23-day Caribbean holiday & Panama Canal discovery
23-night Caribbean cruise from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida aboard Oosterdam.
Calling at Grand Cayman, Cartagena, Aruba, Curacao, RelaxAway Half Moon Cay, Gatun Lake, Colon and Limon, with 10 days at sea. 9 ports of call across Florida, Cayman Islands, Colombia, Bahamas, Panama and Costa Rica.
Oosterdam is a Holland America Line Vista-class ship that entered service in 2003, carrying around 1,960 guests. She offers the line’s hallmark mid-size cruising — teak promenade deck, extensive art collection and refined dining — with regular seasons in Australia and beyond.
Stateroom categories range from Interior to Suite.
- 22 Dec 2027 – 14 Jan 2028
from $6,579 pp twin share *
Additional Pricing Information
- Interior from $6,579 pp twin share
- Ocean View from $8,674 pp twin share
- Verandah from $10,299 pp twin share
- Suite from $13,944 pp twin share
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Departs 04:00 pm.
According to the popular 1960 beach movie, Fort Lauderdale is “where the boys are.” The city’s reputation as America’s Spring Break capital, however, has been replaced with the more favorable image of a prime family tourist destination, attracting more than 10 million visitors annually. The most popular beach resort in Florida is even more rightly famed as the “Yachting Capital of the World,” with more than 40,000 registered crafts calling its waters home. The city also prides itself on being the “Venice of America” with more than 300 miles of navigable waterways. Fort Lauderdale boasts world-class theaters, museums, sightseeing, and shopping. The city sits 24 miles north of Miami and is named after a series of forts built by the United States during the second Seminole War. The forts took their name from Major William Lauderdale, who was the commander of the detachment of soldiers who built the first fort. Look hard and you might find remnants of three of them today. More people seem to be interested in taking a water tour aboard the “Carrie B.”
Day 2 – At Sea
Day 3 – Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 05:00 pm.
When Columbus made his landfall in the Caymans in 1503, he found tortoises and sea turtles in such profusion that he promptly named the islands Las Tortugas. But the name that stuck for the islands was the Carib word “Caimanas.” Fitting, since the caiman is a New World crocodilian and the islands were long the lair of pirates, buccaneers, and assorted freebooters. Despite their past, the Caymans are a Caribbean demi-paradise of white-sand beaches, coral gardens, and offshore waters harboring spectacular shipwrecks. Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman also boast the highest standard of living in the entire Caribbean. This union of natural beauty and cosmopolitan style makes Grand Cayman a spectacular port of call for today’s adventurers. Note: Grand Cayman is an anchorage port. Passengers transfer to shore via ship’s tender. In certain sea conditions, an alternate pier is used to transfer passengers ashore. This may cause tour durations to vary.
Day 4 – At Sea
Day 5 – Cartagena, Colombia
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 05:00 pm.
One of the more interesting cities on your itinerary steeped in history. This was the transit port for all the wealth Spain derived from South America. The famous “Old City” is comprised of 12 square blocks filled with attractions, boutiques and restaurants. Throughout Colombia, the Spanish Empire’s influence in the New World is self-evident. Its fortress walls, quaint narrow streets, and balconied houses are all vivid reminders of Spain’s hold on Cartagena and throughout the Caribbean and South America. This is the land of El Dorado and flamboyant adventurers in search of the ever-elusive gold. Cartagena’s well-constructed fortifications defended its borders against seafaring pirates whose attacks lasted for more than 200 years. Today this modern and bustling city, seaport, and commercial center still boasts much of its original colonial architecture. Your journey here will provide you with a significant link to the region’s grand past.**Please note that passengers may encounter numerous local vendors at various tourist locations and may find them to be persistent in their sales offers.
Day 6 – At Sea
Day 7 – Aruba
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 11:00 pm.
Dutch influence still lingers on this balmy Caribbean island, part of the former Netherlands Antilles until its independence in 1986. Aruba is a contrast: the island’s arid interior is dotted with cactus and windswept divi-divi trees while secluded coves and sandy beaches make up its coast. Aruba’s long and colorful heritage is reflected in its dialect. Called Papiamento, it is a tongue that combines elements of Spanish, French, Portuguese, Dutch, African and English.
Day 8 – Curacao
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 11:00 pm.
Historians still contend over which European adventurer first spied the largest island in the former Netherlands Antilles. Some historians claim the honor for Alonzo de Ojeda; other historians champion Amerigo Vespucci. Little does it matter; today’s travelers are content to bask beneath sunny skies cooled by the trade winds. Lying some 40 miles off Venezuela, Curaçao boasts a landscape that is dramatic, stark, and volcanic. In contrast, Willemstad, the capital, seems a cozy Dutch haven with its neat row houses. And while those gabled and tiled roofs illustrate the island’s heritage, the bright, pastel houses speak pure Caribbean. Islanders themselves reflect this same colorful contrast: over 50 different nationalities have come to call Curaçao their home.
Day 9 – At Sea
Day 10 – At Sea
Day 11 – RelaxAway Half Moon Cay, Bahamas
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 02:00 pm.
Day 12 – Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Arrives 07:00 am, departs 04:00 pm.
According to the popular 1960 beach movie, Fort Lauderdale is “where the boys are.” The city’s reputation as America’s Spring Break capital, however, has been replaced with the more favorable image of a prime family tourist destination, attracting more than 10 million visitors annually. The most popular beach resort in Florida is even more rightly famed as the “Yachting Capital of the World,” with more than 40,000 registered crafts calling its waters home. The city also prides itself on being the “Venice of America” with more than 300 miles of navigable waterways. Fort Lauderdale boasts world-class theaters, museums, sightseeing, and shopping. The city sits 24 miles north of Miami and is named after a series of forts built by the United States during the second Seminole War. The forts took their name from Major William Lauderdale, who was the commander of the detachment of soldiers who built the first fort. Look hard and you might find remnants of three of them today. More people seem to be interested in taking a water tour aboard the “Carrie B.”
Day 13 – RelaxAway Half Moon Cay, Bahamas
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 05:00 pm.
Day 14 – At Sea
Day 15 – At Sea
Day 16 – Aruba
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 05:00 pm.
Dutch influence still lingers on this balmy Caribbean island, part of the former Netherlands Antilles until its independence in 1986. Aruba is a contrast: the island’s arid interior is dotted with cactus and windswept divi-divi trees while secluded coves and sandy beaches make up its coast. Aruba’s long and colorful heritage is reflected in its dialect. Called Papiamento, it is a tongue that combines elements of Spanish, French, Portuguese, Dutch, African and English.
Day 17 – At Sea
Day 18 – Cartagena, Colombia
Arrives 07:00 am, departs 02:00 pm.
One of the more interesting cities on your itinerary steeped in history. This was the transit port for all the wealth Spain derived from South America. The famous “Old City” is comprised of 12 square blocks filled with attractions, boutiques and restaurants. Throughout Colombia, the Spanish Empire’s influence in the New World is self-evident. Its fortress walls, quaint narrow streets, and balconied houses are all vivid reminders of Spain’s hold on Cartagena and throughout the Caribbean and South America. This is the land of El Dorado and flamboyant adventurers in search of the ever-elusive gold. Cartagena’s well-constructed fortifications defended its borders against seafaring pirates whose attacks lasted for more than 200 years. Today this modern and bustling city, seaport, and commercial center still boasts much of its original colonial architecture. Your journey here will provide you with a significant link to the region’s grand past.**Please note that passengers may encounter numerous local vendors at various tourist locations and may find them to be persistent in their sales offers.
Day 19 – Enter Panama Canal Cristobal
Arrives 06:00 am, departs 07:00 am.
Day 19 – Cruising Panama Canal and Gatun Lake
Day 19 – Gatun Lake, Panama
Day 19 – Cruising Gatun Lake and Panama Canal
Day 19 – Exit Panama Canal Cristobal
Arrives 02:00 pm, departs 03:00 pm.
Day 19 – Colon, Panama
Arrives 05:00 pm, departs 09:00 pm.
Day 20 – Limon, Costa Rica
Arrives 07:30 am, departs 04:30 pm.
Costa Rica’s Limon Province boasts a lush tropical climate, sprawling banana plantations and dense rainforest. These Caribbean lowlands are still sparsely populated — nearly a third of the province’s population lives around Puerto Limon–and conservation efforts have led to growing eco-tourism. Limon Province offers other charms as well. Afro-Caribbean influences abound, from the lilting speech and reggae rhythms brought by Jamaican settlers to the colorful bungalows lining small fishing villages. Limon is a zesty little slice of heaven.
Day 21 – At Sea
Day 22 – Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Arrives 07:00 am, departs 04:00 pm.
When Columbus made his landfall in the Caymans in 1503, he found tortoises and sea turtles in such profusion that he promptly named the islands Las Tortugas. But the name that stuck for the islands was the Carib word “Caimanas.” Fitting, since the caiman is a New World crocodilian and the islands were long the lair of pirates, buccaneers, and assorted freebooters. Despite their past, the Caymans are a Caribbean demi-paradise of white-sand beaches, coral gardens, and offshore waters harboring spectacular shipwrecks. Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman also boast the highest standard of living in the entire Caribbean. This union of natural beauty and cosmopolitan style makes Grand Cayman a spectacular port of call for today’s adventurers. Note: Grand Cayman is an anchorage port. Passengers transfer to shore via ship’s tender. In certain sea conditions, an alternate pier is used to transfer passengers ashore. This may cause tour durations to vary.
Day 23 – At Sea
Day 24 – Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Arrives 07:00 am.
According to the popular 1960 beach movie, Fort Lauderdale is “where the boys are.” The city’s reputation as America’s Spring Break capital, however, has been replaced with the more favorable image of a prime family tourist destination, attracting more than 10 million visitors annually. The most popular beach resort in Florida is even more rightly famed as the “Yachting Capital of the World,” with more than 40,000 registered crafts calling its waters home. The city also prides itself on being the “Venice of America” with more than 300 miles of navigable waterways. Fort Lauderdale boasts world-class theaters, museums, sightseeing, and shopping. The city sits 24 miles north of Miami and is named after a series of forts built by the United States during the second Seminole War. The forts took their name from Major William Lauderdale, who was the commander of the detachment of soldiers who built the first fort. Look hard and you might find remnants of three of them today. More people seem to be interested in taking a water tour aboard the “Carrie B.”
Highlights
- Cruise the iconic Panama Canal
- Visit 9 ports across 5 countries
- Sail on a mid-size Holland America Line ship
23-night Caribbean cruise from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida aboard Oosterdam.
Calling at Grand Cayman, Cartagena, Aruba, Curacao, RelaxAway Half Moon Cay, Gatun Lake, Colon and Limon, with 10 days at sea. 9 ports of call across Florida, Cayman Islands, Colombia, Bahamas, Panama and Costa Rica.
Oosterdam is a Holland America Line Vista-class ship that entered service in 2003, carrying around 1,960 guests. She offers the line’s hallmark mid-size cruising — teak promenade deck, extensive art collection and refined dining — with regular seasons in Australia and beyond.
Stateroom categories range from Interior to Suite.
Inclusions
- Dining in the main Dining Room and casual venues
- Live music venues and nightly entertainment
- Fitness centre and swimming pools
- Enrichment programme and port talks
FAQs
Oosterdam is a Holland America Line Vista-class ship that entered service in 2003, carrying around 1,960 guests. She offers the line’s hallmark mid-size cruising — teak promenade deck, extensive art collection and refined dining — with regular seasons in Australia and beyond.
Stateroom categories available on this sailing: Suite, Verandah, Ocean View and Interior.
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 24 days and 23 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 22 Dec 2027 and 14 Jan 2028, subject to live availability.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
What style of accommodation is used?
Accommodation is pre-arranged as part of the journey, with specific properties shown in the trip details.
Provided by: Holland America LineFine Print
Terms and conditions apply. Click here for more details.