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Cruise · Holland America Line · 21 nights

21-day Panama Canal & southern Caribbean: ABC islands

  • Sail the iconic Panama Canal
  • Discover the vibrant ABC islands
  • Immerse in Cartagena's colonial architecture
From
$6,294 pp twin share
21 nights
Cruise Snapshot
21 Nights

Sail the Panama Canal and explore the southern Caribbean's ABC islands on this 21-night cruise from Florida

  • Cruise the Panama Canal and Gatun Lake
  • Visit the ABC islands of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao
  • Explore the colonial history of Cartagena, Colombia

Trip Details

Departs
2 January 2028
Returns
23 January 2028
Operator
Holland America Line

21-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, Grand Cayman, Bonaire and Curacao, with 9 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
2 January 2028
Returns 23 January 2028
Returns
23 January 2028
Duration
21 nights
From pp twin share
$6,294 pp
  • 02 Jan 2028 - 23 Jan 2028
    from $5,364 pp twin share *
Additional Pricing Information
  • Interior from $5,364 pp twin share
  • Verandah from $8,154 pp twin share
  • Ocean View from $14,354 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

    Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

    Arrives 07:00 am, departs 04:00 pm.

    When Columbus made his landfall in the Caymans in 1503, he found tortoises and sea turtles in such profusion that he promptly named the islands Las Tortugas. But the name that stuck for the islands was the Carib word "Caimanas." Fitting, since the caiman is a New World crocodilian and the islands were long the lair of pirates, buccaneers, and assorted freebooters. Despite their past, the Caymans are a Caribbean demi-paradise of white-sand beaches, coral gardens, and offshore waters harboring spectacular shipwrecks. Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman also boast the highest standard of living in the entire Caribbean. This union of natural beauty and cosmopolitan style makes Grand Cayman a spectacular port of call for today's adventurers. Note: Grand Cayman is an anchorage port. Passengers transfer to shore via ship's tender. In certain sea conditions, an alternate pier is used to transfer passengers ashore. This may cause tour durations to vary.

  17. 12

    At Sea

  18. 13

    Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

    Arrives 07:00 am, 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."

  19. 14

    At Sea

  20. 15

    At Sea

  21. 16

    Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands

    Arrives 10:00 am, departs 09:00 pm.

    Bonaire is without a doubt a "diver's paradise." Its license plates even state the same. But there is much more to this small Dutch country of 17,500 residents. "Bon Bini," as you will hear the friendly locals say, means "welcome to the island of Bonaire." Bonaire is located off the coast of Venezuela and has for years been known as a world-class diving and snorkeling destination. Diving and snorkeling are still the predominant activities, but today there is also a variety of other activities to enjoy such as kayaking, bird watching, and other eco-tours. Because of the hot and arid weather, Bonaire has been a major producer of sea salt. Do not miss the "white mountains" waiting to be shipped out and the salt flats where the salt is evaporated from the Caribbean Sea, which also happens to be home to another icon of Bonaire-the pink flamingo. Explore the Dutch architecture of the capital Kralendijk, enjoy the pristine coral reefs, or tour the scenic countryside. Whatever you decide to do in Bonaire, you are sure to have a fantastic time.

  22. 17

    Curacao

    Arrives 08:00 am, departs 11:00 pm.

    Historians still contend over which European adventurer first spied the largest island in the former Netherlands Antilles. Some historians claim the honor for Alonzo de Ojeda; other historians champion Amerigo Vespucci. Little does it matter; today's travelers are content to bask beneath sunny skies cooled by the trade winds. Lying some 40 miles off Venezuela, Curaçao boasts a landscape that is dramatic, stark, and volcanic. In contrast, Willemstad, the capital, seems a cozy Dutch haven with its neat row houses. And while those gabled and tiled roofs illustrate the island's heritage, the bright, pastel houses speak pure Caribbean. Islanders themselves reflect this same colorful contrast: over 50 different nationalities have come to call Curaçao their home.

  23. 18

    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.

  24. 19

    At Sea

  25. 20

    At Sea

  26. 21

    RelaxAway Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

    Arrives 08:00 am, departs 03:00 pm.

  27. 22

    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 22 days and 21 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 02 Jan 2028 and 23 Jan 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?

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From (twin) $6,294 pp
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