Every mile of the massive Panama Canal represents a hundred stories of extraordinary human vision, tragedy and triumph. One of the greatest achievements of the 20th century, the Panama Canal remains an engineering marvel and one of the world's most vital trade routes. Transiting the Panama Canal is a traveler's "must do" adventure and is just the beginning of the wonders you'll experience on a Holland America Line Panama Canal cruise vacation. Admire the impressive three lock system of the Panama Canal and the lush tropical beauty of Gatun Lake. Walk in the footsteps of ancient Incans at Machu Picchu, built high in the Andes Mountains in the first century AD. Explore rainforests and jungles in search of rare birds and endangered species. Relax on beautiful Mexican and Caribbean beaches. Cruise Costa Rica's Golfo Dulce and South America's Amazon River. Holland America Line Panama Canal cruise vacations offer all this and more.
Onshore Explorations
Holland America Line offers a variety of activities to enrich your experience of the Panama Canal and surrounding regions:
Explorations Speaker Series: Guest speakers fully prepare you for your canal transit addressing the history, construction and socioeconomic impact of the canal. Beyond the canal, speakers share their knowledge and insights of regional history, culture and wildlife. Available on every Holland America Line Panama Canal cruise itinerary.
Medallion Shore Excursions: Holland America Line's exclusive, award-winning tours designed to provide in-depth perspective and unparalleled access to events and sights not otherwise available.
Signature Collection: Holland America Line's new touring option for independent-minded travelers. Customize (and maximize!) your time ashore by reserving a private car, driver and English-speaking guide in advance. Available in select ports.
Featured Panama Canal Cruise Ports and Shore Excursions
Callao (Lima), Peru
Gateway to Lima and the mysteries of Machu Picchu, our extended stay in Callao allows you to fully explore Peru's unique pre-Columbian and Spanish colonial history and Lima's cosmopolitan neighborhoods. Sample shore excursions: Cuzco & Machu Picchu Overland Adventure; Shopper's Delight; Callao Wildlife Boat Tour; Ancient Treasures.
Cartagena, Colombia
Founded in 1533, Cartagena was once the richest port on the Spanish Main. Identified by its massive 17th century walls and fortresses, Cartagena boasts rich colonial architecture, beautiful beaches and the finest emeralds in the world. Sample shore excursions: Scenes of Cartagena; Cartagena Beach & boating; Walled City Historical Walking Tour.
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas
Holland America Line's pristine private island, Half Moon Cay offers everything you need for a day of play or relaxation in paradise. Voted "Best Private Island" four years running by Porthole Cruise Magazine, a day spent on Half Moon Cay is a truly memorable Caribbean experience. Sample shore excursions: Horseback Riding by Land and Sea; Stingray Adventure.
Manaus, Brazil
Located on the Negro River near its confluence with the Amazon, Manaus is the chief port for the region's extensive river system. A fascinating blend of Amazonian culture and the boom and bust of 19th century rubber barons, Manaus offers jungle tours, markets, beaches and the famous Teatro Amazonas. Sample shore excursions: Amazon Jungle Trek; Flora & Fauna of Manaus.
Puerto Chiapas, Mexico
In this pristine region of southern Mexico, archaeology buffs explore Mayan ruins shrouded in magic and mystery and nature lovers discover rare tropical flowers and bird species. Sample shore excursions: Mangrove Exploration & Bird Watching; Tapachula City & Izapa Archaeological Site; Coffee & Flowers Plantation Adventure.
Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala
Named for the iridescent Quetzal bird, this charming port city is your gateway to the colonial city of Antigua, the wondrous Mayan ruins of Tikal and Copan and a landscape of volcanoes and coffee plantations. Sample shore excursions: Historic Antigua & Colonial Tour; Finca Coffee Plantation Tour; Archaeological Copan & Honduras Countryside.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Once a sleepy fishing village, today Puerto Vallarta is an international resort destination. Known for its miles of white sandy beaches and excellent shopping, Puerto Vallarta also offers jungle and canopy tours, scuba diving and swimming with dolphins. Sample shore excursions: A Taste of Mexico & City Highlights; Eco-Safari Off-Road Adventure; Outdoor Challenge.
Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Literally meaning "rich coast" in Spanish, Costa Rica has a wealth of natural diversity and wildlife. Beaches, rainforests, cloud forests and national parks and reserves offer rare opportunities to see unique species; watch for howler monkeys, white-faced capuchins and rare tropical birds. Sample shore excursions: Orchid Farm; Poas Volcano & Cloud Forest; Pacific Arial Tram.
San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
Set against prehistoric volcanic hills to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west, San Juan del Sur is a tranquil fishing village offering pristine beaches, a sea turtle sanctuary and the opportunity to explore nearby Masaya's steaming volcano and crafts market. Sample shore excursions: Masaya Shopping Tour; Granada, Masaya Volcano & Crafts Market; Pastoral Nicaragua By Horseback.
Santa Cruz Huatulco, Mexico
Nine perfect bays lined with golden-sand beaches form the beautiful Las Bahias de Huatulco. Inland, the Sierra Madre Mountain range is lush with rainforests and home to Mexico's largest ecological reserve. Sample shore excursions: Bird Watching Eco Tour; Copalita River Float; La Crucesita & Scenic Drive; Five Bays by Catamaran.
St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
Duty-free shopping, panoramic ocean views, powder-soft white sand beaches and classic Caribbean pastel-colored houses are just a few of the many charms of St. Thomas. Sample shore excursions: Coral World Ocean Park; Paradise Tram & St. Peter Greathouse; Pirate Sunset Sail on the Doubloon.
Panama Canal Cruise Itinerary Options
Holland America Line offers more Panama Canal cruise itinerary choices and US homeport options than any other cruise line. Mid-winter full-transit sailings are available in addition to traditional spring and fall Panama Canal cruises. Experience one of the seven wonders of the modern world and explore three extraordinary regions: the Mexican Riviera, Central & South America and the Caribbean. All on one Panama Canal cruise vacation. Here are just a few of your choices.
Relax on brilliant Caribbean islands, marvel at the Panama Canal and Gatun Lake, and explore eco-rich Costa Rica; all in 10 sight-filled days from Ft. Lauderdale, or 13 days from New York on our Panama Canal Sunfarer cruise vacation.
Select one of our many 14- to 22-day sailings and experience a full Panama Canal transit plus explorations of the Mexican Riviera, Central America and the Caribbean.
Enjoy a full Panama Canal transit, 7 days on the Amazon River and several Caribbean islands, including Half Moon Cay. In 2008 Holland America Line offers our unique 32- to 36-day Panama Canal & Amazon Explorer cruise itinerary with your choice of departing from Vancouver, Seattle or San Diego.
Choose our new 2008 13- to 26-day Inca Discovery Panama Canal cruise itinerary and complete two full transits of the Panama Canal, explore 5 Central and South America countries and visit 3 Caribbean islands. An extended stay in Callao, Peru offers the opportunity to marvel at the intricacies of the Incan stronghold Machu Picchu.
Holland America Line offers a variety of activities to enrich your experience of the Panama Canal and surrounding regions: 
