.

Interior (Category: IC)

Category: IC
Approximately 156 to 166 sq. ft., this well-appointed interior stateroom provides fine amenities.

Interior (Category: ID)

Category: ID
Approximately 156 sq. ft., this well-appointed interior stateroom provides fine amenities.

Interior (Category: IE)

Category: IE
Approximately 156 to 166 sq. ft., this well-appointed interior stateroom provides fine amenities.

Interior (Category: IF)

Category: IF
Approximately 156 sq. ft., this well-appointed interior stateroom provides fine amenities.

Nicely-appointed staterooms feature a picture window and bathroom with shower.

Premium Oceanview (Category: O5)

Category: O5
Approximately 212 sq. ft., this well-appointed stateroom features a picture window for memorable views.

Premium Oceanview (Category: O6)

Category: O6
Approximately 212 sq. ft., this well-appointed stateroom features a picture window for memorable views.

Oceanview (Category: OB)

Category: OB
Approximately 162 sq. ft., this well-appointed stateroom features a picture window for memorable views.

Oceanview (Category: OC)

Category: OC
Approximately 162 sq. ft., this well-appointed stateroom features a picture window for memorable views.

Oceanview (Category: OE)

Category: OE
Approximately 162 sq. ft., this well-appointed stateroom features a picture window for memorable views.

Oceanview (obstructed view) (Category: OV)

Category: OV
Approximately 162 sq. ft., this well-appointed stateroom features a picture window with an obstructed view.

Oceanview (obstructed view) (Category: OW)

Category: OW
Approximately 162 sq. ft., this well-appointed stateroom features a picture window with an obstructed view.

Oceanview (obstructed view) (Category: OY)

Category: OY
Approximately 162 sq. ft., this well-appointed stateroom features a picture window with an obstructed view.

Oceanview (obstructed view) (Category: OZ)

Category: OZ
Approximately 162 sq. ft., this well-appointed stateroom features a picture window with an obstructed view.

Staterooms feature a private balcony, siting area with desk, spacious walk-in closet and bathroom with shower.

Premium Balcony (Category: B1)

Category: B1
Approximately 248 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin provides outstanding views from a private balcony.

Premium Balcony (Category: B2)

Category: B2
Approximately 248 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin provides outstanding views from a private balcony.

Balcony (Category: BA)

Category: BA
Approximately 248 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin provides outstanding views from a private balcony.

Balcony (Category: BB)

Category: BB
Approximately 210 to 248 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin provides outstanding views from a private balcony.

Balcony (Category: BC)

Category: BC
Approximately 210 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin provides outstanding views from a private balcony.

Balcony (Category: BD)

Category: BD
Approximately 210 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin provides outstanding views from a private balcony.

Balcony (Category: BE)

Category: BE
Approximately 210 to 234 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin provides outstanding views from a private balcony.

Balcony (Category: BF)

Category: BF
Approximately 210 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin provides outstanding views from a private balcony.

Balcony (obstructed view) (Category: BY)

Category: BY
Approximately 210 sq. ft. including balcony, this stateroom has an obstructed view balcony from which to enjoy the fresh sea air.

Balcony (obstructed view) (Category: BZ)

Category: BZ
Approximately 210 sq. ft. including balcony, this stateroom has an obstructed view balcony from which to enjoy the fresh sea air.

Features separate sitting area with sofa bed and desk, refrigerator, some with wet bar, bathroom and balcony or window.

Premium Club Class Mini-Suite with Balcony (Category: M1)

Category: M1
Approximately 280 to 302 sq. ft. including balcony, this spacious stateroom provides a seating area with sofa bed, and full bath with combination tub and shower.

Mini-Suite with Balcony (Category: MB)

Category: MB
Approximately 280 to 302 sq. ft. including balcony, this spacious cabin provides a seating area with sofa bed, and full bath with combination tub and shower.

Mini-Suite with Balcony (Category: MD)

Category: MD
Approximately 302 sq. ft. including balcony, this spacious cabin provides a seating area with sofa bed, and full bath with combination tub and shower.

Mini-Suite with Balcony (Category: ME)

Category: ME
Approximately 302 sq. ft. including balcony, this spacious cabin provides a seating area with sofa bed, and full bath with combination tub and shower.

Oceanview Mini-Suite (Category: MY)

Category: MY
Approximately 300 sq. ft., this spacious stateroom provides a seating area with sofa bed, and full bath with combination tub and shower. Features a picture window instead of a balcony.

Penthouse Suite with Balcony (Category: S4)

Category: S4
Approximately 509 to 512 sq. ft., the Penthouse Suite features a spacious cabin and separate seating area with a sofa bed. Enjoy exclusive suite-only upgrades and benefits.

Premium Suite with Balcony (Category: S5)

Category: S5
Approximately 470 sq. ft. including balcony, the Premium Suite features a spacious cabin and separate seating area with a sofa bed. Enjoy exclusive suite-only upgrades and benefits.

Vista Suite with Balcony (Category: S6)

Category: S6
Approximately 740 sq. ft. including balcony, the Vista Suite features a spacious cabin and separate seating area with a sofa bed. Enjoy exclusive suite-only upgrades and benefits.

Deck Plan

Cruise Ship
Sports Deck
Key to Symbols
SymbolDescription
Will accommodate third personWill accommodate third person
Will accommodate third and fourth personWill accommodate third and fourth person
Connecting stateroomsConnecting staterooms
Fully accessible stateroom, roll-in shower onlyFully accessible stateroom, roll-in shower only
Will accommodate third and fourth person, fourth berth is a rollaway bedWill accommodate third and fourth person, fourth berth is a rollaway bed

Ship Facts

Island Princess ship image
  • Ship Name: Island Princess
  • Year Built: 2003
  • Year Refurbished: 2017
  • Year Entered Present Fleet: 2003
  • Ship Class: Coral
  • Maximum Capacity: 1,974
  • Number of Passenger Decks: 11
  • Number of Crew: 900
  • Officers' Nationality: British/Italian
  • Ocean-View without Balcony: 144
  • Ocean-View with Balcony: 527
  • Total Inside Staterooms: 108
  • Tonnage (GRT): 92,000
  • Capacity Based on Double Occupancy: 1,974
  • Country of Registry: Bermuda
  • Total Staterooms: 987
  • Suites with Balcony: 200
  • Crew/Hotel Staff Nationality: International
Costco Travel makes every effort to verify the accuracy of all information provided. Additional fees for amenities or services may be charged by the hotel, resort or cruise line. Amenities or services may be discontinued or revised by the provider without notice. Hotels, resorts, ships or accommodations designated as wheelchair-accessible do not necessarily meet ADA requirements. Costco Travel is not responsible for inaccuracies or provider modifications.

Available Dates & Prices

Departure Date

Inside Stateroom

Ocean View Stateroom

Balcony Stateroom

Suite Stateroom

Terms & Conditions

*Price shown is per person based on double occupancy and is valid for select stateroom categories only. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for details.

†One Digital Costco Shop Card per room/stateroom, per stay. The exact amount of the Digital Costco Shop Card will be calculated during the booking process. The Digital Costco Shop Card promotion is nontransferable and may not be combined with any other promotion. A Digital Costco Shop Card will arrive by email approximately 10 days after the start of your cruise. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for additional information.

© Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd. Ships of Bermudan and British registry.

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