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Panama Canal Discovery: Costa Rica & Greater Antilles

13 Days Fort Lauderdale Return
Panama Canal Discovery: Costa Rica & Greater Antilles
Panama Canal Discovery: Costa Rica & Greater Antilles
Panama Canal Discovery: Costa Rica & Greater Antilles
Puerto Limon
Puerto Limon
Half Moon Cay
Half Moon Cay
Willemstad
Willemstad
Cruising At Sea
Cruising At Sea
Panama Canal
Panama Canal
Colon
Colon
Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale
Georgetown
Georgetown
Willemstad
Willemstad
Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale

Overview

Holland America
Cruise Operated By:
 (29) Reviews
Total No. of Cruises 587
Begin and end your 13 day (12 night) cruise in Fort Lauderdale onboard Volendam and enjoy exclusive savings and cruise inclusions with Holland America and Global Journeys.
Our Price From
A$3,494 per person
Price shown based on twin share
Check Availability
Trip Length
Cruise Length

13 Days

Trip Starts
Cruise Starts

Fort Lauderdale

Trip Ends
Cruise Ends

Fort Lauderdale

Cruise Departures
Departures
Dec 2027
Cruise Shi
Cruise Ship
Volendam
Ship Class
Ship Class

R Class

Passengers
Passengers

1,432

Crew
Crew

604

Ship Launch
Launched

1999

Ship Refurbished
Refurbished

2019

Cruise Code
Cruise Code

C7F12B

Itinerary

Departs: 16:00

Fort Lauderdale, also known as the Venice of America, invites visitors to explore its intricate canal system on a paddlewheeler or water taxi. Discover the city’s vibrant nautical lifestyle, upscale Las Olas Boulevard, and the cultural delights of the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District. An airboat adventure through the Everglades offers an unforgettable Florida experience, solidifying Fort Lauderdale as a top cruise destination.

Arrives: 8:00 Departs: 17:00

Half Moon Cay, a picturesque private island owned by Holland America Line. Its award-winning, crescent-shaped beach stretches over 4km (2.5 miles) of white, powdery sand against a backdrop of turquoise waters, making it a haven for relaxation and water sports.

Despite its exclusivity, Half Moon Cay provides a range of activities, from horseback riding by the shore to snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs.

The island is also dedicated to preserving its untouched environment, with only a fraction developed for tourism. Visitors can explore a bird sanctuary, encounter stingrays up close at Stingray Cove, or enjoy leisurely walks along scenic nature trails.

With amenities designed to enhance the natural setting, Half Moon Cay embodies the essence of a tranquil Caribbean paradise.

A day cruising at sea offers you the perfect mix of relaxation and activity. Start your morning on the top-level decks with a game of pickleball, enjoying the fresh sea breeze and expansive ocean views. Or, head to the Greenhouse Spa & Salon® to rejuvenate with a therapeutic spa treatment. The Kids Club will keep younger guests entertained with a variety of fun events and activities, while you can unwind by the pool or enjoy a Pilates class at the Fitness Center.

In the evening, delight in a tantalizing meal at one of the ship's restaurants, and afterward, enjoy a world-class performance at the stunning World Stage, adding a touch of culture to your night. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or both, a day at sea will be full of unforgettable experiences.

Arrives: 8:00 Departs: 17:00

Discover a touch of old Amsterdam transported to an island paradise. The capital of the Caribbean island Curacao, Willemstad is famous for its technicolour UNESCO World Heritage Site city centre. Ships will dock at the port.

Top Things to Do in Willemstad:

  • explore Christoffel National Park
  • snorkel in Caracas Bay
  • ride the trolley train through Willemstad
  • relax on Cas Abao Beach
  • visit the Hato Caves
  • join an underwater tour in a semi-submarine

A day cruising at sea offers you the perfect mix of relaxation and activity. Start your morning on the top-level decks with a game of pickleball, enjoying the fresh sea breeze and expansive ocean views. Or, head to the Greenhouse Spa & Salon® to rejuvenate with a therapeutic spa treatment. The Kids Club will keep younger guests entertained with a variety of fun events and activities, while you can unwind by the pool or enjoy a Pilates class at the Fitness Center.

In the evening, delight in a tantalizing meal at one of the ship's restaurants, and afterward, enjoy a world-class performance at the stunning World Stage, adding a touch of culture to your night. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or both, a day at sea will be full of unforgettable experiences.

Arrives: 7:00 Departs: 14:00

Cartagena is a feast for the senses, with its consistently warm air, bright colours, history and nightlife. Filled with legends, romance and splendour, the walled city features Spanish colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and cultural sites. Ships will dock at this port.

Top Things to Do in Cartagena:

  • join a walking tour through the city
  • visit the Rosario Islands
  • explore the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
  • visit the chocolate or emerald museums
  • wander the streets of Old Town and the Plaza Santo Domingo

The Panama Canal, a marvel of engineering, links the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, facilitating global maritime trade. Stretching approximately 80km/50mi, this intricate waterway features three locks - Miraflores, Pedro Miguel, and Gatun - that elevate and lower vessels to overcome the variation in sea levels.

The Miraflores Locks' visitor center offers an insightful experience, allowing observers to witness massive ships navigating the locks. The Gatun Locks, a crucial part of the canal, showcase the impressive process of raising and lowering water levels to enable the passage of ships.

Traversing the Panama Canal provides a firsthand glimpse into the intricate operations that have shaped international shipping for over a century.

Arrives: 17:00 Departs: 21:00

Home to the Panama Canal's Atlantic Ocean entryway, Colón was founded as a result of the California gold rush in 1850, the starting point of a railroad that carried prospectors across the Isthmus of Panama. Ships will dock at the cruise terminal.

Top Things to Do in Colon:

  • explore Portobelo National Park
  • watch ships pass through the Panama Canal
  • check out the old quarter of Panama city, Casco Viejo
  • shop until you drop at the Duty-Free Zone
  • ride a vintage train on the Panama Railway

The Panama Canal, a marvel of engineering, links the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, facilitating global maritime trade. Stretching approximately 80km/50mi, this intricate waterway features three locks - Miraflores, Pedro Miguel, and Gatun - that elevate and lower vessels to overcome the variation in sea levels.

The Miraflores Locks' visitor center offers an insightful experience, allowing observers to witness massive ships navigating the locks. The Gatun Locks, a crucial part of the canal, showcase the impressive process of raising and lowering water levels to enable the passage of ships.

Traversing the Panama Canal provides a firsthand glimpse into the intricate operations that have shaped international shipping for over a century.

Arrives: 7:30 Departs: 16:30

This bustling city is home to extravagant open-air markets that buzz with commerce, fascinating architecture and historical museums. Beyond the city lies a land that features thick rainforests, meandering rivers, and a variety of exotic wildlife. Ships will dock at the cruise terminal.

Top Things to Do in Puerto Limon:

  • ride an aerial tram through the canopy of the Braulio Carrillo National Park
  • cruise the waters of the Tortuguero Canals
  • spot native animals in Cahuita National Park
  • visit the wildlife rescue centre

A day cruising at sea offers you the perfect mix of relaxation and activity. Start your morning on the top-level decks with a game of pickleball, enjoying the fresh sea breeze and expansive ocean views. Or, head to the Greenhouse Spa & Salon® to rejuvenate with a therapeutic spa treatment. The Kids Club will keep younger guests entertained with a variety of fun events and activities, while you can unwind by the pool or enjoy a Pilates class at the Fitness Center.

In the evening, delight in a tantalizing meal at one of the ship's restaurants, and afterward, enjoy a world-class performance at the stunning World Stage, adding a touch of culture to your night. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or both, a day at sea will be full of unforgettable experiences.

Arrives: 7:00 Departs: 16:00

Georgetown, the capital of the Cayman Islands, serves as a vibrant hub of activity and culture. Located on Grand Cayman, it is known for its excellent duty-free shopping, ranging from luxury boutiques to local crafts. The city also boasts a rich maritime history, which can be explored in depth at the Cayman Islands National Museum.

Visitors arriving by cruise are welcomed by the picturesque harbour and its crystal-clear waters, ideal for snorkelling and diving. Just offshore, the famous Stingray City offers a unique opportunity to swim alongside and feed the friendly southern stingrays in their natural habitat.

A day cruising at sea offers you the perfect mix of relaxation and activity. Start your morning on the top-level decks with a game of pickleball, enjoying the fresh sea breeze and expansive ocean views. Or, head to the Greenhouse Spa & Salon® to rejuvenate with a therapeutic spa treatment. The Kids Club will keep younger guests entertained with a variety of fun events and activities, while you can unwind by the pool or enjoy a Pilates class at the Fitness Center.

In the evening, delight in a tantalizing meal at one of the ship's restaurants, and afterward, enjoy a world-class performance at the stunning World Stage, adding a touch of culture to your night. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or both, a day at sea will be full of unforgettable experiences.

Arrives: 7:00

Fort Lauderdale is famous for its beaches, arts, culture and events. More than just an arrival and departure port, the city offers cruise guests an abundance of activities. From shopping on Las Olas Boulevard, to gondola rides on the canals, to a historic riverfront.

Nature enthusiasts head to Hugh Taylor Birch State Park for walking and biking trails, travel down to the Florida Everglades for an airboat tour, or beat the heat with a trip to the Museum of Science and Discovery.

Ships will dock at one of the biggest cruise ports in the world, Port Everglades.

Note: Ship ports may not be located in the starting & ending cities listed. Port and transfer details will be provided in your travel documentation. The provided itinerary is for informational purposes only. Activities and sightseeing attractions listed may not be available or achievable within the time in port.

Life On Board

Holland America
Total No. of Cruises 587
For 150 years, Holland America Line has been a recognized leader in cruising. If you are looking for some of the most spacious and comfortable ships at sea, award-winning service, exquisite dining, extensive activities and enrichment programs and compelling worldwide itineraries, you've come to the right more place. Balance. Depth. Authenticity. These are the elements we bring to more than 500 itineraries, stopping in 100 countries, the world over.
Volendam
Volendam

Enjoy more intimate cruising with less than 1500 guests and the attentive service and comfort on Volendam. Read more

Delicious Onboard Dining
Delicious Onboard Dining

Savour complimentary and specialty dining, fine dining or casual dining and relaxed dining in your stateroom suite. Read more

Explorations Central
Explorations Central

Deepen your understanding of the destinations you visit with the immersive experiences offered by Explorations Central. Read more

Billboard on Board
Billboard on Board

Tap your toes and sing along to the greatest hits of your lifetime, played by a duet of pianos in Billboard on Board. Read more

Shore Excursions for All
Shore Excursions for All

Choose from an exciting range activities from wine tasting to city tours to zip-lining to photography tours and more. Read more

Refresh, Relax, Rejuvenate
Refresh, Relax, Rejuvenate

Rejuvenate every aspect of your wellbeing when you enter the heavenly retreat of the Greenhouse Spa and Salon. Read more

Download Brochure

Holland America Caribbean (2026-27) Brochure

Holland America Caribbean (2026-27)

With weekend departures, convenient 9-day Friday-to-Sunday itineraries, and more 9+ day sailings than any other cruise line, Holland America makes it easy to experience the best of the Caribbean. From culinary tastings to cultural landmarks, these journeys combine tropical relaxation with rich discovery. New for 2026–2027 is a 9-day ABC Islands itinerary more and Caves & City Highlights shore excursion curated by Holland America and HISTORY.

Dates & Pricing AUD AUD

Cabin Layout Options:

Select Cabin Preference:

From $3,494
From $4,108
From $5,801
From $9,632
Saturday 11 Dec 2027 11 Dec 27 Fort Lauderdale
Thursday 23 Dec 2027 23 Dec 27 Fort Lauderdale
Details
Volendam
Fare Saver
Exclusive Savings
Inside
A$3,494
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Holland America. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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