Exploring the World’s Greatest Engineering Marvel is Easier Than Ever with Holland America Line’s 2019 Panama Canal Cruises
Seven ships and 30 cruises are set to welcome another
record-breaking season
Seattle, Wash., Sept. 20, 2018 — Travelers interested in
transiting the famous lakes and locks of the Panama Canal will have five
Holland America Line ships and 30 cruises to choose in 2019. In addition to the
full transits, guest can embark on Panama Canal Sunfarer itineraries that
feature a partial transit in combination with southern Caribbean ports of call.
Anticipating another robust Panama Canal season, Holland America Line is
looking to build on the success of its previous season when the cruise line
carried 40,500 guests through the famous canal. With full transits ranging from
14 to 23 days and 10- or 11-day partial explorations, each cruise provides more
ways for guests to experience the Panama Canal than any other premium cruise
line.
"Explorers, destination collectors and adventure-seekers looking for a ‘wow'
experience should book a cruise to the Panama Canal, because it is unlike any
other trip," said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. "From the
scenery to the culture to the history, these itineraries are not only
personally enriching but they also visit some fantastic ports. And the
opportunity to see the engineering marvel that is the Panama Canal locks and
the famous surrounding lakes is a must-see for all ages. "
Connect Two Oceans on a Full Panama Canal Transit
From January through December 2019, Amsterdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Eurodam,
Oosterdam, Rotterdam and Volendam will make 17 transits between
the Atlantic and Pacific oceans from four departure cities. Guests can conveniently
sail to or from Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Los Angeles, San Diego and San
Francisco, California; and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Each itinerary includes a diverse collection of ports along with the
exploration of the Panama Canal. On full transits, guests will visit cities in
Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua and islands in the
Caribbean. In addition, some of the sailings include a visit to Half Moon Cay,
Holland America's award-winning private island in the Bahamas known for its
pristine beaches, engaging family activities, exciting shore excursions and
exclusive beach cabanas.
Combine the Caribbean and Central America on a Partial Transit
In addition to the full transits, Zuiderdam and Eurodam
will make 13 partial transits between January and December 2019. Conveniently
cruising roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, the 10- and 11-day Panama Canal
Sunfarer itineraries include an exploration of the Canal's Gatún Lake with a
combination of southern Caribbean calls in Aruba, Curaçao, Colombia, Costa
Rica, Panama and Half Moon Cay.
Full Panama Canal transit cruise fares start at $1,329 and Sunfarer cruise
rates start at $949, all per person, double occupancy.
Several Panama Canal sailings are eligible for Holland America's Explore4
promotion where travelers looking to plan ahead for next year or beyond can
take advantage of perks to sip, dine, sail and save.
The Explore4 promotion for guests booking any category stateroom includes a
Signature Beverage Package valued at $1,400 per stateroom (based on a 14-day
cruise), dinner at the Pinnacle Grill for two, free or reduced cruise fares for
third and fourth guests in the same stateroom, and 50 percent reduced deposits.
Guests receive all benefits when bookings are made by Nov. 19, 2018.
Explorations Central (EXC) Makes Panamanian Culture Come to Life on
Board
Throughout the voyages, EXC programming brings Panama's local customs, culinary
creations and cultural experiences on board. Through the EXC Encounters
program, guests can practice their language skills, learn about local
traditions or enjoy the simple pleasure of storytelling. Those who want to
immerse themselves even further can attend an EXC Talk where a Panama Canal
expert recounts the history and drama of the historic construction of the
waterway. The EXC Team provides further guidance in customizing each visit for
the port calls, while the in-stateroom EXC Channel features a selection of
curated films, documentaries and TV shows exploring the destinations on the
itinerary.
Holland America Line's Explorations Central was recently honored as the best
Overall Cruise Education Program by a leading travel industry publication.
For an up-close view, Holland America Line's spacious bow observation area
gives guests a great platform to watch all the action of a Panama Canal
transit, from workers on shore to electric mules to hard-at-work crew members.
For more information, contact a travel professional, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL
(1-877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.
Editor's note: Photos are available here: https://www.cruiseimagelibrary.com/c/tp0fsrx2.
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About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival
Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)]
Holland America Line's fleet of 14 ships offers more
than 500 cruises to more than 400 ports in 98 countries, territories or
dependencies around the world. From shorter getaways to 113-day itineraries,
the company's cruises visit all seven continents, with highlights including
Antarctica explorations, South America circumnavigations, Cuba cruises and
exotic Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; four annual Grand Voyages; and
popular sailings to the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Canada and New England,
Europe and the Panama Canal. The line welcomed Koningsdam in
2016 and has a second Pinnacle-class ship, Nieuw Statendam, to be delivered in
December 2018. A third Pinnacle-class ship will be delivered in 2021.
The company is undergoing $300 million in brand enhancements to secure its
position as the leader in premium cruising. Fleetwide, the ships feature
innovative initiatives and a diverse range of enriching experiences focused on
destination immersion and personalized travel. Guests can expand their
knowledge through an exclusive partnership with O, The Oprah Magazine; during
an America's Test Kitchen show; at Explorations Café presented by The New York
Times; and by taking a Digital Workshop powered by Windows. Outstanding
entertainment fills each evening at venues including Lincoln Center Stage,
Billboard Onboard and B.B. King's Blues Club. The dining experience can be
savored at a variety of restaurants with menus that feature selections from
Holland America Line's esteemed Culinary Council, comprising world-famous chefs
who design dishes exclusively for our guests.
CONTACT: |
Sally Andrews |
PHONE: |
800-637-5029 |
EMAIL: |
pr@hollandamerica.com |