Panama Canal
15 NIGHTS - 6 COUNTRIES
The Itinerary
Trip Overview
15-Day Panama Canal
Holland America's Zuiderdam
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Jan 31 - Feb 15, 2026
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DEPARTS: Miami, Florida, US
ARRIVES: San Diego, California, US
A bucket-list adventure awaits. Wind through intriguing landscapes, from historic city streets to soaring volcanoes. Cruise the Panama Canal from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
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Detailed Itinerary
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Why the Panama Canal
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Excursions & Exploring the Ports
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Dining on a Holland America cruise
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Pricing & Inclusions
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Stateroom Options
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Payment Options
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Inclusions & Exclusions
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Other Trip Components
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Flights, Transfers, and Hotel​
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Travel Insurance
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Registration Process
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Booking Instructions
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Benefits of Booking Early
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Other Common Questions
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About
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About This Group Trip
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About the Zuiderdam
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About Holland America Line
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Detailed Itinerary
Fri, Jan 30, 2026: Arrive in Miami, Hotel Stay
Sat, Jan 31, 2026: Ship Departs
About Miami, Florida, US Departs: 4:00 pm Miami cruises make every vacation wish come true. The Magic City has countless charms—rustling palms and star-studded beaches, electric nightlife, and a dynamic art scene. Stroll down Ocean Drive. You’ll find luxury restaurants and art deco buildings alongside low-key sandwich shops. Stop for a bite. Like everything in Miami, the cuisine is ahead of the curve. Visit Little Havana, an enclave known for Cuban bakeries, cigar shops and a walk of fame of Latin stars. If you need a break from the constant thrum of the city, find tranquility in nature. Go to Oleta State Park, a secluded oasis not far from downtown. Paddle lush mangrove forests or take in skyline views at Biscayne Bay. A tour of Everglades National Park presents another option. This vast wetland is a haven for Florida’s captivating wildlife. Manatees, alligators, and wading birds, like the roseate spoonbill, name a few of many Everglades inhabitants. Whatever you do on your Miami cruise, you’ll want to visit again and again. ___________________
Sun, Feb 1 - Mon, Feb 2, 2026: Cruising at Sea
Tue, Feb 3, 2026: Cartagena
About Cartagena, Colombia Arrives: 7:00 am | Departs: 1:00 pm Its official name is Cartagena de Indias—or 'Cartagena of the Indies'—but call it Cartagena for short. The formal name hints at this Colombian city's colonial relationship with Spain; it was founded in 1533 and named after the mother country's Cartagena. Colombia declared independence in 1810, but there's plenty about its fifth-largest city that evokes old Spain, including the impressive fort of Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, and the wall that encloses the old town, one of the few intact structures of its kind in the Americas. Both were considered important enough to inscribe on UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites in 1984. They may be historical artifacts, but the fortress and wall aren't merely tourist attractions; they are central to daily life here. Take a stroll and you'll see couples sitting atop the wall, locked in passionate embraces; parents watching their children walk it like a balance beam; and friends chatting while enjoying the Caribbean breeze. Along with history, there's cultural and culinary intrigue here, too. This colorful city was a muse of the late Nobel Prize–winning writer Gabriel GarcÃa Márquez, and is increasingly being recognized outside Colombia for its cuisine, which takes many cues from Caribbean ingredients. (Don't leave without trying the coconut rice.) ___________________
Wed, Feb 4, 2026: Panama Canal
About the Panama Canal Enter Panama Canal Cristobal at approx. 6:00 am Exit Panama Canal Balboa at approx. 6:00 pm Think of the Panama Canal, and the image that may come to mind is of the world’s huge tankers and cruise ships passing through a series of locks. That, however, reflects only one aspect of this part of the world. As ships travel from the Atlantic to the Pacific, they also pass colonial towns, historic fortresses and manmade lakes that are today home to sanctuaries for hundreds of different animal and plant species. At the Atlantic entrance to the Panama Canal, Colón evokes the old Panama of yesteryear, with its historic buildings gradually being restored. Some 77 kilometers (48 miles) to the south, at the canal’s Pacific entrance, Panama City's glittering skyline of office towers and condominiums reflects the country’s dynamic present and future. Traveling between these two cities, an epic tale unfolds before you—an old-school feat of engineering, ambition and courage. As David McCullough recounts in his sweeping history The Path Between the Seas, it was a combination of sheer human might and engineering prowess that today allows ships to cross the Panama isthmus, saving sailors from making the dangerous, almost 13,000-kilometer (8,000-mile) journey around the tip of South America. The construction of the Panama Canal is one of those epic tales from the past, an old-school feat of engineering, ambition and courage. A cruise along it today is a journey through the centuries, from the Spanish fortifications near Limón Bay to the glittering skyline of Panama City, not to mention the canal itself. Over the course of a decade a little more than a century ago, tens of thousands of workers drilled dynamite holes, drove belching steam shovels and labored with pickaxes, all the while fighting off malaria. While the French builders of the Suez Canal ultimately gave up in Panama, American crews persevered and created a route allowing ships to travel across a continent. As David McCullough recounts in his sweeping history The Path Between the Seas, it was a combination of sheer human might and engineering prowess. In 2016 an expansion more than doubled the canal's capacity, ensuring it will continue to be central to the world's maritime traffic.While many think of the Panama Canal only as a remarkable manmade achievement, the area is also of interest to naturalists. Panama’s rain forest suffered great biodiversity loss during the canal's construction, but today more than 100 species each of mammals and reptiles, as well as some 500 different birds, thrive in the nature reserves along the length of the canal. At the end of your journey along the Panama Canal, you’ll reach Balboa, the town that sits at the Pacific entrance of the canal. Its namesake is Vasco Núñez de Balboa, the famed Spanish explorer who was the first European to see the Pacific from the New World. Balboa’s journey was historic, a legendary feat of the age of exploration. The construction of the canal that crosses the isthmus today was also a historic achievement, to this day the largest civil engineering project ever. Over the course of a decade at the beginning of the 20th century, a combination of sheer human might and engineering prowess was responsible for the construction of the canal. A journey from Colón, at the Caribbean end of the canal, to Balboa, at its Pacific end, allows you to marvel at this world wonder, as well as see colonial towns, historic fortresses and sanctuaries for Panama’s wildlife along the way. Measured by miles, the journey along the canal is relatively short, but it is one with an epic sweep. You will follow in the footsteps of giants from Balboa to the workers who built the canal. ___________________
Thu, Feb 5, 2026: Cruising at Sea
Fri, Feb 6, 2026: Puntarenas
About Puntarenas (Puerto Caldera), Costa Rica Arrives: 8:00 am | Departs: 6:00 pm One of the stops along the Panama Canal Zone route, Puntarenas on Costa Rica's Pacific Coast is nicely positioned within easy day-trip distance of a number of that country's national parks. The town, a busy working port on the surface, makes an ideal base from which travelers can venture out to explore the variety of this Central American country's outdoor attractions, from lush jungle destinations to pristine beaches along the Pacific. Activities include snapping photos of gushing waterfalls (and swimming at the base of one, if you bring your swimsuit!), sightseeing near active volcanoes, bird-watching in nature reserves and sanctuaries and horseback riding on Pacific beaches . . . and that's just for starters. Visitors to this extraordinary region also enjoy shopping for the handicrafts that local artists sell at their cooperatives, as well as sampling traditional Tico cuisine, especially gallo pinto—a combination of rice and beans eaten at any time of the day or night. A trip here serves as the perfect reminder that adventure often awaits just around the bend. ___________________
Sat, Feb 7, 2026: Cruising at Sea
Sun, Feb 8, 2026: Acajutla
About Acajutla, El Salvador Arrives: 8:00 am | Departs: 5:00 pm Stunning beaches and colorful markets await on cruises to Acajutla, El Salvador. As the ship approaches, breathtaking views of the serene coastline greet your gaze. For such a small town, Acajutla has an array of things to do. Taxis offer the optimal way to travel from the port. Sightseeing is a breeze, as top attractions are only an hour away. Explore the historical city center, known for its charming streets and friendly locals. Stretch out on Acajutla Beach, a short shuttle from the cruise port. Dive vibrant reefs, tour Mayan ruins, or learn how coffee — one of the country’s main exports — is produced at a roastery. Acajutla has plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities. Izalco, an extinct volcano, looms about 16 miles (26.8 kilometers) from the port. Thrill seekers can climb to the top and look inside its dormant caldera. The options are endless: whiz through the verdant Apaneca forest on a zipline or cool off in the spray of a waterfall. Ruta de Maya, a fantastic complex of Mayan ruins is about an hour and a half from Acajutla in Chalchuapa. While in Acajutla, sample Salvadorean cuisine, a flavorful mix of Mayan and Spanish influence with fresh seafood, corn, beans, and pork. The national dish is the pupusa, a pillowy tortilla stuffed with delicious fillings. Pair it with the national drink—the guaro sour, sour liquor mixed with sweet fruit juice. ___________________
Mon, Feb 9, 2026: Puerto Quetzal
About Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala Arrives: 6:00 am | Departs: 4:00 pm Puerto Quetzal is Guatemala's largest port on the Pacific Ocean side of this Central American country, important for both cargo and cruise ships. There's not a great deal to see and do in Puerto Quetzal itself, and visitors should adjust their expectations accordingly. Yet you shouldn't despair, either; Puerto Quetzal is an ideal point of departure for exploring several corners of the country. Choose your mode of transportation—plane, bus, car or boat—and decide whether you want to take in Guatemala's stunning, volcano-studded landscape, one (or more!) of the country's Maya sites, the UNESCO–recognized colonial city of Antigua (the former capital), a coffee plantation or one of the many beguiling bodies of water. In addition to the gleaming Pacific, there's Lake Atitlán, which 19th-century German explorer Alexander von Humboldt described as the most beautiful lake in the world. All of these attractions are accessible as day trips, and getting to them is all part of your Guatemalan adventure. ___________________
Tue, Feb 10, 2026: Huatulco
About Huatulco, Mexico Arrives: 11:00 am | Departs: 5:00 pm Huatulco, situated on Mexico's Pacific Coast in the state of Oaxaca, has nine bays and 36 beaches, offering more than enough opportunities for fun in the sun. The most popular beach is La Entrega, with clean white sand and calm waters, perfect for snorkeling and swimming . . . or just relaxing. But Huatulco's attractions aren't limited to sand and surf; there are also archaeological sites to explore, rivers to raft, and waterfalls whose pools invite childlike splashing. Bird lovers, in particular, will find Huatulco to be especially captivating. The region is home to more than 225 bird species, including many rare ones and a number that are endemic to Mexico, like the Colima pygmy owl and the wildly colorful orange-breasted bunting and citreoline trogon. Bring your bird list, because you're sure to add new species to your 'sighted' column. And the food in Huatulco! The food will give you plenty to write home about. The state of Oaxaca has some of the most iconic dishes in Mexico's culinary repertoire. You won't go home hungry. ___________________
Wed, Feb 11, 2026: Cruising at Sea
Thu, Feb 12, 2026: Puerto Vallarta
About Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Arrives: 8:00 am | Departs: 3:00 pm Cruise to Puerto Vallarta and find yourself immersed in dynamic culture and history. Unlike other coastal resort towns in Mexico, Puerto Vallarta ('PV' to locals), retains quite a bit of its colonial-era charm. Its town square, Plaza de Armas, and the gorgeous church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, serve as the loveliest representations of bygone ages. While on your Puerto Vallarta cruise, take in these echoes of the past and more modern attractions, including an ambitious public art project along the seaside walkway (the malecón) and trendy restaurants such as La Leche, serving contemporary Mexican cuisine. Round these out with plenty of fun-in-the-sun outdoor activities on and along Banderas Bay (whale-watching! snorkeling! jet-skiing!), cruise excursions that reveal the best of Puerto Vallarta's flora and fauna, and a side trip to one of Mexico's pueblos mágicos (magical towns, a designation conferred by the government to recognize smaller towns that possess historical and cultural value), and you'd be hard-pressed to find a more pleasant place to spend part of your cruise to Puerto Vallarta. ___________________
Fri, Feb 13, 2026: Cabo San Lucas
About Cabo San Lucas, Mexico Arrives: 8:00 am | Departs: 3:00 pm TENDER REQUIRED, WHEELCHAIR ACCESS LIMITED Los Cabos—or the Capes—sits at the southernmost tip of the Baja California Peninsula, a narrow strip of land whose varied geography makes for plenty of interesting and unusual activities. You can ride a camel, or enjoy more predictable pursuits including fishing, golfing and whale-watching. On your Cabo cruise you can visit picture-perfect El Arco, an arch that may look familiar thanks to its cameo on postcards and advertisements. North of the capes, you can drop by the famed Hotel California. And if you've worked up an appetite on your Cabo cruise, you won't be disappointed: Los Cabos offers plenty to enjoy at the table as well, with farm-fresh fruits and vegetables and, of course, seafood being the mainstays here. Regardless, Holland America Line makes sure that Cabo cruises have plenty of new and traditional things for guests to experience. ___________________
Sat, Feb 14, 2026: Cruising at Sea
Sun, Feb 15, 2026: San Diego
About San Diego, California, US Arrives: 7:00 am With more than 300 days of sun every year, San Diego is known as a surfer’s paradise thanks to the iconic swells of Del Mar, Oceanside, and La Jolla. Add a bustling culinary and craft beer scene and plenty of distinct neighborhoods to explore, and San Diego is a must-visit for cruise passengers. Here’s how to appreciate this laidback city to its fullest. ___________________
Why the Panama Canal?
The Panama Canal is one of the world's great engineering marvels, and a Panama Canal cruise should be on everyone's bucket list. This link between two great oceans is as vital and vibrant as ever as it was when it was opened in August 1914 -- and a cruise is the best way to fully experience it. ___________________
Excursions & Exploring the Ports
What ports will we be stopping at? See the itinerary above for the full list and description of each port as well as the planned time in those ports. ___________________
Are shore excursions included in my cruise fare? No, on Holland America cruises, shore excursions are an additional cost. This is the case for most value and premium ocean cruise lines. ___________________
Will we be doing any excursions as a group? Yes, I plan to invite the group to join me on my excursions. When interest is high enough, we will organize private excursions that include only our group. Those are the most fun! ___________________
When should I plan my excursions? We will begin looking at excursion options together 6-9 months prior to the cruise. Excursion options will also be available for purchase through the cruise line website or app, using your booking number. If you are looking for something specific that you know is extremely popular, let us know, and we will help you arrange it right away. In addition to the excursions offered by the cruise line, we will also offer third party excursions that provide the same "back to ship on-time" guarantees. Sometimes these third-party options provide more value or are more personalized. We like to keep our options open. ___________________
How much should I budget for excursions? Excursions come in all shapes and sizes. There are budget excursions that may cost under $50 per person, and there are excursions that are hundreds of dollars. On average, expect to budget $100-125 per person in each port you chose to book an excursion. ___________________
Do I have to book excursions? Can I explore on my own? You can absolutely explore on your own! You are under no obligation to book excursions. You can step off the ship and explore or book something from a vendor at the port. Let us know if you need some guidance before doing so. Above all, we want to make sure you are safe. ___________________
Dining on a Holland America Cruise
What are the dining options on the ship? The following dining options are included in your cruise fare: Dining Room - Our flagship dining experience is a welcoming and sophisticated setting for an exquisite breakfast, lunch, or superb multicourse dinner. Lido Market - A casual, modern marketplace, Lido Market offers the widest range of food options on board for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a late-night snack. Dive In - This casual poolside grill serves up the best burgers at sea, Nathan's Famous gourmet hot dogs, golden French fries, and more. 24-Hour Room Service - Enjoy breakfast in bed or an early dinner on your verandah. Entrees and more are available whenever you wish. ​The following dining options incur an additional cost: Pinnacle Grill - The ultimate steakhouse at sea, with an exceptional menu of Prime steaks, seafood, and wine. Canaletto - Canaletto is a relaxed setting with authentic Italian cuisine that is best enjoyed when shared. Morimoto by Sea (Pop-Up) - Masaharu Morimoto, our Fresh Fish Ambassador brings his innovative style to Morimoto by Sea, a specialty restaurant on board Nieuw Amsterdam and a pop-up dining experience on the rest of the fleet. ___________________
How do main dining room dining times work? Flexible Open Dining: Open dining times are 5:00pm to 9:00pm. The same gracious service and sophisticated exquisite dining experience is featured, as it is in pre-set dining. If you choose the flexible, open-seating program in the Dining Room, you may make reservations by calling the dining reservation number on board or simply come to the Dining Room during dining hours. Classic Pre-Set Dining: The traditional pre-set dining times are 5:00pm and 7:30pm in the Dining Room. You may request seating time, table size and indicate with whom you wish to dine. All such requests should be made before sailing through your travel advisor. Requests will be confirmed or waitlisted at the time of booking. Table number and table size are on request only, and will be assigned by the Maitre d' on board. The status of your seating request will be listed on your Cruise Contract. Your seating assignment will be noted on your guest card upon boarding. Please Note: You may choose either flexible/open dining or classic pre-set dining in the Dining Room, at the time of booking. ___________________
Do I have to dress up for meals in the main dining room? Most evenings smart casual attire is appropriate. Shorts, pool/beachwear, distressed jeans and men’s tank tops are best left to the daytime and are not permitted in fine dining restaurants. Dressy Nights evoke the grand traditions of cruising as guests dress to impress for special events on board, including our five-course gourmet dinner in the Dining Room. For gentlemen, collared shirts and slacks are required in all fine dining restaurants. There are typically two dressy nights on a 7-night cruise. ___________________
Pricing Details & Registration
Pricing & Inclusions
STATEROOM OPTIONS
We have secured specific staterooms as part of our group, however, you any available room can be booked and then moved into the group in order to take advantage of group benefits. Click here for an overview of the staterooms available on the Zuiderdam. Click here to download the full deck plan of the ship.
Interior Stateroom, Category J, Group Rate
Large Interior, accommodates 2-4 people, deck 1
$4,436 for a solo room
$5,458 for 2 people in a stateroom ($2,729 each)
Additional $2,794 per person for guest 3 & 4 in a stateroom.
Ocean View Balcony (Verandah) Stateroom, Category VD, Group Rate
Accommodates 2-3 people, decks 6 & 7 fwd / aft
$6,943 for a solo room
$7,538 for 2 people in a stateroom ($3,769 each)
Additional $3,004 for guest 3 in a stateroom.
Mid-Ship Ocean View Balcony (Verandah) Stateroom Category VA Group Rate
Accommodates 2-3 people, decks 4, 5, 6, 8 mid-ship, mid-fwd, mid-aft
$7,303 for a solo room
$7,898 for 2 people in a stateroom ($3,949 each)
Additional $3,004 for guest 3 in a stateroom.
Note on pricing: If Holland America's market price or sales online drop the price below our group rate at the time of your booking, we will book you the best rate automatically!
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All prices are subject to change until booked with a deposit.
Pricing for Other Stateroom & Suite Options
​We will gladly book you into any available room that you desire and you will be part of our group. The price will be the best possible current market rate. Please note that many of the specials and sales that HAL runs may include a non-refundable deposit.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
What is the deposit amount? The regular deposit amount is $600 per person. Occasionally, Holland America runs specials for a reduced (non-refundable) deposit, but then the pricing would be at the market rate that day. ___________________
When is the remainder due? Your remaining cruise balance is due October 19, 2025. We will remind you when your final payment is due. ___________________
Are payment arrangements / installments available? Yes, we are happy to work with you on a payment plan that fits your budget best, as long as the cruise is paid off before the final payment deadline. ___________________
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
What's included in my cruise fare? - Stateroom accommodations - Meals/Dining - Non-bottled water, iced tea, and brewed coffee, and juice (during breakfast) - Onboard activities - Nightly entertainment ___________________
What's not included in my cruise fare? - Flights - Airport transfers - Hotels before or after cruise - Beverages other than those listed (unless "Have It All" or a beverage package is purchased) - Excursions and activities not listed as included - Cruise crewmember gratuities ($17-$19 per person per day), unless you have the "Have It All Plus early booking bonus" - Tour operator gratuities - Travel insurance or cancellation protection plan ___________________
What's included in the "Have It All" Package add-on? For an additional $55 per person per day, your cruise will include: - $200 Shore Excursion Credit - Signature Beverage Package - 2 Nights Specialty Dining - Wi-Fi Surf Package ___________________
What's included in the "Have It All Plus" Early Booking Bonus Package add-on? For a limited time only, for the same price as Have It All, you can enjoy a premium, upgraded package that includes high-value amenities for 1st/2nd guests only: - Have It All includes, plus - ELITE Beverage Package instead of Signature Package - PREMIUM Wi-Fi instead of Surf Package - Pre-Paid Crew Appreciation (gratuities) are included ___________________
Note: If guest 1 in a stateroom purchases "Have It All," the second guest in a stateroom must also purchase it.
Other Trip Components
TRANSFERS, FLIGHTS, AND HOTELS
Am I responsible for booking my own transfers, hotel, and flights? Since this is a group trip, we will prompt the group when it is time to book these pieces. You will not have to keep track of when this needs to happen. For hotel and transfers, we will be arranging group pricing that will be less expensive than the cruise line. For your hotel room, budget $350-500 for a solo room or $175-250 for a shared room. Transfers to the port will be less than $50 per person if you stay at the hotel we are at. For transfers to San Diego airport, we recommend a taxi, uber/lyft, or private transfer, so you can leave immediately after going through customs rather than waiting on a group. We are happy to arrange your private transfer. Budget $100-150 depending on the size of your group. For flights, we are happy to assist you. We charge a domestic ticketing fee of $30 per person. You are also free to book your own flights. This is a great option if you are using miles or points, as we do not handle those types of bookings. The important thing is that you arrive at least the night before. It is a big mistake to arrive the day of a cruise. If your flight is delayed or canceled, you could miss the ship and ruin your entire vacation! It's not worth the risk. ___________________
What airport should I fly into? You should fly into MIA (Miami International), which is 20 minutes from the port of Miami or FLL (Fort Lauderdale International), which is 45 minutes from the port of Miami. ___________________
When should I arrive in Miami? You may arrive anytime on January 30, 2026 (or earlier if you plan to explore the area). The important thing is that you arrive at least the night before. It is a big mistake to arrive the day of a cruise. If your flight is delayed or canceled, you could miss the ship and ruin your entire vacation! It's not worth the risk. ___________________
What time should I depart from San Diego? We recommend that you schedule your flight no earlier than noon on February 15 to allow plenty of time for debarkation, collecting luggage, customs/immigration, traffic from the port to the airport, and time to check in for your flight. ___________________
INSURANCE
What about travel insurance? Once you pay your deposit, we will send you a travel insurance quote within one week. Coverage cost will be from 3%-15% of your trip costs, depending on your age and level of coverage you choose. We like to sell third party insurance rather than cruise line coverage because we can include your other trip costs in the coverage. When purchased through the cruise lines, insurance only covers the parts of the trip you buy through them. Our favorite company is Chubb for the simplicity of working with them, our experience with them paying claims, and the range of coverages they offer. If you would like "cancel for any reason" (CFAR) coverage, please alert us, and we will get you a quote for that type of coverage. Keep in mind that CFAR typically costs about double and it only returns to you 50-75% of your costs if you cancel. ___________________
Can I decline insurance? While we always recommend you protect your vacation investment, you are under no obligation to purchase the insurance we offer. Perhaps you have your own coverage or simply want to take the risk, it's no problem. You will just be required to sign a waiver form that shows we offered it to you and you declined. ___________________
Registration Process
When you register for the cruise, you will complete a secure form that will provide us with the most important information we will need. This includes:
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Your basic information (name, date of birth, email, phone, etc.)
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Your stateroom preferences
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Whether or not you'd like payment arrangements
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Any special needs or requests you have
Step 1: Click "BOOK NOW" below.​
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Step 2: Click on the "available package," which will only show the per person deposit amount for the cruise.
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Step 3: Select the number of travelers you are paying for on one invoice.
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Step 4: Add on the optional "Have It All" package, if desired (first and second guests in a stateroom). Then on the bottom right, click "Continue to traveler info."
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Step 5: You will complete the primary traveler registration form followed by simplified registration forms for each additional traveler. Then on the bottom right, click "Continue to payment."
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Step 6: Authorize us to charge your deposit amount.
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Important: When you enter your payment details, you are only authorizing (giving us permission) to charge your card for the deposit. Nothing is charged at the moment when you click submit. Only once we review your form, clarify any details with you (if needed), and finalize your booking with Holland America will we actually charge your deposit amount.
Need Help?
For questions or help registering, contact:
Christie Costello, Owner & Travel Consultant
Toastable Travel + Events
ccostello@toastabletravel.com | 909.257.7747
Or schedule a personal appointment by clicking here.
Benefits to Booking Early
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The earlier you book, the more likely you are to get a great choice of stateroom. Those who wait will have the staterooms that are in less desirable locations. In our perfect world, your cabin would have other cabins above, below, on either side, and across from you. This is the quietest type of stateroom - we call it a "sandwich" stateroom - sandwiched between other staterooms. We'd hate for you to be under the pool deck or a bar, above a music venue, or across from a busy crew door.
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Those who select the "Have It All" package will have upgraded benefits if they book early - called "Have It All Plus." It upgrades the internet speed, the beverage package, and includes gratuities!
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You will pay less for more, plain and simple.
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You will have better pricing and availability for your flights and excursions.
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You will get our entire series of communications leading up to the trip.
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You can begin enjoying the "anticipation effect" even earlier, which actually adds happiness to your vacation investment! Click here for an article on this phenomenon.
Other Common Questions
Cancellation & Other Policy Information
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Toastable Travel & Events cancellation fee: $100
Even if your deposit is refundable through Holland America, when you cancel, we will charge you a small cancellation fee that covers our time. When you register, you are agreeing to this cancellation fee. Review our full Terms & Conditions by clicking here.
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Holland America's Cancellation Policy
Standard bookings within our group contract follow this standard cancellation policy. If your pricing is through a special sale or reduced deposit, those deals tend to have non-refundable deposits (as also noted in this policy).
Special Needs & Requests
Are there wheelchair accessible staterooms available? All major cruise lines have accessible staterooms on their ships, however, availability goes quickly, especially on a specialty cruise like the Panama Canal. If you require an accessible stateroom, please let us know as soon as possible, so we can check availability for you immediately. ___________________
Can the ship accommodate special dietary requests? Special Diets and Meals: Kosher, Passover Seder dinner, salt-free, fat-free, baby food, diabetic and other special dietary needs can be accommodated only with advance notification. For special meal arrangements, please let us know as early as possible, or contact the Ship Services Department at 1-800-541-1576 (or email: hal_ship_services@hollandamerica.com) at least 90 days prior to departure. For Kosher meal request, request a Kosher meal request form. While we try to fulfill all requests, it may not always be feasible. Holland America Line reserves the right to substitute products when specified brands are not available. An additional charge may be applied. Reconfirm any special requests with the Maitre d after you board. Kosher meals are prepared off the ship in a kosher kitchen, frozen and brought to the table sealed in their original containers. There is no kosher kitchen on board, nor do we have kosher dishes, utensils, pots or pans on the ship. Cooking facilities onboard are not considered kosher. ___________________
Are you able to assist me with special requests, or do I call HAL directly? We are happy to assist you with any special requests or arrangements, including but not limited to: - special dietary needs - equipment rental, including wheelchairs and mobility scooters - shower chairs - extension cords for CPAP or other powered equipment - distilled water ___________________
What about motion sickness?
Other Miscellaneous Questions & Info
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Do I need a passport for this trip?
The short answer is yes. This is not a "closed-loop" cruise, so even if you have cruised before with just your driver's license and birth certificate, this cruise is different. For specific requirements, click here.
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About
About This Group Trip
Who is organizing this trip?
Will there be a group leader traveling with the group? Yes, your travel advisor will be traveling with you! There are so many benefits to having your planner on the trip. We will keep the group coordinated and in touch with one another, make sure everyone is updated on any changes, communicate group perks, and clear up uncertainty when it arises. We are your liaison with the cruise line, which will free you up to enjoy yourself more rather than dealing with logistics. ___________________
About the Zuiderdam
VISTA-CLASS SHIP
1,964 GUESTS | 11 PASSENGER DECKS
936 FT LONG | 105 FT WIDE | 81,769 GROSS TONS
Classic nautical finishes, modern amenities and a spectacular art collection make Zuiderdam a continued favorite and the new home for our annual Grand World Voyage. Numerous enrichment and entertainment activities keep guests going from the moment they wake on this cruise ship. When it comes to dining, there are options for everyone, from steak at the Pinnacle Grill to burgers and fries at Dive-In to exquisite Italian cuisine at Canaletto. Hear your favorite tunes all evening long at music clubs, such as the Rolling Stone Lounge and Billboard Onboard.
About Holland America Line
We’re celebrating 150 years of sailing. Travel is our tradition. Make it yours.
Our fleet of 11 ships offers cruises to nearly 400 ports around the world. As the leader in premium cruising, our guests enjoy innovative initiatives and enriching experiences focused on destination exploration and personalized travel. Outstanding live music fills nights at venues including Lincoln Center Stage, B.B. King’s Blues Club, Billboard Onboard and more. Guests savor award-winning dining at a variety of restaurants with menu selections from our Culinary Council of world-famous chefs.
This Is Why We Sail
We were born to voyage. For 150 years, we've been introducing guests to new places and new cultures, and we've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of travel. We've seen how it opens minds, builds connections and fosters an appreciation of the shared humanity that unites us the world over. We invite you to join us for an unforgettable experience. Because travel is more than an itinerary, it has the power to change us and our world, journey by journey. This is why we sail.
Carefully Crafted Journeys
Balance. Depth. Authenticity. These are the elements we bring to more than 500 itineraries, stopping in 100 countries, the world over. Our Explorations Central (EXC™) program adds meaning and context, making your journey an even richer experience.
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Spacious, Mid-Sized Ships
Holland America Line holds true to the timeless elegance of ocean travel. From the moment you step aboard one of our spacious, mid-sized ships, you’ll feel the difference. Classic nautical lines. Beautiful appointments. Warm, hospitable service.
Immersive Culinary Journeys
Under the guidance of our Culinary Council® of chefs, fine dining at the Pinnacle Grill, Tamarind, Canaletto, Rudi’s Sel de Mer and in our Dining Room is truly memorable. Hone your culinary skills at Port-to-Table shows and workshops.
Exclusive Onboard Activities
Through exciting new partnerships with BBC Earth Experiences; Explorations Central (EXC™) programs and live entertainment, you can continue exploring on board.