Holland America Line and the historic American airline Pan Am are collaborating on a new cruise, and it’s worth checking out if you love aviation history and long itineraries.
The 28-day cruise, which departs on Oct. 30, 2027, commemorates a century since Pan Am took to the skies for the first time in October 1927. It will be one of Holland America’s longer “Legendary Voyages” itineraries, sailing through Mexico, Latin America and the Caribbean from Miami on the line’s Zuiderdam ship and visiting 18 ports, including several that were once Pan Am destinations. Tickets go on sale today, Oct. 21, 2025, at 1 p.m. Eastern.
Pan Am — short for Pan American World Airways — ceased operations in 1991, but it was well known for its elevated service and innovation. Early in its history, the airline flew Clippers — flying boats that took off and landed in water — that went from port to port, often making stops along a circular route, just as cruise ships do.
The Pan Am and Holland America partnership is just one of several Pan Am-themed announcements in 2025. An aviation consulting firm is planning a relaunch of Pan Am as a scheduled airliner, and a European hospitality group announced plans to launch Pan Am Hotel, an airport hotel brand, in 2028. Hilton is also scheduled to open the Pan Am Hotel by Hilton in Los Angeles in 2026.
Here’s everything you need to know about Holland America’s 28-day Pan Am 100th Anniversary Legendary Voyage.
How much the Pan Am cruise costs
Pricing for the Pan Am cruise starts at $3,724 per person (including taxes and fees) based on double occupancy.
While that’s a big upfront cost, it averages to $133 a day, which can be an attractive deal as it covers onboard dining, programming and accommodations. (Some things you’d need to pay up for include premium dining venues, shore excursions, Wi-Fi, and select beverages like sodas and alcohol.)
(Photo courtesy of Holland America Line)
Where the cruise will go
The Pan Am cruise will depart from Miami, which was home to Pan Am’s seaplane terminal (today, that terminal is Miami City Hall). The airline used the facility as a base for its flying boats, and as a hub for travel between the Americas.
(Photo courtesy of Holland America Line)
Here are the planned stops for the cruise (those marked with an asterisk indicate original Pan Am destinations):
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RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, Bahamas
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Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
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Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas*
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Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago*
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Progreso (near Merida), Mexico*
Ports marked with an asterisk indicate original Pan Am destinations. Other ports are close to original destinations, such as San Pedro, which is about an hour’s drive away from Santo Domingo.
(Photo courtesy of Holland America Line)
The Pan Am sailing won’t be like typical Caribbean itineraries. While it will include a stop at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, Holland America and Carnival Cruise Line’s private island in the Bahamas, it will also stop at places skipped by most sailings, such as Port-of-Spain and Santa Marta.
“What’s really unique is that these destinations, many of which were part of Pan Am’s original Clipper routes, are much harder to reach from Miami and simply aren’t accessible on a shorter cruise,” Robert de Bruin, Holland America Line’s director of deployment and itinerary planning, told NerdWallet via email.
(Photo courtesy of Holland America Line)
What passengers can expect
While Holland America hasn’t yet released many details about what to expect onboard, the cruise line is known for its refined dining experiences and excellent educational programming, especially on its Alaska cruises. While Holland America’s elegant decor can sometimes feel outdated compared to more modern cruise ships, that might play a role in evoking the Pan Am theme.
(Photo courtesy of Holland America Line)
Expect to see Pan Am touches through meals inspired by the Clipper service, Pan Am-themed vintage decor and onboard programming that incorporates historical footage. There are also planned excursions and experiences that will “connect back to the airline’s legacy and the spirit of discovery that define both Pan Am and Holland America,” de Bruin said.
For de Bruin, planning the Pan Am-themed sailing involved tapping into family connections. As part of his research, he spoke with his uncle-in-law, a former Pan Am steward who relayed stories about the flying boats, and his wife’s grandfather, a flight engineer for the airline who even flew on Pan Am’s flight to Antarctica in 1957 — the continent’s first commercial aircraft flight.
How to save
(Photo courtesy of Holland America Line)
If you’re looking to save on the pricey itinerary, Holland America is currently offering a limited-time promotion for those who book the Have It All premium package, as of Oct. 21, 2025. This package typically comes with shore excursions, specialty dining, a beverage package and Wi-Fi access. If you book during the promotion, you’ll get extra perks like complimentary upgrades to the Elite beverage package (up to 15 alcoholic and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages daily, up to $15) and premium Wi-Fi.
For those who’ve sailed with Holland America (which means you’re automatically enrolled in its loyalty program, Mariner Society), you can get $400 onboard credit per stateroom by booking within 90 days of the Pan Am Legendary Voyage opening for sale.
Top photo courtesy of Holland America Line.
