Carnival Miracle Opens Panama Canal’s 2026-2027 Cruise Season
More than 220 cruise transits are scheduled, including maiden passages and 39 Neopanamax vessel movements.
Carnival Miracle inaugurated the Panama Canal’s 2026-2027 cruise season, which has more than 220 scheduled transits. The ship entered the Miraflores Locks northbound from the Pacific toward the Atlantic while completing a 16-day repositioning voyage from Seattle.
Albano G. Aguilar, a market analysis and forecast specialist at the Office of Corporate Affairs, projected favorable cruise-transit performance for fiscal year 2027. Global passenger demand is estimated to grow by 5.0% by 2027, while the worldwide fleet is expected to add 16 vessels and reach 490 ships.
Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean Cruises are expected to maintain itineraries featuring full and partial Panama Canal transits during the season. Expected smaller-vessel visits include Le Bellot, Star Legend, National Geographic Quest and Wind Star.
L’Austral, Le Lapérouse, Seven Seas Prestige, Spirit of Adventure and Explora III are scheduled to make their maiden Panama Canal transits during the period. The season is also expected to include 39 Neopanamax vessel transits, including Star Princess, Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Joy.