Panama Canal Cruise with Holland America

Day 1 : Fly to Fort Lauderdale

Our trip begins with a flight to one of the most popular beach towns in Florida, the artsy cultural hub of Fort Lauderdale.

Day 2 : Set Sail!

Before we board the ship, enjoy a tour of the Sawgrass Recreation Park in the Everglades by airboat. Take in close-up views of endangered wildlife and learn about the area’s history from our experienced tour captain. Early afternoon, we board our luxurious cruise liner, the ms Eurodam. You may opt for a late lunch onboard once we're settled, and we have a group dinner this evening on the ship.

Day 3 : At Sea

Our first port of call brings us to Holland America Line's private island in the Bahamas. Wade in Half Moon Cay’s crystal-blue waters or relax in comfortable lounge chairs on white sand beaches. Optional excursions available through the cruise line include snorkeling, kayaking, horseback riding, and a guided nature walk.

Day 4 : At Sea

Have a relaxing day at sea on our paradise voyage and enjoy the wide selection of comfort, excitement and decadence, with something for everyone on our ship. Have the pleasure of getting to know your travel companions at a private Holiday Vacations Social Hour.

Day 5 : Oranjestad, Aruba

Our port of call today is the capital of Aruba. Feel the Dutch colonial spirit at its bustling portside shopping district. Look for white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and Aruba's iconic Divi-Divi trees with gnarled trunks always pointing southwest with the trade winds.

Day 6 : Willemstad, Curacao

Stroll the historic districts of a 17th-century Dutch trading port in Curaçao. Willemstad's natural harbor, Schottegat Bay, is a fascinating display of Dutch colonial architecture including centuries-old fortifications and colorful townhouses in vibrant shades of red, blue, yellow, and green.

Day 7 : At Sea

Today we are at sea, giving us a chance to indulge in our ship’s many amenities. Attend a cooking workshop, enjoy getting pampered with a body treatment at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon, or sip a signature cocktail while taking in the views from the promenade deck.

Day 8 : Cartagena, Colombia

We dock in Cartagena, Colombia, a historic port off the Caribbean Coast. Founded in 1533, Cartagena started as a treasure city with precious metals and stones sought after by New World prospectors. Now Columbia exports coffee, platinum, and oil out of Cartagena as well as tobacco, textiles, leather, and cosmetics. This port settlement is among the largest and oldest urban centers in Colombia and remains a major hub for Caribbean commerce and industry. Enjoy an organized shore excursion or explore this historic port on your own.

Day 9 : The Panama Canal

Connecting the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans, today we witness one of the 20th century’s greatest feats of engineering, The Panama Canal. The United States completed the Panama Canal in 1914, saving ships a two-week, 5000-mile journey around South America’s southern tip. We cruise into the Panama Canal, traversing the locks to Gatun Lake where guests may disembark for optional shore excursions. Later in the day, the ship retraces her route to dock in Colón, Panama where we may disembark and explore the dockside shops.

Day 10 : Limón, Costa Rica

With up-close views of dense rainforest and sprawling banana plantations, Limón’s Caribbean lowlands provide amazing opportunities for eco-tourism today.

Day 11 : At Sea

With 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.

Day 12 : At Sea

Today is yours to enjoy the last full day on our ship. Find any last-minute activities or onboard events that peak your interest, or devote this last day at sea to relaxation. This afternoon, join your Tour Director for a private Holiday Vacations Social Hour.

Day 13 : Arrive in Fort Lauderdale

We arrive in Fort Lauderdale this morning and enjoy a cruise on the world-famous Jungle Queen riverboat. Relax as we float past the opulent homes of Millionaires Row. This afternoon, we tour the historic Bonnet House, designed and built by artist Frederic Clay Bartlett. In the evening our Tour Director hosts a Holiday Vacations Farewell Dinner with a chance to say our goodbyes to our new friends.

Day 14 : Fly Home