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Seven Holland America Line Ships Offer More Ways to Experience the Panama Canal in 2015–16

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Seattle, Wash., June 1, 2015 — SixHolland America Line ships will sail 11 full transits of the Panama Canal andone ship will offer 14 itineraries that feature both the southern Caribbean andpartial transits during fall 2015 through spring 2016.

With cruises ranging from 10 to 22 days, Holland America Line provides guestsmore in-depth ways to experience the Panama Canal than any other cruise line.In the 2015-16 season, the combined full and partial transits will carry morethan 44,500 guests through the lakes and locks of the man-made marvel.

“To witness the fascinating operation of the Panama Canal from the deck of aHolland America Line ship is the ultimate way to experience one of the greatengineering wonders of the world,” said Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line'spresident. "Our diverse itineraries bring travelers to all sevencontinents and to many of the world's most compelling marvels; and with 25departures we offer more ways to experience the Panama Canal than any otherline."

Go Between Oceans on aFull Panama Canal Transit
From September 2015 through May 2016, msAmsterdam, ms Maasdam, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, ms Oosterdam, ms Veendam and ms Westerdam will make 11transits between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans from six departure cities.Guests can set sail from Boston, Mass.; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; San Diego andSan Francisco, Calif.; Seattle, Wash.; and Vancouver, British Columbia.

In addition to the Panama Canal transit, the 14- to 22-day cruises include avariety of port calls along the way, making each voyage all the more enriching.On the full transits the ships visit destinations in Mexico, Colombia, CostaRica, Guatemala, Nicaragua and the Caribbean, along with Half Moon Cay, HollandAmerica Line’s award-winning private Bahamian island.

Partial transits includethe ‘ABC’ Islands
Besides the full transits, msZuiderdam will make 14 partial transits between November 2015 andApril 2016. The 10- and 11-day “Panama Canal Sunfarer” itineraries include anexploration of the canal’s Gatún Lake and a combination of southern Caribbeancalls in Aruba, Bonaire, Columbia, Costa Rica, Curaçao, Grand Cayman, Panamaand Half Moon Cay.

Go ‘On Location’ in thePanama Canal
On each Panama Canal cruise, guests can enjoy the On Location enrichmentprogram that brings local experiences onto the ships through lectures,presentations, cuisine and entertainment. Guests can learn to weave with palmfronds during Caribbean sea days; and while the ship is in the Panama Canal anexpert historian recounts the history and drama of constructing the famouswaterway. A Panamanian market and buffet on the Lido Deck is a highlight of thevoyage, where guests can indulge in regional delicacies such as empanadas,arroz con pollo, ropa vieja and pastel de tres leches.

For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel professional,call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.

Editor’s note:Photos and detailed PDF fact sheets of cruise itineraries are available at: #