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 5:00 PM

Usually about 9 hours ashore

🛳 Embarkation port — worth arriving early

My ship arrives around: Getting around:

Albrook Mall Good assortment of mid to high end outlets & a good food court Shopping mall · ★ 4.5 · 58k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu

Multiplaza Panamá A lot of variety, clean and spacious shopping Shopping mall · ★ 4.7 · 30k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu

Miraflores Visitor Center I’d save this for maybe 3rd or 4th thing to do in Panama City. Visitor center · ★ 4.6 · 25k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu

Pier Park Some of the stores had reasonably priced items and some didn't. Shopping mall · ★ 4.6 · 22k 🕐 Closes soon · 9 PM

Metromall Panamá Lots of nice stores, food court is great and plenty of parking. Shopping mall · ★ 4.5 · 22k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu

AltaPlaza Mall Neat and quiet, great shops, amazing restaurants and good food court! Shopping mall · ★ 4.7 · 16k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu

Centro Comercial El Dorado The mall is clean and some of the employees speak English. Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 16k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu

Miraflores Locks If you get the opportunity to visit Panama City, Panama. Boat ramp · ★ 4.7 · 13k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu

Old Panama Had a awesome day in Panama City, Panama the last two days. Historical place · ★ 4.6 · 11k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Thu

Chillin Multicentro Well kept and how affordable the stores are. Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 10k 🕐 Open · Closes 12 AM

Plaza de Francia Nice place to visit in Panama City. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 9k

Pacific Lookout Great place to visit and enjoy the beauty of Panamá city Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 9k

Town Center Costa del Este The shopping experience was great, and the food selection was impressive. Shopping mall · ★ 4.7 · 8k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu

La Pulpería - Casco Antiguo Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No-contact delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 6k

Metropolitan Natural Park Must do while in Panama City. Ecological park · ★ 4.6 · 5k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7 AM Thu

Soho City Center ... atmosphere, quiet and clean however not much variety in stores. Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 5k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu

CasaCasco Amazing drinks, great ambiance, and quick service. Grill · ★ 4.5 · 5k

La Tapa Del Coco Exemplary service, food and beverage fare and ambiance. Caribbean · ★ 4.7 · 5k

Panama Canal Museum It's definitely a must do when visiting Panama City. Museum · ★ 4.6 · 4k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu

Parque Nacional Soberanía Tropical forest national park & trails National park · ★ 4.6 · 2k

Azahar Panama Amazing food (smoked short ribs, sea bass) and beautiful atmosphere. Western · ★ 4.7 · 2k

Poin Panamá I highly recommend adding this to your Panama City itinerary! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 2k

Kaandela Restaurant Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 2k

Punta Culebra Nature Center A highlight of my stay in Panama City. Museum · ★ 4.6 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 1 PM Thu

Sama Sky Lounge Really friendly service, awesome views, chill music, great cocktails. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.7 · 2k

Alejandro's Open late, the beer is cold, the service is great, the vibes are perfect. Bar · ★ 4.7 · 2k

LUNA ROOFTOP A comfortable beautiful atmosphere with amazing delicious food. Grill · ★ 4.6 · 1k

Filomena Cucina di Mare Panamá The food was delicious, place was beautiful, and the service was top notch. Italian · ★ 4.7 · 1k

Cielo Rooftop Bar Great atmosphere, attentive staff, EXCELLENT FOOD AND SERVICE! Bar · ★ 4.6 · 1k

Pedro Mandinga Rum Bar Cozy, relaxed yet refined bar with outstanding drinks and service. Bar · ★ 4.7 · 1k

American Bazaar Great music, great drinks, and such a fun vibe. Bar · ★ 4.9 · 1k

Coyote 507 Lovely staff, super strong drinks, nice and cold inside Bar · ★ 4.9 · 1k

Restaurante El Enemigo - Casco Antiguo Brand new on the scene with grand service and spectacular food as well! Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 1k

El Santuario Wonderful ambiance, staff was attentive, and food really delicious! Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 1k

Popino Restaurante Unique, elegant, creative, thoughtful, and absolutely delicious food! Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k

Sunset House Beach Bar Great experience, great cocktails, great people, highly recommend! Bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k

Panama Sign Photo opportunity to see Panama incredible sky line view of the entire city. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k

Capella Rooftop Great cocktails and view with nice music and seating. Bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k

Bella Vista Sky Bar 🕺 RoofTop Enjoyed the atmosphere, beer and staff. Bar · ★ 4.6 · 0k

Shopping in Panama Very good place to shop has everything you'll need Clothing store · ★ 4.4 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 9:30 PM

Chris Panama Experience We visited the must-see spots in Panama City. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.9 · 0k

The 1920 Speakeasy Bar Small groups only here but super cute cozy vibes and the music was HYPE! Bar · ★ 5 · 0k

View on Panama City Panamá city looked amazing! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.9 · 0k

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.