Holland America Plans 28-Day Pan Am 100th Anniversary Cruise for 2027
Marking a century since Pan Am’s pioneering flights, this unique sailing blends historic routes with cultural programming, honoring icons of American innovation and global travel.
Holland America Line has announced its Pan Am 100th Anniversary Legendary Voyage, a 28-day cruise departing on October 30, 2027, from Miami, Florida. This special itinerary, operated aboard the Zuiderdam with a capacity of 1,988 passengers, has been designed to retrace historic flying Clipper routes pioneered by Pan American World Airways in the mid-20th century. Celebrating the golden age of travel, the voyage highlights Pan Am’s legacy of connecting destinations across the Caribbean, Mexico, and Latin America, offering a modern tribute to these groundbreaking aviation routes.
Cruise Highlights: Revisiting Pan Am's Iconic Routes
The Pan Am 100th Anniversary Legendary Voyage will visit 18 ports, nine of which were historic Pan Am destinations. These include Nassau, Bahamas; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Castries, St. Lucia; and Cartagena, Colombia. Other destinations include Oranjestad, Aruba; Willemstad, Curaçao; Belize City, Belize; and Colón, Panama, among others. A stop at Holland America Line’s private Bahamian retreat, RelaxAway Half Moon Cay, is also included. This thoughtfully designed itinerary merges heritage-rich stops with popular cruise destinations to create a well-rounded experience for passengers.
Inspired by the Great Circle Route
The cruise’s itinerary is modeled after Pan Am’s Great Circle Route, which connected remote island destinations in the pre-commercial aviation era. Pan Am’s flying boats, known as Clipper planes, offered unparalleled luxury in their time and were capable of landing in harbors where airports were nonexistent. The journey mirrors the spirit of these flights, offering passengers the chance to explore multiple destinations at a leisurely pace, much like the original multi-day flying experiences of Pan Am’s passengers.
Onboard Programming: Celebrating the Golden Age
Aboard the Zuiderdam, passengers will encounter programming specially curated to evoke the elegance and adventure of mid-century travel. Themes inspired by Pan Am’s golden age will include menus reminiscent of the Clipper service’s fine dining, luxurious lounges inspired by original aircraft interiors, and decor that reflects vintage aviation aesthetics. Craig Carter, CEO of Pan American World Airways, expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, “Originally designed as ships of the air, Pan Am’s Clipper service offered passengers an extraordinary level of elegance and comfort. We’re thrilled to partner with Holland America Line to bring that experience back to life at sea 100 years after our first flight.”
Partnership and Broader Significance
As part of Holland America Line’s commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary, this partnership with Pan Am represents a broader initiative to collaborate with iconic American brands. The cruise line’s Chief Marketing Officer, Kacy Cole, emphasized the shared legacy of innovation and exploration between the two companies, saying, “As a cruise line with more than 150 years of history sailing, we have a deep appreciation for brands that helped shape the American story. By partnering with these legendary names, we’re honoring the spirit of innovation, adventure, and pride that defines the nation.”
Paul Grigsby, Vice President of Itinerary Planning and Deployment for Holland America Line, echoed these sentiments, adding, “Pan Am and Holland America Line both helped pioneer modern travel, Pan Am in the skies and Holland America Line at sea. With roots that reach back more than a century, both brands share a legacy of connecting people to the world with impeccable service and a spirit of discovery.”
Pricing and Booking
Fares for the Pan Am 100th Anniversary Legendary Voyage start at $3,724 per person, based on double occupancy, inclusive of accommodations, onboard meals, entertainment, and taxes. Additional packages for beverages, Wi-Fi, and specialty dining may be available. This special journey is expected to attract strong interest from history and travel enthusiasts alike, and early reservations are recommended to secure a spot on this commemorative sailing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What inspired the Pan Am and Holland America Line collaboration?
The collaboration is a celebration of Pan Am’s centennial and part of Holland America Line’s broader initiative recognizing America’s 250th anniversary. Both companies share a historical legacy of connecting travelers to the world with impeccable service.
Which ports will the cruise include, and how does it align with Pan Am’s history?
The 18 destinations include nine original Pan Am-linked ports such as Nassau, Bahamas; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Miami, Florida; and Colón, Panama, along with other popular ports like Curaçao, Jamaica, and Belize City.
What onboard experiences can passengers expect?
Onboard programming will include period-inspired decor, themed meals recreating the elegance of Pan Am’s Clipper service, and enrichment activities reflective of the golden age of aviation and cruising.
When and where does the cruise depart?
The voyage departs from Miami, Florida, on October 30, 2027, aboard Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam. The cruise is scheduled for 28 days, returning to Miami at the end of the itinerary.
What is the starting price, and what is included?
Pricing starts at $3,724 per person based on double occupancy. The fare includes accommodations, onboard dining, entertainment, and all applicable fees. Additional onboard purchases and packages are available at an extra cost.
