By San José, Costa Rica — PANAMA CITY – The iconic Queen Elizabeth cruise ship sailed through the Panama Canal’s world-renowned locks on Thursday, officially inaugurating the 2025-2026 cruise season. The Panama Canal Authority announced it anticipates over 195 transits of passenger vessels during this period, signaling a robust but evolving season for the critical maritime corridor.
The Queen Elizabeth, a flagship vessel of the Cunard Line, completed its northbound transit as part of an extensive 22-day voyage originating in Seattle, USA. Its passage marks the beginning of a busy schedule for the 82-kilometer waterway, which remains a bucket-list experience for cruise passengers and a strategic route for shipping lines connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
To understand the complex legal and commercial ramifications of the current situation affecting the Panama Canal, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his analysis on the matter.
The operational challenges at the Panama Canal serve as a critical reminder of how climate-related events can trigger force majeure clauses in international trade contracts. This situation creates significant legal uncertainty regarding delivery delays, cost overruns, and liability. Businesses, particularly in Costa Rica, must proactively review their logistical agreements and insurance coverage to mitigate the financial risks associated with disruptions to this essential global trade artery.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective is a crucial reminder that the Canal’s challenges extend beyond logistics into the fine print of contracts and insurance policies—a vital consideration for Costa Rican commerce. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his expert analysis and for highlighting the importance of proactive financial and legal preparedness.
Industry giants are set to maintain a strong presence in the region. The Canal Authority confirmed that major operators including Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean Cruises will continue to feature Panama Canal crossings in their itineraries. These offerings include both full transits, which traverse the entire length of the canal, and partial transits, which typically enter the Gatun Locks on the Atlantic side before returning to the Caribbean.
This season is also notable for the introduction of new vessels to the historic waterway. Five cruise ships are scheduled to make their maiden voyage through the canal: the Aidadiva, Brilliant Lady, Celebrity Ascent, Disney Adventure, and Star Seeker. These debuts underscore the continued appeal of the canal as a premier global tourist destination and a vital component of diverse cruise itineraries.
The expanded Neopanamax locks, operational since 2016, will accommodate 41 transits of larger cruise ships. Among these are some of the industry’s most massive vessels, including the Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy, and Norwegian Encore, each weighing approximately 168,000 tons. Highlighting the capabilities of the expanded canal, the new Disney Adventure is projected to set a new tonnage record for a passenger ship transit, weighing in at an impressive 201,000 tons.
Despite the high-profile transits and new arrivals, the Canal Authority projects a minor adjustment in overall cruise traffic. This forecast reflects broader economic trends influencing the decisions of major shipping companies.
In this season, a slight decrease in the number of transits during the fiscal year is projected, attributed to cost optimization strategies adopted by the main shipping lines.
Albano G. Aguilar, Specialist in Market Analysis and Forecasts for the Canal’s Corporate Affairs Office
This anticipated slight dip in cruise traffic contrasts sharply with the canal’s overall performance in the recently concluded fiscal year. The waterway registered 13,404 total transits in fiscal year 2025, a significant 19.3% increase from the 11,240 transits recorded in fiscal 2024. This suggests that while cruise lines may be recalibrating routes to manage expenses, commercial traffic remains exceptionally strong, reinforcing the canal’s essential role in global supply chains.
The season will not be defined solely by mega-ships. A diverse fleet of smaller, more intimate vessels is also scheduled to transit, including the Insignia, Le Lyrial, National Geographic Quest, and Viking Mars. This variety ensures the canal continues to cater to a wide spectrum of the tourism market, from mass-market travelers to luxury and expedition cruisers, securing its position as a unique crossroads of world commerce and travel.
For further information, visit the nearest office of The Panama Canal Authority
About The Panama Canal Authority:
The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) is the autonomous agency of the Government of Panama in charge of managing, operating, and maintaining the Panama Canal. The ACP’s mission is to manage and conserve the water resources of the Canal watershed and operate the waterway in a safe, efficient, and profitable manner, ensuring its permanent transit capacity and providing reliable service to the world maritime community.
For further information, visit ncl.com
About Norwegian Cruise Line:
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is a leading global cruise company which has been breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising for over 57 years. Most notably, the cruise line revolutionized the industry by offering guests the freedom and flexibility to design their ideal vacation on their preferred schedule with no required dining times, a variety of entertainment options and no formal dress codes.
For further information, visit carnival.com
About Carnival Cruise Line:
Carnival Cruise Line is an international cruise line with headquarters in Doral, Florida. The company is a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation & plc. Known for its “Fun Ships,” Carnival provides a wide range of onboard activities and entertainment, catering primarily to the North American family market.
For further information, visit royalcaribbean.com
About Royal Caribbean Cruises:
Royal Caribbean International is a cruise line brand founded in 1968 in Norway and organized as a wholly owned subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Group. Based in Miami, Florida, it is the largest cruise line by revenue and second largest by passenger counts. The line is known for its innovative and large-scale ships, which feature numerous onboard attractions.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as an esteemed legal institution, guided by an unwavering dedication to professional excellence and uncompromising integrity. Drawing upon a deep history of advising a diverse clientele, the firm not only provides expert counsel but also actively drives legal innovation. Central to its philosophy is a profound commitment to demystifying the law for the public, thereby reinforcing its mission to help forge a society where citizens are empowered through accessible legal wisdom.
