Holland America Announces 2019 Panama Canal Options

Holland America Line has announced its 2019 Panama Canal program. The line will offer a total of 30 cruises through the lakes and locks of the famous canal. In addition to full transits, guests can choose Panama Canal Sunfarer itineraries offering partial transits.

“Explorers, destination collectors and adventure-seekers looking for a ‘wow’ experience should book a cruise to the Panama Canal because it is unlike any other trip,” said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. “From the scenery to the culture to the history, these itineraries are not only personally enriching but they also visit some fantastic ports. And the opportunity to see the engineering marvel that is the Panama Canal locks and the famous surrounding lakes is a must-see for all ages.”

A total of 17 full transits are scheduled on the Amsterdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Eurodam, Oosterdam, Rotterdam, and Volendam. The cruises, which connect the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, will range from 14 to 23 days. They will depart from Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, San Diego San Francisco and Vancouver, B.C.

Included in the full transits are port calls in Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, and some Caribbean islands. Some sailings also visit Half Moon Cay, Holland America’s private island in the Bahamas.

Additionally, Zuiderdam and Eurodam will make 13 partial transits in 2019. The 10 and 11-day Panama Canal Sunfarer itineraries cruise roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale. They make an array of calls in Aruba, Curacao, Colombia, Costa Rica, Panama, and Half Moon Cay. The itinerary also includes an exploration of the Canal’s Gatún Lake.

All of the line’s Panama Canal voyages feature Explorations Central (EXC) programming. It will include lectures from canal experts and other onboard experiences reflecting the destination.