The Queen Elizabeth cruise ship completed its northbound transit through the Panama Canal, officially 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 scheduled transits this season.
According to Albano G. Aguilar, Market Analysis and Forecasting Specialist in the Office of Corporate Affairs of the Panama Canal Administration, a slight decrease in the number of transits is projected for this fiscal year. This is attributed to cost-optimization strategies adopted by major cruise lines, which include shorter itineraries and greater use of their renewed Caribbean facilities.
By 2026, global passenger demand is expected to grow by 5%, while the worldwide cruise fleet will expand by 14 vessels, reaching a total of 475 ships.
Throughout this season, major cruise lines such as Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean Cruises, among others, will continue offering itineraries that include full and partial Canal transits. Smaller vessels such as Insignia, Le Lyrial, Le Champlain, National Geographic Quest, Star Pride, and Viking Mars are also expected to visit.
Five cruise ships will make their first-ever Panama Canal transits this season: Aidadiva, Brilliant Lady, Celebrity Ascent, Disney Adventure, and Star Seeker.
In addition, 41 Neopanamax vessels are scheduled to transit the Canal, including five of the largest ships (168,000 tons): Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy, and Norwegian Encore. The new locks will also welcome the debut of vessels such as Celebrity Ascent, Brilliant Lady, Aidadiva, and Disney Adventure, the latter expected to set a record with 201,000 tons.
Over One Million Visitors
Coinciding with the start of the cruise season, the Panama Canal recognized the first Panamanian traveler to surpass one million visitors in a single fiscal year. To commemorate this milestone, a ceremony was held at the Miraflores Locks, where a commemorative plaque was presented to Mr. José González from Panamá Oeste, accompanied by his family.
The Panama Canal remains one of the country’s top tourist attractions. After the Canal was transferred to Panamanian administration, the growing number of tourists highlighted the need for expanded visitor facilities. As a result, the Miraflores Visitors Center was inaugurated in 2003 and now welcomes thousands of people daily.
Since 2012, the Canal has also featured the Agua Clara Visitors Center in Colón Province, and in April of this year, the new Gatun Lookout opened, adding to the Agua Clara visitor circuit on the Atlantic coast.
This new site offers privileged views of vessels transiting the historic Gatun Locks, as well as an educational experience at the Agua Clara Neopanamax locks’ Visitors Center, where guests can learn more about Canal operations and its impact on global trade.
Admission to all visitor centers is free for residents under 18, as part of the canal’s ongoing efforts to promote family tourism and educate younger generations about the importance of this interoceanic route for Panama and the world.
