San Diego to the Panama Canal & Central America Cruise Reviews

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3.9
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318 reviews

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1-10 of 318 San Diego to the Panama Canal & Central America Cruise Reviews


Panama Canal (and vow renewal!)

Review for a Panama Canal & Central America Cruise on Zaandam

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Name Taken
First Time Cruiser • Age 60s

HAL does the Panama Canal very well. The day before the transit, there were presentations on the history and the building of canals in general, and the Panama Canal specifically. The day of transit, all ship schedules were adjusted for the transit. All deck areas were opened for people to view the locks, special foods (Panama Rolls, etc) were made and served on deck areas. The cruise ...
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Sail Date: January 2024


Good not great

Review for a Panama Canal & Central America Cruise on Zaandam

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Rider470
2-5 Cruises • Age 60s

Weakest link in our cruise has been the excursions, not as described, bus broke down in Costa Rica w a 2 hr delay. Tour Cartagena Columbia listed as 3.5 hrs lasted over 4.5 hours w no food or cafe stops available. Onboard bars running out of my favorite beer and 12oz waters is disappointing. Despite purchasing Have It All package my account has been charged incorrectly for drinks several times. ...
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Sail Date: January 2024


Less than advertised, a huge dissapointment for the money spent

Review for a Panama Canal & Central America Cruise on Nieuw Amsterdam

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Unhappy canal cruiser
10+ Cruises • Age 70s

My experience on the Nieuw Amsterdad was far from what was advertised. I did not find the dining to be top notch. Pinnicle was very overrated. I tried the porkchop and needed a chainsaw to cut it. My wife tried the Hallibut and it was so dry you could use it as an ink blotter. The main dining room was mediocre at best. We were at sea 11 days of our 15 day cruise because 4 ports were ...
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Sail Date: October 2023


The Most Disappointing Travel/Cruise Experience Ever

Review for a Panama Canal & Central America Cruise on Nieuw Amsterdam

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H BRIAR
2-5 Cruises • Age 50s

I am incredibly disappointed, frustrated and feel ripped off that I paid full price for a Holland America Cruise, that did not cater to my age group, and had so many port stops cancelled. On top of this, the Shore Excursions advertised by Holland America on the Navigator App, and website were not what was delivered by the Tour Guides and the Greenhouse Spa experience was also very substandard. ...
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Sail Date: October 2023


Absolutely disappointin

Review for a Panama Canal & Central America Cruise on Nieuw Amsterdam

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KAATJE67
10+ Cruises • Age 50s

We chose this cruise and the cruiseline because of tbe itinerary. Before start of the cruise we already received change of itinerary whereby 1 port of call was cancelled. During the cruise 2 other ports of call (out of 6 remaining!) were cancelled (due to wrather conditions and mechanical problems to the ship) and 1 was changed due to political troubles. As a compensation we received 200 USD non ...
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Sail Date: October 2023

Cabin Type: Deluxe Ocean-View Verandah Stateroom


Through the Canal, bucket list item checked!

Review for a Panama Canal & Central America Cruise on Zaandam

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baldwinjl
10+ Cruises • Age 60s

I have wanted to see the Panama Canal for longer than I want to talk about! Had an offer which made the two week cruise reasonable enough to pull the trigger, and had a great time! I saw a previous review that said this was the worst ship ever, I just don't see that. Is it older? Yes. But it is aging pretty well. The carpets, furniture, and other fittings have clearly been kept up. The ...
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Sail Date: April 2023

Cabin Type: Verandah Suite


Great trip in the Panama Canal

Review for a Panama Canal & Central America Cruise on Zaandam

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RetiredFLRN
6-10 Cruises • Age 60s

We started in San Diego and ended up in our home state, which made this a fun trip! We had several family tragedies the months leading up to the trip and it was nice to get away, just the two of us. We have been in the canal before but never end to end. The history and discussion the cruise director did really brought the history of the canal to life. The stop in Guatemala we so ...
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Sail Date: April 2023

Cabin Type: Large Ocean-View Stateroom


Wonderful Time Through Panama Canal

Review for a Panama Canal & Central America Cruise on Zaandam

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CruisingPoof
10+ Cruises • Age 40s

This was a 14 day Panama Canal journey from San Diego to Fort Lauderdale. Zaandam is a smaller ship and doesn't have a lot of "bells and whistles" but has a lot to offer. Passengers were on the older side and only 14 or so children on board. Staff and crew were excellent. Never a long wait for a drink or to get something from the Lido buffet. Pools and hot tubs were never really very ...
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Sail Date: February 2023

Cabin Type: Neptune Deluxe Verandah Suite


Yes, it is literally "the worst ship I've ever been on."

Review for a Panama Canal & Central America Cruise on Zaandam

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jim87
10+ Cruises • Age 70s

Chose this ship for the itinerary. Big mistake. Dated in all ways.So lacking in accessible features I can't believe it's ADA compliant. They are carrying wheelchair guests off the ship by hand. In the tiny casino you may earn enough points to qualify for free drinks while playing. But.... Good luck finding a server. Few activities on seadays. You are expected to amuse yourself. Entertainment ...
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Sail Date: February 2023

Cabin Type: Large Ocean-View Stateroom

Traveled with disabled person


Didn’t expect to like it so much!

Review for a Panama Canal & Central America Cruise on Zaandam

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Jotravels
10+ Cruises • Age 50s

This is long overdue! We’ve been on 3 cruises in 12 months and have used cruise critic for so much information. I decided it was time to jump in and give back! The three ships we’ve sailed on in the past year were Holland Americas Zaandam, Seaborne Oddessy, and Oceania Vista. We sailed on the Zaandam with a group of 8 people, family and friends. We wanted the iconic experience of going through ...
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Sail Date: February 2023

Cabin Type: Verandah Suite


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