You would transit the Panama Canal going South.
Before air travel, the Panama Canal was the shortcut from New York City to San Francisco. Today it is still a shortcut if you are traveling by water.
This sounds like some one who is never satisfied. Your on a cruise ship going through the panama canal, who the HELL cares what direction your going, your in panama for god sakes live with it
The Panama canal, as its name suggests is in Panama. The direction of travel on the canal is NW to SE.
Panama
The Panama canal
the Panama Canal
It would be 18,000miles shorter. If using Panama Canal.
Usually, this fee is incorporated into your total cruise cost, but check to make sure!
The Panama Canal crosses the country of Panama.
5,200 miles or 3 weeks through the panama canal
Search for Panama Canal Cruises and you'll find a wide array of sites offering information. Take a look at Cruise Critic for reviews on Panama Canal Cruises, and also search on TripAdvisor for further reviews, photos and advise.