The Panama Canal Authority expects strong cruise ship activity during the 2026–27 cruise season, forecasting more than 220 vessel transits as the waterway continues to attract cruise operators serving international tourism markets.
The projected traffic highlights the canal’s importance as a strategic passage for cruise ships travelling between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The seasonal outlook also reflects the role of the canal in supporting cruise itineraries connecting North America, Central America and other global destinations.
The 2026–27 season opened on October 7 with the northbound transit of Carnival Miracle through the Miraflores Locks. The vessel was undertaking a 16-day repositioning voyage from Seattle, Washington, travelling from the Pacific Ocean towards the Atlantic.
The schedule includes cruise operators such as Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean, with itineraries featuring full and partial canal crossings. The authority also expects 39 Neopanamax cruise ship transits, including Star Princess, Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Joy.
Five cruise ships are scheduled to make their first-ever Panama Canal transit during the season: L’Austral, Le Lapérouse, Seven Seas Prestige, Spirit of Adventure and Explora III. Smaller expedition and luxury vessels are also expected to use the waterway.
The Panama Canal cruise season runs from October through May. The authority’s outlook is supported by projected global cruise passenger demand growth of 5% in 2027, while the worldwide cruise fleet is expected to expand by 16 vessels to 490 ships.