Holland
America Line is setting sail for adventure with the opening of bookings for
its 2025-2026 Panama Canal and Hawaii
cruises. With a focus on longer voyages and destination immersion, the premium
cruise line is set to offer sailings out of five North American homeports on
five separate ships for the 2025-2026Â season.
For the specified
season, Holland America Line is offering six different Panama Canal cruises. The
upcoming season’s offering will feature several firsts, including the
addition of the port of Acajutla, El Salvador on most Panama Canal itineraries and
the inaugural transit of the canal by the Pinnacle-Class ship Koningsdam. For
those looking to cross the canal aboard Zuiderdam, the 2025-2026 season will
bring new departures from Miami.
These cruises,
ranging from 15 to 22 days, provide guests with the opportunity to embark on
shorter or more extended journeys, all while experiencing the wonders of the iconic
Central America waterway.
“We know a
Panama Canal transit is a once-in-a-lifetime experience many of our guests are
seeking, and by adding Acajutla to select voyages, we’re making it even more
memorable. Guests can discover the ‘Pompeii of the Americas’ with a shore
excursion to Joya de Cerén archaeological site, where they’ll explore a Mayan
farming village remarkably preserved under volcanic ash,” said Beth
Bodensteiner, Holland America Line’s chief commercial officer. “With four
different departure cities, there are so many different ways to experience the
Panama Canal aboard one of our ships.
PHOTO: Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam. (photo courtesy of Holland America Line)
In addition to
Panama Canal adventures, the 2025-2026 season marks the debut of Holland
America Line’s ship Nieuw Amsterdam in Hawaii. Sailing roundtrip itineraries
from San Diego, California, Nieuw Amsterdam will be joined by Koningsdam and
Zaandam in sailing island-hopping itineraries, almost all of which include an
overnight in the Aloha State’s iconic capital city of Honolulu.Â
Holland America’s
selection of Hawaii and Panama Canal cruises both range in duration from 15 to
22 days and are available from October 2025 through April 2026. Cruises
to both of these colorful equatorial destinations showcase a blend of natural
wonders and manmade marvels, from breathtaking cascading waterfalls and verdant
tropical landscapes to ancient Mayan ruins and the world-famous locks of the
Panama Canal.Â
Immersive shore
excursions offer cultural insights into the destinations’ rich heritage and
natural beauty. Meanwhile, the diverse cuisine offered on board incorporates unique
local flavors, including succulent Pacific mahi-mahi, sweet golden pineapple, fresh
homemade salsa, and other regional specialties sourced directly from port to
plate.
Ships navigate the Panama Canal. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/Harold Stiver)
Highlights of
the 2025-2026 Panama Canal Cruise Season:
- Panama Canal cruises are aboard
Eurodam, Koningsdam and Zuiderdam. - Cruises start or end in Vancouver,
British Columbia, Canada;Â Seattle, Washington;Â San Diego,
California; or Miami or Fort Lauderdale, Florida. - Guests enjoy a daylight transit of the
Panama Canal, with commentary on the open decks detailing the amazing feat
of the man-made marvel. - Itineraries range from 15 to 22 days
and include a combination of calls in Aruba, California, Canada, Colombia, Costa
Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama and
Turks and Caicos. - Several cruises offer multiple
embarkation or disembarkation options. For example, Fort Lauderdale to San
Diego, Seattle or Vancouver. - Select Panama Canal sailings include a
call at Acajutla, a new port for Holland America Line, offering excursions
to remarkably preserved Mayan ruins, volcanoes, and cacao plantations,
while also providing a gateway to see more of El Salvador,
including San Salvador and Nahuizalco. - Many Panama Canal cruises include a
call at Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line’s award-winning private island
in the Bahamas.
Highlights of
the 2025-2026 Hawaii Cruise Season:
- Cruises to Hawaii are aboard
Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam and Zaandam. This will be Nieuw Amsterdam’s
first season in Hawaii. - Itineraries are roundtrip from San
Diego, roundtrip from Vancouver, or from Vancouver to San
Diego. - 17-day “Circle Hawaii”
from Vancouver to San Diego visits Nawiliwili, Kahului, Hilo, Honolulu (overnight)
and Kona. The 17-day roundtrip from San Diego features
either an overnight or late departure from Honolulu, a call to Ensenada,
Mexico, and more Hawaiian ports like Kona and Kahului. - 18-day “Circle Hawaii” is
roundtrip from San Diego or Vancouver and calls
at Kahului, Hilo, Honolulu (overnight), Nawiliwili and
Kona. Roundtrip San Diego adds a call at Ensenada and
roundtrip Vancouver includes Victoria, Canada.
For a limited time,
guests who choose to add the ‘Have It All’ premium package—the line’s standard package of
amenities, such as shore excursions, specialty dining, a Signature Beverage
Package, Surf Wi-Fi and free prepaid Crew Appreciation—when booking select Panama
Canal and Hawaii voyages will receive free upgrades to the Elite
Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi.
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