The Panama Canal is an amazing experience that should not be missed. Built from 1904 through 1914, the canal acts as a key component for international maritime trade. Stretching over 48 miles, it links the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Named one of the seven moderns wonders of the world, the Panama Canal is a breathtaking feat of modern engineering. Twice a year, one way cruises sail through the Canal’s impressive locks as the ships reposition themselves between the Caribbean and Alaska. A Panama Canal cruise offers travelers the best of both the east and the west.

The Canal was one of the largest and most difficult engineering projects in the world. The Gatun Locks provide a much needed service in the Canal. The locks, which have a total of six steps, limit the maximum size of ships which can travel the canal, known as the Panamax. Together, the locks raise enormous cargo and cruise ships alike from sea level to a height of 85 feet (25.9m). Viewing the Gatun Locks is an amazing experience and one that cannot be ignored on a journey through the Canal.

Panama Canal Cruises are available with a variety of itineraries. Some offer the convenience of departing from and returning to the same port. Others offer full transit – a way to travel from one coast to the other. If you’re interested in spending more time, spend two weeks – up to 17 days – traveling from Fort Lauderdale to San Diego or even New York City to Los Angeles. More often than not, Panama Canal Cruises are combined with other cruises back to back as a way to create longer, more diverse vacation experiences. Planning a journey has never been easier with various trip lengths; it’s possible to plan the perfect short getaway or a month long expedition.

Cruising through the Panama Canal offers a way to spend time in diverse ports throughout the Caribbean, Central America as well as South America and Mexico. “From the beauty and serenity of Fuerte Amador, Panama to the lovely shores of Puerto Limon, Costa Rica, this beautiful land has delighted travelers for ages.”

There are many cruise lines that travel through the Canal, including:

• Celebrity Cruises
• Cunard
• Holland America Line
• Regent Seven Seas
• Seabourn
• Silversea
• Norwegian
• Princess Cruises

There are many embarkation ports for a Panama Canal Cruise, including:

• Balboa
• Barbados
• Buenos Aires
• Colon
• Fort Lauderdale
• Los Angeles
• Miami
• New York
• Puerto Caldera
• Puerto Limon
• San Diego
• San Francisco
• Seattle
• Southampton
• Valparaiso

Choosing to cruise through the Panama Canal allows you to experience a modern marvel first hand. Delighting travelers for years, the Panama Canal continues to be a phenomenon worth seeing. Don’t hesitate, book your Panama Canal cruise experience today!

Escape the winter weather by traveling to the island beauty of Tahiti and the soul of the South Pacific. Bask in the beautiful white sand beaches and tranquil waters. There’s plenty to do and see as you cruise around the South Pacific sailing from "one jewel of the Pacific to another, each its own version of paradise."

If you like adventure on the water, this is the vacation you’ve been waiting for. Enjoy the sun and ocean air as you sail into deep water of Tahiti for a deep sea fishing excursion. Tahiti boats a large selection of game fish including marlin, yellow fin tuna, sailfish, swordfish, mahi-mahi, barracuda and more.

Rather spend your time in the water? Enjoy water sport activities like jet skiing, wind surfing, water skiing, kite boarding, surfing and more. Take some time to get certified and sink down into the crystal clear depths of the South Pacific. Novice divers and enthusiasts alike will find spending time in the shades of blue breathtaking. Become one with the schools of brightly colored sea creatures in the shallow lagoons, deep dive sites, coral reefs and sunken vessels in the Tahitian water.

The Polynesian culture has flourished over time with art, culture and heritage. With no written language, art has allowed the Polynesians to communicate over the centuries. Take part in an elaborate dance performance as you learn the history and culture of the islands. Spend some time visiting the archeological sites around the islands and learn about their rich heritage.

Escape everyday life by traveling to the beautiful islands of Tahiti and the South Pacific. Throughout the year, various voyages are offered, including 7-day trips, 10-12 day tips, 13-18 day trips and even trips in excess of 21 days. Any of the voyages are sure to provide the relief you’ve been searching for.

There are many cruise lines that travel to Tahiti and the South Pacific, including:

• Crystal Cruises
• Holland America Line
• Oceania Cruises
• Paul Gauguin Cruises
• Princess Cruises
• Silversea Cruises

There are many embarkation ports for a Tahitian and South Pacific Cruise, including:

• Los Angeles
• Papeete
• San Diego
• Seattle
• Vancouver

Tahiti offers welcoming ports, calm blue waters in relaxing tropical lagoons and short trips between inviting islands. Spend time exploring the “mountainous interior [that] shelters deep valleys, clear streams, and high waterfalls, all bathed in the green iridescence of Mother Nature's light.” Book your next vacation to the Tahitian paradise and receive discounts, onboard credits, upgrades and more!