Holland America Line Unveils 2026-2027 Panama Canal and Hawaii Cruises

Holland America Line has officially opened bookings for its highly anticipated 2026-2027 Panama Canal and Hawaii cruise seasons, offering travelers the chance to explore both natural wonders and historical marvels. With voyages spanning 14 to 28 days, guests can sail aboard six of the line’s elegant ships, departing from five convenient North American ports. The itineraries promise a mix of UNESCO World Heritage sites, vibrant cultural experiences and even the opportunity to celebrate Thanksgiving in Honolulu. 

Panama Canal Voyages

For those eager to traverse the legendary Panama Canal, Holland America Line is offering 12 different voyages ranging from 14 to 21 days. These sailings, aboard the Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam and Zuiderdam, will depart from or end in Vancouver, Seattle, San Diego, Miami and Fort Lauderdale.

"It's easy to understand why the Panama Canal—one of the engineering wonders of the modern world—is on the top of so many of our guests' bucket lists," said Paul Grigsby, vice president of deployment, revenue planning and analytics for Holland America Line. "Each cruise will transit the historic canal, giving guests a front row seat to the fascinating operation of locomotives that guide the ships through the locks. And not only will these itineraries that allow guests to not only experience a once-in-a-lifetime transit of the canal, but they also include exciting ports of call in both North and Latin America." 

One standout offering is the 21-day Panama Canal cruise from Vancouver to Fort Lauderdale aboard the Nieuw Amsterdam. This itinerary features stops in 11 ports across eight countries, including a visit to the Joya de Ceren Archaeological Site in El Salvador, a UNESCO World Heritage site that provides insight into ancient Mayan life. Additionally, guests will enjoy a stop at Holland America Line’s private island, Half Moon Cay, in The Bahamas.

Adding to the excitement, select Panama Canal cruises will include a stop in Acapulco, Mexico, marking the cruise line’s first return to the port in nearly 15 years. This historic city, founded nearly 500 years ago, offers breathtaking beaches, ancient ruins and a vibrant culinary scene.

Hawaiian Cruise Itineraries

For travelers drawn to the tropical beauty of Hawaii, Holland America Line presents six immersive itineraries ranging from 17 to 28 days. Sailing aboard the Koningsdam, Noordam and Zaandam, these cruises will depart from Vancouver, Seattle and San Diego.

Each Hawaiian voyage features onboard enrichment programs designed to enhance the guest experience. From cultural performances to interactive activities like hula dancing and ukulele lessons, travelers can fully immerse themselves in Hawaiian traditions before even reaching their destination.

Guests looking to make their holiday season extra special can embark on the Zaandam’s 18-day Circle Hawaii Holiday cruise, which departs from San Diego on November 19, 2026. This itinerary includes stops at five Hawaiian ports and a visit to Ensenada, Mexico. As an added bonus, the ship will arrive in Honolulu early on Thanksgiving morning, and allow guests to enjoy an overnight stay in the state’s vibrant capital.

"Sailing with Holland America for the holidays provides a delightful and stress-free way to celebrate. We take pride in transforming our ships into a home-away-from-home during this festive season," said Michael Stendebach, Holland America Line’s vice president of food, beverage and room division. "Our unique onboard experiences, coupled with visits to extraordinary destinations like Hawaii, are sure to create cherished holiday memories for years to come."

For those who want to combine Alaska and Hawaii into one unforgettable journey, the 27- or 28-day Legendary Glaciers & Volcanoes: Alaska to Hawaii cruise aboard Noordam offers the best of both worlds. Departing in September 2026 from either Seattle or Vancouver, this itinerary explores six ports in Alaska and British Columbia before heading south to four Hawaiian destinations, including an overnight call in Honolulu. Guests will witness the dramatic contrast between Alaska’s glaciers and Hawaii’s volcanic landscapes, creating a truly unique “fire and ice” adventure.

Early Booking Bonus

To make these once-in-a-lifetime journeys even more enticing, Holland America Line is offering special early booking perks. Guests who book 2026-2027 Panama Canal or Hawaii cruises with the “Have It All” premium package will receive such standard amenities as shore excursions, specialty dining, a Signature Beverage Package and Surf Wi-Fi—plus free prepaid crew appreciation, and upgrades to the Elite Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi.

Mariner Society loyalty members can also take advantage of an exclusive Early Booking Bonus, earning up to $400 in onboard credit per stateroom if they reserve their cruise within 90 days of the itinerary’s launch.

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