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Circle Hawaii & Panama Canal Holiday

Holland America Line

Join Holland America Line for a 31-night cruise departing from San Diego, California, visiting Honolulu, Kahului, Hilo, Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii, Kona, Ensenada, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Santa Cruz, Mexico, Puerto Quetzal, Corinto, Puntarenas, Costa Rica, Cartagena, Colombia, Half Moon Cay and Fort Lauderdale. Enjoy luxurious accommodations and world-class amenities.

Departure date

18 December 2024

Cabins

Inside from

6,339pp

Outside from

6,719pp

Prices do not include flights.
Call us to add flights, hotels and transfers.

Quote Reference number: 335654-2055872

All prices are subject to availability

Your Holiday Summary

Departure - Arrival
18 Dec 2024 - 18 Jan 2025
Duration
32 days, 31 nights
Sailing
17 sea days
Departure Port
San Diego, California
Call us to quote and add flights

Travelling Itinerary

Day 1
San Diego, California

Departure: at 15:00

Welcome aboard! Today marks the beginning of your unforgettable cruise holiday. Take time to explore the ship, unwind, and soak in the excitement of what’s to come. Your holiday starts now.

Day 2
At Sea

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Day 7
Honololu, Hawaii

Arrival: at 07:00
Departure: at 23:00

Honolulu, on the island of Oahu’s south shore, is capital of Hawaii and gateway to the U.S. island chain. The Waikiki neighborhood is its center for dining, nightlife and shopping, famed for its iconic crescent beach backed by palms and high-rise hotels, with volcanic Diamond Head crater looming in the distance. Sites relating to the World War II attack on Pearl Harbor include the USS Arizona Memorial.

Day 8
Kahului

Arrival: at 08:00
Departure: at 20:00

Day 9
Hilo

Arrival: at 08:00
Departure: at 18:00

Water and fire reign here: This is a land of verdant rain forests bisected by sparkling falls. But the fiery element flares along the volcanic coast of Kohala and the roaring furnace of the Kilauea volcano: Lava has continued to seep from the crater since its last eruption in 1983. Nature is Hilo's blessing, as well as its challenge. The beautiful crescent bay served as a funnel to two major tsunamis that battered the city—tragedies that are never forgotten and hopefully never repeated. (Hilo's Pacific Tsunami Museum remains a leader in safety education.) Once a busy fishing and farming area, Hilo blossomed into a commercial center for the sugarcane industry in the 1800s. Today’s town—its waterfront rebuilt since the last destructive wall of water in 1960—flourishes as a hub of galleries, independent shops, farmers markets and homegrown destination restaurants. A world-class astronomy center has joined this mix, underlining the awe unfolding through the telescopes atop Mauna Kea (the world's tallest peak from base to summit, outstripping Everest by 1,363 meters, or 4,472 feet!). Meanwhile, leafy Banyan Drive celebrates more earthbound stars with its arboreal Walk of Fame. Look up, look down: Wherever you glance, Hilo looks good.

Day 9
Kilauea Volcano

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Day 10
Kona

Arrival: at 08:00
Departure: at 17:00

Once the playground of Hawaii's royalty, Kona is synonymous with the famous coffee that grows on the slopes of dormant Hualalai. Here, too, is Parker Ranch, the largest privately owned ranch in the U.S. Sample shore excursions: Kona Outrigger Canoe Adventure; Parker Ranch; Big Island Helicopter Spectacular.

Day 11
At Sea

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Day 15
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Day 16
Ensenada

Arrival: at 13:00
Departure: at 23:59

This sunny port on the Baja Peninsula gives you a taste of festive Mexico. Get ready for mariachi music, whale watching and fine wines from grapes grown in Mexico's principal wine region, just south of town. Sample shore excursion: Folklore of Mexico.

Day 17
San Diego, California

Arrival: at 07:00
Departure: at 15:00

Easygoing San Diego embodies the Southern California surfer town fantasy, with its more than 300 days of sun, mild year-round temperatures and accessible, sporty pastimes and tourist attractions. Cruise to San Diego and hike the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve to get a glimpse of whale migrations, go sailing in the bay and, of course, surf the famous swells of Del Mar, Oceanside and La Jolla (among many other superb spots). Cruise from San Diego and explore the sixth-largest city in the United States. Discover San Diego’s distinctive neighborhoods on a San Diego shore excursion. Visit Old Town, North Park, Point Loma and Coronado are all within a few miles of the port, while the bustling Gaslamp Quarter and Little Italy are within walking distance. And while there are lots of things to do for everyone on a San Diego Cruise—from visiting the country’s largest urban park to taking in the famous horse-racing season in Del Mar to riding the charming Old Town Trolley—definitely don’t pass up the chance to investigate San Diego’s quickly growing reputation as a culinary destination. Its inventive new restaurants and huge craft-brewing industry are something to be explored.

Day 18
At Sea

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Day 19
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Day 20
Puerto Vallarta

Arrival: at 08:00
Departure: at 15:00

Unique compared to Acapulco, Cancún, Zihuatanejo and several other coastal resort towns in Mexico—many of which were created by the government as planned communities—Puerto Vallarta ("PV" to locals), on the Pacific Ocean, retains quite a bit of its colonial-era charm. Its town square, Plaza de Armas, and the gorgeous parish church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, topped with an ornate crown and overlooking the port, serve as the loveliest representations of bygone ages. While on your Puerto Vallarta cruise, we take you alongside these echoes of the past are more modern attractions, including an ambitious public art project along the seaside walkway (the malecón) and trendy restaurants such as La Leche, serving contemporary Mexican cuisine. Round these out with plenty of fun-in-the-sun outdoor activities on and along Banderas Bay (whale-watching! snorkeling! jet-skiing!), excursions that reveal the best of Puerto Vallarta's flora and fauna, and a side trip to one of Mexico's pueblos mágicos (magical towns, a designation conferred by the government to recognize smaller towns that possess historical and cultural value), and you'd be hard-pressed to find a more pleasant place to spend part of your cruise to Puerto Vallarta.

Day 21
At Sea

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Day 22
Huatulco

Arrival: at 08:00
Departure: at 14:00

Everything you ever wanted in a seaside resort: warm sun, sandy beaches and nine beautiful bays rimmed in every shade of blue. Nearby: low-growth caducifolia jungles teeming with birdlife and the nesting grounds of endangered sea turtles. Sample shore excursions: Five Bays by Catamaran; Horseback Riding; Bird-watching Eco Tour; ATV Jungle Adventure.

Day 23
Puerto Quetzal

Arrival: at 10:00
Departure: at 18:00

In the cultured little country of Guatemala modern Maya still weave their stories on backstrap looms, and the great stone temples of Tikal stand in silent testament to ancient Mayan ingenuity. Sample shore excursions: Casa Santa Domingo & Antigua; Lake Atitlan & Highlands; Finca Coffee Plantation Tour; Tikal Expedition by Air.

Day 24
Corinto

Arrival: at 08:00
Departure: at 15:00

As a travel destination, Nicaragua still remains below the radar for many Americans, despite a recent surge of media interest in this Central American country. One of the region’s most politically and socially stable nations, Nicaragua has been billed as the next great spot for eco-, cultural and culinary tourism. Adventurous guests keen to experience its charms are rewarded richly for their efforts. The country’s most visited cities are Managua (the capital), Granada and León; the latter sits near the Pacific Coast. Corinto is the nearest port town, just northwest of León and along the route to the Panama Canal Zone. It offers many of the charms of the larger cities, including their colonial-era architecture, as well as a number of cultural and ecological attractions in surrounding areas. Given the port's proximity to León, it’s easy for cruise passengers to take a day trip to this beautiful city established by Spanish conquistadores in 1524. While there, be sure to sample the traditional dish called vigorón, a hearty plate heaped with pork, boiled yuca and cabbage salad. Though residents of Granada claim to have invented it, vigorón is popular around the entire country and is a true taste of Nicaragua.

Day 25
Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Arrival: at 10:30
Departure: at 18:00

Yet another chance to witness the wonders of eco-rich Costa Rica. Or tour to Sarchi, where the painting of oxcarts has evolved to high art.

Day 26
At Sea

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Day 27
Enter Panama Canal at Balboa

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Day 27
Cruising Panama Canal

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Day 27
Exit Panama Canal Cristobal

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Day 28
Cartagena, Colombia

Arrival: at 06:30
Departure: at 18:00

Its official name is Cartagena de Indias—or "Cartagena of the Indies"—but call it Cartagena for short. The formal name hints at this Colombian city's colonial relationship with Spain; it was founded in 1533 and named after the mother country's Cartagena. Colombia declared independence in 1810, but there's plenty about its fifth-largest city that evokes old Spain, including the impressive fort of Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, and the wall that encloses the old town, one of the few intact structures of its kind in the Americas. Both were considered important enough to inscribe on UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites in 1984. They may be historical artifacts, but the fortress and wall aren't merely tourist attractions; they are central to daily life here. Take a stroll and you'll see couples sitting atop the wall, locked in passionate embraces; parents watching their children walk it like a balance beam; and friends chatting while enjoying the Caribbean breeze. Along with history, there's cultural and culinary intrigue here, too. This colorful city was a muse of the late Nobel Prize–winning writer Gabriel García Márquez, and is increasingly being recognized outside Colombia for its cuisine, which takes many cues from Caribbean ingredients. (Don't leave without trying the coconut rice.)

Day 29
At Sea

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Day 30
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Day 31
Half Moon Cay

Arrival: at 07:00
Departure: at 14:00

The Caribbean is full of tropical wonders and natural beauty. But there’s nothing like Half Moon Cay, our pristine private island paradise in the Bahamas. Cruise to the Bahamas with Holland America Line and discover the most stunning, highest-rated private-island experience in the region, Half Moon Cay. This island has won Porthole Cruise Magazine’s Best Private Island award 17 consecutive years, and was also named the best in Travel Weekly's Readers' Choice Awards. As soon as your toes touch that powdery white sand and your eyes settle on the perfect blue-crystal clear water, you’ll understand why this island is one of the most sought out destinations. Whether you are planning a romantic getaway or a family vacation, book a Bahamas cruise and explore Half Moon Cay's beautiful beaches, exciting cruise excursions, exclusive beach cabanas and more.

Day 32
Fort Lauderdale

Arrival: at 06:30

As your cruise comes to an end, why not extend the magic? Our team can arrange extra hotel nights for you so you can continue exploring and make even more unforgettable memories before heading home.

Zaandam

Designed to carry fewer guests while offering greater space, Zaandam is elegant and comfortable. Her décor is inspired by music and features musical instruments including signed guitars from Queen, Iggy Pop, Eric Clapton and the Rolling Stones and a Baroque-style pipe organ. While on-board, enjoy regional cooking demonstrations and food and wine tastings with EXC Port to Table. Rejuvenate at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon. Indulge at any of our fine dining venues.

General characteristics

Ship name: Zaandam
Length: 238.05 m (781 ft)
Capacity: 1,432 passengers
Total cabins: 716
Tonnage: 61,396 GT

Zaandam

What’s on Board

Entertainment
Relaxation
Fitness
Food and Drink
Recreational
Other
Decks
entertainment

Entertainment

  • Crow's Nest
  • Dance Floor
  • Explorers Lounge
  • Mondriaan Show Lounge
  • Neptune Lounge
  • Photo Gallery
  • Theatre
relaxation

Relaxation

  • Beauty Salon
  • Greenhouse Spa & Salon
  • Lido Pool
  • Massage
  • Sauna
  • Spa
  • Steam Room
  • Thermal Suite
  • Whirlpool
fitness

Fitness

  • Aerobics
  • Basketball
  • Fitness Center
  • Gym
  • Pickleball
  • Tennis Court
food-and-drink

Food and Drink

  • Canaletto Restaurant
  • Explorations Cafe
  • Lido Bar
  • Lido Casual Restaurant
  • Piano Bar
  • Pinnacle Grill
  • Queens Room
  • Rotterdam Dining Room
  • The Atrium
  • The Verandah
recreational

Recreational

  • Card Room
  • Club HAL
  • Golf Simulator
  • Indoor Pool
  • Outdoor Pool
  • The Loft and The Oasis

Decks

Dolphin Deck Dolphin
Main Deck Main Deck
Lower Promenade Deck Lower Promenade
Promenade Deck Promenade
Upper Promenade Deck Upper Promenade
Verandah Deck Verandah Deck
Navigation Deck Navigation Deck
Lido Deck Lido Deck
Sports Deck Sports Deck
Sky Deck Sky Deck
recreational

Other

  • Art Gallery
  • Atrium
  • Culinary Arts Center
  • Duty-free shop
  • Future Cruise Sales
  • Laundry Service
  • On Board Doctor
  • Photo Gallery
  • Photo Shop
  • Reception
  • Shops
  • Shore Excursion Office

Staff Tips

  • Astrid Bell

    Explore the ship, plan your nights and learn where the restaurants are. It still amazes me how huge cruise ships are. It’s crazy! I think it’s a great idea to take a tour of the ship or go out exploring on your own, to learn where everything is.

    Astrid BellCruise Product Manager
  • Amanda O'Brien

    For the first day of your cruise, pack a small carry-on bag with your travel documents, a change of clothes, swimsuit, exercise clothes and any medications you may need. That way you don't have to wait for your checked bags to arrive in your stateroom.

    Amanda O'BrienPersonal Travel Planner
  • Kristin Skinner

    Get to know the staff early in the cruise. They can give you some wonderful inside information regarding the ports of call, excursions, activities, and so on.

    Kristin SkinnerPersonal Travel Planner
  • Astrid Bell

    It’s always worth having a small amount of local currency for immediate expenses on arrival at your destination and for any purchases you make at your ports of call. We also recommend you carry a major credit or charge card (American Express®, MasterCard® or Visa®), or sufficient funds in U.S.$ travellers cheques which can be cashed on board.

    Astrid BellCruise Product Manager
  • Tracy Crowley

    There will be a laundry service on board all ships; the service is not “self service” and prices vary by garment type

    Tracy CrowleyPersonal Travel Planner

Talk to our team of experts