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12-Night Panama Canal Discovery: Costa Rica & Greater Antilles

February 27 – March 12, 2027

13 Days

Starting from $5,459 per person

Activity Level: Comfortable

Airfare Included!

Trip Details

From serene tropical beaches to the awe inspiring moment the canal’s massive gates rise before you, this is more than a cruise, it’s a passage through time, nature, and discovery.

Booking Deadline: October 31, 2026

Low booking deposit of $300 per person / $600 per cabin

HollandAmerica

Daily Itinerary

Saturday, February 27, 2027 - Depart Central PA to Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Transfer by motorcoach to a local airport for your flight to Fort Lauderdale, Florida with transfer to hotel for a pre-night cruise stay. Hotel: SpringHill Suites by Marriott

 

Sunday, February 28, 2027 - Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Cruise Embarkation

Fort Lauderdale, also known as the Venice of America, invites visitors to explore its intricate canal system on a paddle wheeler or water taxi. Discover the city’s vibrant nautical lifestyle, upscale Las Olas Boulevard, and the cultural delights of the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District. Embark the Ship and Depart from the pier at 4:00pm.

Monday, March 1, 2027 - Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

Arrive 8:00AM, Depart 5:00PM – Half Moon Cay, a crescent-shaped private island offers white-sand beaches, a turquoise lagoon and untouched nature. Renowned for its beauty and amenities, it’s a highlight for Holland America guests seeking tranquility or adventure. Activities range from snorkeling and kayaking to simply relaxing on the beach, making it a perfect Caribbean retreat.     *Tender is required and wheel chair access is limited.

Tuesday, March 2 - Wednesday, March 3, 2027 - At Sea Days

Relax and enjoy the amenities onboard or partake in the many activities! Play pickleball or workout in the fitness center, enjoy music at the Billboard Onboard or Rolling Stone Lounge, enjoy guest lectures at the World Stage, go shopping or to the casino, watch movies, and indulge in a variety of foods from the various 17 restaurants and bars on the ship!

Thursday March 4, 2027 - Oranjestad, Aruba

Arrive 8:00AM, Depart 4:00PM – Enjoy an alluring blend of Dutch heritage and Caribbean flair in Oranjestad, Aruba. Holland America brings you closer to the island’s best kept secrets, from its stunning sea life to rhythmic Aruban music. Encounter warm hospitality, wander amid candy-colored buildings, and marvel at wind-sculpted trees.

Friday, March 5, 2027 - Day at Sea

Relax and enjoy the amenities onboard or partake in the many activities!

Saturday, March 6, 2027 - Cartagena, Columbia

Arrive 7:00AM, Depart 2:00PM – A visit to Cartagena, Colombia, promises well-preserved colonial architecture, flavorful cuisine, and the legacy of Nobel laureate Gabriel García Márquez. Holland America Line’s excursions offer a gateway to this historical and culinary gem, where the past and present blend seamlessly. Wander through the streets of this walled city, tasting local delicacies, and exploring Castillo San Felipe de Barajas.

Sunday, March 7, 2027 - Cruising Panama Canal and Gatun Lake

6:00AM -3:00PM – Explore the Panama Canal that cruises through Cristobal, a port city on the Atlantic side. What you’ll experience isn’t just a passage from the Pacific to the Atlantic; it is a fascinating narrative of the enduring spirit of an idea and the creation of the most famous shortcut in the world.

The Panama Canal offers landscapes surrounding Gatun Lake. From its sleek modern skyline to Casco Viejo’s colonial charm, Panama City reveals layers of history, from the Spanish Crown’s first Pacific city to a thriving metropolis and green spaces.  Gatun Lake, is integral to the Panama Canal. Surrounded by tropical rainforest, see wildlife like tropical birds, monkeys, sloths, and crocodiles.

Arrive 5:00PM, Depart 9:00PM – This evening, end in Colón, Panama, which has a vibrant Caribbean coast, is an engineering marvel of the Gatún Locks, and has Portobello’s ruins.  Visitors will enjoy a unique exploration experience with cultural richness, history, and natural splendors.

Monday, March 8, 2027 - Puerto Limon (San Jose), Costa Rica

Arrive 7:30AM, Depart 4:30PM – Puerto Limon offers a tapestry of Costa Rican wildlife, Caribbean culture, and lush rainforests. From zip lining through treetops to wildlife sanctuary tours and tasting gallo pinto, a rice and beans dish, it’s a base for adventure and culinary exploration.

Tuesday, March 9, 2027 - At Sea Day

Relax and enjoy the amenities onboard or partake in the many activities! Play pickleball or workout in the fitness center, enjoy music at the Billboard Onboard or Rolling Stone Lounge, enjoy guest lectures at the World Stage, go shopping or to the casino, watch movies, and indulge in a variety of foods from the various 17 restaurants and bars on the ship!

Wednesday, March 10, 2027 - Georgetown, Cayman Islands

Arrive 7:00AM, Depart 4:00PM – George Town, the vibrant heart of the Cayman Islands, offers more than just clear waters and balmy breezes. A culinary hotspot, the city boasts a variety of gourmet restaurants influenced by the 135 nationalities residing on the island. Take a stroll on the iconic Seven Mile Beach, dive into stunning coral reefs, or relax at Rum Point.

Thursday, March 11, 2027 - At Sea Day

Relax and enjoy the amenities onboard or partake in the many activities!

Friday, March 12, 2027 - Depart for Central PA from Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Transfer by motorcoach to a local airport for your flight from Fort Lauderdale, Florida back to Central PA.

*Hotels and itinerary are subject to change at any time without advanced notice and or compensation.

Group air schedule is in economy class. Seat assignments are controlled by the airline. Specific seat requests cannot be guaranteed. Air upgrades may be available and are by request only and are not guaranteed. Any air upgrades or deviations must be requested at the time of the initial deposit.

Included Benefits

  • Free Parking with Roundtrip Motorcoach Transfers to and from local airport
  • Roundtrip airfare between Central PA and  Fort Lauderdale, Florida
  • One night pre-cruise hotel stay at SpringHill Suites by Marriott, Fort Lauderdale, Florida (or similar), Breakfast Included
  • All transfers between the airport, hotel, and pier
  • Twelve-nights aboard the Nieuw Amsterdam® 
  • All onboard meals and entertainment (specialty restaurants may have nominal fees)
  • Onboard gratuities
  • AAA Cocktail Reception
  • Baggage handling
  • Services of an AAA Discoveries Journey Manager

Have It All Package:
Signature Beverage Package
2 Nights Specialty Dining
Wi-Fi Surf Package
$200 Shore Excursion Credit

General Info

Payment

Rates Per Person:

SS – Signature Suite: Double Occupancy: $ 8,429 Single Occupancy: $13,359
V – Verandah: Double Occupancy: $6,529 Single Occupancy: $9,549
VA – Verandah: Double Occupancy: $6,459 Single Occupancy: $9,419
D – Oceanview: Double Occupancy: $6,069 Single Occupancy: $8,639
J – Interior: Double Occupancy: $5,459 Single Occupancy: $7,419

All non-members must add $60 to the above rate. 3rd/4th rates available upon request. Rates are subject to availability at time of booking and include taxes, fees, and fuel surcharges which are subject to change.  All pricing and included features are based on a minimum of 20 full-fare passengers. Desired pick-up location is not guaranteed until passenger minimums are met.

The rates listed above include the following which are subject to change: Required Cruise Fees and Expenses of $350 per person double occupancy ($700 single occupancy) and Government Taxes and Fees of $625.

Deposit of $300 per person/$600 per cabin will confirm your reservation. Final payment is due to AAA by  November 16, 2026. 

Cancellation/Penalties

From December 1-7,  2026     $300 per person/$600 cabin, plus any additional suppliers’ fees
From December 8 – Jan 13, 2026   50% per person, plus any additional suppliers’ fees
After  January 13, 2027  NON-REFUNDABLE
*Airfare is non-refundable after final payment.

Travel Assistance

For personal comfort, group participants who need assistance are required to have a traveling companion who is capable of and totally responsible for providing the needed assistance.

Activity Level:

Comfortable- This trip may include walking tours of up to two hours in length typically on level terrains. May include early morning departures or late-night returns. Climbing multiple flights of stairs, standing for short periods of time, along with moderate altitudes may be necessary.

GRP2827

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I book shore excursions?

Your AAA Travel Advisor is happy to help reserve your choice of shore excursions. It’s best to book them as soon as possible as they can sell out.

Do I need a passport?

Travelers will need an original, signed passport valid for 6 months beyond stay, and with at least one blank visa page for visa stamp(s) to travel on this cruise.

Do I need travel insurance?

For your protection AAA highly recommends travel insurance. Pre-existing medical conditions may be waived with proper coverage only if travel insurance is purchased within 14 days of initial deposit. Other conditions may apply; ask your Travel Advisor. AAA recommends Allianz Insurance.

How many bags can I bring? What will the weather be like?

One suitcase per person will be allowed by the cruise line. You may also bring a small carry-on bag. Average temperatures in Panama and Costa Rica for March average in the 70s-90s. Casual clothes that can be layered work best. Comfortable walking shoes and a small umbrella are recommended. Evenings require country club casual attire.

What is an AAA Discoveries Journey Manager?

A Discoveries Journey Manager travels with you on your entire journey. They are there to ensure your trip runs smoothly so you can sit back and relax. They are constantly working behind the scenes, whether it be at airport check-in or cruise disembarkation, they have you covered!

Request More Information

Considering booking but have more questions? Ready to book and want to speak with a travel advisor?

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