A world of wonders awaits
your exploration

Every mile of the massive Panama Canal represents a hundred stories of extraordinary human vision, tragedy and triumph. One of the greatest achievements of the 20th century, the Panama Canal remains an engineering marvel and one of the world's most vital trade routes. Transiting the Panama Canal is a traveler's "must do" adventure and is just the beginning of the wonders you'll experience on a Holland America Line Panama Canal cruise vacation. Admire the impressive three lock system of the Panama Canal and the lush tropical beauty of Gatun Lake. Walk in the footsteps of ancient Incans at Machu Picchu, built high in the Andes Mountains in the first century AD. Explore rainforests and jungles in search of rare birds and endangered species. Relax on beautiful Mexican and Caribbean beaches. Cruise Costa Rica's Golfo Dulce and South America's Amazon River. Holland America Line Panama Canal cruise vacations offer all this and more.

Our tour starts at the Flamenco Resort and Marina at 9:30 a.m. Passengers board motor coaches for a 45 minute ride to the town of Gamboa where the Panama Canal Dredging Division is located. Once in Gamboa, passengers board the Pacific Queen to start the water portion of the tour. We enter the canal at the north end of the Gailard cut, where the Chagres River flows into the canal. The Gaillard Cut (also known as Culebra Cut because its curves resemble a snake) is one of the main points of interest for visitors because it was carved through the Continental Divide and this section of the Canal is full of history and geological value. The Pacific Queen will travel the Cut's 13.7 kilometers on the way to Pedro Miguel Locks. As you transit the Cut you will be able to appreciate the continuous maintenance that this area requires, because it is very susceptible to landslides. In this area you will also be able to observe the work in process for the Panama Canal expansion project.

Before reaching the Pedro Miguel Locks at the southern end of the Cut, you will be able to view the new Centennial Bridge which crosses over the Canal. Next, the Pacific Queen will enter Pedro Miguel Locks, which is one of the two sets of locks on the Pacific side, and here the vessel is lowered 9 meters in one step. You will then enter Miraflores Lake, which is a small artificial body of fresh water that separates Pedro Miguel from Miraflores Locks, the latter being the final set of locks before reaching the Pacific Ocean. At Miraflores Locks the vessel is lowered 18 meters in two distinct steps.

Once in the Pacific Ocean the vessel will sail to the beautiful Flamenco Marina where passengers disembark. On the way to Flamenco, you will pass under the Bridge of the Americas, and later, you will be able to admire the Bay of Panama and Panama City's splendorous skyline.

Also available the Panama Canal Eco Tour:
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Onshore Explorations


Holland America Line offers a variety of activities to enrich your experience of the Panama Canal and surrounding regions:
  • Explorations Speaker Series: Guest speakers fully prepare you for your canal transit addressing the history, construction and socioeconomic impact of the canal. Beyond the canal, speakers share their knowledge and insights of regional history, culture and wildlife. Available on every Holland America Line Panama Canal cruise itinerary.
  • Medallion Shore Excursions: Holland America Line's exclusive, award-winning tours designed to provide in-depth perspective and unparalleled access to events and sights not otherwise available.
  • Signature Collection: Holland America Line's new touring option for independent-minded travelers. Customize (and maximize!) your time ashore by reserving a private car, driver and English-speaking guide in advance. Available in select ports.

Panama Canal Cruise Itinerary Options

Holland America Line offers more Panama Canal cruise itinerary choices and US homeport options than any other cruise line. Mid-winter full-transit sailings are available in addition to traditional spring and fall Panama Canal cruises. Experience one of the seven wonders of the modern world and explore three extraordinary regions: the Mexican Riviera, Central & South America and the Caribbean. All on one Panama Canal cruise vacation. Here are just a few of your choices.

  • Relax on brilliant Caribbean islands, marvel at the Panama Canal and Gatun Lake, and explore eco-rich Costa Rica; all in 10 sight-filled days from Ft. Lauderdale, or 13 days from New York on our Panama Canal Sunfarer cruise vacation.
  • Select one of our many 14- to 22-day sailings and experience a full Panama Canal transit plus explorations of the Mexican Riviera, Central America and the Caribbean.
  • Enjoy a full Panama Canal transit, 7 days on the Amazon River and several Caribbean islands, including Half Moon Cay. In 2008 Holland America Line offers our unique 32- to 36-day Panama Canal & Amazon Explorer cruise itinerary with your choice of departing from Vancouver, Seattle or San Diego.

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