For the first time in its 151-year history, a Holland America Line Pinnacle class ship will slice through the locks of the Panama Canal — and it’s not just a technical milestone. It’s a signal that luxury cruising is getting bigger, bolder, and more immersive. Bookings opened this week for the 2025-2026 Panama Canal season, featuring three ships — Eurodam, Zuiderdam, and Koningsdam — on six distinct itineraries that weave through six Central American nations, from Mexico to Panama. Departures begin in October 2025, with the most ambitious voyage kicking off on March 29, 2026, from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and ending 26 days later in Vancouver, British Columbia.
A New Era for the Canal: The Pinnacle Class Breaks Through
The Holland America Line Pinnacle class ships — the largest in its fleet at 132,000 gross tons — were never designed to fit the original Panama Canal locks. But after the 2016 expansion added the Neo-Panamax locks, capable of handling vessels up to 1,200 feet long and 160 feet wide, the door opened. Pinnacle class ships like Eurodam (1,310 feet long, 135 feet beam) now slide through with inches to spare. That’s not just engineering prowess — it’s a game-changer for passenger experience. These ships carry nearly 2,700 guests, yet still feel intimate thanks to their mid-sized design compared to mega-ships from competitors. "It’s not about size alone," says Beth Bodensteiner, Chief Commercial Officer of Holland America Line. "It’s about how deeply you can connect with a place. And the Canal? That’s a living museum. We want guests to feel every lock, every ripple, every moment of history."Acajutla: The Hidden Gem That Rewrites the Itinerary
The biggest surprise? The addition of Acajutla, El Salvador — a port that barely registered on cruise maps five years ago. Now, it’s the anchor of a new cultural experience: a shore excursion to the Joya de Cerén archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the "Pompeii of the Americas." Discovered in 1976 after a volcanic eruption buried a 1,400-year-old Mayan farming village under 20 feet of ash, the site preserves everything from kitchen hearths to footprints in the soil. "We didn’t just want another beach stop," Bodensteiner adds. "We wanted a story. Joya de Cerén isn’t just ruins — it’s a snapshot of daily life in ancient Mesoamerica. That’s unforgettable." Previously, most itineraries included Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala — a port with more shopping than soul. Acajutla flips the script. And it’s not just a one-off: most 2025-2026 Panama Canal voyages now include this stop, with excursions timed to avoid crowds and maximize access to the site’s 48 preserved structures.Itineraries That Span Continents
The 26-day Eurodam’s 2026 Panama Canal journeyFort Lauderdale is the crown jewel. It begins with stops in Nassau, Bahamas and Cartagena, Colombia, then dives into the Canal’s locks before hitting Puntarenas, Costa Rica, Acajutla, Puerto Quetzal, Puerto Vallarta, and Cabo San Lucas. It concludes with a scenic stop at Catalina Island before docking in Vancouver. Other sailings loop through Seattle, San Diego, and Miami — offering flexibility for North American travelers.
Private Islands and Pricing: The All-Inclusive Edge
Holland America doesn’t just stop at ports. Some voyages include a day at Half Moon Cay, its 2,400-acre private island in The Bahamas — a spot that won "Best Private Island" from Cruise Critic in 2022. Think white sand, snorkeling trails, and beachside barbecue — no cruise ship crowds, no vendors. And pricing? Starts at $1,779 per person for double occupancy. That’s all-inclusive: specialty dining, select wines and spirits, Wi-Fi, and onboard entertainment. Compare that to competitors who tack on $500+ in fees — this is a rare transparency in luxury cruising.What’s Next? The 2026-2027 Season and Beyond
The company has already announced expanded Panama Canal offerings for 2026-2027, with six ships and five North American homeports — though ship assignments aren’t locked in yet. Rumors swirl that Koningsdam might be reassigned to longer trans-Pacific routes, freeing up space for a new Pinnacle class vessel in 2027. Meanwhile, Holland America Line is also pushing its Hawaii season, with fares starting at $1,579 — a clear signal that it’s betting big on North American leisure travel.
Why This Matters Beyond the Cruise Deck
This isn’t just about more cabins or bigger ships. It’s about shifting how cruise lines think about cultural tourism. For decades, Central America was an afterthought — a quick port for souvenirs. Now, Holland America Line is investing in archaeology, local guides, and preservation partnerships. The move could pressure competitors to follow suit. And for travelers? It means choosing between a beach day and walking in the footsteps of ancient farmers who lived 1,400 years ago. That’s not a vacation. That’s a revelation.Frequently Asked Questions
Which ships are sailing the Panama Canal in 2025-2026, and why does the Pinnacle class matter?
The Eurodam, Zuiderdam, and Koningsdam are the three ships operating the 2025-2026 Panama Canal itineraries. The Pinnacle class — represented by Eurodam — is the largest in Holland America’s fleet, measuring 1,310 feet long. Its transit marks the first time a ship of this size has navigated the Canal’s Neo-Panamax locks, a feat made possible only after the 2016 expansion. This allows for more amenities, larger public spaces, and enhanced guest experiences during the transit.
Why is Acajutla, El Salvador a significant addition to the itinerary?
Acajutla provides direct access to the Joya de Cerén UNESCO World Heritage Site — a 1,400-year-old Mayan farming village preserved under volcanic ash, often called the "Pompeii of the Americas." Unlike typical cruise ports focused on shopping or beaches, this stop offers a rare archaeological immersion. The site includes intact kitchens, storage areas, and even footprints from daily life. Holland America has partnered with local historians to offer guided, small-group tours, making it one of the most culturally rich shore excursions in Central America.
What’s included in the $1,779 starting fare?
The base fare of $1,779 per person (double occupancy) is fully inclusive: all meals, specialty dining venues like Canaletto and Tamarind, select premium beverages (wine, beer, and spirits), 24-hour room service, Wi-Fi, and onboard entertainment. Unlike many competitors, Holland America doesn’t charge extra for most activities — from cooking classes to live music — making it one of the most value-driven luxury cruise options. Taxes, port fees, and airfare are not included.
How does the Panama Canal transit work on these cruises?
The transit takes about 8 to 10 hours, with the ship moving slowly through three sets of locks — Gatún, Pedro Miguel, and Miraflores. Guests can watch from open decks where live audio commentary explains the engineering, history, and ecology of the Canal. The locks raise and lower the ship by 85 feet using gravity-fed freshwater from Gatún Lake. No tugboats are needed — the ship moves under its own power, guided by locomotives along the lock walls. It’s a rare, real-time lesson in early 20th-century innovation.
Are these cruises suitable for families or older travelers?
Absolutely. The mid-sized ships (carrying 1,400–2,650 guests) offer a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere than mega-ships, making them ideal for retirees and couples. But families are welcome too — kids’ clubs, interactive science exhibits on the Canal’s ecosystem, and teen-led cultural workshops are included. Shore excursions range from gentle walking tours at Joya de Cerén to adventurous hikes in Costa Rica. The pace is deliberate, not rushed — perfect for travelers who want depth over speed.
What’s the weather like during the Panama Canal cruise season?
The 2025-2026 season runs from October through April — Central America’s dry season. Expect daytime temperatures between 80°F and 90°F, low humidity, and minimal rainfall. This is ideal for shore excursions and Canal transit visibility. While tropical storms are rare during this window, occasional afternoon showers can occur in coastal areas like Puntarenas or Puerto Vallarta. Packing light rain gear is advised, but you won’t need umbrellas for every port.
