Experience the Wonders of Hawaii & Panama Canal Cruises

Are you ready to say “aloha” to Hawaii or witness the marvels of the Panama Canal? With Holland America Line, you can see the world from your doorstep, soaking up sights of spectacular landscapes, wildlife and historical landmarks around the globe. Each destination has its own cultural traditions and spirit that make it unique, and you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in all of it. Here’s a glimpse of what it means to enjoy the wonders of Hawaii and Panama Canal cruises with Holland America Line.

Experience the Aloha Spirit in Hawaii

Synonymous with paradise, there’s no denying the beauty of the Hawaiian Islands. Stunning beaches. Polynesian culture. Sacred historical sites. The list of memorable experiences is endless. And in Hawaii, “aloha” doesn’t just mean “hello.” It’s a way of life for those who call Hawaii home. Here are some of the ways you can experience the aloha spirit on a Hawaii cruise:

Explore the Wonder of Polynesian Culture

Stop by local visitor centers for enrichment opportunities to understand the history and beauty of Polynesian culture. The Polynesian Cultural Center north of Honolulu is one example. Here you can learn more about the people of Hawaii, as well as Samoa, New Zealand, Tahiti, the Marquesas and Tonga. They also host shows honoring these cultures with costumes and native dances.

Fall in Love with Luaus

Another thing Hawaii is known for is its lively luaus, with incredible music, performances and mouthwatering flavors. “Luau” actually originated as a nickname for such feasts, referring specifically to the taro leaves of popular dishes. Though many may associate luaus with Hawaiian culture, today’s luaus reflect many Polynesian cultures.

Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Did you know Hawaii is home to two of the most active volcanoes in the world? At Hawaii Volcanoes National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage site – you’ll discover towering volcanoes whose eruptions have modified the landscape and become home to unique animal species and plants.

Every year, nearly two million people visit the park to witness these volcanic giants in person. Located on “the Big Island,” Hawaii’s UNESCO World Heritage Site includes the summit and section of the southeast flank of Mauna Loa and nearly a third of Kilauea. In their entirety, these two volcanoes make up the greatest volcanic area on the planet. They are also sacred to Native Hawaiian culture.

Marvel at the Wonders of the Panama Canal

One of the best parts of a Panama Canal cruise is experiencing an incredible wonder in the modern world, where three distinct locks shift ships up or down according to the level of water you’re about to sail through.

The Miraflores Locks are the closest to Panama City and the Pacific Ocean. You’ll feel their two chambers raise the ship 54 feet above sea level to Lake Miraflores, watching the cement walls rise as the water falls away beneath you. At the next stop you’ll find the Pedro Miguel Locks. Their chamber will raise the ship 31 feet up to Lake Gatun. Finally, you have the Gatun Locks, which are closest to the Atlantic Ocean. Their three chambers will lower the ship 85 feet back to sea level.

Throughout your Panama Canal cruise, you’ll have the opportunity to dive deeper into its destinations with shore excursions. For example, at Gatun Lake, you could enjoy a water-level view of the locks or kayak around the Gatun Islands, watching for monkeys, toucans and sloths. In Guatemala, explore ancient Mayan ruins. In El Salvador, bask in the beauty of its beautiful beaches or national parks.

Combining the locks experience with beautiful sights along the way, from lush forests to enchanting wildlife, makes for a unique cruise experience.

Highlights of the 2025-2026 Panama Canal Cruise Season:

• Panama Canal cruises are aboard Eurodam, Koningsdam and Zuiderdam.
• Cruises start or end in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Seattle, Washington; San Diego, California; or Miami or Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
• Guests enjoy a daylight transit of the Panama Canal, with commentary on the open decks detailing the amazing feat of the man-made marvel.
• Itineraries range from 15 to 22 days and include a combination of calls in Aruba, California, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama and Turks and Caicos.
• Several cruises offer multiple embarkation or disembarkation options. For example, Fort Lauderdale to San Diego, Seattle or Vancouver.
• Select Panama Canal sailings include a call at Acajutla, a new port for Holland America Line, offering excursions to remarkably preserved Mayan ruins, volcanoes, and cacao plantations, while also providing a gateway to see more of El Salvador, including San Salvador and Nahuizalco.
• Many Panama Canal cruises include a call at Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line’s award-winning private island in the Bahamas.

Highlights of the 2025-2026 Hawaii Cruise Season:

• Cruises to Hawaii are aboard Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam and Zaandam. This will be Nieuw Amsterdam’s first season in Hawaii.
  • Guests sailing aboard Nieuw Amsterdam will be able to experience the culinary delights of the ship’s newest restaurant, Morimoto by Sea. Guests sailing on Koningsdam or Zaandam will also be able to experience the restaurant menu during special pop-up dinners.
• Itineraries are roundtrip from San Diego, roundtrip from Vancouver, or from Vancouver to San Diego.
• 17-day “Circle Hawaii” from Vancouver to San Diego visits Nawiliwili, Kahului, Hilo, Honolulu (overnight) and Kona. The 17-day roundtrip from San Diego features either an overnight or late departure from Honolulu, a call to Ensenada, Mexico, and more Hawaiian ports like Kona and Kahului.
• 18-day “Circle Hawaii” is roundtrip from San Diego or Vancouver and calls at Kahului, Hilo, Honolulu (overnight), Nawiliwili and Kona. Roundtrip San Diego adds a call at Ensenada and roundtrip Vancouver includes Victoria, Canada.

Explore Special Offers

Want to make a sweet vacation even sweeter? Check out our cruise deals when you begin planning your vacation, including our Have It All Early Booking Bonus. Booking early could help you save and receive exclusive upgrades and bonus amenities.

Are you ready to experience the aloha spirit on a Hawaii cruise? Would you like to journey through one of the world’s most incredible engineering marvels on a Panama Canal cruise? Check out our YouTube video highlighting these breathtaking destinations and then contact one of our Personal Cruise Consultants to begin planning your unforgettable journey.

Come see the world with us. We can’t wait to welcome you aboard.