This Royal Caribbean Cruise traverses the Panama canal from west to east. Setting off from San Diego CA, the ship starts in the Pacific Ocean and ends up in Tampa, Florida on the last day. Along the way, various ports of call are made at well-known cities along the canal, including Acapulco (home of the famous cliff-divers) and Colon in Panama. Shore excursions include guided tours of destinations, participation in local festivals, and snorkeling. Aboard the Radiance of the Seas (the name of the ship), guests are fully provided for with on-board entertainment. This includes a rock-climbing wall, a "country club" with a golf simulator, and a day spa. Standard dining plans are included with cruise packages, though additional restaurants, including fine dining at the Portofino Italian Restaurant, are also available for those willing to pay. More information, including pricing and dates, can be found on the Royal Caribbean website. (See Resources 1)
The counterpart to Royal Caribbean's Eastbound cruise, the Fifteen Night Westbound sets off from Tampa and ends in San Diego. Along the way, guests are offered the chance to visit many of the same destinations along the canal. Still, specific shore excursions are different, and include visits to tropical botanical gardens, kayaking adventures, and a tour of a Costa Rican coffee plantation. The ship itself is the same as the Eastbound tour, also taking place aboard Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas. Prices are about the same for the Eastbound and Westbound tours, so the choice between these two cruises may come down to something as simple as which side of the country is the ideal place to end up. Again, specific information can be found on the Royal Caribbean website. (See Resources 1)
Also offering all-inclusive and well-rated cruises along the Panama Canal, Carnival cruises stop along different destinations along the way and offer different ship amenities and shore excursions. Generally slightly cheaper in price, Carnival cruises along the Canal scheduled for 2011 travel between Tampa, Florida and Los Angeles, California. Along the way, the ship stops at various well-known port cities, like Cabo San Lucas and Cartagena. Shore excursions include chances to swim with stingrays, a tour of Cayman Island, and a four hour jeep-riding adventure. The Carnival Inspiration is the ship offering these cruises, and features standard cruise amenities in addition to three pools (one for adults only), a mini-golf course, a casino, and multiple night clubs for a variety of tastes. Specifics on this and other Panama Canal cruises are located on Carnival's website. (See Resources 2)
