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Deal alert: These last-minute bucket-list cruises are on sale from less than $40 per day

March 22, 2023
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4 min read
Panama Canal
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Would you wake up before dawn on your vacation to witness one of the world's greatest modern engineering marvels? If the answer is yes, listen up: Several cruise lines are discounting last-minute sailings through the Panama Canal.

If you can sail in the next two months, you could save big on this bucket-list destination with Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America, Princess Cruises and more.

When cruise ships reposition from coast to coast in the U.S., they often transit the Panama Canal to save time by avoiding a more southerly route around South America. When that happens, it can mean bargains galore for passengers — and not just on older ships.

In fact, one of the best deals is currently a sailing on Norwegian's nearly brand-new Norwegian Encore, which debuted in late 2019.

See the top Panama Canal cruise deals for spring sailings below.

Panama Canal cruise deals

The bow of a cruise ship as it passes through a lock on the Panama Canal
A cruise ship enters a lock on the Panama Canal. ONLYMEDHI/GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO

Here's a sampling of about a dozen available sailings that could offer great value if you've been itching to cruise the Panama Canal:

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  • A 21-day Miami-to-Seattle sailing on Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Sun, leaving April 21, from $799 per person ($38 per person, per day) for an inside cabin.
  • A 16-day Miami-to-Los Angeles (San Pedro) voyage on Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Encore, departing April 16, from $689 per person ($43 per person, per day) for an inside cabin.
  • A 17-day Miami-to-Seattle itinerary on Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Spirit, embarking April 16, from $749 per person ($44 per person, per day) for an inside cabin.
  • A 19-day Fort Lauderdale-to-Los Angeles (San Pedro) journey on Princess Cruises' Emerald Princess, setting sail April 16, from $849 per person ($45 per person, per day) for an inside cabin.
  • A 22-day Fort Lauderdale-to-Vancouver voyage on Holland America's Volendam, leaving April 15, from $1,099 per person ($50 per person, per day) for an inside cabin.
  • A 16-day Los Angeles (San Pedro)-to-Fort Lauderdale cruise on Princess Cruises' Island Princess, departing May 11, from $849 per person ($53 per person, per day) for an inside cabin.

Things to consider

There are several reasons why these sailings are so affordable, and you'll want to consider them all before booking to determine whether they still represent a good overall value to you.

Prices listed do not include taxes, fees or port charges, which can be a few hundred dollars extra per person. The fares listed are also for inside cabins, which have no windows or balconies. Upgrading to a different cabin type will increase the price. (On a Panama Canal sailing, you'll likely want a view.)

These sailings are all more than two weeks in duration, with some lasting more than three weeks. If you don't have much vacation time or can't be away that long, these aren't the cruises for you. Also, because they're repositioning sailings, the itineraries may feature more sea days than a typical cruise.

Additionally, these Panama Canal cruises don't begin and end in the same ports of call. That means you'll have to purchase open-jaw flights, which tend to be pricier. With airfare sky-high right now, that could be a setback.

Bottom line

If you're ready to travel within the next two months, and you have two or three weeks to spare, pack your bags. These deals are an affordable way to sail through the Panama Canal — an epic bucket-list destination that will leave you in awe.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

Featured image by SCSTOCK/GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

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  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
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  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
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  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
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