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Cruise · Holland America Line · 12 nights

12-day Panama Canal discovery: Costa Rica & greater antilles

  • Sail through the iconic Panama Canal
  • Immerse in the vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture of Limon
  • Uncover the rich history of Cartagena's Old City
From
$3,984 pp twin share
12 nights
Cruise Snapshot
12 Nights

Discover the natural wonders and colonial history of the Caribbean on this 12-night cruise from Florida, exploring Costa Rica, Panama and Jamaica

  • Cruise the Panama Canal and Gatun Lake
  • Explore the colonial architecture of Cartagena
  • Discover the lush rainforests of Costa Rica's Limon

Trip Details

Departs
26 March 2028
Returns
7 April 2028
Operator
Holland America Line

12-night Caribbean cruise from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida aboard Oosterdam.

Calling at RelaxAway Half Moon Cay, Aruba, Cartagena, Gatun Lake, Colon, Limon and Ocho Rios, with 5 days at sea.

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 Verandah.

When & how much

Departures & Pricing

Departs
26 March 2028
Returns 7 April 2028
Returns
7 April 2028
Duration
12 nights
From pp twin share
$3,984 pp
  • 26 Mar 2028 - 07 Apr 2028
    from $3,434 pp twin share *
Additional Pricing Information
  • Interior from $3,434 pp twin share
  • Verandah from $5,139 pp twin share
  • Ocean View from $8,704 pp twin share

* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.

Upgrades, transfers, accommodation and more can be quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.

Life in transit

Oosterdam

Oosterdam
Details · Holland America Line
Oosterdam

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.

Guests
1,964
Crew
812
Gross tonnage
82,305
Speed
24 knots
Length
285.24 m
Launched
2003
Deck plans
11
Oosterdam · Deck plans

Deck 11 — Sports Deck

Oosterdam — Deck 11 — Sports Deck deck plan

Source: Holland America Line, captured 5 August 2026. Deck plans are provided by the cruise line and are subject to change at any time.

Day by day

Itinerary

  1. 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."

  2. 2

    RelaxAway Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

    Arrives 08:00 am, departs 05:00 pm.

  3. 3

    At Sea

  4. 4

    At Sea

  5. 5

    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.

  6. 6

    At Sea

  7. 7

    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.

  8. 8

    Enter Panama Canal Cristobal

    Arrives 06:00 am, departs 07:00 am.

  9. 8

    Cruising Panama Canal and Gatun Lake

  10. 8

    Gatun Lake, Panama

  11. 8

    Cruising Gatun Lake and Panama Canal

  12. 8

    Exit Panama Canal Cristobal

    Arrives 02:00 pm, departs 03:00 pm.

  13. 8

    Colon, Panama

    Arrives 05:00 pm, departs 09:00 pm.

  14. 9

    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.

  15. 10

    At Sea

  16. 11

    Ocho Rios, Jamaica

    Arrives 07:00 am, departs 02:00 pm.

    Ocho Rios (Spanish for "Eight Rivers") is located on the northern coast of Jamaica--67 miles east of Montego Bay. Blue-green mountains, white-sand beaches, lilting breezes wafting across flower-adorned hillsides - Jamaica is a sensual feast. Stunning natural beauty and a unique society molded by British, African, Spanish and Asian influences make Jamaica an unforgettable port of call in the Caribbean. Ocho Rios is a superb slice of Jamaica. The area is named for its spectacular rivers and waterfalls, including famed Dunn's River Falls.

  17. 12

    At Sea

  18. 13

    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."

What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

  • 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
Where you’ll stay

Accommodation

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: Verandah, Ocean View and Interior.

From the operator

Common questions about this voyage

How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 13 days and 12 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 26 Mar 2028 and 07 Apr 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.
Ready to lock in?

Book this cruise

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From (twin) $3,984 pp
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