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Princess Cruises

Panama Canal at Christmas with Fort Lauderdale Stay

calendar_today 10 Dec 2026

hotel 19 nights

directions_boat Princess Cruises

location_on Departing from Fort Lauderdale, on Island Princess

Inside from £1,899pp

Outside from £2,099pp

Balcony from £2,449pp

Suite from £3,049pp

Dates: 10 Dec 2026 - 19 nights

Cruise Line: Princess Cruises

Cruise Ship: Island Princess

Call 01782 986776

Panama Canal at Christmas with Fort Lauderdale Stay

Trade grey skies for golden shores on an unforgettable journey that blends Florida sunshine with an epic voyage through some of the Americas’ most captivating destinations. Begin with a flight from the UK to vibrant Miami, before unwinding with a two-night stay in Fort Lauderdale, where palm-lined boulevards and laid-back coastal charm set the tone for your adventure.

From Port Everglades, step aboard the elegant Island Princess and settle in for a spectacular 16-night cruise. Drift into relaxation with leisurely days at sea, then discover a colourful collection of ports—from the white-sand beaches of Aruba to the engineering marvel of a full transit through the Panama Canal. Explore the lush landscapes of Costa Rica, soak up the culture of Mexico’s Pacific coast, and enjoy the perfect balance of exploration and indulgence onboard.

Your journey concludes in Los Angeles, where you’ll disembark before your overnight flight back to the UK—returning home with unforgettable memories of sun-drenched days, iconic waterways, and extraordinary destinations.

What is included?

Return flights from the UK

2 nights hotel stay in Fort Lauderdale

16 nights onboard Island Princess

All air and port taxes

Itinerary and port stops

10th Dec 2026
Fly from the UK to Miami, Florida
00:00
00:00
Fly from the UK to Miami, on arrival make your own way to a 4 hotel in Fort Lauderdale for a 2 nights stay on a room only basis. According to the popular 1960 beach movie, Fort Lauderdale is where the boys are. The citys reputation as Americas Spring Break capital, however, has been replaced with the more favourable image of a prime family tourist destination, attracting more than 10 million visitors annually. The most popular beach resort in Florida is even more rightly famed as the Yachting Capital of the World, with more than 40,000 registered crafts calling its waters home. The city also prides itself on being the Venice of America with more than 300 miles of navigable waterways. Fort Lauderdale boasts world-class theatres, museums, sightseeing, and shopping.
11th Dec 2026
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
00:00
00:00
Fort Lauderdale, Florida Enjoy free time at leisure.
12th Dec 2026
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
00:00
15:00
Fort Lauderdale, Florida Make your own way to the Port Everglades where ou will embark onboard Island Princess for your 16 night cruise on a full board basis.
13th Dec 2026
At Sea
00:00
00:00
14th Dec 2026
At Sea
00:00
00:00
15th Dec 2026
Aruba
09:00
18:00
Dutch influence still lingers on this balmy Caribbean island, part of the former Netherlands Antilles until its independence in 1986. Aruba is a contrast: the islands arid interior is dotted with cactus and windswept divi-divi trees while secluded coves and sandy beaches make up its coast. Arubas long and colorful heritage is reflected in its dialect. Called Papiamento, it is a tongue that combines elements of Spanish, French, Portuguese, Dutch, African and English.
16th Dec 2026
At Sea
00:00
00:00
17th Dec 2026
Panama Canal Full Transit
06:00
16:30
Cruising through the Panama Canal will be one of the unforgettable experiences of your voyage.brIt takes approximately eight hours to navigate the 50-mile waterway linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, allowing you to experience firsthand one of the engineering marvels of the 20th century. Completed in 1914, the canal marks the culmination of a dream born in 1513, when Balboa became the first European to cross the Isthmus of Panama and sight the Pacific. In 1880 Ferdinand de Lesseps and the French Canal company, builders of the Suez Canal, began construction in Panama, only to be defeated by disease, staggering cost overruns, and massive engineering problems. The French sold their claim and properties to the United States for 40 million, a staggering loss of 247 million on their investment. The United States began construction in 1904, completing the project in 10 years at a cost of 387 million. Building the canal meant solving three problems: engineering, sanitation, and organization. The project, for example, required carving a channel through the Continental Divide and creating the then-largest man-made lake ever built, as well as defeating yellow fever and other tropical maladies. The United States oversaw the operation of the Panama Canal until December 31, 1999, when the Republic of Panama assumed responsibility for the canals administration. The Panamanian government controls the canal through the Panama Canal Authority, an independent government agency created for the purpose of managing the canal.
18th Dec 2026
Fuerte Amador
07:00
18:00
Fuerte Amador, situated at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal, is a man-made peninsula extending out into the Pacific Ocean.brThe one-mile causeway was created by connecting four small islands with rocks excavated from the Panama Canal. There are several shops, restaurants, and other specialty stores centered around a large marina that serves as a tender dock. The causeway also affords a panoramic view of Panama Citys impressive skyline and serves as the home for the Smithsonian Institute of Tropical Research.
19th Dec 2026
At Sea
00:00
00:00
20th Dec 2026
Puntarenas, Costa Rica
07:00
19:00
To Spanish explorers, the rumors of gold and vast riches could only mean that this section of Central America was the costa rica - the Rich Coast. brHailed as the Switzerland of the Americas, Costa Rica occupies a unique position, lying between two oceans and two continents. On both coasts, tropical rainforests rise to the mountains of the interior, many of which soar over 13,000 feet above sea level. In the west, a seemingly endless succession of brown-sand beaches forms the nations Pacific coast. Puntarenas is your gateway to Costa Ricas wonders - and to its capital city of San Jose.
21st Dec 2026
At Sea
00:00
00:00
22nd Dec 2026
Puerto Chiapas
08:00
17:00
Puerto Chiapas is the entry port to the southernmost part of Mexico and the town of Tapachula. brThe original name of this city was Tapacholatl, which in the Nahuatl language means flooded land. According to tradition it was founded in 1486 by Tiltolotl, the leader of the Aztec army sent by Ahuizotl to conquer the region. In 1813 the Courts of Cadiz (first constitutional congress in Spain) officially recognized it as a town. They authorized maritime commerce with the rest of Mexico, Guatemala and Peru via the port of San Benito later known as Puerto Madero and today bears the name Puerto Chiapas. In 1920 the Soconusco Coffee Union was established, and in 1929, airplane service was introduced. It was not until the 1950s, however, that Tapachula became modernized. brThe city of Tapachula is characterized by its warm climate and traditional architecture. It is the region where the mango variety named Ataulfo was first grown. The vegetation is exuberant and extremely varied; the most representative flowers are the heliconias, hawaianas, anturios and orchids, which grow in the highest points of the region.
23rd Dec 2026
Huatulco
08:00
17:00
This small beach and fishing village is perfectly situated at the foothills of the Sierra Madre and the Pacific coastline, providing over 20 miles of unspoiled beaches to explore. For an unforgettable adventure, go in search of the secret coves and hidden lagoons within its nine bays. These nine bays bordered by 36 golden-sand beaches form the beautiful Las Bahias de Huatulco in the state of Oaxaca.
24th Dec 2026
At Sea
00:00
00:00
25th Dec 2026
Puerto Vallarta
08:00
17:00
26th Dec 2026
At Sea
00:00
00:00
27th Dec 2026
At Sea
00:00
00:00
28th Dec 2026
Fly from Los Angeles, California to the UK
07:00
00:00
Los Angeles, California, disembark and make your own way to the airport for your overnight flight back to the UK.
29th Dec 2026
Arrive UK
00:00
00:00
Arrive UK.
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Island Princess

Island Princess is your own private retreat on the sea. Whether you crave relaxation or exhilaration, you’ll find the soothing Lotus Spa, live entertainment, gourmet cuisine, casino gaming and more. And for a special treat, try the Bayou Café and Steakhouse, which features New Orleans-inspired Cajun and Creole cuisine.

Family
Family

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Just For Kids 3-7
Just For Kids 3-7

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Just For Kids 8-12
Just For Kids 8-12

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Just For Teens 13-17
Just For Teens 13-17

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Truly Luxurious Accommodations at Sea
Truly Luxurious Accommodations at Sea

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Fine Arts Gallery
Fine Arts Gallery

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Movies Under the Stars®
Movies Under the Stars®

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Music & Dancing
Music & Dancing

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Pools & Hot Tubs
Pools & Hot Tubs

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Princess Theater
Princess Theater

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The Piazza
The Piazza

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The Shops of Princess
The Shops of Princess

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Top Deck Parties
Top Deck Parties

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Vegas style casino
Vegas style casino

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Conservatory
Conservatory

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Lotus Spa®
Lotus Spa®

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Lotus Spa® Fitness Center
Lotus Spa® Fitness Center

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The Princess® Luxury Bed
The Princess® Luxury Bed

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The Sanctuary
The Sanctuary

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Chef's Table Experience
Chef's Table Experience

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Crab Shack
Crab Shack

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Crooners Bar
Crooners Bar

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Crown Grill℠
Crown Grill℠

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Good Spirits® At Sea
Good Spirits® At Sea

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Horizon Court
Horizon Court

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La Patisserie
La Patisserie

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Main Dining Room
Main Dining Room

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OceanNow® Delivery
OceanNow® Delivery

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Princess Pizzeria
Princess Pizzeria

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Reserve Collection Dining
Reserve Collection Dining

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Sabatini's℠ Italian Trattoria
Sabatini's℠ Italian Trattoria

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Swirls Ice Cream Bar
Swirls Ice Cream Bar

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The Bar & Grill
The Bar & Grill

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Ultimate Balcony Dining
Ultimate Balcony Dining

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Wheelhouse Bar
Wheelhouse Bar

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Island Princess Staterooms

Inside Stateroom

Inside Stateroom

These staterooms are the perfect place to recharge your batteries. Our most affo....rdable option, featuring two twin beds or a queen-size bed. Other amenities include a refrigerator, hair dryer, TV, closet and bathroom with shower. Approx. 158 to 162 sq ft. Comfortable queen or two twin beds Refrigerator. Flat-panel television Private bathroom with shower 100% cotton, high-thread count linens Complimentary 24-hour room service Spacious closet Desk with chair Hair dryer & bathroom amenities Digital security safe Read more Read less

From £1,899pp

Outside Stateroom

Outside Stateroom

The Premium Oceanview stateroom is Approximately 212 sq. ft., this well appointe....d stateroom features a picture window for memorable views. Enjoy the added benefit of a view of the ocean from either a picture window or porthole that brings in natural light. This stateroom includes all the amenities of an interior room. A spacious picture window for memorable views. Comfortable queen or two twin beds. Refrigerator. Flat-panel television. Private bathroom with shower. 100% cotton, high-thread count linens. Complimentary 24-hour room service. Spacious closet. Desk with chair. Hair dryer & bathroom amenities. Digital security safe. Read more Read less

From £2,099pp

Balcony Stateroom

Balcony Stateroom

Approximately 248 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin provides outstanding vie....ws from a private balcony. This impressive stateroom offers the added indulgence of a balcony and gives you more space than a standard stateroom. Enjoy your own private outdoor space with a table, two chairs, and a relaxing view of the inspiring scenery surrounding you, whether a beautiful sunset over the ocean or a new city to explore. It’s also perfect to enjoy cocktails before dinner or a leisurely breakfast. Balcony with 2 chairs and table. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors. Comfortable queen or two twin beds. Refrigerator. Flat-panel television. Private bathroom with shower. 100% cotton, high-thread count linens. Complimentary 24-hour room service. Spacious closet. Desk with chair. Hair dryer & bathroom amenities. Digital security safe. Read more Read less

From £2,449pp

Suite Stateroom

Suite Stateroom

Approximately 280 to 302 sq. ft. including balcony, this spacious stateroom prov....ides a seating area with sofa bed, and full bath with combination tub and shower. Choose a luxurious Mini-Suite with balcony* which is substantially larger than a Balcony stateroom and receive a complimentary welcome glass of bubbly. Mini-Suites include a separate sitting area with sofa bed and two flat-panel televisions. For families or groups needing a little extra space, Mini-Suites offer an appealing and affordable option. Balcony with 2-4 chairs, table and ottoman. Bathroom tub and massage shower head. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors. Separate sitting area with sofa bed & coffee table. Complimentary welcome glass of bubbly on embarkation day. Luxury mattress topper and pillows. Two flat-panel televisions. Comfortable queen or two twin beds. Refrigerator. 100% cotton, high-thread count linens. Complimentary 24-hour room service. Spacious closet. Desk with chair. Hair dryer & bathroom amenities. Digital security safe. Read more Read less

From £3,049pp