Panama Canal Cruise
Enjoy the wonderful experience of cruising to multiple destinations, with ample time to relax and enjoy those warm days at sea. Embark in Fort Lauderdale and cruise to San Diego with a full transit of the Panama Canal. The 48-mile long Canal, one of the Seven Modern Wonders of the World, took ten years to build and was one of the most difficult engineering projects ever undertaken. 2016 was the inauguration of the new expansion project, allowing the new larger Neopanamax ships to traverse the canal. Get more out of your vacation with our included shore excursions! This is the relaxing getaway you deserve!
- January 12- 29, 2027
Itinerary
Day 1: January 12 Omaha, NE (or home airport) / Fort Lauderdale, FL
Welcome to Fort Lauderdale, the starting point for your amazing Panama Canal Cruise! A shuttle will provide you with a quick ride to your hotel. Check-in to your hotel room and meet your Rupiper Tour Manager. Overnight in Fort Lauderdale.
Day 2: January 13 Fort Lauderdale / Board Ship Sail at 3:00PM
This morning, prepare to board the Island Princess Cruise Ship. Enjoy a late checkout, before transfering to the cruise terminal. Get acquainted with the ship and all its luxurious amenities, as this will be your home for the next two weeks. Every evening you may enjoy a professional show, be it a Broadway production, musical talent, comedian, or juggling act. With Princess entertainment, you’ll think you’re in Vegas! Visit several ports and have unique opportunities to immerse yourself in the local cultures and view many incredible sights. (B, L, D)
Day 3: January 14 At Sea
Sleep in and treat yourself to a day of relaxation. Forget the cold of winter – read a book from the ship’s library, take in a lecture, catch a movie onboard in the ship’s theater, or make new friends over your favorite card game. (B, L, D)
Day 4: January 15 At Sea
Relax by the pool or get involved in one of the many activities offered, like wine tasting, karaoke, ballroom dance lessons, and guest speakers. It’s all about doing what makes you feel special and expanding your horizons! You’re encouraged to go beyond the usual and create an experience that’s uniquely your own. (B, L, D)
Day 5: January 16 Aruba 9:00AM - 6:00PM Rupiper Tour Included
Aruba’s colorful, Dutch-inspired architecture reflects its historical ties to the Netherlands, blending European design with bright Caribbean hues adapted to the island’s climate. Discover the island’s rich heritage at the Aruba Aloe Factory, where you’ll learn how aloe vera—thriving in Aruba’s sunny, arid climate—has been cultivated for over a century and transformed into soothing skincare products. Take in sweeping coastal views from the California Lighthouse, then enjoy a peaceful stop at the charming Alto Vista Chapel. Blending history, nature, and a touch of local agriculture, this tour offers a fun and fascinating glimpse into Aruba’s unique landscape. (B, L, D)
Day 6: January 17 At Sea (B, L, D)
Day 7: January 18 Panama Canal (Full Transit) 6:00AM-4:30PM
This is what you have been looking forward to... THE PANAMA CANAL! Although built more than 100 years ago (1904 - 1914), it offers up-to-date movement through three monstrous locks as you cross the Continental Divide. A full transit of the Panama Canal through its original locks—Gatun Locks, Pedro Miguel Locks, and Miraflores Locks—is an unforgettable journey through one of the world’s greatest engineering feats. As your ship is carefully raised and lowered in a series of chambers, you’ll watch massive steel gates swing open, feel the vessel glide forward with the help of electric locomotives (“mules”), and take in close-up views of lush rainforest, passing ships, and historic infrastructure. Unlike the newer expansion locks, the original locks offer a more intimate and authentic experience—you’re closer to the action, the process unfolds step-by-step before your eyes, and you truly appreciate the ingenuity that made global maritime trade possible over a century ago. The amount of concrete and material that went into constructing this modern marvel is astonishing. You will want to be on deck for this unforgettable experience! (B, L, D)
Day 8: January 19 Panama City, Panama (Fuerte Amador) 7:00AM-6:00PM Rupiper Tour Included
Visit the Panama Canal Visitor Center at Miraflores Locks to witness the incredible engineering of this iconic waterway, and also see an informative IMAX video. Enjoy breathtaking views of Panama City’s skyline and the Pacific Ocean from the scenic Amador Causeway and Cinta Costera. Board small boats in Gatun Lake and make your way to Monkey Island, where you will have opportunities for close encounters with monkeys (white-faced capuchins, howlers, and tamarins). The boat ride through the canal’s rainforest also provides opportunities to spot sloths, crocodiles, and views of other large vessels. This tour offers a comprehensive and thrilling exploration of Panama’s rich history, diverse culture, and modern achievements. Get ready to be captivated by the stories and sights that make Panama truly unique! (B, D)
Day 9: January 20 At Sea (B, L, D)
Day 10: January 21 Puntarenas, Costa Rica 7:00AM-7:00PM Rupiper Tour Included
Puntarenas is a lovely seaport town with multi-colored cottages and local markets. Costa Rica is home to Carara Tropical Rainforest, where you will find exotic flora and fauna unique to Central America. Today’s included tour takes you on a ride through the rainforest to a lofty vantage point, and we check out our lucky spot to see monkeys in the wild. Take a crocodile river boat on the Tarcoles River, cruising through a unique mangrove forest looking for crocs and wildlife. Also visit a farm growing local produce. (B, L, D)
Day 11: January 22 At Sea (B, L, D)
Day 12: January 23 Puerto Chiapas, Mexico 8:00AM-5:00PM Rupiper Tour Included
Step ashore in Puerto Chiapas and discover a day rich in culture, flavor, and scenic beauty. Your experience begins with a picturesque transfer to Tuxtla Chico, a charming historic town near the Guatemala border, which is also part of the “Chocolate Route” known for its traditional and ancestral production of cacao. Along the way, you’ll pass lush mango plantations and towering oil palm groves, while in the distance the majestic silhouettes of Tacaná Volcano and Tajumulco Volcano rise above the landscape. In Tuxtla Chico, step back in time with a visit to the beautiful La Candelaria Church, where history and local legend intertwine—especially in the stories surrounding its famous church bells. Stroll past elegant old townhouses and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the local market, where daily life unfolds in colorful, authentic fashion. Your journey continues to Chocolah La Parra, a traditional cacao farm where you’ll be welcomed into a warm, backyard setting. See cacao trees up close and experience a hands-on demonstration of how chocolate is made using time-honored methods. Savor a delicious homemade lunch featuring regional specialties and rich, freshly prepared chocolate that captures the true essence of Chiapas. After browsing locally crafted artisan goods, you’ll return to your ship with a deeper appreciation for the culture, flavors, and traditions of southern Mexico. (B, L, D)
Day 13: January 24 Huatulco, Mexico 8:00AM - 5:00PM Rupiper Tour Included
While cruising the stunning Pacific coast of Huatulco, your journey offers a truly moving and unforgettable experience—one that connects you with nature in a deeply meaningful way. This special day takes you to Escobilla Beach, one of the most important sea turtle nesting sites in the world and a protected haven for conservation.Here, you’ll meet passionate local biologists who are dedicated to safeguarding these remarkable creatures. As they share insights into the life cycle of sea turtles and the vital work being done to protect them, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the sanctuary’s role in preserving these species for future generations. The highlight of your visit is an experience few travelers ever forget: the chance to gently release newly hatched baby turtles into the ocean. Watching these tiny creatures make their determined journey across the sand and into the waves is both heartwarming and inspiring—a powerful reminder of nature’s resilience and beauty. (B, L, D)
Day 14: January 25 At Sea (B, L, D)
Day 15: January 26 Puerto Vallarta, Mexico 8:00AM - 5:00PM Rupiper Tour Included
Experience the vibrant charm of Puerto Vallarta as you explore the traditional streets of its downtown and Old Town, where cobblestone roads, colorful buildings, and lively culture come together along Mexico’s stunning Pacific coast. Visit the main square, home to the city’s iconic church, and discover local craftsmanship at a traditional silver shop and tile factory where skilled artisans bring Mexican heritage to life. Enjoy a scenic drive to Mismaloya, famously known as the filming location of Night of the Iguana, and soak in the lush tropical surroundings. Along the way, stop at a local hacienda to sample Mexico’s signature spirit, tequila, and relax with an optional riverside lunch. Perfect as an introduction to the city, this tour offers a fun and immersive glimpse into the history, culture, and beauty that make Puerto Vallarta so beloved—especially for first-time visitors and cruise passengers. (B, L, D)
Day 16: January 27 At Sea (B, L, D)
Day 17: January 28 At Sea (B, L, D)
Day 18: January 29 San Diego, CA / Omaha, NE (or home airport) Arrive 7:00AM
Disembark the ship with fond memories & a world of new experiences. Transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)
Rupiper Tours reserves the right to make minor adjustments to the itinerary if necessary.
For the safety and enjoyment of all guests, participants must be able to walk independently and navigate uneven terrain without assistance. Please note that we are unable to accommodate mobility scooters, walkers, or provide individual assistance during the tour. Travelers should carefully assess their mobility and physical ability before booking.
What's Included
What’s Included
Round-trip Airfare from Omaha, NE
Airfare available from other airports - slight price adjustment possible
Fort Lauderdale Pre-Cruise Hotel and Transfers
Princess Cruise Fare including Port Charges and Taxes
All Meals Included as Stated (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner)
Full Transit of the Panama Canal
Gratuities for Local Tour Guides and Motorcoach Drivers
Mandatory Gratuities to Ship Staff ($288 per person included)
Included Shore Excursions
Aruba
Aloe Vera Farm & Demo • California Lighthouse • Alto Vista Chapel
Panama City, Panama
Canal Visitor Center • Canal IMAX Video • Monkey Island • City Tour
Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Crocodile Boat Ride • Carara Tropical Rainforest • Farm
Puerto Chiapas, Mexico
Cacao Farm • Chocolate Demonstration • Farmer’s Market • City Tour
Huatulco, Mexico
Escobilla Beach Turtle Sanctuary • Sea Turtle Release
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Downtown & Old Town Tour • Tequila Tasting • Tile Factory
Sign-Up by June 30th
Receive an Upgrade from Inside Cabin to Obstructed Ocean View Cabin
Upgrade Includes a large window that is likely obstructed by a lifeboat, but still offers sunlight, ability to see weather outside, and possibly a full or partial ocean view
Special Events and Sights
Included Shore Excursions
Aruba
Aloe Vera Farm & Demo • California Lighthouse • Alto Vista Chapel
Panama City, Panama
Canal Visitor Center • Canal IMAX Video • Monkey Island • City Tour
Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Crocodile Boat Ride • Carara Tropical Rainforest • Farm
Puerto Chiapas, Mexico
Cacao Farm • Chocolate Demonstration • Farmer’s Market • City Tour
Huatulco, Mexico
Escobilla Beach Turtle Sanctuary • Sea Turtle Release
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Downtown & Old Town Tour • Tequila Tasting • Tile Factory
Testimonials
Testimonials from Panama Canal Cruise Tour Participants
“Wonderful trip! I think it was planned perfectly, and it met and exceeded our expectations!! Thank you!
- Kathy & Patrick N. (South Dakota)
"The tour manager was very pleasant and went out of her way to make our trip flow smoothly and be interesting. She made the trip more relaxing because all the details were taken care of for us. We enjoyed it all and would go again! We thoroughly enjoyed the experience. We made new friends and had a great time with them. It was a great experience. Looking forward to our trip to Alaska with you in August!”
– Ron & Marlene E. (South Dakota)
“Excellent guides – good English! Great tour and good sized group. A+ really enjoyed the school.”
- Anonymous
“The service was great – they always tried to answer questions, if they didn’t know they would find out. It was nice to meet new people and make new friends in the tour group. I liked seeing how other countries lived. The farms were the best visits!”
- Ellen W. (South Dakota)
“Rupiper Tours is Top Notch!! We were very pleased with the quality of our trip. We enjoyed the people on our tour and made many new friends. All the guides had a good sense of humor and were highly motivated to please us. We will travel with Rupiper again!!”
– Bob & Barb H. (Iowa)
“The tour guides were all excellent! Their English was good, they were very knowledgeable, organized, and they answered questions! The drivers were great also, they were careful and kept us safe. We enjoyed all our stops and the Panama Canal! Timing was great for us!”
– Mark & Pat R. (Michigan)
“We enjoyed the entire trip and don’t think we would change anything.”
– Dave & Jo N. (South Dakota)
“All was great!! We couldn’t have been treated any better. The Panama Canal was very interesting, and visiting the schools and villages mad it more personal. This was our first cruise. We had a great experience and would definitely go again.”
– Colleen S. (North Dakota)
“I will highly recommend this tour! I only wish I would have taken part in more of the ship’s activities, because there was so much going on. It was nice to have things to do, even if I was happy relaxing.”
– Larry & Cheryl B. (Illinois)
“Truly enjoyed the whole trip. Cindy was very accommodating to assist.”
– Charles R. (North Dakota)
“The whole trip was excellent. No complaints.”
– Deborah F. (Iowa)
"The guide was very knowledgeable and always available. The tour guides all seemed very knowledgeable and showed us the true flavor of the area. I loved Columbia and going through the Canal."
- Anonymous
“Everything was done very professionally. The tours went smoothly. There was not a minute wasted – very efficient. Excellent!!”
- Jim & Marlene E. (Illinois)
"The tour manager did an excellent job on everything. The local tour guides were great! I especially liked the coffee farm - so much more information than we have ever received on other coffee farm visits. Also really enjoyed the bakery in Mexico." - Cliff & Joyce B. (Ohio)
“We feel that activities were well planned and directed. Loved having the reserved evening meal, so we could meet others in our group and get information and schedules for the following day. Brent was an excellent guide for us – We’d probably still be stuck in LAX if it weren’t for his knowledge, patience, and loving guiding. It took a log of these qualities to get us non-fliers to get to where we needed to be. He is a saint! We have highly recommended Rupiper Tours to several of our friends and know they will be as happy as we are if they choose your company. Thanks for the memories!”
- Dennis & Nelann G. (South Dakota)
“From the get-go Brent told us not to worry about anything. If we had questions to be sure and ask, and we did. He had everything under control. Tour guides were knowledgeable and spoke good English. This was our first cruise but felt your company did a very good job with everything. Brent is a very nice young man and very helpful. Better keep him!!! We would travel with your company again. Thank you.”
- Jerry & Susan W. (South Dakota)
“The longer we are on this trip the more we are understanding all you and the Rupiper Company have done to make this trip trouble free. We are very glad to have discovered your organization. We have enjoyed you, our fellow members of this group and the outings we have done. The tours have been enjoyable, entertaining, and enlightening. Thank you so much for your knowledge and concern for each of us. We are very glad we have been with you the last two weeks. We appreciate and thank you.”
- Anonymous
“Very happy with the places we went. The tours were excellent! Ship was very good. Would recommend Rupiper to anyone, and if we go on another tour, you would be my first choice.”
- Jim & Maryann S. (Wisconsin)
“I wanted to tell you a HUGE THANK YOU for the trip and all the hard work, taking such good care of us and all the things we did not see you do to make this a great trip for us. We will travel with you again someday. Brent, I wanted to tell you how much I appreciated and admired your gentleness with us and some of the others who need some extra help. This aspect did not go unnoticed by me, it is a rare thing in this day and age to see someone younger be so kind and patient with older people… Kudos to you.”
- Allen & Cheryl B. (South Dakota)
“The tour manager was always there, friendly, and helpful. We really enjoyed visiting the school, and of course the canal. Thanks for the video.”
- Harold & Bonnie D. (Illinois)
"We thoroughly enjoyed Brent! He was very informative and respectful to us, as well as to the people we visited. He listened to peoples' questions and concerns and addressed them quickly and appropriately. Tour guides were great, and they were easy to understand. We enjoyed the ag slant - and definitely would go on another tour with you."
- Ed & Barb T. (New York)
"The tour manager went above and beyond!! Even though the group was scattered on the ship and were not together every day, Cindy had things organized and kept us informed. Our local guides were very accommodating and informative. They made sure to answer the group's questions. All spoke and understood English very well. The narration the day of the canal was VERY Good!!"
- Roy & Trish R. (Nebraska)
"Brent is always very pleasant and available. Enjoyed the whole trip. Any time I called or had a question, everything was handled great."
- John & Nancy E. (Illinois)
"It was a great trip, no problems. We'll enjoy the video and re-live our trip. We thoroughly enjoyed the tour manager, Cindy, she took good care of all of us."
- Linda W. (Oklahoma)
"A great tour all the way! The tour manager is a professional and in any situation she was there to help. This made our tour a success!"
- Dick G. (Minnesota)
"Brent was Spot On!! Very thorough and patient. Knowledgeable and accessible. Everything we need in a guide. Great move to meet daily for dinner. It was so nice to have reservations and not having to wait to be seated. Best thing on the ship was the evening entertainment - thoroughly enjoyed everything in the theater."
- Mike & Linda D. (South Dakota)
"Tour manager was engaging, fun, and took good care of us. All the guides were easy to understand. Really enjoyed your planned excursions and the canal crossing (it's what we signed up for)."
- Ken & Jeannie S. (Minnesota)
"The tour guides were easy to understand and able to answer all our questions. Interesting to hear about their lives also. The tour manager was very personable and knowledgeable. Kept track of everybody. Made the trip memorable. Really enjoyed the coffee farm visit."
- Roger & Gloria H. (Illinois)
"Very good experience. Loved that you helped us fly out of our home airport. Brent did an excellent job. He knew his stuff and was very kind, patient, and pleasant to us and everyone on the trip - especially in areas where some of us needed extra help. Very happy and pleased with all."
- Allen & Cheryl B. (South Dakota)
"The Panama Canal cruise was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We learned so much about the workings of the canal and about life in Central America. Seeing the way people live and work in this part of the world really made us appreciate our own country. The wonderful people we met in the Rupiper group were icing on the cake. The tour manager made it a point to connect with everyone regularly. She kept popping up all over! She was very pleasant and informative."
- Gary & Joyce R. (South Dakota)
"Couldn't have been better! We really enjoyed Columbia. Thanks again for another great trip!"
- Daniel & Zada C. (Texas)
"Guides and motorcoach drivers were all excellent. Brent was always willing to help with any needs and did an excellent job sharing information. Our favorite visits were the farms, schools, and the bakery. The food was beyond excellent!"
- David & Brenda O. (South Dakota)
"The tour manager was wonderful - very attentive to everyone and very helpful. We enjoyed all our tour guides. Everyone was always friendly and helpful. Enjoyed the trip - no suggestions for improvement!"
- Dewayne & Carolyn W. (North Carolina)
"Enjoyed the tour - met a lot of nice people! Enjoyed the coconut farm and plantain farm the most. Good Job!"
- Glenn & Fannie K. (Pennsylvania)
"Tour manager was fun - easy going - helpful - no pressure! All the guides spoke good English and answered questions. The staff was always good - available and helpful."
- Don & Sally A. (Ohio)
"Super job Brent! Thanks for everything!"
- Duane & Jan S. (South Dakota)
"Everything was great! Thanks for the DVD!"
- Ron G. (Pennsylvania)
"We want to thank you for all you did to make the cruise so enjoyable. It was a great trip and we really appreciated all you did. We really enjoyed seeing the DVD. We could relive our favorite port, Cabo San Lucas." - Larry & Maggie C. (Illinois)
"I really liked our stop in Acapulco. All the local guides showed the group interesting locations - we saw the lows of an area and the highs - friendly & considerate. I will continue to travel with Rupipers."
- Don & Jeannette D. (Nebraska)
"Suzanne was very knowledgeable and always available. The tour guides all seemed very knowledgeable and showed us the true flavor of the area. I loved Columbia and going through the Canal."
- Anonymous
"Everything was done very professionally. The tours went smoothly. There was not a minute wasted - very efficient. Excellent!!"
- Jim & Marlene E. (Illinois)
“Loved it, ready to go again!! Caught the sailing bug – will be looking into cruising with you again!! Suzanne was SUPER! Will tour with her again for sure! Was always there when needed and with answers. Very organized – made sure everyone knew when and where they had to be.”
- Kevin & Ellen S. (Wisconsin)
“The cruise was total RELAXATION! We completely lost track of time – thankfully Suzanne kept track for us. She was very knowledgeable and sought out answers for our questions. Suzanne was very friendly and welcomed everyone to her cruise ship family.”
- Robert & Phyllis B. (Iowa)
"Received the nice DVD slide show. Enjoyed the Panama Canal Cruise and your tours."
- Anonymous
“The ship was very nice, good food, great entertainment. Crew was very friendly, helpful and always making sure we were very comfortable and well fed! Tour group was much fun – great group of individuals! Suzanne was excellent in every aspect, accessible at all hours, informative, fun and organized.”
- Anonymous
“One of the better cruise lines. Larry, you and your people do a great job! Suzanne was excellent for the entire tour.”
- Kermit & Carol A. (Iowa)
