Clothing

• Lightweight, breathable clothing for high humidity
• A rain jacket or poncho — the region sees frequent tropical showers
• A hat and sun protection for the full-day canal transit on deck

Canal Transit Day

• Binoculars for lock-viewing detail
• A portable fan or cooling towel for humid deck time
• Comfortable shoes for standing on deck for extended periods

Documents

• Passport book (required for longer, multi-country itineraries)

Panama Canal Packing Checklist

Documents

• Valid passport (required in practice; you’ll visit several countries)
• Copies of your passport and travel insurance details
• Any required visas or entry forms for countries on your route (check before sailing)

Clothing

• Lightweight, breathable clothing for heat and humidity
• Light long sleeves and pants for sun and insect protection on rainforest tours
• Packable rain jacket for tropical showers
• Comfortable walking shoes and sandals
• Swimsuits for sea days
• Several evening outfits, including formal or dressy nights; longer cruises usually have more
• A light sweater for air-conditioned venues

Transit Day Gear

• Binoculars and a camera with zoom
• Wide-brim hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen
• Reusable water bottle
• A small daypack to keep everything with you while you hold a good viewing spot

Health

• Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin
• Motion-sickness remedies
• Any recommended vaccines or medications; check CDC travel guidance for your ports
• Extra supply of prescriptions for a long cruise

Packing for a Long Voyage

Full transits run two weeks or more. Plan on using the ship’s laundry service or self-serve laundry midway rather than packing a full two weeks of clothes, and bring a few mix-and-match outfits.