Sailing the Panama Canal on Holland America Line’s Rotterdam: A Personal Reflection

Today, we disembarked from an unforgettable 12-night cruise on board Holland America Line’s (HAL) Rotterdam, which took us through a spectacular Panama Canal itinerary with calls in Panama, Half Moon Cay, Curacao, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Jamaica. While a longer cruise like this might seem daunting to some, I’ve come to appreciate the slower pace and the “home away from home” feeling these extended sailings offer. Unlike shorter cruises, where unpacking, rushing through a couple of ports, and then packing to leave feels chaotic, longer itineraries allow for a rhythm that’s far more relaxed. I’ve also grown to genuinely enjoy sea days, which I used to find unbearably boring.

The Panama Canal: A Highlight of the Journey

If you’ve ever considered a Panama Canal itinerary, I highly recommend it. The canal transit itself is a deliberate, almost meditative process, and it’s fascinating to see the engineering and history firsthand. Learning about the construction of the canal, the locks, and how ships navigate it adds a layer of context that truly enhances the experience. On this sailing, we even had a late-night call in Curacao until 10:30 pm, which was an exceptional treat.

Holland America Line: Calm, Comfortable, and Consistent

I’ve sailed with HAL six times now, and it remains a line I enjoy. Their reputation as a cruise line for an older clientele holds true—especially on longer itineraries—but that’s generally a positive for me. The lack of a party-centric atmosphere and fewer children on board make evenings quiet and the pools and hot tubs more accessible and uncrowded.

That said, this sailing had a noticeable downside: older cruisers cutting in line repeatedly. Normally, I don’t let such things bother me, but it was persistent enough this time to be frustrating. It was odd, and I’m not entirely sure why it stood out on this particular cruise, but it’s worth mentioning for fellow travelers.

Dining, Crew, and Onboard Experiences

HAL’s food is consistently good, though nothing blew me away this time. Service, however, is top-notch, and I continue to believe HAL has some of the best crew in the cruise industry. I also enjoy the educational opportunities on board, which are both enriching and engaging.

Entertainment varies in quality; while much of it didn’t stand out for me, the BB King’s live blues band was phenomenal, as always—the best live music experience I’ve encountered at sea.

On the other hand, the Rotterdam’s casino was disappointing. The smoking area wasn’t properly sectioned off, causing smoke to drift everywhere, and the slot machine selection was underwhelming. Worse, the smoking section itself was filthy, with ash scattered on machines—something I hadn’t encountered before on HAL.

Why Rotterdam is My Favorite HAL Ship

The Rotterdam is newer, bigger, and my favorite HAL ship. Unlike the older vessels, such as the Zuiderdam, the Rotterdam offers perks like the Dutch Café, which we visited daily. HAL’s Dutch roots are evident throughout the ship—from Delft pottery patterns and keepsake tiles to themed events like the Orange Party and Dutch Dinner. Even cruising out of U.S. homeports, you’ll notice the Dutch influence in subtle and charming ways.

Reflections and Looking Forward

Overall, this cruise was wonderful. I thoroughly enjoyed the itinerary, the slow pace of a longer sailing, and the comforts of the Rotterdam. At the same time, I’m glad to be home with my kids and Bati, ready to dive back into work—writing new port guides, creating content, and preparing for the spring semester, which I’m teaching online again this year.

Longer cruises like this remind me why I love cruising: the ability to explore, unwind, and experience the journey as much as the destinations. The Panama Canal itinerary, with its mix of engineering marvels, cultural stops, and Caribbean charm, will stick with me for a long time.