Sail the stunning Panama Canal

updated 10:59 a.m. ET July 1, 2008

Book by: ASAP
Travel by: Various through February 2009

The deal
Every self-respecting cruise fan must sail the stunning Panama Canal at least once in their lifetime. These cruises don’t come cheap so we’ve rounded up a couple of remarkable deals that will get you sailing Panama as well as the sunny shores of Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean for less. Pick between a voyage on new Norwegian Pearl in September; Holland America’s Rotterdam next December; or the five-star Crystal Symphony in February. Rates start as low as $1,499 and discounts run as high as 48 percent!

Panama Canal odyssey on Norwegian Pearl
On September 21, the new Norwegian Pearl sets sail on a 19-night Panama Canal eastbound odyssey. This cruise is now on sale by CruisesOnly for only $1,599 an interior cabin (just $2,249 in oceanview). The low price reflects a serious discount, of 33 percent off rack rates. The ship departs from Seattle toward Miami. En route, it visits a wide number of destinations including San Francisco and Los Angeles in California; Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco in Mexico; the Panama Canal; Colombia’s Cartagena; as well as the Caribbean islands of Aruba and Curaçao. Eight days at sea are also covered by this itinerary.

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Holland America voyage aboard Rotterdam
Another epic Panama Canal voyage is on sale by Orbitz: a 16-night cruise aboard Holland America’s Rotterdam for $1,499 in an interior or oceanview cabin. Departing in December from San Diego to Fort Lauderdale, this sea journey has been reduced in price by 36 percent. Even balconied staterooms on this elegant ship are affordable, priced at $3,999. The cruise takes in five Mexican ports of call (Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo, Huatulco, and Puerto Chiapas) as well as Puntarenas in Costa Rica and the island of Aruba. Seven days at sea and one day of sailing the Panama Canal are thrown in.

Panama cruise on Crystal Symphony
We also found an early-bird deal on Vacation Outlet that saves you 48 percent off brochure rates for an 11-night Panama Canal voyage next February aboard Crystal Symphony. Departing from Costa Rica toward Miami, this five-star ship visits several Caribbean islands — including Aruba, St Maarten, St. Barths, and Tortola — in addition to crossing the Panama Canal. Oceanview staterooms on this exclusive vessel have been reduced from a hefty $6,295 to just $3,300. Even the balconied units sell for less — just $5,000! You’ll also have five entire days at sea to take advantage of all the delightful bells and whistles aboard Crystal Symphony. call 1-800-TAKEOFF.

The dollars
The rates above are listed per person, based on double occupancy. The cost covers onboard accommodations, meals and entertainment, as well as port charges. You’ll just have to dish out extra for government taxes and fees.

The catch
Book soon or the specials will be snatched up.

Sail the stunning Panama Canal

Enjoy spectacular savings of up to 48 percent, from $1,499

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