Caribbean and Bahamas: Panama Canal Discovery: Costa Rica & Greater Antilles Cruise

Holland America Line

Natural and human-created marvels await. Explore Aruba's spectacular Eagle Beach and Colombia's literary legends, spot Costa Rican wildlife, and transit the Panama Canal to Gatun Lake.

Included Extras

Executive Member Benefit

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Digital Costco Shop Card

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Sailing Itinerary

Note: Cruise itineraries are subject to change. Please verify ports and times directly with the cruise line.

Day 1 Port of Call Fort Lauderdale Departure 4:00pm

Overview

Fort Lauderdale is a city on Florida's southeastern coast, known for its beaches and boating canals. The Strip is a promenade running along oceanside highway A1A. It's lined with upscale outdoor restaurants, bars, boutiques, and luxury hotels. Other attractions include the International Swimming Hall of Fame, with pools and a museum of memorabilia, and Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, featuring trails and a lagoon.

Day 2 Port of Call Half Moon Cay Arrival 8:00am Departure 5:00pm

Overview

If you've ever dreamed of making the first footprints on the beach of a truly secluded tropical island, you'll have your chance on Half Moon Cay, Holland America's own private island in the Bahamas. Swim, snorkel and sail till the beat of a steel-drum band summons you to the beach party and buffet. Cast off your everyday cares on sunswept beaches as you play the day away.

Day 3 Cruising
Day 4 Cruising
Day 5 Port of Call Oranjestad Arrival 8:00am Departure 5:00pm

Overview

Oranjestad is the capital of the Dutch island of Aruba, in the Caribbean Sea. Near the marina, the 18th-century Fort Zoutman and the Willem III Tower, formerly a lighthouse, house the Historical Museum, which chronicles the island’s past. The Archaeological Museum displays indigenous artifacts dating back as far as 2500 B.C. Along the waterfront, L.G. Smith Boulevard is dotted with boutiques and shopping malls.

Day 6 Cruising
Day 7 Port of Call Cartagena/Colombia Arrival 7:00am Departure 2:00pm

Overview

Cartagena, conveniently located on Colombia's Caribbean coast, is a unique city filled with sun, sea, and history. Comprised of a series of islands connected by bridges, Cartagena is divided by 17th-century walls into a historic "old city" and a cosmopolitan "modern city". Tour magnificent fortresses including "The Castle", one of the largest examples of military architecture in Latin America. Relax on Cartagena's beaches or travel by speed boat to the nearby Rosario Islands for snorkeling, sunbathing, and swimming in private Caribbean hideaways. Browse through shops and boutiques for emeralds, gold, and Pre-Colombian treasures. Enjoy the ambiance of Cartagena's captivating history inside rebuilt ships and forts where diners feast on fresh seafood. Recognized by the United Nations as a city of major cultural significance, Cartagena has a charm all its own.

Day 8 Port of Call Cristobal/Panama Arrival 6:00am Departure 7:00am

Overview

Cristobal is a port town and county in Colon District, Colon Province, Panama with a population of 49,422 as of 2010. It is located on the western edge of Manzanillo Island, on the Atlantic side of the Panama Canal.

Day 8 Panama Canal

Overview

The Panama Canal is an artificial 48-mile waterway in Panama that connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean. The canal cuts across the Isthmus of Panama and is a key conduit for international maritime trade. The Canal uses a system of locks -compartments with entrance and exit gates. The locks function as water lifts: they raise ships from sea level (the Pacific or the Atlantic) to the level of Gatun Lake (26 meters above sea level); ships then sail the channel through the Continental Divide. Each set of locks bears the name of the townsite where it was built: Gatun (on the Atlantic side), and Pedro Miguel and Miraflores (on the Pacific side). The lock chambers -steps-- are 33.53 meters wide by 304.8 meters long. The maximum dimensions of ships that can transit the Canal are: 32.3 meters in beam; draft -their depth reaches- 12 meters in Tropical Fresh Water; and 294.1 meters long (depending on the type of ship). The water used to raise and lower vessels in each set of locks come from Gatun Lake by gravity; it comes into the locks through a system of main culverts that extend under the lock chambers from the sidewalls and the center wall. The narrowest portion of the Canal is Culebra Cut, which extends from the north end of Pedro Miguel Locks to the south edge of Gatun Lake at Gamboa. This segment, approximately 13.7 kilometers long, is carved through the rock and shale of the Continental Divide. Ships from all parts of the world transit daily through the Panama Canal. Some 13 to 14 thousand vessels use the Canal every year. Commercial transportation activities through the Canal represent approximately 5% of the world trade. The Canal has a workforce of approximately 9 thousand employees and operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, providing transit service to vessels of all nations without discrimination.

Day 8 Port of Call Gatun Lake/Panama Arrival 11:00am Departure 11:00am

Overview

Ships travel for 37.6km through the Gatun Lake - a 418 square km reservoir created by the damming of the Chagres River. The giant Gatun Dam which holds back the Chagres also generates electrical power for the canal. At the time of its construction, the Gatun Lake, which also provides all the water for the lock system, was the largest man-made body of water in the world.

Day 8 Panama Canal

Overview

The Panama Canal is an artificial 48-mile waterway in Panama that connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean. The canal cuts across the Isthmus of Panama and is a key conduit for international maritime trade. The Canal uses a system of locks -compartments with entrance and exit gates. The locks function as water lifts: they raise ships from sea level (the Pacific or the Atlantic) to the level of Gatun Lake (26 meters above sea level); ships then sail the channel through the Continental Divide. Each set of locks bears the name of the townsite where it was built: Gatun (on the Atlantic side), and Pedro Miguel and Miraflores (on the Pacific side). The lock chambers -steps-- are 33.53 meters wide by 304.8 meters long. The maximum dimensions of ships that can transit the Canal are: 32.3 meters in beam; draft -their depth reaches- 12 meters in Tropical Fresh Water; and 294.1 meters long (depending on the type of ship). The water used to raise and lower vessels in each set of locks come from Gatun Lake by gravity; it comes into the locks through a system of main culverts that extend under the lock chambers from the sidewalls and the center wall. The narrowest portion of the Canal is Culebra Cut, which extends from the north end of Pedro Miguel Locks to the south edge of Gatun Lake at Gamboa. This segment, approximately 13.7 kilometers long, is carved through the rock and shale of the Continental Divide. Ships from all parts of the world transit daily through the Panama Canal. Some 13 to 14 thousand vessels use the Canal every year. Commercial transportation activities through the Canal represent approximately 5% of the world trade. The Canal has a workforce of approximately 9 thousand employees and operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, providing transit service to vessels of all nations without discrimination.

Day 8 Port of Call Cristobal/Panama Arrival 2:00pm Departure 3:00pm

Overview

Cristobal is a port town and county in Colon District, Colon Province, Panama with a population of 49,422 as of 2010. It is located on the western edge of Manzanillo Island, on the Atlantic side of the Panama Canal.

Day 8 Port of Call Colon Arrival 5:00pm Departure 9:00pm

Overview

Colon, Panama. Koh LOHN(2000 pop. 204,208), is the second largest city in Panama, at the Caribbean end of the Panama Canal. Colon was surrounded by, but not part of, the former Panama Canal Zone. Colon is an important port, commercial center, and tourist destination. It was made a free trade zone in 1953 and is the world’s second-largest duty-free port. The city was founded in 1850 by Americans working on the Panama railroad and was named Aspinwall after one of the builders of the railway until 1890. Colon is the Spanish form of Columbus; the name of the neighboring port of Cristobal is Spanish for Christopher. After the completion of the railway in 1855, Colon overshadowed the older Caribbean ports of Panama, and with the first plans for the isthmian Canal, it took on additional prestige. Built on a swampy island, the city was notoriously unhealthful and often scourged by yellow fever until Colonel William C. Gorgas, in charge of sanitation during the canal construction, gave it a new system of waterworks and sewerage and drained the surrounding swamps. Three modern ports make Colon one of the most important ports of the Caribbean Sea. It is connected to Panama City by Road, Rail, Air, and of course the Panama Canal!

Day 9 Port of Call Puerto Limon Arrival 7:30am Departure 4:30pm

Overview

Puerto Limon, also Limon, city in eastern Costa Rica, the capital of Limon Province, on a bay in the swampy Caribbean coastal lowland. It is a leading port of the country and a terminus of the Northern Railway to San Jose. Exports include bananas, coffee, cocoa, and coconuts. Puerto Limon is the site of a cathedral, a large trading market, and Vargas Park, with botanical gardens; beaches lie nearby. The city was built in 1871 on the site of the Native American village of Cariari, which was visited by Christopher Columbus in 1502. Prospering after the construction of the railroad in 1890, it was the leading banana port of Costa Rica until the 1930s.

Day 10 Cruising
Day 11 Port of Call Cayman/George Town Arrival 7:00am Departure 4:00pm

Overview

Miles of powdery white beaches above clear blue water and one of the richest marine environments make Grand Cayman one of the Caribbean’s finest vacation destinations (and a world-class scuba diving destination). As a British Crown Colony, Grand Cayman enjoys all of the benefits of sophisticated government, touting one of the strongest economies in the Caribbean (with over 600 banks) while still allowing visitors to enjoy duty-free shopping in Georgetown for jewelry, art, local crafts, and unique souvenirs like treasure coins from a sunken Spanish galleon circa the “Pirates of the Caribbean” era.

Day 12 Cruising
Day 13 Port of Call Fort Lauderdale Arrival 7:00am

Overview

Fort Lauderdale is a city on Florida's southeastern coast, known for its beaches and boating canals. The Strip is a promenade running along oceanside highway A1A. It's lined with upscale outdoor restaurants, bars, boutiques, and luxury hotels. Other attractions include the International Swimming Hall of Fame, with pools and a museum of memorabilia, and Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, featuring trails and a lagoon.

Onboard the Nieuw Amsterdam

Costco Member Reviews

The second Signature-class ship, Nieuw Amsterdam celebrates the glamour and history of New York City with its inspired interior design and art collection throughout the ship ranging from antiques by traditional Dutch masters to creations by renowned contemporary artists including Andy Warhol, Richard Estes and Roy Lichtenstein. Nieuw Amsterdam guests enjoy dazzling entertainment options from their very first night on board. While cruising, experience onboard cooking shows and hands-on workshops or head out on deck to enjoy the two outdoor pools, basketball or volleyball courts.

Onboard Activities

Activities & Services (included in cruise)

Lido Pool

  • Card Room
  • Casino
  • Disco/Nightclub
  • Movies
  • Theater/Show Lounge
  • Fitness Center
  • Sauna/Steam Room
  • Culinary Arts Center
  • Educational Programs
  • Pool - Outdoor
  • Pool - Indoor/Covered
  • Sports Facilities
  • Bars/Lounges
  • Library
  • Children's Indoor Play Area
  • Organized Age Specific Activities
  • Teen Center or Disco
  • Teen Programs
  • Business Center
  • Concierge Desk
  • Elevators
  • Safe Deposit Boxes

Activities & Services (available for an extra fee)

Greenhouse Spa

  • Beauty Salon
  • Fitness Classes
  • Full-Service Spa
  • Spa Services/Massage
  • Internet Center
  • Babysitting
  • Dry Cleaning/ Laundry Service
  • Duty-Free Shops/Boutiques
  • Infirmary/Medical Center

Costco Travel makes every effort to verify the accuracy of all information provided. Additional fees for amenities or services may be charged by the cruise line. Amenities or services may be discontinued or revised by the cruise line without notice. Staterooms designated as wheelchair-accessible do not necessarily meet ADA requirements. Costco Travel is not responsible for inaccuracies or provider modifications.

Dining

The Dining Room

Main Dining

The Dining Room: For breakfast, lunch or an unforgettable five-course dinner, the elegant main dining room is your destination for sophisticated dining, with menu selections from classic favorites to vegetarian options, to dishes inspired by the regions you’ll visit. Menus by Holland America Line's Culinary Council® of world-renowned chefs.

Pinnacle Grill

Specialty Dining

Canaletto: This authentic Italian restaurant offers a menu that celebrates spartire (Italian for "sharing"). Try braised chicken cacciatore "al forno," branzino ai ferri or a classic Italian pasta: spaghetti pomodoro or garlic shrimp-infused ravioli, perhaps. Buon appetito! This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Explorations Café: A comfortable, coffeehouse environment offering espresso drinks and pastries. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Nami Sushi: Inspired by Culinary Council® member and world-renowned sushi master, Andy Matsuda, Nami Sushi offers a tempting array of the sushi rolls he's created. Choose from such delectable selections as Tempura Lobster Roll with soft shell crab tempura; Dragon Roll with tempura shrimp, unagi sauce and avocado; Tsutsumi Roll with snapper, green olive, caper and avocado; Futomoki Roll with crab, yamagobo, avocado and cucumber; Volcano Roll with sesame-marinated salmon and Thai chilis; Nigiri sushi with tuna, salmon and ebi shrimp; and more. The word "nami," Japanese in origin, means "wave" and is an homage to the ocean views you'll enjoy as you dine on the freshest, tastiest and most inventive sushi at sea.

Pinnacle Grill: Enjoy dishes inspired by America’s Pacific Northwest, such as king salmon from Alaska and choice, responsibly raised beef from Washington State’s Double R Ranch. Complement your meal with a selection of boutique wines from the Pacific Northwest and other celebrated vineyards from around the world. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Tamarind: Tamarind delights with exotic menus evoking the culinary traditions of Southeast Asia, China and Japan. Menus created by Master Chef Rudi Sodamin feature dishes honoring the elements of water, wood, fire and earth. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Lido Market

Casual Dining

Dive-In: Dive in to a grilled burger on brioche or a Nathan’s Famous gourmet hot dog. For alfresco dining by the pool, Dive-In has it all, including lighter fare like the grilled chicken breast sandwich and vegetarian-friendly portabella mushroom stack.

Lido Market: Lido Market provides a fresh, new approach to casual dining for breakfast, lunch or dinner, with a panoramic view of the sea. A modern marketplace with different themed stations, the Lido offers a curated selection of delicious options to grab on the go or to have quickly made to order.

New York Pizza: Crisp Italian salads and personal pan pizzas made with a thin crust and a savory sauce are served up poolside.

Room Service: Complimentary 24-hour dining in the comfort of your stateroom.


Times, costs and other specifics are outside the control of Costco Travel. All information is at the sole discretion of the cruise line and is subject to change without notice. Dining time and table size preferences are submitted to the cruise line on a first-come, first-served request basis and are confirmed aboard ship. Questions, concerns and/or special needs regarding dining arrangements must be addressed with the maitre d' hotel aboard ship. Every effort is made to accommodate travelers' preferences; however, Costco Travel cannot guarantee dining arrangements. In specialty restaurants, space is limited and reservations are recommended. A cover charge and dress code may apply.

Staterooms

Staterooms feature premium massage showerheads, fine linens and fresh fruit upon request.

  • Standard Interior Stateroom (Category: N)

    Category: N

  • Standard Interior Stateroom (Category: MM)

    Category: MM

  • Standard Interior Stateroom (Category: M)

    Category: M

  • Standard Interior Stateroom (Category: L)

    Category: L

  • Interior Stateroom (Category: K)

    Category: K

  • Interior Stateroom (Category: J)

    Category: J

  • Interior Stateroom (Category: I)

    Category: I

Elegant staterooms feature luxurious bedding, premium massage showerheads, a porthole or a window and fresh fruit upon request.

  • Large Outside Stateroom (fully obstructed views) (Category: HH)

    Category: HH

  • Large Outside Stateroom (fully obstructed views) (Category: H)

    Category: H

  • Large Outside Stateroom (partial sea views) (Category: G)

    Category: G

  • Large Ocean-View Stateroom (Category: F)

    Category: F

  • Large Ocean-View Stateroom (Category: E)

    Category: E

  • Large Ocean-View Stateroom (Category: DD)

    Category: DD

  • Large Ocean-View Stateroom (Category: D)

    Category: D

  • Large Ocean-View Stateroom (Category: C)

    Category: C

  • Large Spa Ocean-View Stateroom (Category: CQ)

    Category: CQ

Spacious staterooms have a private balcony, whirlpool bath with shower and walk-in closet.

  • Deluxe Ocean-View Verandah Stateroom (Category: V)

    Category: V

  • Deluxe Ocean-View Verandah Stateroom (Category: VA)

    Category: VA

  • Deluxe Ocean-View Verandah Stateroom (Category: VB)

    Category: VB

  • Deluxe Ocean-View Verandah Stateroom (Category: VC)

    Category: VC

  • Deluxe Ocean-View Verandah Stateroom (Category: VD)

    Category: VD

  • Deluxe Ocean-View Verandah Stateroom (Category: VE)

    Category: VE

  • Deluxe Ocean-View Verandah Stateroom (Category: VF)

    Category: VF

  • Deluxe Spa Ocean-View Verandah Stateroom (Category: VQ)

    Category: VQ

Luxurious suites feature a whirlpool bath, large sitting area, private balcony, floor-to-ceiling windows and more. Select suites feature a dressing room.

  • Signature Superior Verandah Suite (Category: SS)

    Category: SS

  • Signature Superior Verandah Suite (Category: SY)

    Category: SY

  • Signature Superior Verandah Suite (Category: SZ)

    Category: SZ

  • Neptune Suite with Verandah (Category: SA)

    Category: SA

  • Neptune Suite with Verandah (Category: SB)

    Category: SB

  • Neptune Suite with Verandah (Category: SC)

    Category: SC

  • Neptune Deluxe Spa Verandah Suite (Category: SQ)

    Category: SQ

  • Pinnacle Suite with Verandah (Category: PS)

    Category: PS

Deck Plan

Cruise Ship
Observation Deck
Key to Symbols
SymbolDescription
Triple (2 lower beds, 1 sofa bed)Triple (2 lower beds, 1 sofa bed)
Quad (2 lower beds, 1 sofa bed, 1 upper)Quad (2 lower beds, 1 sofa bed, 1 upper)
Partial sea viewPartial sea view
Fully obstructed viewFully obstructed view
Shower onlyShower only
Single sink vanitySingle sink vanity
Staterooms have solid steel verandah railings instead of clear-view plexiglass railingsStaterooms have solid steel verandah railings instead of clear-view plexiglass railings
Staterooms I8033, VB6002, VB6001, J1074, K1012, and K1011 are fully accessible, roll-in shower onlyStaterooms I8033, VB6002, VB6001, J1074, K1012, and K1011 are fully accessible, roll-in shower only
Suites SA7058 and SA7057 are fully accessible with single side approach to the bed, bathtub, and roll-in shower; Suites SY5002 and SY5001 are fully accessible with single side approach to the bed, roll-in shower onlySuites SA7058 and SA7057 are fully accessible with single side approach to the bed, bathtub, and roll-in shower; Suites SY5002 and SY5001 are fully accessible with single side approach to the bed, roll-in shower only
Staterooms VA8119, VA8116, VA8026, VA8025, V6052, V6049, V5140, V5135, V5054, V5051, VA4134, VA4131, H4092, H4089, VA5042, VA4051, D1100, D1099, C1082, and C1081 are ambulatory accessible, roll-in shower onlyStaterooms VA8119, VA8116, VA8026, VA8025, V6052, V6049, V5140, V5135, V5054, V5051, VA4134, VA4131, H4092, H4089, VA5042, VA4051, D1100, D1099, C1082, and C1081 are ambulatory accessible, roll-in shower only

Ship Facts

Nieuw Amsterdam ship image
  • Ship Name: Nieuw Amsterdam
  • Year Built: 2010
  • Year Refurbished: 2015
  • Year Entered Present Fleet: 2010
  • Ship Class: Signature
  • Maximum Capacity: 2,737
  • Number of Passenger Decks: 11
  • Number of Crew: 929
  • Officers' Nationality: International
  • Ocean-View without Balcony: 179
  • Ocean-View with Balcony: 604
  • Total Inside Staterooms: 156
  • Tonnage (GRT): 86,700
  • Capacity Based on Double Occupancy: 2,106
  • Country of Registry: Netherlands
  • Total Staterooms: 1,053
  • Suites with Balcony: 114
  • Crew/Hotel Staff Nationality: International
Costco Travel makes every effort to verify the accuracy of all information provided. Additional fees for amenities or services may be charged by the hotel, resort or cruise line. Amenities or services may be discontinued or revised by the provider without notice. Hotels, resorts, ships or accommodations designated as wheelchair-accessible do not necessarily meet ADA requirements. Costco Travel is not responsible for inaccuracies or provider modifications.

Costco Member Reviews

Available Dates & Prices

Terms & Conditions

*Price shown is per person based on double occupancy and is valid for select stateroom categories only. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for details.

†One Digital Costco Shop Card per room/stateroom, per stay. The exact amount of the Digital Costco Shop Card will be calculated during the booking process. The Digital Costco Shop Card promotion is nontransferable and may not be combined with any other promotion. A Digital Costco Shop Card will arrive by email approximately 10 days after the start of your cruise. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for additional information.

Ship's registry: The Netherlands

    Package ID: HALNIECAR20261018