Today, it is held in awe as one of the wonders of the modern world--a place of serene natural beauty as well as political and commercial importance.

Before the dream of a Pacific-Atlantic canal could be realized, a nine-mile trough was blasted through the Continental Divide, a river was dammed to created one of the world's largest man-made lakes, and massive locks were engineered and built. The cost was $387 million and thousands of lives.

To experience a Panama Canal passage is one of life's great travel adventures. Cruise ship itineraries include fascinating ports in Mexico, the Caribbean, South America and more.