An Unforgettable Journey: My Daughter and I on a Panama Canal Cruise with Princess Cruises

There’s a special kind of magic that comes with a cruise vacation. The anticipation of waking up in a new destination each day, the seamless travel between vibrant cultures, and the sheer relaxation of life at sea – it’s an experience unlike any other. If there’s one journey that truly embodies this magic, it’s a cruise through the iconic Panama Canal. This past March, my daughter, Lexi, and I embarked on a 10-day Panama Canal Cruise with Princess Cruises, an adventure that would quickly become a highlight of our lives. Setting sail from Fort Lauderdale, FL, we were eager to explore the diverse landscapes and rich histories of Aruba, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, and Jamaica.

Why a Panama Canal Cruise Should Be on Your Bucket List

The Panama Canal isn’t just a feat of engineering; it’s a gateway to some of the most stunning destinations in the Caribbean and Central America. A cruise through this historic waterway offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness this marvel firsthand while also indulging in a variety of captivating shore excursions. For travelers seeking a blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and thrilling adventure, a Panama Canal cruise delivers on all fronts. Princess Cruises, renowned for its exceptional service and diverse itineraries, provided the perfect platform for this extraordinary mother-daughter escape.

*This post is proudly sponsored by Princess Cruises. As always, all opinions and joyful memories shared are 100% my own.

Maximizing Your Cruise Experience: The Art of Excursion Planning

One of the most exciting aspects of any cruise is the opportunity for shore excursions. These day trips, typically booked through your cruise line, allow you to deeply engage with each port of call. Our ship, the magnificent Coral Princess, would typically dock overnight, allowing us to disembark refreshed and ready for adventure the following morning. Excursions cater to every interest, from historical sightseeing and local shopping to vibrant cultural events and exhilarating physical activities. They offer a structured yet flexible way to experience the essence of each destination.

Choosing the Perfect Excursions with Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises makes planning effortless. Before your departure, or even onboard, you can access a comprehensive list of excursions available at each port on your itinerary. Each listing provides crucial details: cost, duration, and a clear description of what to expect. This transparency is incredibly helpful for making informed decisions.

When reviewing excursion options, I cannot stress enough the importance of reading each description *carefully*. Consider the physical demands of the activity and any limitations you or your travel companions might have. Look for notes highlighted in red, which often indicate age or weight restrictions. Additionally, pay attention to any medical considerations, photography rules, and the general level of physical activity involved. We unfortunately witnessed some fellow passengers unable to participate in certain activities due to overlooked requirements, leading to disappointment. Our goal was to create fun, lasting memories, so selecting excursions that aligned with our interests and capabilities was paramount. We aimed for experiences that offered a genuine taste of local culture and showcased the unique geography of each stop.

Smooth Departures: Getting Ready for Your Adventures

I admit, I initially felt a touch overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information when booking our Panama Canal Cruise Excursions. The fear of regretting a choice is real! However, the careful planning paid off, and every decision we made contributed to an incredible journey. Your excursion tickets, along with other important documents, will be delivered directly to your stateroom. It’s crucial to keep them in a safe, designated spot, as you’ll accumulate quite a few papers throughout the trip.

Lexi and I developed a system: excursion tickets, room keys, and passports always stayed together. This ensured we were always prepared when it was time to depart the ship. Your tickets will specify meeting times and locations for your group, or these details will be announced over the ship’s intercom. Upon meeting, you’ll be given color-coded or numbered stickers for easy identification. The disembarkation process is streamlined; you’ll wait in line as crew members scan everyone’s room key. This scan happens again upon your return, ensuring all passengers are safely back on board before setting sail. A thoughtful touch: the crew often greets you back with refreshing water and a hot, wet cloth – a welcome relief after a day of exploration!

Exploring the Jewels of the Caribbean and Central America

Aruba – “One Happy Island” and Historical Waters

Snorkeling Cruise & Antilla Shipwreck

Our first stop after two relaxing days at sea was Aruba. While I’d heard glowing reviews of its beauty, I was initially surprised by its desert-like landscape, a stark contrast to the lush tropics I envisioned. Having grown up surrounded by sailing, the prospect of being back on the water excited me most about this excursion. Any chance to trade land-locked living for the open sea, I seize it!

Joined by Lexi and fellow travel bloggers Sandra from A Dash of Sanity and Erin from Dinners, Dishes & Desserts, we boarded a catamaran, sailing for about 45 minutes before dropping anchor. Donning our snorkeling gear, we eagerly (though not literally!) plunged into the crystal-clear Caribbean waters. Having snorkeled in Hawaii previously, I knew the magic that awaited, but seeing Lexi experience it for the very first time was truly special.

Our first dive spot was the historic Antilla Shipwreck. The story of its sinking, a German freighter scuttled during WWII, was incredibly fascinating. Swimming over this submerged piece of history, surrounded by vibrant fish, felt both eerie and awe-inspiring. It was surreal to share this moment in the Caribbean Sea with my daughter and blogging friends. The sheer abundance of colorful fish swimming alongside us was mind-blowing, and I even spotted a small line of squid, wishing I had a waterproof camera to capture it all!

Beyond the underwater wonders, another delightful perk of this tour was the seemingly bottomless rum punch. It’s simply essential to enjoy a Caribbean libation or two, isn’t it? Our charismatic captain, Randy (who we affectionately nicknamed “JayZ” for his resemblance), ensured our cups were constantly refilled. As a little surprise, I’d quietly informed the crew it was Sandra’s birthday, so upon our return to the dock, the entire boat burst into a joyous rendition of “Happy Birthday.” When Randy offered her a celebratory shot, and she politely declined, I, ever the team player, stepped up. Someone had to do it!

Cartagena, Colombia – A Glimpse into the Past and Present

Cartagena Hop On/Hop Off Bus Tour

The following day brought us to the historic city of Cartagena, Colombia. With numerous enticing excursions available, the desire to experience everything was strong. However, I’ve learned that it’s impossible to “do it all” in a single visit, often leaving a wonderful reason to return! Lexi and I opted for the Hop On/Hop Off Bus Tour, a fantastic way to get an overview of the city.

We chose the upper deck of the double-decker bus, braving the heat and humidity for the panoramic views – a choice I didn’t regret, as it offered an unobstructed perspective of the stunning architecture. The tour boasts 13 stops, allowing passengers to disembark at their leisure to explore museums, shops, churches, and most notably, Las Murallas. These formidable walls, constructed in the 16th century, once protected the city from invaders, standing as a powerful testament to Cartagena’s rich history.

After completing the full loop, we exited at the last stop, joining a walking tour of the Old City. While we eventually opted for our own pace, the sheer beauty of Old City captivated me instantly. Its cobblestone streets, vibrant colonial buildings painted in a kaleidoscope of colors, and overflowing bougainvillea created an enchanting atmosphere. It felt like stepping into another world, and I fell completely in love with its charm and character. It’s a place I eagerly yearn to revisit.

What truly struck me in Cartagena was the powerful visual contrast between the ancient, fortified Old City and the gleaming, modern skyscrapers just a short distance away. As seen in the collage above, these two distinct worlds exist side-by-side, offering a unique reflection of Colombia’s past and present.

Panama – Immersing in Indigenous Culture and Canal Wonders

Embera Indigenous Village Experience

Our sixth day brought us to the very heart of our journey: the Panama Canal. After a breathtaking transit through this engineering marvel, the ship anchored, and we were tendered (transferred by small boats) to land, where air-conditioned buses awaited. The relief of that AC in the rainforest’s intense humidity was instant and deeply appreciated!

Our knowledgeable tour guide shared a wealth of fascinating facts about both Panama and the canal as we drove towards a winding river. Upon arrival, we donned life jackets and boarded traditional wooden canoes, reminiscent of those the local children played in. This authentic journey took us deeper into the rainforest, to an Embera indigenous village. There, we were welcomed into a thatched-roof theater, surrounded by the Embera people and tables laden with beautiful handicrafts made by each family.

It was a profoundly immersive experience. We learned about the rich Embera culture, enjoyed their vibrant native dancing, and were even invited to participate. A delicious lunch of fried tilapia and plantains was served, offering a taste of their traditional cuisine. The Embera people explained the significance of their colorful dress and intricate body paint. In a moment that brought tears to my eyes, they selected Lexi to become an honorary Embera Indian, a truly unforgettable honor that celebrated her connection to their heritage. This excursion offered a rare and intimate glimpse into a living culture, far beyond typical tourist attractions.

Limon, Costa Rica – Rainforest Adventures and Thrilling Ziplines

Original Canopy Zipline Tour & Veragua Aerial Tram

Of all our incredible excursions, Costa Rica stood out as my absolute favorite. This was a full 8-hour day adventure, complete with a provided lunch, that I plan to detail even further in a dedicated post. Our tour guide, Christopher, and our bus driver, also named Christopher, were simply outstanding. On our scenic drive to the Veragua Rainforest, they frequently stopped, pointing out fascinating wildlife like sloths hanging from trees (one’s face is subtly visible in the bottom-right of the image above, where the limbs intersect), colorful frogs, and cocoa plants. It was a naturalist’s dream!

Upon reaching the rainforest, we embarked on a guided walking tour, learning about the incredible biodiversity and intricate ecosystems of this precious environment. After a delicious Costa Rican lunch, we explored a serene butterfly garden, marveling at the delicate beauty of various species. Then came the moment of truth: we were fitted into harnesses for the ultimate canopy experience.

And ultimate it truly was! Initial nerves quickly transformed into pure exhilaration as I soared through the dense canopy. Surprisingly, I felt incredibly safe, suspended hundreds of feet above the forest floor. Our guides were not only professional but also hilariously entertaining, keeping us laughing the entire way. If ziplining has ever crossed your mind, I urge you without hesitation: go for it! It’s an unparalleled sensation of freedom and connection with nature.

This particular day held even more significance as we celebrated Lexi’s 25th birthday. I can scarcely imagine a more thrilling or memorable way to mark such a milestone than ziplining through the vibrant rainforests of Costa Rica on such an amazing trip! She had always dreamed of ziplining, putting it on her personal bucket list, so being able to share this incredible experience with her was a joy beyond words.

The fantastic gang after our incredible zip lining adventure!
Pictured above from left to right,
Back row – Christopher, our tour guide / Christopher, our bus driver /
Tanya of Lemons for Lulu.
Middle row – Katrina of In Katrina’s Kitchen, Erin of Dinners, Dishes, & Desserts, and Kerrie M. Burke.
Front Row – Lexi (my daughter) of A Traveling Veggie, yours truly,
Sandra of A Dash of Sanity, Ellie -Tanya’s daughter, and Madeline Heising.
I’d love it if you could take a look at each of their sites and follow them on Instagram!

While we were ziplining, Brenda from A Farmgirl’s Dabbles and her family opted for a different kind of wildlife encounter, visiting a sloth sanctuary. You can read about her delightful experience and a delicious recipe in her post, Pineapple Fruit Salad with Honey Vanilla Bean Yogurt Dressing.

Ocho Rios, Jamaica – River Tubing and Beach Bliss

River Tubing Adventure and Bamboo Beach Club

Our final port of call was the vibrant Ocho Rios, Jamaica – a place that instantly resonates with the cheerful phrases, “Yeah, mon!” and “No problems, only solutions.” Having never been to the Caribbean before, Lexi was particularly keen on enjoying some relaxing beach time. While I’m not typically one for sand between my toes, the soothing sound of the waves has always been my “happy place,” making this excursion a perfect fit for both of us.

We boarded our bus with our energetic tour guide, Sammie Jo, and made our way to the tranquil White River. There, equipped with helmets and inner tubes, we were guided into the gentle currents by two friendly local guides. The experience of floating down the river was simply incredible – so profoundly relaxing and utterly enjoyable that we were genuinely disappointed when the half-hour journey concluded. Riding the subtle waves, feeling the cool water, and even singing along with our guides was an absolute balm for the soul.

Following our river adventure, we ventured to the lively Bamboo Beach Club for a few hours of sun-drenched fun. Each of us settled into a comfortable beach chair, enjoyed an entertaining dance show, and savored a truly delicious lunch. The array of food was abundant, featuring various local delicacies. While there were many tempting options, I completely fell in love with the Jerk Chicken – it was absolutely phenomenal! You can get a taste of Tanya’s recipe in her post Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe. And true to Caribbean hospitality, we enjoyed an endless supply of refreshing water, zesty mojitos, and invigorating rum punch.

The relaxed, laid-back atmosphere of Jamaica, combined with the warmth of its people, made it an idyllic culmination to our journey. It was a perfect blend of adventure and serene relaxation, leaving us with a feeling of deep contentment.

Final Reflections on a Dream Cruise

Lexi and I could not have been more delighted with every single excursion we chose. There wasn’t a moment of regret; after each adventure, we would excitedly discuss how pleased we were with our decision. Our Panama Canal Cruise with Princess Cruises wasn’t just a vacation; it was a profound exploration of diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable moments shared. I wholeheartedly recommend taking full advantage of the meticulously planned shore excursions when you embark on your own Panama Canal Cruise. These curated experiences truly elevate the entire trip, transforming a good vacation into an extraordinary one, leaving you with a treasure trove of memories that will last a lifetime.

Even months after returning home, I still find myself pinching myself, wondering if it was all a dream. I actually cruised through the magnificent Panama Canal! This journey, once seemingly out of reach, became a vibrant reality thanks to Princess Cruises. I am eternally grateful for the incredible opportunity they provided for my daughter and me. This truly is a trip that deserves a prominent place on everyone’s bucket list, offering a unique blend of historical marvel, natural beauty, and thrilling adventure.

I’d love to hear from you! If you’ve been on a cruise, what was your favorite excursion? And if you haven’t yet had the pleasure, what adventure would you most like to experience?

I give you BIG baking hugs and muffins!!