12-Day Panama Canal Holiday: Caribbean and Central America Cruise by Holland America

Overview

Celebrate the holidays with a 12-day Panama Canal Holiday aboard Holland America Line’s ms Nieuw Amsterdam. Roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, this voyage pairs Caribbean favorites with a partial Panama Canal transit, Gatún Lake scenic cruising, and a Costa Rica call at Puerto Limón — timed for New Year’s at sea.

Sail from Half Moon Cay’s private Bahamas beach to Aruba’s sunny shores, Cartagena’s colonial streets, Colon and the Canal, Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, and Grand Cayman before returning to Florida.

• Signature-class Nieuw Amsterdam (refit 2023)
• Panama Canal & Gatún Lake day — a highlight of the voyage
• Private-island stop at Half Moon Cay, Bahamas
• Holiday-season departure December 27, 2026

Itinerary

Holland America Line — ms Nieuw Amsterdam · 12 Days · Fort Lauderdale to Fort Lauderdale · Departs Sunday, December 27, 2026

• Day 1 — Sunday, December 27: Fort Lauderdale, Florida — Embark · Depart 4:00 PM
• Day 2 — Monday, December 28: Half Moon Cay, Bahamas · Arrive 8:00 AM · Depart 5:00 PM
• Day 3 — Tuesday, December 29: At Sea
• Day 4 — Wednesday, December 30: At Sea
• Day 5 — Thursday, December 31: Oranjestad, Aruba · Arrive 8:00 AM · Depart 5:00 PM — New Year’s Eve in port
• Day 6 — Friday, January 1: At Sea — New Year’s Day
• Day 7 — Saturday, January 2: Cartagena, Colombia · Arrive 7:00 AM · Depart 2:00 PM
• Day 8 — Sunday, January 3: Panama Canal & Gatún Lake (scenic cruising) · Colon, Panama · Arrive 5:00 PM · Depart 9:00 PM
• Day 9 — Monday, January 4: Puerto Limón, Costa Rica · Arrive 7:30 AM · Depart 4:30 PM
• Day 10 — Tuesday, January 5: At Sea
• Day 11 — Wednesday, January 6: George Town, Grand Cayman · Arrive 7:00 AM · Depart 4:00 PM
• Day 12 — Thursday, January 7: At Sea
• Day 13 — Friday, January 8: Fort Lauderdale, Florida — Disembark · Arrive 7:00 AM

Itinerary ports and times are subject to change. Confirm the final schedule when booking.

Staterooms

Nieuw Amsterdam offers classic Holland America accommodations — from value Inside staterooms to ocean-view Verandahs and suites with expanded living space. We’ll match the best available category to your budget and travel style.

Inside Stateroom

Comfortable and well-appointed, with twin beds that convert to a queen, a sitting area, private bathroom with shower, and ample storage — ideal if you plan to spend most of your time exploring the ship and ports.

• Approx. 151–233 sq. ft.
• Featured inside rate from $2,450 p/person on this sailing (subject to change)

Oceanview Stateroom

Same thoughtful layout as Inside categories, plus a picture window with natural light and ocean views.

• Approx. 174–180 sq. ft.
• Great mid-tier value for daylight in your cabin

Verandah Stateroom

Your private balcony for Canal transit mornings, Caribbean sunsets, and quiet coffee at sea. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open to a furnished verandah.

• Approx. 212–359 sq. ft. including verandah
• Popular choice for Panama Canal scenic cruising

Signature Suite

Expanded sitting area with floor-to-ceiling glass doors to a private verandah — more room to settle in on a holiday sailing.

• Approx. 393–400 sq. ft. including verandah
• Sleeps up to 4 guests

Neptune Suite

Spacious suite living with a large verandah, premium bath amenities, and exclusive lounge access — ideal for guests who want more room to entertain.

• Approx. 465–502 sq. ft. including verandah
• Priority boarding and suite amenities on select categories

Suite and verandah availability varies; we will confirm the best category for your dates when you request a quote.

Dining

Nieuw Amsterdam serves Holland America’s destination-inspired dining — from the elegant main Dining Room to specialty venues (specialty charges may apply unless you add a Have It All package).

• The Dining Room: Flagship breakfast, lunch, and multicourse dinners in a welcoming, sophisticated setting
• Pinnacle Grill: Steakhouse-style specialty dining with Prime steaks, seafood, and an elevated wine list
• Canaletto: Relaxed Italian sharing plates
• Lido Market: Casual buffet and made-to-order stations for flexible mealtimes
• Dive-In: Poolside burgers, Nathan’s Famous hot dogs, and fries
• Grand Dutch Café: Savory snacks, coffee, and Dutch favorites
• 24-hour room service: Available throughout the voyage

Shipboard Activities

Signature-class spaces balance enrichment, live music, and easy pool days — with plenty of room to unwind between ports.

• World Stage: Shows and enrichment with a vivid wraparound LED display
• Music Walk: Billboard Onboard, Rolling Stone Lounge, and B.B. King’s Blues Club
• Greenhouse Spa & Salon: Treatments, thermal suite, and salon services
• Fitness Center & sports courts: Classes, pickleball, and ocean-view workouts
• Crow’s Nest: Panoramic lounge for Canal transit viewing and sunsets
• Casino, shops & Explorations Café: Gaming, duty-free shopping, and a quiet reading corner
• Shore excursions: Optional tours in Aruba, Cartagena, Costa Rica, Cayman, and more

Request a Quote