This Panama Canal cruise invites you to experience one of the world’s great voyages, sailing from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic aboard Holland America’s MS Eurodam. Along the way, discover colorful coastal cities, tropical landscapes, and historic ports that showcase the beauty and culture of Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
You’ll enjoy opportunities to explore ancient Maya sites, colonial landmarks, coffee plantations, rainforests, and scenic beaches. Each destination offers something different, from Cabo San Lucas and Acapulco to Costa Rica’s lush natural wonders and Aruba’s Caribbean charm.
The highlight of your Panama Canal cruise is a full transit of this engineering marvel. Witness the impressive locks in action, glide through protected rainforest corridors, and appreciate the historic achievement that changed global travel and trade.
With relaxing sea days, comfortable accommodations, enriching destinations, and the camaraderie of fellow travelers, this unforgettable journey blends discovery, scenery, and tropical adventure.
Highlights of this Panama Canal Discovery tour:
- Cruise the full length of the Panama Canal.
- Explore vibrant ports across Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Aruba.
- Discover Maya sites and colonial cities.
- Experience rainforests, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife.
- Enjoy relaxing days at sea aboard the MS Eurodam.
- Savor regional cuisine and Caribbean culture.
Day 1: Welcome to California
This evening, meet your Tour Director and friendly travel companions for a Welcome Dinner at our hotel. D
Day 2: Coronado Island/Old Town San Diego
Enjoy a relaxed introduction to coastal California with a guided visit to Coronado Island and Old Town San Diego before your Panama Canal cruise. Take in skyline views from the Coronado Bridge, see the iconic Hotel del Coronado, and wander the Old Town of San Diego. Engaging storytelling and a comfortable pace create a meaningful introduction to the adventure ahead. B
Day 3: Embarkation Day
Begin your day at the renowned Maritime Museum of San Diego, where historic ships and engaging exhibits bring the city’s rich maritime history to life along the waterfront. Boarding marks the start of your cruise. Once aboard the MS Eurodam, enjoy time to settle into your cabin and become familiar with the ship. At each port city, you may discover the city on your own, book optional shore excursions, or simply enjoy the ship’s many amenities. During the voyage, our group will gather for private cocktail receptions. These are wonderful opportunities to reconnect and share highlights of the experience. B, L, D
Day 4: Day at Sea
B, L, D
Day 5: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Arrival in Los Cabos, where desert landscapes meet the Sea of Cortez at the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula. Admire iconic El Arco, enjoy time exploring the marina and local shops, and perhaps choose an optional wildlife viewing cruise or even a camel ride along the beach. Today captures the relaxed charm and scenic beauty of this coastal destination. B, L, D
Day 6: Day at Sea
B, L, D
Day 7: Acapulco, Mexico
The cruise brings us to the vibrant coastal beauty of Acapulco, a legendary Pacific resort framed by golden beaches and lush hillsides. Witness the breathtaking performance of the famed La Quebrada cliff divers as they plunge daringly into the sea, explore historic Fort of San Diego, or enjoy a stroll along the waterfront with its colorful street art and sweeping ocean views. Fresh seafood and authentic Mexican flavors capture the spirit of this renowned location. B, L, D
Day 8: Huatulco, Mexico
Experience the coastal beauty of Huatulco, where numerous bays and beaches offer inviting sands and calm waters. Waterfalls, rivers, and archaeological sites add to the appeal of this destination, while bird enthusiasts may have the opportunity to spot species such as the Colima pygmy owl and orange-breasted bunting while on an optional excursion. B, L, D
Day 9: Puerto Chiapas, Mexico
Explore Puerto Chiapas, the southernmost port on Mexico’s Pacific coast and a threshold to the thriving scenery of Chiapas. From the port, venture to nearby Tapachula, visit local produce estates, or discover the ancient Maya site of Izapa. Have the chance to see the ancient ruins of Izapa with a towering volcano aligned, carved stelae, and archaeological significance. B, L, D
Day 10: Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala
Arrive in Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala’s principal Pacific terminal and a convenient gateway to the country’s remarkable terrain and cultural treasures. From here, set out to explore Mayan archaeological sites, tour a coffee plantation, or visit the UNESCO-recognized colonial city of Antigua, the nation’s former capital. Nature lovers may be drawn to breathtaking Lake Atitlán, once praised as the most beautiful lake in the world, or to Guatemala’s dramatic volcano-studded landscapes. B, L, D
Day 11: Day at Sea
B, L, D
Day 12: Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Arrive in Puntarenas, ideally situated for exploring Costa Rica’s magnificent natural beauty. From this port, venture into nearby national parks, discover lush rainforests and pristine beaches, photograph cascading waterfalls, and observe abundant wildlife on optional excursions. Opportunities are unlimited for birdwatching in protected reserves or horseback riding along the coast. Time may also be spent browsing local artisans and savoring traditional cuisine. B, L, D
Day 13: Day at Sea
B, L, D
Day 14: Cruising the Panama Canal
Cruising the Panama Canal is a journey through one of history’s greatest engineering achievements that reshaped global trade. Stretching 48 miles from Balboa on the Pacific to Cristóbal on the Atlantic, the canal was built through extraordinary determination, carving a route across a continent and sparing ships the long voyage around South America. Its 2016 expansion more than doubled capacity, securing its role in modern maritime traffic. Beyond its locks and waterways, the canal corridor is also rich in biodiversity, where protected rainforests shelter hundreds of birds, mammals, and reptile species, adding natural wonder to this historic passage between two oceans. B, L, D
Day 15: Day at Sea
B, L, D
Day 16: Oranjestad, Aruba
Discover the inviting charm of Oranjestad, where Dutch heritage meets Caribbean flair. Stroll past pastel-colored colonial buildings, admire wind-sculpted divi-divi trees, or experience the island’s warm hospitality and local music. From dazzling turquoise waters teeming with marine life to the relaxed island atmosphere, Aruba offers a colorful and captivating Caribbean escape. B, L, D
Days 17-18: Days at Sea
B, L, D
Day 19: Return Home
Your remarkable Panama Canal journey concludes this morning as you disembark and return home with wonderful memories of your adventure. B
Dates:
Oct. 5-23, 2027
Price Per Person:
See table below
Land only pricing available
Pre-/Post Tour Hotel:
Call for pricing
Depart:
San Diego, CA
Return:
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Inclusions:
Round-trip airfare from the U.S.
Professional, English speaking Tour Director
Welcome Dinner and meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Fees and tips for included attractions, meals, crew, and drivers
Luggage handling at most hotels
24-hour emergency call service
Pricing Table:
Arrival Time
Available about 90 days prior to departure.
Departure Time
Available about 90 days prior to departure.
Airport Transportation / Vehicle Parking
Our Pre and Post hotels offer complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport. Free parking can be offered during the tour with a pre or post night, please let us know ahead of time if you desire this service.
Walking Distance
To fully enjoy your CTD vacation, you should be in good physical health and understand that some walking is required throughout the tour. You should be able to walk at a steady pace for up to one mile at a time, for a daily total of three to four miles, and manage steps when boarding and exiting motorcoaches, ships, and shore excursion vehicles.
During the cruise, gangways, ramps, and ship corridors may require additional walking. Shore excursions may include uneven sidewalks, docks, or steps. Airports may also require lengthy walks between ticketing, security, and departure gates.
Due to limited facilities at some of the farms, ranches, ports, and off-the-beaten-path sites we visit, we are unable to accommodate walkers and wheelchairs.
Average Temps
High of 88°F, low of 76°F
Currency
U.S. dollars are widely accepted onboard the ship and in many ports of call. Local currencies may also be used in some destinations.
- Mexico (Cabo San Lucas, Acapulco, Huatulco, Puerto Chiapas): Mexican peso.
- Guatemala (Puerto Quetzal): Guatemalan quetzal.
- Costa Rica (Puntarenas): Costa Rican colón.
- Panama Canal / Panama: U.S. dollar and Panamanian balboa.
- Aruba (Oranjestad): Aruban florin, though U.S. dollars are commonly accepted.
Time Zone
Pacific, Mountain, Central, and Eastern time zones may be experienced during your journey depending on ship location and ports of call.
Additional Information
A total of three mailings are sent to assist you in preparing for your tour, including information sent upon receipt of your reservation.
Dress on tour is casual. Evening dinners aboard the ship will be a more elegant occasion, so we welcome you to dress in a business casual manner. Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, visors, and comfortable walking shoes will add to your enjoyment of this tour. Toward the end of the cruise, a Captain’s Dinner will be held. For this dinner, we suggest (for the women) dress pants or skirt along with a blouse or sweater, or possibly a dress, and (for the men) dress pants along with a collared long-sleeved shirt or sweater, and possibly a blazer of some sort (blazer not required).
Most staterooms include standard North American-style outlets. Some ships may also offer additional outlet types. Final ship details will be provided with your travel documents.
Travel Protection Available
Yes, see CountryTravelDiscoveries.com/TravelProtectionPlan.
