Home > Panama Transit Coast to Coast (Fort Lauderdale to San Diego) + San Diego

Panama Transit Coast to Coast (Fort Lauderdale to San Diego) + San Diego

Cruise through the Panama Canal and past sunny Mexico aboard Holland America's luxurious MS Westerdam.

After your cruise, why not spend two nights in San Diego?

On day 16, you will be transferred to your hotel for two nights. Enjoy free time to explore independently before being taken back to the airport for your overnight flight to the UK.

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Itinerary
Ship

Cartagena
Cartagena
San Felipe Fortress, Cartagena
Panama Canal
Poas Volcano
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta
Cabo San Lucas
Land's End Arch, Cabo San Lucas
The beautiful bay of Cabo San Lucas

DAY 1: UK - Fort Lauderdale.

Fly to Fort Lauderdale where you will be met and transferred to your hotel for two nights.

DAY 2: Fort Lauderdale.

There is an abundance of things to see and do in Fort Lauderdale including visiting the newly redesigned Fort Lauderdale Beach and cafes, strolling the historic Riverwalk and shopping in the luxurious stores on Las Olas Boulevard.

DAY 3: Fort Lauderdale.

Today you will be transferred to your cruise ship, MS Westerdam, for embarkation. (D)

DAY 4 to 5: At sea.

(B, L, D)

DAY 6: Cartagena.

Today, arrive in Cartagena, the oldest city in the New World. Founded in 1533, this atmospheric city brims with plazas and cathedrals and served not only as a slave port, but also as the treasury of the Spanish occupiers, who channelled the gold, silver and emeralds they found on their conquests through here on its way back to Madrid. (B, L, D)

DAY 7: Panama Canal.

Today, experience the full scale and ingenuity of the engineering wonder that is the Panama Canal. Running for 80km through lush Panamanian countryside, the Canal makes for a magnificent journey, as your ship steers its way through a series of vast locks. (B, L, D)

DAY 8: Golfo Dulce. Scenic cruising.

Enjoy a day of scenic splendour as you cruise the turquoise waters of the Golfo Dulce or 'Sweet Gulf'. Nestled between the Osa Peninsula and Costa Rica's south Pacific Coast, this spectacular, huge bay is encircled by secluded, white sand beaches and countryside famed for its rich biodiversity, making it a true tropical paradise. Soaring emerald rainforests rise from the coast and the Osa Peninsula is home to 400 species of birds, 140 mammal species and over 100 species of amphibians and reptiles. (B, L, D)

DAY 9: Puerto Caldera.

Puerto Caldera is a gateway to the untamed, exotic beauty of Costa Rica. Make the most of this inspirational landscape on an optional tour. Admire the misty crater of Poas Volcano and explore the National Park with its stunning Cloud Forest, spectacular scenery, exotic birds and rich tropical verdure, or head in to the Central Valley for rich farmlands, green hills and tropical forest mountains. Alternatively, experience either the Pacific or Atlantic aerial tram canopy tours for bird's eye views of pristine rainforest habitats, or enjoy a thrilling canopy walkway tour across hanging bridges suspended high above the forest floor. (B, L, D)

DAY 10: Corinto.

Corinto is a quaint coastal village in an area rich with pristine beaches, lush mangrove forests and magnificent volcanoes. Take a stroll along the Costa Azul for a view of the bay and its islands or perhaps visit nearby Chinandega to discover the Mayan artifacts at the archeological museum. (B, L, D)

DAY 11 to 12: At sea.

(B, L, D)

DAY 13: Puerto Vallarta.

Set on the Bay of Banderas, Puerto Vallarta is the quintessential Mexican resort and the jewel of the country's Riviera. Why not stroll the picturesque cobbled streets, overlooked by quaint red-tiled buildings and framed with cosy boutiques and art galleries, browse for souvenirs in the bustling city market or perhaps enjoy snorkelling or scuba diving in the warm clear waters of the bay? (B, L, D)

DAY 14: Cabo San Lucas.

Sitting on the tip of the Baja Peninsula where the Pacific Ocean meets the sapphire waters of the Sea of Cortes, Cabo San Lucas is surrounded by awe-inspiring rocky landscapes, beaches and desert terrain. Centred around a beautiful marina and complete with its own underwater nature reserve near the towering Land's End rock formations, Cabo is renowned as a fishing and watersports paradise. Boasting a stretch of water known as 'Marlin Alley', the crystal clear seas lapping its shores are frequented by tuna, billfish and marlin, as well as parrotfish, manta rays and, in certain months of the year, whales. (B, L, D)

DAY 15: At sea.

(B, L, D)

DAY 16: San Diego.

After breakfast, disembark your ship and transfer to your hotel for two nights. (B)

DAY 17: San Diego.

Enjoy free time to explore independently.

DAY 18: San Diego - UK.

Transfer to the airport for your overnight flight to the UK.

DAY 19: Home landing in the UK.

Accommodation on Tour

Fort Lauderdale: Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina; San Diego: Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina.

MS Westerdam
MS Westerdam standard Inside Stateroom
MS Westerdam standard Outside Stateroom
MS Westerdam Lido Pool
MS Westerdam Vista Dining Room
MS Westerdam Pinnacle Grill Restaurant
MS Westerdam Vista Lounge
MS Westerdam Explorer's Lounge
MS Westerdam Crow's Nest Lounge
MS Westerdam Ocean Bar
MS Westerdam Piano Bar
MS Westerdam Sports Bar
MS Westerdam Northern Lights Nightclub
MS Westerdam casino
MS Westerdam Erasmus Library
MS Westerdam Fitness Centre
MS Westerdam Thermal Suite

MS Westerdam (Mexico)

One of Holland America's Vista-class ships, the sleek and elegant MS Westerdam embodies the ultimate in modern, luxurious, ocean cruise vessels. Spacious, ambient public areas are adorned with artwork and infused with natural light from the encircling panoramic windows and an outstanding selection of amenities and activities are available throughout the 11 decks. MS Westerdam comfortably accommodates 1,848 guests in spacious, well-equipped staterooms and provides an excellent choice of eateries, fine dining and wines.

Public Rooms & Facilities

2 swimming pools (one with sliding glass roof); two-tiered Vista Dining Room; Lido Restaurant; Pinnacle Grill; Terrace Grill; Pinnacle, Sea View, Ocean, Piano, Lido and Sports bars; Crows' Nest, Neptune and Explorers' lounges; Queen's Lounge and Culinary Arts Centre; Explorations internet café; Vista show lounge; volleyball and basketball courts; Greenhouse spa and salon with hydro pool and thermal suites; fitness centre and aerobics; observation deck; shops and boutiques; casino; nightclub; library; atrium; photo gallery; lifts; reception.

Dining

Your cruise includes full board. There is a choice of dining venues on board: the main Vista dining area has set dining or new 'dine as you wish' arrangements and a good selection of different menus. Casual dining is available in the Lido Restaurant most evenings with three courses of fresh, cooked-to-order specialities, or guests may enjoy elegant, sophisticated dining in the reservations-only 'Pinnacle Grill' (additional cover charge per person applied to ship board account). Between meals there's the complimentary ice cream bar, hot hors d'oeuvres during the pre-dinner hour and after dinner there is the famous late night snack. Vegetarian or kosher meals and any special dietary requirements should be requested at the time of booking.

Cabins

All cabins have twin or queen size beds (or one sofa bed and one Pullman bed); air-conditioning/climate control; flat-panel TV; DVD player; and telephone. Inside cabins have a shower only while outside cabins have a shower and bathtub. Your holiday price includes a category J cabin or you may choose to upgrade.

Options/Upgrades

J Large or standard inside lower or upper deck cabin

D Large outside upper deck cabin

VC Deluxe verandah cabin with sitting area; private verandah; floor to ceiling windows

SS Superior verandah suite with full size whirlpool bath & shower; sitting area; dressing room; private verandah; floor to ceiling windows

Tipping

A gratuity of $11 per person per day for dining and cabin services will be automatically added to your shipboard account on a daily basis. A 15% service charge will be automatically added to your bar charges and dining room wine account.

Holiday Availability

Unfortunately we do not currently have any available departure dates for this holiday. For more information about possible future departures or suitable alternative holidays please contact us using the number at the top of the page or view one of the Other Holiday Choices