Panama Canal Westward
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Panama Canal Westward 15 Nights • Tampa, Florida to Los Angeles, California • Celebrity Summit

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Itinerary & Excursions

Cruise Overview 

   Tampa, Florida 

   Day at Sea 

   George Town, Grand Cayman 

   Day at Sea 

   Cartagena, Colombia 

   Colon, Panama 

   Panama Canal (Cruising) 

   Day at Sea 

   Puntarenas, Costa Rica 

   3 Days at Sea 

   Puerto Vallarta, Mexico 

   2 Days at Sea 

   Los Angeles, California 

Cruise Overview 

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Embark on a thrilling voyage through the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal, where history and human achievement come to life. On a Panama Canal cruise, immerse yourself in lush rainforests teeming with vibrant wildlife and natural beauty. Stroll through charming streets adorned with colorful flowers, unwind on golden beaches, and swim in crystal-clear waters as you explore the rich diversity and captivating landscapes of this fascinating region.
A friendly reminder
Make sure to review documents needed to travel to all destinations included in this cruise.Learn more about required travel documents here

A cruising experience with us provides access to a range of destinations. Specific ports of call are subject to change due to weather, safety or operational considerations.

Tampa, Florida 

Tampa Bay is a lively port city located off of the beautiful Gulf Coast of Central Florida. Home to two large universities, a vibrant sports scene, and award-winning beaches, our cruises from Tampa take you to the Caribbean and beyond. This underrated city offers all kinds of diversions for your entire group, from world-class museums to natural wonders and water-based adventures. Tampa Bay is a lively port city located off of the beautiful Gulf Coast of Central Florida. Home to two large universities, a vibrant sports scene, and award-winning beaches, our cruises from Tampa take you to the Caribbean and beyond.
Travel Tips
1
To get from the Tampa cruise port to most attractions in the city, you’ll need to rent a car or use a ridesharing service. There are a handful of car rental agencies located close to the port. You can also take the TECO Line Streetcar around downtown Tampa and Y-Bor. There’s a stop nearby where cruises from Tampa depart. For a fun way to see the city, try a water taxi, which will take you to various stops along the water.
2
International Plaza is an upscale shopping destination with both brand-name and luxury stores, plus a number of world-class restaurants, located about 20 minutes away from the port. For upscale boutiques in a picturesque setting, head to Hyde Park Village, just 10 minutes from the port.
3
Tampa, along with the rest of the United States, uses the U.S. Dollar. You’ll find ATMs throughout the city’s most-visited destinations and neighborhoods. Credit cards are widely accepted, though it’s always wise to have some cash on hand. At restaurants and bars, a 15% to 20% tip is suggested.

Day at Sea 

sunset bar
A friendly reminder
Make the most of your day at sea by enjoying our Wi-Fi, beverage, and Specialty Dining Packages. These services are available at an additional cost

While at sea, indulge in some well-deserved relaxation before your next adventure. Unwind by the pool, pamper yourself at the spa, savor exquisite cuisine, or discover the unique venues on board. Your next incredible destination awaits.

Learn more about the ship

Day at Sea Highlights

George Town, Grand Cayman 

No destination blends global finance with the Caribbean lifestyle quite like the Cayman Islands. This upscale destination offers world-class restaurants, designer boutiques, and duty-free shopping, plus white sand beaches, brilliant blue waters, and teeming coral reefs. Enjoy postcard views of George Town, Seven Mile Beach, and West Bay from the custom-designed Cayman Explorer. You can step down easily into shallow waters to interact with the welcoming stingrays.

Launch your snorkeling adventure from a luxurious catamaran. Swim right through the World War II naval vessel USS Kittiwake, now a shallow artificial reef. Finish with leisurely sunbathing and cool cocktails. Swim with the denizens of Stingray City in the crystalline waters of Coral Reef Gardens. After snorkeling with the graceful rays, recharge with an island barbecue on Seven Mile Beach. You'll shop till you drop in the duty-free boutiques of George Town. Find gifts for everyone—including yourself—like china, crystal, jewelry, antiques, and resort wear by renowned designers.

Conch shells were the homes of tasty mollusks. Try Cayman conch in salads, chowders, and fritters. Cruises to Grand Cayman Islands are not complete without a sample of the rich Caribbean curries, and don't miss the fresh produce: coconut, cassava, and plantains. For dessert, have some rum cake.
Travel Tips
1
The easiest way to get around Grand Cayman if you’re not joining a shore excursion is by taxi, and you’ll find cars waiting at the port. There’s also a local ride-sharing service, for which you’ll need to download an app. Otherwise, the island has an efficient bus network, with minibuses operating multiple routes to all the main attractions. You can wait at a bus stop or simply flag the driver down. Mopeds, bicycles, and quad bikes are available to rent, but remember that driving is on the left here.
2
George Town has a wide range of elegant shops, many specializing in high-end jewelry and luxury labels. Be on the lookout for colorful Caribbean art, antique maps, and even shipwreck coins. Local jams, spicy sauces, and rum cakes make great gifts to take home. For something really unusual, look for jewelry made from Caymanite, a gemstone that comes in a spectrum of earthy colors. It’s found only in the Cayman Islands and made into beautiful bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and cufflinks by local craftspeople.
3
The local currency in the Cayman Islands is the Cayman Islands dollar, which is pegged to the U.S. Dollar at $1.20 U.S. to $1 Cayman. Most places will display prices in both currencies. You’ll find that U.S. dollars are widely accepted, although you may be given change in local currency. There are ATMs in George Town if you need cash. Regarding tipping etiquette, meanwhile, 10% to 15% is typical in restaurants, and $5 to $10 per person for tour guides.

Day at Sea 

roof terrace
A friendly reminder
Make the most of your day at sea by enjoying our Wi-Fi, beverage, and Specialty Dining Packages. These services are available at an additional cost

While at sea, indulge in some well-deserved relaxation before your next adventure. Unwind by the pool, pamper yourself at the spa, savor exquisite cuisine, or discover the unique venues on board. Your next incredible destination awaits.

Learn more about the ship

Day at Sea Highlights

Cartagena, Colombia 

Cobbled streets, balconies with blooming bougainvillea, and pastel plazas make Cartagena one of Latin America's most photogenic cities. But it's not just another pretty seaport. Founded in 1533, this Spanish-Colonial city is steeped in history. Its location made it a popular port for plunderers and pirates. Today thrill-seekers will find a perfect mix of old and new with a twist of island attitude.
Travel Tips
1
If you’re sticking close to the city center and the port while docked on your cruise to Cartagena, Colombia, you’ll find plenty to see and do. Cartagena also has a robust bus system for travelers who are there for a longer period of time. Buses regularly take trips just beyond the city to smaller towns and other sights. Taxis here are generally affordable and can get you across the city faster than if you try to navigate the bus system. Shore excursions typically include transportation.
2
There are some standard gift shops and souvenir stands near the cruise port, but these can be a little pricier than if you go into Cartagena and do a little bit of digging for souvenirs. Colombian coffee and handmade hats and jewelry from Cartagena are popular gifts.
3
During your time in Colombia, you’ll use the Colombian peso as your main form of currency. Be sure to exchange your money in accredited institutions, which are often called casas de cambio. When shopping at markets, you can sometimes haggle with vendors. Be sure to double-check your bill before tipping at a restaurant. Some already provide a service charge that’s the equivalent of a 15% tip. You don’t have to leave a tip for taxi drivers in Colombia.

Colon, Panama 

As the world’s second largest duty-free port, Colón offers abundant shopping. It also represents the gateway to numerous sites of ecological interest, including Chagres National Park, a 3,000,000-acre rainforest preserve, and the Gamboa Rainforest Preserve, which lies within Soberania National Park.
Travel Tips
1
Your cruise to Colón, Panama offers a variety of ways to get around Panama, primarily by bus, taxi, or train. You can get a taxi or private car to get from Colón to Panama City, which averages around $125-160 USD roundtrip. You can also rent a car and drive around Panama or head to Panama City as you wish. There are tolls on the way to Panama City, and the ride will take about an hour and a half. If you’re trying to get to Colón from one of an excursion, you can take buses or trains to get there. Buses will drop you typically at the Albrook Bus Terminal. The train run every day, and a one-way ticket will cost about $25.
2
You’ll find the second largest duty-free shopping center in the world at the Colón 2000 terminal with endless opportunities to shop to your heart’s content while stopped in Colón. Of course, beyond the terminal are street vendors selling their goods and wares, and plenty of souvenir shops to keep you busy even if you spend your stop in Colón just shopping.
3
The official currency of Panama is the Balboa (PAB), along with the U.S. dollar (USD). One Balboa is equivalent to one dollar. Many places will give you dollars in USD and change in PAB. You can probably get by in Colón without exchanging currencies, since the dollar is so widely accepted. When at a restaurant or bar, leaving a 10% tip for your server is expected, but tipping taxi drivers for a short trip isn’t required.

Panama Canal (Cruising) 

The canal is a marvel of engineering, but the area is also a sanctuary for sloths, eagles, ocelots and toucans, thanks to a lush rainforest environment and tropical temperatures.
Travel Tips
1
Your cruise to Colón, Panama offers a variety of ways to get around Panama, primarily by bus, taxi, or train. You can get a taxi or private car to get from Colón to Panama City, which averages around $125-160 USD roundtrip. You can also rent a car and drive around Panama or head to Panama City as you wish. There are tolls on the way to Panama City, and the ride will take about an hour and a half. If you’re trying to get to Colón from one of an excursion, you can take buses or trains to get there. Buses will drop you typically at the Albrook Bus Terminal. The train run every day, and a one-way ticket will cost about $25.
2
You’ll find the second largest duty-free shopping center in the world at the Colón 2000 terminal with endless opportunities to shop to your heart’s content while stopped in Colón. Of course, beyond the terminal are street vendors selling their goods and wares, and plenty of souvenir shops to keep you busy even if you spend your stop in Colón just shopping.
3
The official currency of Panama is the Balboa (PAB), along with the U.S. dollar (USD). One Balboa is equivalent to one dollar. Many places will give you dollars in USD and change in PAB. You can probably get by in Colón without exchanging currencies, since the dollar is so widely accepted. When at a restaurant or bar, leaving a 10% tip for your server is expected, but tipping taxi drivers for a short trip isn’t required.

Day at Sea 

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A friendly reminder
Make the most of your day at sea by enjoying our Wi-Fi, beverage, and Specialty Dining Packages. These services are available at an additional cost

While at sea, indulge in some well-deserved relaxation before your next adventure. Unwind by the pool, pamper yourself at the spa, savor exquisite cuisine, or discover the unique venues on board. Your next incredible destination awaits.

Learn more about the ship

Day at Sea Highlights

Puntarenas, Costa Rica 

The world knows Costa Rica for its ecological biodiversity and national parks, and Puntarenas welcomes you to many of these treasures—Pacific beaches, renowned surfing, rainforests, and wildlife. Ride horseback through secluded tropical forests or along the wide open beach. Head down the coast to Playa Jaco, which draws surfers from around the world for international competitions. Plunge below the surface to discover reefs teeming with marine life. Spot monkeys, crocodiles, scarlet macaws, and other birds by cruising through the mangroves or up the Tárcoles River. Hike through the lush rainforest or fly over it by zip line. Launch out to Prison Island and learn about its haunting history before kicking back for lunch on Tortuga Beach. Duck into a family-run restaurant, called a soda, to find authentic Costa Rican cooking. Order the gallo pinto, Costa Rica’s national dish, or try the ceviche, made from the catch of the day "cooked" in lemon juice. Order a taco, called a tico, from a food truck. To find souvenirs, stroll the Paseo de los Turistas, a bustling beachfront promenade. While in Puntarenas, meet the local vendors selling hand-made crafts and score a fresh bag of rich Costa Rican coffee.
Travel Tips
1
It’s not hard to find a taxi in Puntarenas. They proliferate the city and are instantly recognizable by their red color. Try to use taxis with a yellow sign on their roofs. While on your cruise to Puntarenas, Costa Rica, you should know taxis here must always turn on the meter. If you notice yours is not running, be sure to tell your driver to turn it on. Public transportation in Puntarenas is characterized by their intercity bus service. You can also take an hour-long ferry to the Nicoya Peninsula. Note that Sundays are the busiest days.
2
On your Puntarenas cruise, stop in at the craft market on the beach as you exit the pier where your cruise ship is docked. You can pick up a handmade gifts, local art from a Costa Rican vendor, or a souvenir of Puntarenas to bring home with you. Buy some Costa Rican coffee beans while you’re there. Full beans will keep their freshness longer than pre-ground, so you can bring them back home and they’ll taste just as good as when you are in Costa Rica. Other shopping can be found downtown.
3
The official currency of Costa Rica is called the colón. Colones are preferred as a method of payment, but many places will also accept US dollars (USD) and then give your change in colones. USD is generally acceptable to hotels, flights, and higher-end restaurants, however. Credit cards are typically accepted by merchants, but it’s recommended to carry enough colones with you to cover a coffee, purchase a meal, or tip a tour guide. Tipping at restaurants is usually included—10% is the norm—but if not, a tip of 10% or greater is encouraged.

3 Days at Sea 

sunset bar
A friendly reminder
Make the most of your day at sea by enjoying our Wi-Fi, beverage, and Specialty Dining Packages. These services are available at an additional cost

While at sea, indulge in some well-deserved relaxation before your next adventure. Unwind by the pool, pamper yourself at the spa, savor exquisite cuisine, or discover the unique venues on board. Your next incredible destination awaits.

Learn more about the ship

Day at Sea Highlights

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico 

Travel through the locks of historic Panama Canal, on a journey between the Atlantic and the Pacific. Venture through the virgin rain forests and bird sanctuaries of Puerto Limon. Then bask on the Mexican and Costa Rican beaches with a margarita.

Multiple ports will give your vacation a variety. Quaint villages one day. Mayan ruins the next. Peppered with relaxing beach trips and adventurous excursions both sailing above the trees and diving deep beneath the seas.
Travel Tips
1
The bus system in Puerto Vallarta is very efficient, running about every five minutes to destinations across the city. A bus ride will set you back 7.50 pesos, and their system doesn’t allow transfers. Taxis outside the cruise port gate tend to be more affordable than the drivers who roam inside the port. You can walk to get to downtown, or take a taxi for less than $10. Taxis are abundant in the city center. Water taxis are popular to get from the pier at Playa de Los Muertos to the beaches.
2
The main shopping in Puerto Vallarta can be found in shops, boutiques, and souvenir shacks on Morelos Street. Since the late 1970s, Vallarta’s flea market scene has boomed. The Mercado Rio Cuale is a haggler’s paradise, where handmade goods, jewelry, and Costa Rican clothing are all on sale. Vallarta is also home to a burgeoning arts scene where you can find work from Mexican painters and sculptors for sale. Mexican eateries and affordable food stands are staples of the flea market too.
3
The official currency in Mexico is the peso (MXN), and one US dollar (USD) is the equivalent of around 19 pesos. Because of the influx of American tourists in Mexico, USD is accepted in a lot of popular tourist spots. However, credit cards aren’t as popularly used in Mexico as they are in the US, so you tend to be better off with carrying cash. When it comes to tipping, it’s definitely encouraged. 15-20% at bars and restaurants is the norm. It’s also polite to tip your tour guides and drivers a few extra dollars.

2 Days at Sea 

sunset bar
A friendly reminder
Make the most of your day at sea by enjoying our Wi-Fi, beverage, and Specialty Dining Packages. These services are available at an additional cost

While at sea, indulge in some well-deserved relaxation before your next adventure. Unwind by the pool, pamper yourself at the spa, savor exquisite cuisine, or discover the unique venues on board. Your next incredible destination awaits.

Learn more about the ship

Day at Sea Highlights

Los Angeles, California 

Los Angeles, California: There is so much to see and do in this entertainment capital. Before embarking on a cruise from Los Angeles make sure to pad in some time to explore the City of Angels. Shop on Rodeo Drive and sightsee as you keep your eyes open for Hollywood's famous heroes and villains in their off-screen persona. See the homes of the stars, or visit the Griffith Observatory and do some celestial stargazing at the landmark planetarium. If low-key activities are more your style, the Los Angeles Conservancy does wonderful walking tours to explore the historic and architectural gems of the city. And, from Wolfgang Puck’s Spago in Beverly Hills to The Grand Central Market, LA is a foodie’s paradise offering superb dining options. Los Angeles cruises have it all and then some.

Travel Tips
1
The best way to get around in Los Angeles is by car, as there aren’t many public transportation options that will take you all around the city. The bus system has several routes, but it’s important to account for traffic delays, no matter what form of transportation you choose. Therefore, booking a shore excursion is a smart way to guarantee that you’ll arrive at your ship on time.
2
If you have dreams of sauntering down Rodeo Drive with your arms full of bags, head to the famous Beverly Hills area, which is full of luxury boutiques and designer brands. If you want to do some serious shopping without dropping a small fortune, head to Venice Beach and Santa Monica, where you’ll find an assortment of popular brand names mixed with affordable boutiques and beachwear shops.
3
The official currency of Los Angeles is the U.S. dollar, and you will find many ATMs all around the city. Tipping 15% to 20% of your total bill is customary for restaurants and taxi service, and most locals leave closer to 20%. It’s common to see a tip jar at eateries and cafes with counter service. Loose change or a small tip isn’t expected, but is often left by locals and appreciated by the staff of those establishments.

Celebrity Summit

Celebrity Summit® is the perfect combination of intimate and stylish, and you can easily see why it’s one of the first ships ever to receive a Recommended Rating from Forbes Travel Guide. Let’s start with the completely redesigned staterooms that help you restore like never before. And if you’re staying in The Retreat®, you’ll quickly see that everything about the suite life has been elevated, with an exclusive sundeck and lounge that make you feel like you have the ship to yourself, along with private dining in our suites-only Luminae restaurant.

Your accommodations are only the beginning of what sets Celebrity Summit apart. Find total bliss in our redesigned spa. Raise a glass to the view at the reimagined Sunset Bar. Unwind at the pool or our adults-only Solarium. Make every calorie count at restaurants like Tuscan Grille and Sushi on Five. Enjoy live shows and activities around the ship, and around the clock, from Rendezvous Lounge to our main theater to the casino. And stay connected while you disconnect with Starlink high-speed internet. In every way, Celebrity Summit delivers a peak vacation experience.
Inaugural dateOct 1, 2001
Occupancy2218
Refurbish date2022
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