5 Breathtaking Bridges to Sail Under

A major reason guests choose our cruises is the unique views of landmarks and cities all around the world, including those you can only get sailing under some of the world’s most iconic bridges. Snap photos you’re likely to capture nowhere else like the engineering masterpiece that is The Golden Gate Bridge, or the iconic Sydney Opera House!

Booking a cruise on one of our mid-sized ships gives you access to the most incredible views. Scenic cruising allows you to immerse yourself in the moment while the ship slows down to provide you with 360-degree views of jaw-dropping wonders.

If the weather allows, the bow of the ship opens so guests can enjoy a front-row viewing. On select sailings, a cruise expert may narrate the experience to provide historical insights. Revel in the quiet hush of the crowd and the click of cameras as you glide beneath icons such as the Golden Gate Bridge and into Sydney Harbour.

Check out five of our top sail-under bridges you can experience on various cruise itineraries.

Experience the thrill of passing beneath San Francisco’s world-famous Golden Gate Bridge from the comfort of your ship. Snap a photo of the bridge in its signature International Orange color as you continue on your cruise adventure.

• Once the world’s longest and tallest suspension bridge, the Golden Gate Bridge spans 1.7 miles to connect San Francisco to Marin County.
• Maximize the moment during your sail-under experience by standing on the wraparound promenade deck for the perfect photo opportunity.
• A sail-under in the early morning allows you to view the bridge in all its glory with sun just above the horizon.

Featured itinerary: 14-Day Baja Peninsula & Classic California Coast

Our mid-size ships allow access to some of the most beautiful and iconic harbors in the world. Imagine getting a panoramic view of Sydney, Australia, while sailing under the world-famous Harbour Bridge. Spanning from the central business district to the North Shore, this bridge’s design was inspired by New York’s Hell Gate Bridge and England’s Tyne Bridge.

• An engineering marvel, it’s a global icon for Australia and a focal point of Sydney’s skyline and tourism.
• Known as “The Coathanger,” it is recognized for its massive steel-arch design.
• The Sydney Harbour Bridge stands nearly 440 feet above sea level, the tallest steel arch bridge in the world.

Featured itinerary: 14-Day Australia and New Zealand

Located in Rotterdam, Netherlands, the Erasmus bridge is special to Holland America’s Dutch roots from our longstanding maritime history. Sail under this bridge and soak up its impressive view as Rotterdam’s most important landmark.

• Its sleek, modern design of combined cable-stay and bascule (raising/lowering) is the gateway to Rotterdam.
• Since its conception in 1990, this bridge helped reshape the city. Its dramatic pylon serves as a beacon of progress and evolution.
• A Rotterdam cruise is the perfect place to start your journey. It’s one of Europe’s busiest ports, giving you many photo opportunities and chances to explore.

Featured itinerary: 7-Day Norwegian Fjords & South Scandinavia

Located in Vancouver, this bright green bridge stands out against the city’s sleek skyline. One of the tighter clearances for our ships to navigate, this sail-under will take your breath away.

• One of Canada’s technical and engineering landmarks, this bridge is known for its innovative civil engineering.
• It was one of the biggest construction projects in Canada during the 1930s.
• You’ll get a picturesque view of not only the bridge, but Vancouver’s modern skyline as you embark on your cruise.

Featured itinerary: 7-Day Alaska Inside Passage

Passing under the Bridge of the Americas is a memorable experience due to the complexity and low clearance of the bridge. Get your camera ready—this isn’t just any bridge; it’s a symbolic connection between North and South America, a significant piece of the Pan-American Highway. This tied-arch bridge connects Panama City with the rest of the country and spans the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal.

• Many cruise ships time their transits for safe navigation, while larger cruise ships wait for low tide to ensure clearance under the Bridge of the Americas.
• The bridge was originally named “Thatcher Ferry Bridge,” until Panamanian control in 1979.

Featured itinerary: 16-Day Panama Canal

The Lido Deck, Crow’s Nest, and the bow provide excellent vantage points for enjoying and photographing a bridge sail-under on Holland America ships. During the sail under, move about the ship to photograph different angles, from the bow as the ship approaches and the aft as the ship leaves the bridge in its wake.

Access Exclusive Deals & More