By
Rebecca Gibson |
Six Holland America Line (HAL) ships will sail 11 full transits of the Panama Canal between September 2015 and May 2016.
Amsterdam, Maasdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Oosterdam, Veendam and Westerdam will make a total of 11 transits between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans from six departure cities. This includes Boston, Massachusetts; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; San Diego and San Francisco, California; Seattle, Washington; and Vancouver, British Columbia in Canada.
In addition to the Panama Canal transit, the ships’ 14- to 22-day cruises include various port calls in Mexico, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Nicaragua, the Caribbean and Half Moon Cay, HAL’s private Bahamian island.
Zuiderdam will also make 14 partial transits between November 2015 and April 2016. The 10- and 11-day ‘Panama Canal Sunfarer’ itineraries will sail to Gatun Lake and various southern Caribbean ports including Aruba, Bonaire, Columbia, Costa Rica, Curaçao, Grand Cayman, Panama and Half Moon Cay.
Together, the full and partial transits will carry more than 44,500 guests through the man-made canal.
“To witness the fascinating operation of the Panama Canal from the deck of a Holland America Line ship is the ultimate way to experience one of the great engineering wonders of the world,” said Orlando Ashford, HAL’s president. “Our diverse itineraries bring travellers to all seven continents and to many of the world’s most compelling marvels; and with 25 departures we offer more ways to experience the Panama Canal than any other line.”
While onboard, guests will be able to participate in HAL’s On Location enrichment programme. For example, guests can learn to weave palm fronds during Caribbean sea days, while an expert historian will share their knowledge about the Panama Canal’s history. Guests will also be able to enjoy a Panamanian market and buffet on the Lido Deck, which will offer regional delicacies such as empanadas, arroz con pollo, ropa vieja and pastel de tres leches.