Holland America Line unveils Pan Am-themed cruise experiences
Holland America Line has announced details of a special 28-day cruise commemorating the 100th anniversary of Pan American World Airways, with onboard programmes and shore excursions inspired by the airline’s history.
The Pan Am 100th Anniversary Legendary Voyage is scheduled to depart Miami on 30 October 2027 aboard Zuiderdam, operating a round-trip itinerary through the Caribbean and Central America. The voyage will follow portions of Pan Am’s historic routes, combining the cruise programme with activities focused on the development of international aviation.
The announcement, issued on 9 October 2026, outlines a series of themed events, presentations and destination experiences planned for the sailing.
Zuiderdam to retrace historic aviation routes
The itinerary will connect destinations associated with Pan Am’s former operations in the Caribbean and Central America, including ports in Colombia, Panama, Antigua and Trinidad and Tobago.
Holland America Line has developed shore excursions exploring the airline’s regional history alongside local landmarks and transport infrastructure.
In Cartagena, Colombia, passengers will be able to join a tour exploring the city’s connections with international travel during the Pan Am era. In Colón, Panama, an excursion will include the Agua Clara Locks and Panama Canal Railway.
Other planned activities include a visit to Shirley Heights in Antigua, a location associated with the navigational history of early aviation, and an excursion to Chaguaramas in Trinidad, where Pan Am previously operated a flying boat base.
The Trinidad programme will also include the Chaguaramas Military History & Aerospace Museum, linking the airline’s former Caribbean operations with the wider development of regional aviation.
“With this cruise, we’re bringing that era to life while merging elements of Pan Am’s storied history with Holland America Line’s signature experiences,” said Paul Grigsby, Vice President of Itinerary Planning and Deployment at Holland America Line.
Onboard programme focuses on Pan Am’s history
The cruise will feature presentations by aviation historians, former Pan Am personnel and other speakers examining the airline’s operations, aircraft, international routes and passenger services.
Scheduled participants include Linda Freire, Chair and Co-Founder of the Pan Am Museum Foundation, and David Hinson, the foundation’s Vice Chairman. Other speakers include Willie Aames, Steve Gray and David Kliman.
The programme will also recreate elements of Pan Am’s former Clipper Club, a network of airport lounges associated with the airline’s premium passenger services.
Additional onboard activities will include specially developed menus inspired by dishes served during Pan Am’s operating years, alongside cocktails associated with the airline’s travel history.
Craig Carter, CEO of Pan Am Global Holdings, said the cruise would mark the airline’s centenary by connecting its early flying boat routes with destinations featured in the voyage.
The sailing forms part of Holland America Line’s Legendary Voyages programme, with the commemorative itinerary scheduled for October 2027.
