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HAL charts 32 Panama Canal sailings in 2019/20 season

Panama Canal
During the transit, a local expert is on board providing commentary on the history and building of the Canal
Holland America Line will operate 32 varied Panama Canal sailings between September 2019 and May 2020. Seven ships will offer 16 unique itineraries, including full transits ranging from 14 to 23 days, as well as 10- and 11-day partial transits that also visit southern Caribbean ports.

Depending on the sailing, passengers can access Costa Rica’s rain forests from Puerto Caldera, hit the beach in Aruba, discover Mayan history in Puerto Corinto’s archaeological museum or marvel at the great Mayan temples of Tikal from the gateway of Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala.

Full transits

Amsterdam, Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Oosterdam, Rotterdam and Volendam will make 16 transits between the Atlantic and Pacific with sailings to or from Fort Lauderdale, San Diego and Vancouver, BC. The cruises visit destinations in Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua and the Caribbean. Some stop at HAL's Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas.

Partial transits

Zuiderdam and Eurodam will make 16 partial transits, sailing round-trip Fort Lauderale. These 10- and 11-day 'Panama Canal Sunfarer' itineraries include an exploration of the Canal’s Gatún Lake with a combination of southern Caribbean calls at Aruba, Curaçao, Colombia, Costa Rica, Panama and Half Moon Cay.

Throughout the cruises, Explorations Central programming brings local traditions, culinary tastes and cultural experiences to life on board. Passengers can attend an EXC Talk or head to an EXC Port to Table cooking demonstration or wine pairing event. During the transit, a local expert is on board providing commentary on the history and building of the Canal.

'Oceans of Extras' promotion

Fares start at $949 for a partial transit 'Sunfarer' itinerary and $1,349 for a full transit cruise. Several sailings are eligible for Holland America's 'Oceans of Extras' promotion, where travelers can take advantage of up to a $600 shipboard credit, depending on the stateroom booked. Suite guests also receive a $100 beverage card and a Signature Dining Package including dinner in the Pinnacle Grill and Canaletto. Passengers receive all benefits when booking an eligible cruise by June 30, 2019.