Zuiderdam - Panama Canal Passage
Experience one of the world's greatest engineering marvels as you transit the Panama Canal aboard Zuiderdam, combined with Caribbean island stops and South American port calls.
Price Range
$$
Mid-Range
*Prices vary by cabin type, sailing date, and availability. Confirm rates with Holland America Line before booking.
Ship Details — Zuiderdam
View full Zuiderdam details
Year Built
2002
Tonnage
82,305 GT
Passengers
1,964
Crew
817
Decks
11
Class
Vista
Itinerary & Route Map
Loading map…
Where this cruise calls, day by day
7 ports and 8 sea days over 14 Nights.
- Day 1Fort Lauderdale, FL port guide: where ships dock and what to do ashore
Fort Lauderdale, FL
United StatesDepart - Day 2Half Moon Cay port guide: where ships dock and what to do ashore
Half Moon Cay
BahamasPort Day 3 · At sea
- Day 4Oranjestad port guide: where ships dock and what to do ashore
Oranjestad
ArubaPort Day 5 · At sea
Day 6 · At sea
- Day 7Cartagena port guide: where ships dock and what to do ashore
Cartagena
ColombiaPort - Day 8Panama Canal (Transit) port guide: where ships dock and what to do ashore
Panama Canal (Transit)
PanamaPort - Day 9Panama Canal (Transit) port guide: where ships dock and what to do ashore
Panama Canal (Transit)
PanamaPort Day 10 · At sea
Day 11 · At sea
Day 12 · At sea
Day 13 · At sea
Day 14 · At sea
- Day 15Fort Lauderdale, FL port guide: where ships dock and what to do ashore
Fort Lauderdale, FL
United StatesArrive
Onboard Amenities
Cruise Highlights
About the Ship
What Travelers Say About Zuiderdam
Reviews of the ship itself — the same for every Zuiderdam sailing. Distilled from 26 traveler threads, passenger reviews and travel blogs.
The Zuiderdam is Holland America Line's first Vista-class ship (launched 2002), and its appeal centers on a classic, relaxed, smaller-ship experience rather than flashy mega-ship features. Carrying just under 2,000 guests at double occupancy, it feels more intimate and less crowded than larger rivals, drawing an older, port-focused crowd. U.S. News rates it 4 out of 5 based on 811 guest reviews, and the standout theme across nearly every review is the warm, attentive crew and the line's smooth, well-organized operations.
What People Love
- Genuinely warm, attentive crew is the most consistently praised feature across reviews
- Smooth, well-run logistics — embarkation, luggage delivery, and tendering handled efficiently
- Smaller Vista-class size feels intimate and less crowded than mega-ships, with an older, quieter, relaxed passenger base
Common Complaints
- Ship shows its age (built 2002) — worn finishes and dated decor noted even after refurbishment
- Main dining room food quality seen as inconsistent and 'about average,' with longtime guests feeling HAL has slipped
- Crew sometimes stretched thin/understaffed, leading to long waits for drinks and service
More Panama Canal Cruises
View all Panama Canal cruisesCelebrity Cruises
Celebrity Ascent - Panama Canal & Southern Caribbean
Holland America Line
Rotterdam - Panama Canal Sunfarer from Fort Lauderdale
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Encore - Panama Canal Repositioning
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Bliss - Panama Canal from Los Angeles to Miami