Panama City

Panama

Navigate the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal, watching massive ships pass through the Gatun Locks in real-time.

Currency Panamanian Balboa (PAB) / US Dollar (USD)

Language Spanish

Time Zone EST (UTC-5)

Best Time to Visit Jan–Apr

Typical Duration 10-18 nights

Price Range From $50 pp

Port Type Departure & Port of Call

Tender Port No

Gateway to the Panama Canal, one of the world's most important maritime passages, offering unique transit experiences and access to Central American and Caribbean destinations.

Cruises that visit Panama City

Build Your Day in Panama City

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM

Usually about 10 hours ashore

Embarkation port — worth arriving early

My ship arrives around: Getting around:

Albrook Mall Biggest mall in Panama City, also has the main bus station right beside it. Shopping mall · ★ 4.5 · 59k Open · Closes 8 PM

Multiplaza Panamá Good mall in Panama new clean and all the major retails brands Shopping mall · ★ 4.7 · 31k Open · Closes 8 PM

Pier Park Pier Park in Panama City Beach is a great place to shop, dine, and explore! Shopping mall · ★ 4.6 · 23k Open · Closes 9 PM

Metromall Panamá Lots of nice stores, food court is great and plenty of parking. Shopping mall · ★ 4.5 · 22k Open · Closes 8 PM

AltaPlaza Mall Neat and quiet, great shops, amazing restaurants and good food court! Shopping mall · ★ 4.7 · 16k Open · Closes 8 PM

Centro Comercial El Dorado The mall is clean and some of the employees speak English. Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 16k Open · Closes 8 PM

Chillin Multicentro Well kept and how affordable the stores are. Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 11k Open · Closes 9 PM

Town Center Costa del Este Several activities available for the kids and great stores and restaurants Shopping mall · ★ 4.7 · 8k Open · Closes 8 PM

Soho City Center Clean, decent mall with some good shops and nice restaurants. Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 5k Open · Closes 8 PM

Kaandela Restaurant A Taste of Panama: An Unforgettable Culinary Experience! Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 3k Open · Closes 5 PM

Azahar Panama Reservations required·Outdoor seating·Private dining room Western restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 2k Open · Closes 11 PM

Pacific Center Nice mini mall with theatre, grocery. Shopping mall · ★ 4.7 · 2k

Maito Restaurante Amazing, Michelin-star quality restaurant in Panama City. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 1k Open · Closes 10:30 PM

La Vespa Vista Mare The service and the food and the views were outstanding! Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 1k Open · Closes 11 PM

A to Z Chef's Table I have no doubt that they will have a star if Michelin makes it to Panama. Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 PM

Riesen The price was more suitable to a Michelin starred restaurant. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k Open · Closes 11:30 PM

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Panama City is an embarkation port. Many cruises start or end here — it's worth arriving a day early or extending your stay to explore beyond a single port day.

Next Departures from Panama City

About Panama City

Panama City stands as a vibrant hub in the Caribbean cruise scene, with seven major cruise lines including Oceania Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Silversea, and Virgin Voyages calling regularly at this strategic port. While primarily a port of call rather than an embarkation point, Panama City serves as a popular stop on itineraries ranging from 10-night voyages to longer Caribbean explorations, with around 50 cruises scheduled throughout the year. The port sees peak activity during the winter and spring months, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking sun and adventure.

Stepping ashore in Panama City, cruise passengers discover a fascinating blend of history and modernity. The iconic Panama Canal remains the centerpiece of any visit, offering visitors a chance to witness one of the world's most remarkable engineering feats. Beyond the canal, the city's diverse neighborhoods reveal colonial architecture, vibrant local culture, and excellent dining options, ensuring that your time in port is both enriching and memorable.

Marvel at the Panama Canal

Witness one of the world's greatest engineering feats by visiting the Gatun Locks or Panama Canal Museum. Watch massive container ships navigate through the historic waterway that revolutionized global maritime trade. This iconic experience is just minutes from the cruise port and offers unforgettable photo opportunities of ships passing through the canal's impressive lock system.

Explore Casco Viejo's Colonial Charm

Wander the colorful, narrow streets of Panama City's historic old town, where Spanish colonial architecture meets vibrant street art and trendy cafés. Browse boutique shops, visit the stunning Metropolitan Cathedral, and soak in centuries of history. The UNESCO World Heritage district is easily accessible and perfect for culture enthusiasts seeking authentic Panamanian character.

Savor Fresh Seafood & Local Flavors

Indulge in ceviche, fresh grilled fish, and traditional Panamanian dishes at waterfront restaurants near the port. Try local specialties like patacones and sancocho while enjoying views of the Panama Bay skyline. The city's diverse culinary scene reflects its multicultural heritage and offers delicious tastes you won't find elsewhere.

Shop the Amador Causeway Markets

Stroll the scenic Amador Causeway, a man-made peninsula offering duty-free shopping, local artisan markets, and souvenir vendors. Browse handcrafted Panamanian molas, indigenous crafts, and duty-free goods while enjoying ocean breezes and views of the Bridge of the Americas. It's an ideal spot for finding unique gifts and experiencing local commerce.

Discover Biodiversity at Metropolitan Park

Escape into nature at Panama City's Metropolitan Park, a lush rainforest reserve within city limits featuring hiking trails and abundant wildlife. Spot tropical birds, sloths, and exotic plants while breathing in pristine jungle air just minutes from the port. This natural oasis offers a refreshing contrast to urban exploration and genuine rainforest immersion.