Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos

When you think of a Caribbean paradise, the scenes you’re imagining are Turks and Caicos: sugar white sand, brilliant blue water teeming with coral and colourful fish.

Oranjested, Aruba

The Dutch island feels like another world, with exotic landscapes featuring pristine beaches and coastal cliffs and unique rock formations.

Cartagena, Columbia

This old walled city, colonized by Spain in 1533, is filled with history and intrigue, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Cruise through the Panama Canal

This journey was made possible by a combination of human might and engineering determination. Pass colonial towns, historic fortresses, and wildlife sanctuaries along the way.

Puerto Caldera (Puntarenas), Costa Rica

This port of call on the Pacific coast puts visitors within easy reach of several national parks, and opportunities for a variety of attractions and activities.

Corinto, Nicaragua

Nicaragua has been billed as the next great spot for eco-, cultural and culinary tourism. Sample the charms of this Central American country with a visit to the beautiful city of León, established by Spanish conquistadores in 1524.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Enjoy the colonial-era charm of PV (Puerto Vallarta), with features that echo from the past mingling with contemporary, trendy restaurants and modern attractions such as the art project along the seaside walkway (the malecón).

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Los Cabos, or “The Capes”, sits at the southernmost tip of the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico, has a varied geography, beautiful beaches, and a variety of interesting things to do: ride a camel, go whale-watching, go snorkeling, swim with dolphins, or take a scenic cruise.

San Diego, California, U.S.

With more than 300 days of sun and mild year-round temperatures, San Diego embodies the easygoing Southern California surfer town.  Explore some of the many sporty pastimes and tourist attractions.

Santa Barbara, California, U.S.

Some of California's most significant early history took place in Santa Barbara, going back to its origin as the homeland of the Chumash people, and the gorgeous architecture is compliments of early Spanish settlers. Whether you are interested in high culture or viticulture, white-sand beaches, or white-tablecloth restaurants, there is truly something for everyone.

Victoria, B.C., Canada

Victoria is a charming British-influenced city plunked in  the rugged Pacific Northwest. Here, First Nations totem poles take front and center position on the Inner Harbour, and pubs and galleries and gorgeous gardens are never far away. 

Vancouver, B.C., Canada

Vancouver is a trading post and rough-and-tumble sawmilling settlement that has grown up to be an ethnically diverse city, combining sophistication with a laid-back attitude, nestled on the shore at the base of the rugged Rocky Mountains.  Explore the districts and attractions of the city, perhaps including a visit to Stanley Park and Granville Island.

Rocky Mountaineer - Optional Addition

Travel through the legendary Spiral Tunnels, traverse the Continental Divide, and be inspired as you wind through mountain passes and dramatic canyons. Experience this historic rail route, celebrated for connecting Canada from East to West. In addition to amazing views, enjoy the stories of the regions as told by your hosts, and savour gourmet meals prepared by the onboard chefs.

Experience this Engineering Marvel!

Cross from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, via this 82km waterway that divides North and South America.

Cruising

Enjoy all the fabulous things to do onboard Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam as you cruise from Fort Lauderdale to the Caribbean to Central America, Mexico, California, and then Vancouver. You’ll experience incredible ports of call during the day and great restaurants and entertainment in the evening. 

Stress-Free Travel

We take care of the details of getting you to the cruise terminal in Fort Lauderdale and home again, with an amazing trip of a lifetime in between!

• Our unique Connections Program
• Private coach transportation
• 3 nights of hotel accommodation pre-cruise
• 22-night Cruise with Oceanview Cabins onboard Holland America Nieuw Amsterdam
• Shipboard meals
• Prepaid shipboard gratuities for cabin steward & dining room servers
• All entry fees to included highlights
• Services of a Professional Tour Director

Option 1: At the end of the cruise, fly from Vancouver to Toronto

• Trip is 26 days
• flight from Vancouver to Toronto is included
• 25-breakfasts, 21-lunches, 25-dinners

Option 2: At the end of the cruise, take Rocky Mountaineer and fly from Calgary to Toronto.  Total trip is 29 days.

• Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Banff
• adds 3 nights of hotel accommodation post-cruise
• adds 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and no additional dinners
• Flight from Calgary to Toronto is included

Prices are in Canadian dollars, are per person, and include HST.

Cruise Ports of Call:

• Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos
• Oranjested, Aruba
• Cartagena, Colombia
• Enter the Panama Canal at Cristobal
• Puerto Caldera (Puntarenas), Costa Rica
• Corinto, Nicaragua
• Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
• Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
• San Diego, California, U.S.
• Santa Barbara, California, U.S.
• Victoria, B.C., Canada
• Vancouver, B.C., Canada

See the Optional Additions section for information regarding the excursions offered by the cruise line for an additional cost.

The 29-Day Option with The Rocky Mountaineer Adds:

• West Coast Rocky Mountains
• Fraser River Valley to desert-like interior canyons
• Kamloops
• Spiral Tunnels and Kicking Horse Pass
• Castle Mountain
• Banff 

Day 1: Travel to Canonsburg, PA

Sit back relax and enjoy the drive as we travel southwest, picking up guests as we travel towards St. Catharines, and cross into the United States.  Arrive in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania and get to know your fellow travellers during dinner at the hotel. 

Stay: Hilton Garden Inn, Canonsburg, PA

Nights:  1

Meals: D

Day 2: Canonsburg, PA to Rock Hill, SC

The journey continues, pretty much due south, from Pennsylvania.  Enjoy the rolling hills and countryside while travelling through West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, and our next stop is shortly after entering South Carolina. 

Stay: Hampton Inn & Suites, Rock Hill, SC

Nights:  1 

Meals: B, D

Day 3: Rock Hill, SC to Titusville, FL

Today we travel through South Carolina, and close to the coast through Georgia, stopping in Savannah for lunch.  Then it’s onward to Titusville, Florida.

Stay: Holiday Inn, Titusville, FL

Nights:  1 

Meals: B, D

Day 4: Travel to Fort Lauderdale, and the Cruise Adventure Begins

This will be an easy, exciting day, travelling to the cruise terminal in Fort Lauderdale.  You will feel pampered by a high standard of service on The Nieuw Amsterdam, and quickly feel the dignified, relaxed atmosphere of the ship as you are welcomed aboard. You will want to check out the upcoming events and shore excursions, perhaps with the Holland America app, since you won’t want to miss out on something special. This ship also has some unique entertainment options, so settle in, as your adventure begins!

Stay: Holland America Nieuw Amsterdam, Ocean View Cabins, Category D

Nights:  22 

Meals: B, D

Day 5: At Sea

Meals:  B, L, D

Day 6: Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos, 7am – 5pm

Meals:  B, L, D

Day 7: At Sea

Meals: B, L, D

Day 8: Oranjested, Aruba, 7am – 5pm 

Meals: B, L, D

Day 9: At Sea

Meals: B, L, D

Day 10: Cartagena, Columbia, 7am – 1pm

Meals: B, L, D

Day 11: Cruise the Panama Canal, 5am – 7pm

Cruise the canal, arriving at Critobal on the Atlantic side at approximately 5:00 a.m. and departing at Balboa on the Pacific side at approximately 7:00 p.m. 

Meals: B, L, D

Day 12: At Sea

Meals: B, L, D

Day 13: Puerto Caldera (Puntarenas), Costa Rica, 7am – 4pm

Meals: B, L, D

Day 14: Corinto, Nicaragua, 8am – 3pm

Meals: B, L, D

Day 15: At Sea

Meals: B, L, D

Day 16: At Sea

Meals: B, L, D

Day 17: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, 1pm – 11pm

Meals: B, L, D

Day 18: At Sea

Meals: B, L, D

Day 19: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, 8am – 2pm

Tender required, wheelchair access limited.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 20: At Sea

Meals: B, L, D

Day 21: San Diego, California, 7am – 4pm

Meals: B, L, D

Day 22: Santa Barbara, California, 7am – 5pm

Tender required, wheelchair access limited.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 23: At Sea

Meals: B, L, D

Day 24: At Sea

Meals: B, L, D

Day 25: Victoria, British Columbia, 9am – 11pm

Meals: B, L, D

For those taking the base, 26-day tour:

Day 26: Vancouver, BC to Toronto

After enjoying one last breakfast on board the ship, disembark, and be transferred to the airport by Holland America.  The flight to Toronto departs early in the afternoon, and arrives in Toronto in the evening.

Meals: B

For those taking the Rocky Mountaineer Optional Add-On:

Day 26: Free time in Vancouver

For those opting to continue the adventure, after enjoying one last breakfast on board the ship, disembark, and some a free day, exploring Vancouver.

Stay: Vancouver Hotel, TBA

Nights: 1 

Meals: B

Day 27: Rocky Mountaineer:  Vancouver to Kamloops

There will be a fairly early transfer from the hotel to the train station.  Board the train and enjoy a fabulous breakfast and gourmet lunch on the train, while enjoying the amazing views.

Stay: Kamloops Hotel, TBA

Nights: 1 

Meals: B, L

Day 28: Rocky Mountaineer:  Kamloops to Banff

Again, an early transfer from the hotel to the train, and another special day of feasting on delicious items for breakfast and lunch, as well as the feast of amazing views while travelling to Banff.

Stay: Banff Hotel, TBA

Nights: 1 

Meals: B, L

Day 29: Travel from Banff to Home

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then depart for the Calgary airport.  The flight to Toronto departs early in the afternoon, and arrives in Toronto in the early evening.

Meals: B

HOTEL Accommodations, Pre-Cruise

• Hilton Garden Inn, Canonsbury, PA (1 night)
• Hampton Inn, Rock Hill. SC (1-night)
• Holiday Inn, Titusville, FL (1 night)

CRUISE SHIP Accommodations

Included in the price of this trip are Oceanview Cabins.  Other cabin options may be available at an additional fee and are subject to availability.

Ship:  Holland America Cruise Ship (22 nights)

HOTEL Accommodations, Post Cruise with the Rocky Mountaineer Option

• Vancouver Hotel, TBA (1 night)
• Kamloops Hotel, TBA (1 night)
• Banff Hotel, TBA (1 night)

Both versions of this tour begin with pickup Route B, and include our unique Connections Program. The pickup locations are:

• Lindsay
• Peterborough
• Bowmanville
• Whitby
• Markham
• Brampton
• Burlington
• Stoney Creek
• Grimsby
• St. Catharines

We recommend comfortable rubber-soled shoes for the walking tours. You should also bring along a jacket, as evenings can be cool on the water. Don’t forget your camera, sunscreen and a hat.

Although for most people medication is not required, there may be some who may want to bring along a remedy for motion sickness.  You don’t want to let that spoil these amazing experiences.

As with any cruise, there are options for day trips offered by the cruise line with an additional fee. Booking early will save you from being disappointed, since some selections may become sold out. 

ROCKY MOUNTAINEER Add-On

While the main trip is quite an amazing journey, while you’re in Vancouver, since the schedules are aligned, why not cap it off with the incredible train ride through the mountains with the Rocky Mountaineer? This is another, once-in-a-lifetime, bucket list experience!

Follow the legendary route, “First Passage to the West,” from Vancouver to Banff.  For this optional add-on, select from two levels of service: SILVERLeaf or GOLDLeaf.  You can refer to the Rocky Mountaineer web-site to learn about these levels of service: https://www.rockymountaineer.com/onboard-experience 

OR, please call us if you have questions.