The cruise ship Queen Elizabeth made its northbound passage through the Panama Canal, marking the start of the 2025–2026 cruise season for the interoceanic waterway. This repositioning transit is part of a 22-day voyage from Seattle, Washington, and is the first of more than 195 transits scheduled for the season, Panama Canal Authority said in a statement.
According to Albano G. Aguilar, Market Analysis and Forecasting Specialist at the Office of Corporate Affairs, a slight decline in the number of transits is projected for the fiscal year.
The reduction is attributed to cost-optimization strategies adopted by major cruise lines, including shorter itineraries and greater use of upgraded Caribbean facilities.
For 2026, global passenger demand is expected to grow by 5%, while the worldwide fleet is projected to expand by 14 ships to a total of 475 vessels.
Major cruise lines such as Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean Cruises will continue offering full and partial transits through the Canal this season. Smaller vessels, including Insignia, Le Lyrial, Le Champlain, National Geographic Quest, Star Pride and Viking Mars, are also expected to visit.
Five cruise ships — Aidadiva, Brilliant Lady, Celebrity Ascent, Disney Adventure and Star Seeker — will make their first transits through the Panama Canal during this period.
A total of 41 neopanamax-type transits are anticipated, including five of the largest vessels (168,000 tons): Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Encore.
The new locks will also see debuts from Celebrity Ascent, Brilliant Lady, Aidadiva and Disney Adventure, the latter expected to set a record with 201,000 tons.
Coinciding with the start of the season, the Panama Canal recognized the first Panamanian to surpass one million visitors in a single fiscal year.
Panama Canal Authority (Autoridad del Canal de Panamá) is an autonomous legal entity of the Republic of Panama responsible for the operation, administration and modernization of the Panama Canal. It manages the waterway’s commercial, logistical and tourism activities.
