The cruise ship Queen Elizabeth completed its northbound transit through the Panama Canal, initiating the 2025-2026 cruise season of the interoceanic waterway. This repositioning transit is part of a 22-day journey from Seattle, Washington, and will be the first of more than 195 transits scheduled for this campaign.
According to Albano G. Aguilar, Market Analysis and Forecasting Specialist of the Corporate Affairs Office, a slight decrease in the number of transits during the fiscal year is projected, attributed to the cost optimization strategies adopted by the major shipping lines. These include shorter itineraries and greater utilization of their renovated facilities in the Caribbean.
For 2026, a global growth in passenger demand of 5% is estimated, while the global fleet will increase by 14 vessels, reaching a total of 475 ships.
During this season, the main shipping lines such as Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean Cruises, among others, will continue offering itineraries that include full and partial transits of the Canal. Likewise, the visit of smaller cruise ships such as Insignia, Le Lyrial, Le Champlain, National Geographic Quest, Star Pride, Viking Mars is expected.
Five cruise ships will make their first transit through the Panama Canal in this period: Aidadiva, Brilliant Lady, Celebrity Ascent, Disney Adventure, and Star Seeker.
Furthermore, 41 transits by Neopanamax-type vessels are anticipated, including five of the largest dimension (168,000 tons): Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy, and Norwegian Encore. The debut in the new locks of ships such as Celebrity Ascent, Brilliant Lady, Aidadiva, and Disney Adventure is also expected, the latter projected to set a record with 201,000 tons.
