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Panama Canal
The Caribbean
Oranjestad, Aruba
Cartagena, Colombia
Local Culture & Food
Cruise through crystal blue waters in the Caribbean Sea and experience a partial transit of the world-famous Panama Canal on Holland America Line’s luxurious Nieuw Amsterdam. Delight in premier amenities, three opulent cabin options, and all meals included onboard! After a morning exploring the Florida Everglades by airboat, we begin our journey through paradise with ports of call in the Bahamas, Aruba, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, and the Cayman Islands. During the Panama Canal transit, enjoy a cruise into Gatun Lake, traversing a set of three locks before returning to the Caribbean Sea. Our travels conclude in Fort Lauderdale with a tour of historic Bonnet House and a cruise past Millionaires Row on the renowned Jungle Queen riverboat.
Trip overview may vary by departure.
Highlights
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas
Experience a day in paradise on Holland America Line’s private Bahamas island. Soak up its tropical wonders, feel the sugar-white sand on your toes as you walk along the stunning beach, and relax among the tranquil scenery. Countless excursions await those seeking adventure - snorkeling, biking, a historic nature walk, lagoon kayaking, a glass-bottom boat cruise, horseback riding, stingray encounters, and much more.
Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam
This award-winning vessel is part of Holland America Line’s Signature Class and is inspired by historic New York City, featuring beautiful designs and impressive art collections. With world-class amenities, you can watch a show on the World Stage’s two-story screen, dance to classics in the Rolling Stone Lounge, try your luck at the casino, get pampered in the tranquil spa, and more. Choose from three opulent cabin styles: inside staterooms, oceanview cabins, and verandahs with floor-to-ceiling glass doors for unbeatable viewing opportunities. There’s also 24-hour room service and all meals included, so you can indulge in exceptional cuisine, such as grilled salmon, whenever you wish.
Panama Canal & Colon
See the Panama Canal from a vantage point unlike any other as we cruise to Gatun Lake, a massive artificial lake that provides the water to operate the canal locks. Marvel at how the locks raise and lower our ship while an onboard expert details their operation and history, then disembark for optional shore excursions. We retrace our route to Colon, offering breathtaking views of the canal’s entrance into the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Enjoy time to shop the dockside craft markets for beautiful handmade textiles, Embera baskets, and more.
Fort Lauderdale
Discover famous beaches, culture, and entertainment in this quintessential Sunshine State destination. Before our cruise, enjoy an Everglades airboat excursion in Sawgrass Recreation Park. After the cruise, we tour the estate of artist Frederic Clay Bartlett at Bonnet House Museum and Gardens, featuring collections of art and personal mementos. Then, soak up sights of the elite on our renowned Jungle Queen riverboat cruise down the “Venice of America.”
- Day 1: Fly to FloridaUpon arriving in Fort Lauderdale, a coastal city known for its beaches and creative energy, we settle into our accommodations and enjoy an evening at leisure.
- Day 2: Everglades Excursion & Set SailOur adventure begins with an exciting airboat ride through Sawgrass Recreation Park in the heart of the Florida Everglades. Revel in the opportunity to get close to some of the area’s endangered wildlife while listening to intriguing insight from our experienced captain! Afterwards, we board the luxurious Nieuw Amsterdam. Settle into your beautiful cabin, then indulge in regional cuisine or discover the ship’s spectacular amenities and award-winning service.
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
- Day 3: Half Moon Cay, BahamasEnjoy an exclusive experience today at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™, Holland America Line’s island. As the highest-rated private island in the Bahamas, you can expect spectacular scenery and excursions. Spend time sinking your toes into the white sandy beaches, visiting the Beach Club, and exploring the crystal-clear blue water. You may also book an optional excursion, such as a Stingray Adventure, Historic Nature Walk, or Eco Lagoon Kayak Adventure.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 4: At SeaToday is the perfect opportunity to become acquainted with all the ship’s fabulous amenities as we have a full day at sea! Delight your taste buds with a wide variety of culinary options, pamper yourself with a spa treatment, experience the world-class entertainment on board, or simply take in peaceful views with a cocktail. This evening, we gather for a private social hour and dinner together.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 5: At SeaSoak up more relaxation and fun with another day at sea as we cruise through paradise. You may choose to lounge by the pool, test your music trivia knowledge at Billboard Onboard, or attend a performance at World Stage, where a two-story panoramic screen surrounds you. Later, dance the night away in the Rolling Stone Lounge.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 6: Oranjestad, ArubaThis morning, we dock in Oranjestad on the Dutch-influenced island of Aruba. Known for its colorful architecture, bustling shopping districts, and pristine beaches, this capital city boasts something for everyone. Step back in time at Fort Zoutman, relax on Eagle Beach, or book an optional excursion, such as an Atlantis submarine adventure or a snorkeling safari.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 7: At SeaToday, we enjoy scenic serenity and onboard amenities as we cruise westbound through the shimmering waters of the Caribbean Sea.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 8: Cartagena, ColombiaOur port of call today is Cartagena, often coined “Cartagena of the Indies” as a tribute to its colonial relationship with Spain. Founded in 1533, countless historic sites date back to its beginning as a treasure city with precious metals and stones. You may enjoy visiting the National Aviary, booking a regional food tour, or embarking on a city tour to see the impressive wall that surrounds Old Town and the fortress of Castillo San Felipe de Barajas.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 9: The Panama CanalWe cross off a bucket-list experience this morning with a partial transit of the Panama Canal, one of the 20th century’s greatest engineering feats. Completed in 1914 to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, it saves ships an 8,000-mile journey around South America’s southern tip. Enjoy learning about the area’s storied history and natural wonders as we traverse the locks to Gatun Lake, a vast artificial lake teeming with wildlife. Later, our ship anchors in Colon, Panama for time to explore the dockside shops.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 10: Puerto Limon, Costa RicaToday’s port of call is Puerto Limon, an ecotourism enthusiast’s paradise with dense rainforest and sprawling banana farmsteads. The options for exploration are endless! Find your adventurous side with a rainforest walk, discover wildlife on an animal sanctuary tour, or take a cultural journey featuring soul food.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 11: At SeaWith another day at sea, there's plenty more to experience on our cruise ship. Enjoy live music at one of the many lounges, try your luck at the onboard Vegas-style casino, or attend a personal enrichment class taught by experts.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 12: George Town, Grand CaymanDiscover a laid-back atmosphere today in the capital of the Cayman Islands: George Town. Pristine beaches, warm breezes, and friendly locals welcome us. Be sure to explore the area’s divine culinary scene, boasting celebrity chefs and an array of dishes from roughly 135 nationalities! You may also enjoy snorkeling in the crystal-clear water, strolling Seven Mile Beach, or visiting historic sites.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 13: At SeaEnjoy one last full day at sea! Check out last-minute activities and onboard events that pique your interest or devote today to relaxation. Later, we join our Tour Director for a private social hour and dinner together.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 14: Fort LauderdaleThis morning, we disembark in Fort Lauderdale to tour the historic Bonnet House Museum and Gardens, built by artist Frederic Clay Bartlett. Admire the creative expression throughout the estate while learning about their dedication to historic and environmental preservation. This afternoon, we’re back on the water aboard the world-famous Jungle Queen riverboat for a remarkable sightseeing cruise that includes views of the opulent homes on Millionaire’s Row. Later, we check in to our hotel and gather for a Farewell Dinner to celebrate our adventures.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 15: Fly HomeWe return home today with wonderful memories of our Caribbean cruise.
Meals Included: Breakfast
What's Included
All Accommodations
- 1 night at Springhill Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port
- 12 nights aboard Holland America Line's Nieuw Amsterdam
- 1 night at Springhill Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port (before we return home)
Attractions & Highlights
- Everglades airboat excursion in Sawgrass Recreation Park
- Ports of call: Half Moon Cay, Bahamas*; Oranjestad, Aruba; Cartagena, Colombia; Colon, Panama; Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; George Town, Cayman Islands* (*tender port)
- Panama Canal partial transit
- Jungle Queen riverboat cruise
- Bonnet House Museum & Gardens tour
38 Excellent Meals
- All meals included aboard the ship
- Farewell Dinner in Fort Lauderdale
Learn more about what's included with the Holiday Advantage.
Birmingham - Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport