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Panama Canal
The Caribbean
Fort Lauderdale
Courtesy of Jungle Queen Riverboats
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
Photo Credit: David Warren
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 newest ship, the luxurious Rotterdam. 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, Curacao, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, and the Cayman Islands. During the Panama Canal transit, enjoy a cruise into Gatun Lake for optional shore excursions, 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 on 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 Rotterdam
Experience the best of Holland America with a cruise on their newest ship, featuring award-winning cuisine and service. Relax in exceptional staterooms and suites with plush Euro-Top mattresses or explore the countless amenities on board. Take a dip in the Lido Pool, play a round of pickleball, try your luck at the casino, enjoy regional cooking demonstrations, watch a show in the World Stage theater, and visit the Music Walk® entertainment complex that offers everything from dueling pianos at Billboard Live to the Rolling Stone Rock Room. With all meals included, you can savor a wide array of mouthwatering dishes and local specialties!
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.
Everglades Airboat Excursion in Sawgrass Recreation Park
Explore the beautiful landscapes and wildlife of the legendary Florida Everglades on a thrilling airboat excursion. Learn about the history and legends of the area from our experienced captain as we navigate through scenic wetland and encounter the exotic animals and plant life that make this area famous.
- Day 1: Fly to FloridaUpon arriving in the artsy cultural hub of Fort Lauderdale, one of Florida’s most popular beach towns, we check in to 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 narration from our experienced captain! Afterwards, we board the luxurious Rotterdam, Holland America Line’s newest vessel. 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 Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line’s island. As the highest-rated private island in the Bahamas, you can expect nothing but spectacular scenery and excursions. Spend time sinking your toes into the white sandy beaches and exploring the crystal-clear blue waters or book an optional excursion, such as a Stingray Adventure, Historic Nature Walk, or Eco Lagoon Cruise.
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, or simply take in peaceful views with a cocktail. Be sure to experience the world-class entertainment on board with their Music Walk®, an expansive collection of live performances. 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 on board with another day at sea as we cruise through paradise. You may choose to lounge by the pool, visit Explorations Central for cultural encounters, or attend an impressive performance at World Stage, where a two-story panoramic screen surrounds you. Later, slip on your dancing shoes and dance the night away in the Rolling Stone Rock Room or B.B. King’s Blues Club, direct from Beale Street in Memphis.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 6: Willemstad, CuracaoStep back in history today with a port of call at Willemstad, the vibrant capital of Curacao that’s split in two by Sint Anna Bay. Founded in 1634, it has a unique blend of Dutch colonial architecture and Caribbean pastel houses. Stroll through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic district, explore the natural wonders within the city, indulge in flavorful regional cuisine, or choose from the many optional excursions, such as a dolphin encounter or cultural tour.
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 fortress of Castillo San Felipe de Barajas.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 9: The Panama CanalThis morning, we witness one of the 20th century’s greatest engineering feats, the Panama Canal. Completed in 1914 to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, it saves ships a two-week, 5000-mile journey around South America’s southern tip. During our partial transit, we traverse the locks to Gatun Lake, where you may disembark for optional shore excursions. Consider an aerial tram ride or visit Embera Quera Indigenous Community to immerse yourself in the rich culture of this village's time-honored traditions. Later, our ship retraces her route to dock in Colon, Panama for time to explore the dockside shops.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 10: Puerto Limon, Costa RicaToday, we dock in Puerto Limon, an eco-tourism enthusiast’s paradise with dense rainforest and sprawling banana farmsteads. The options for exploration are endless! Find your adventurous side with treetop zip-lining, 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 white-sand 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 down famed 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 and 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 vacation.
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 Rotterdam
- 1 night at Springhill Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port (before we return home)
Attractions & Highlights
- Everglades airboat excursion in Sawgrass Recreation Park
- Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (tender port); Willemstad, Curacao; 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