Holland America & Pan Am Bring Back the Golden Age of Travel

Holland America Line and Pan Am announced a special cruise together. The voyage celebrates Pan Am’s 100th anniversary in 2027. This unique journey follows the airline’s original Caribbean flight routes.

A Journey Through History

The 28-Day Pan Am 100th Anniversary Legendary Voyage launches October 30, 2027. The Zuiderdam will carry passengers on this special sailing. The ship departs from Miami, which served as Pan Am’s historic home base.

This cruise recreates Pan Am’s famous flying boat Clipper routes. These aircraft changed Caribbean travel in the early 1900s. The voyage brings back the elegance of that golden travel era.

The Great Circle Route

Zuiderdam will follow Pan Am’s legendary Great Circle Route. This pioneering path covered the entire Caribbean region. It set standards for modern travel throughout the area.

The cruise visits 18 ports of call total. Nearly half of these were original Pan Am destinations. This creates an authentic connection to aviation history.

“Pan Am and Holland America Line both helped pioneer modern travel—Pan Am in the skies and Holland America Line at sea,” said Paul Grigsby, vice president of itinerary planning and deployment for Holland America Line. “This collaboration is a tribute to the golden age of travel and humanity’s enduring drive to explore.”

Port Highlights

The journey starts in Nassau, Bahamas, after leaving Miami. Nassau was one of Pan Am’s earliest Caribbean routes. It played a cornerstone role in regional aviation history.

San Juan, Puerto Rico appears on the itinerary. This vibrant city linked Pan Am’s Caribbean network to both continents. It connected North and South America through air travel.

Willemstad, Curacao offers UNESCO World Heritage sites. This location served as a strategic refueling stop during the 1940s. Allied operations relied on this port during wartime.

Port of Spain in Trinidad and Tobago is included. St. John’s, Antigua also makes the list. Each port offers rich cultural experiences and historical significance.

What Made Clippers Special

Pan Am called its seaplanes “ships of the air.” These Clipper aircraft provided extraordinary luxury for passengers. Multi-course meals were served on fine china during flights.

Lounges allowed socializing between travelers. These flying clippers represented travel’s golden age at its finest. They set new standards for passenger comfort.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Holland America Line to bring that experience back to life at sea—100 years after our first flight,” said Craig Carter, chief executive officer for Pan American World Airways.

Revolutionary Technology

Clipper ships featured boat-like hulls for water landings. This design transformed any harbor into a temporary airport. Destinations without runways became accessible to travelers.

Passengers would disembark at each stop along the route. They often stayed overnight in local hotels. The journey continued the next day to the following destination.

This approach blended transportation with immersive cultural experiences. It expanded tourism across the entire Caribbean region. Pan Am’s innovation shaped modern air travel permanently.

Detailed Itinerary

After Miami, the ship visits Nassau and Half Moon Cay. Half Moon Cay is Holland America’s private island destination. The cruise then continues to Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

Six ports follow in six consecutive days. Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic comes first. San Juan, Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas, St. John’s, Castries in St. Lucia, and Port-of-Spain complete this stretch.

Zuiderdam then sails east to Willemstad and Oranjestad, Aruba. Santa Marta and Cartagena in Colombia follow. The ship heads north afterward.

Northern stops include Colon, Panama, and Puerto Limon, Costa Rica. Belize City, Belize appears on the schedule. Cozumel and Progreso (Merida) in Mexico finish the journey before returning to Miami.

Original Pan Am Destinations

Nine ports were actual Pan Am flight destinations. These include Nassau, San Juan, and Charlotte Amalie. St. John’s, Castries, and Port of Spain also qualify.

Colon and Progreso (Merida) complete the historic locations. Miami itself counts as the ninth original destination. These stops let guests explore authentic Pan Am history.

Onboard Experience

The cruise recreates golden age travel atmosphere. Themed meals reflect the period’s elegance. Period-inspired décor appears throughout the ship.

Historical programming educates guests about Pan Am’s legacy. Holland America Line blends nostalgia with modern comfort. The voyage appeals to history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

America’s 250th Anniversary

This collaboration supports Holland America Line’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. The cruise line is partnering with several iconic American brands. Pan Am represents one of these legendary partnerships.

“Pan Am is an iconic American brand and one of several we will be collaborating with as we celebrate American heritage as part of America’s 250th,” said Kacy Cole, chief marketing officer for Holland America Line. “By partnering with these legendary names, we’re honoring the spirit of innovation, adventure and pride that defines the nation.”

A commemorative cruise departs Boston on July 4, 2026. This Independence Day sailing symbolically aligns with the anniversary. More partnerships with American brands will follow.

Special Booking Offers

Holland America Line offers the Have It All premium package. This includes shore excursions at every port. Specialty dining options are covered throughout the voyage.

A Signature Beverage Package comes included. Surf Wi-Fi provides internet connectivity. For limited time bookings, additional perks apply.

Free prepaid crew appreciation is added. Upgrades to Elite Beverage Package are complimentary. Premium Wi-Fi replaces the standard option at no cost.

Mariner Society Benefits

Holland America Line’s loyalty members receive extra advantages. The Exclusive Mariner Society Early Booking Bonus provides savings. Members can earn up to $400 onboard credit per stateroom.

This reward applies specifically to this Pan Am voyage. Loyalty recognition adds value for repeat passengers.

Why This Matters

This cruise offers something completely different from typical Caribbean sailings. Most cruises visit the same popular ports repeatedly. This 28-day journey ventures to harder-to-reach destinations.

The historical connection adds meaningful context to each stop. Guests learn about Pan Am’s impact on Caribbean development. The longer duration allows deeper cultural immersion.

Month-long cruises appeal to travelers with time flexibility. Retirees often enjoy extended voyages like this. History buffs will appreciate the Pan Am theme throughout.

Celebrating Travel Innovation

Both Pan Am and Holland America Line pioneered their industries. Pan Am revolutionized air travel across oceans. Holland America Line has over 150 years of maritime history.

This partnership honors innovation from both companies. It celebrates the human desire to explore new places. The voyage connects past achievements with present-day travel.

The collaboration brings together aviation and maritime traditions. Both industries shaped how people experience the world. This cruise acknowledges that shared legacy of exploration.