The Panama Canal has been called one of humankind’s greatest engineering achievements, and for the 2022-23 cruise season four Holland America Line ships will feature itineraries that include a full transit between Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
On board, guests get a front-row seat on the eight-hour daylight journey through the Panama Canal, often cited as a rite-of-passage experience by avid cruisers.
Ranging in length from 14 to 23 days aboard Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Volendam and Zuiderdam, Holland America’s Panama Canal voyages depart from several ports, including San Diego, California; Seattle, Washington; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Many of the itineraries have two or three embarkation or debarkation options, enabling guests to stay on for an extended trip or utilize the port that is most convenient.
In addition to the Panama Canal, the itineraries visit several beautiful locales in Central America and the Caribbean, offering a complete tropical vacation with lush flora, exotic fauna, golden beaches and a display of nature’s most vibrant hues.
Partial Panama Canal Transits Explore Gatun Lake
Guests looking to explore the Panama Canal on a Caribbean cruise can experience a partial transit aboard Eurodam and Volendam, sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale on 10- and 11-day cruises. The ships visit tropical ports as they make way to Gatun Lake where cruisers will enjoy a day of spectacular scenic cruising throughout the canal.
2022-23 Panama Canal Highlights:
EURODAM
- Fall 2022: Oct. 8 (Seattle – 21 days), Oct. 9 (Vancouver – 20 days) or Oct. 13 (San Diego – 16 days) departures transiting to Fort Lauderdale. Ports of call in Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Aruba.
- Spring 2023: April 9 departure from Fort Lauderdale transiting to San Diego (15 days), Vancouver (19 days) or Seattle (20 days). Ports of call in Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Colombia, including an evening departure from Victoria, B.C.
- Fall 2022 – Spring 2023: A series of 10- and 11-day Panama Canal Sunfarer cruises roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale that feature an exploration of Gatun Lake and partial Panama Canal transit, along with ports in Costa Rica, Columbia and the Caribbean.
NIEUW AMSTERDAM
- Fall 2022: Oct. 2 (Vancouver – 23 days) or Oct. 8 (San Diego – 17 days) departures transiting to Fort Lauderdale. Ports of call in Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Aruba and California, including an evening departure from San Francisco, California, as well as a call at Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line’s private island in the Bahamas.
- Spring 2023: April 9 departure from Fort Lauderdale transiting to San Diego (17 days) or Vancouver (21 days).Ports of call in Mexico, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Colombia, Aruba and Turks and Caicos, as well as an evening departure from Victoria for guests on board to Vancouver.
VOLENDAM
- Holiday 2022: Dec. 17 departure on a 10-day Panama Canal Sunfarer itinerary roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, featuring Gatun Lake and partial Panama Canal transit. This cruise can be combined with a seven-day eastern Caribbean itinerary to form a magical 17-day holiday Collectors’ Voyage.
- April 15, 2023: Fort Lauderdale transiting to San Diego (17 days) or Vancouver (21 days) including calls in Turks & Caicos, Aruba, Colombia, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Mexico, as well as an evening departure from Victoria for guests on board to Vancouver.
ZUIDERDAM
- Nov. 17, 2022, and April 4, 2023, departures: San Diego transiting to Fort Lauderdale (14 days) including calls in Colombia, Nicaragua, Mexico, Costa Rica and Guatemala.
Best in the Panama Canal and Central America
Holland America Line is proud to be named the number-one choice for Panama Canal cruises by the experienced travelers of Cruise Critic’s 2019 Cruisers’ Choice Destination Awards.
Book with ‘Have It All’ Premium Cruise Package
Panama Canal cruise pricing starts at a “Have it All” premium package rate of $2,469 per person, double occupancy for a 14-day sailing, which includes four high-value amenities: two shore excursions, a Signature Beverage Package, two nights specialty dining in Pinnacle Grill, Canaletto or Tamarind (depending on ship), and a Wi-Fi Surf Package to stay connected throughout the cruise. Cruise-only standard fares start at $1,909 per person, double occupancy. Taxes, fees and port expenses are additional.
For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.
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