Skip to content

Disney Wonder becomes first cruise ship to transit new Panama Canal locks

Over the weekend, the Disney Wonder transited the Panama Canal as the first passenger vessel to go through the canal’s new set of locks, marking a milestone for the cruise industry. The Panama Canal opened a new set of locks designed to allow larger ships to pass through the water ways connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

The Disney Wonder Panama Canal crossing is part of a 14-night voyage from Port Canaveral, Fla., to San Diego to embark on cruises up and down the west coast of North America. The ship will cruise from San Diego to Mexico for most of May then sail up the coast to Vancouver, BC for summer trips into Alaska. Afterwards it will spend about another month in San Diego on Mexico itineraries before crossing back through the Panama Canal.

On this voyage the Disney Wonder began its passage on the expanded waterway at the new Agua Clara Locks, heading south through Gatun Lake and the Cuebra Cut to the new Cocoli Locks before exciting to the Pacific. Now that’s something guest aboard the Disney Wonder could Instagram with pride.

The Disney Cruise Line 2,713-passenger ship was transformed in late 2016, expanding the length of the Disney Wonder to 984 feet. Headlining the ship’s enhancements are new imaginative spaces for children – including areas themed to the Marvel Universe and Disney’s “Frozen” – a jazzy restaurant inspired by Disney’s “Princess and the Frog,” and an authentic neighborhood English pub with subtle nods to classic Disney films.

stacey-frost-headshotIf you would like more information on booking at cruise aboard any Disney Cruise Line ship, please send an email to Pixie Vacations authorized Disney travel agent Stacey Frost ([email protected]), call (407) 454-1477 or fill out this form for complimentary travel planning. Your use of this free service to book your travel will help support The Disney Blog. Thank you.