Holland America Line is partnering with the stewards of the Pan Am brand to offer a 28-day cruise in the Caribbean and Central America, inspired by the golden age of travel. The Zuiderdam will travel a route similar to those flown by the Pan Am Clipper, with guests able to dine on Pan Am-inspired meals and partake in special tours and hear from expert speakers.
On Pan Am‘s tours, guests would travel on large Clipper seaplanes, which could transform any harbor into an airport. The Zuiderdam will call in 18 locations, including Colon, Panama, and St. John’s, Antigua, with tours designed around places and experiences that intersect with Pan Am’s historic routes.
Guests on the Zuiderdam will be able to enjoy classic dishes like shrimp cocktail with boiled egg, asparagus and Louis dressing and Dover sole with crabmeat filling, baked in a puff pastry, as well as the Clipper Cocktail, made from rum, Dolin Blanc, and grenadine. The Clipper Cocktail will be sold onboard.
Holland America Line has licensed the use of the Pan Am name, marks, and intellectual property from Pan American World Airways, which has been working on a comeback for the brand since it officially ceased flying in 1991. The Pan Am Museum Foundation is also supporting the initiative through community engagement, educational storytelling, and promotional opportunities.
Partnership details
During a media event, Craig Carter, CEO of Pan Am Global Holdings, said that people are seeking the nostalgia of the Pan Am age. Paul Grigsby, Holland America Line’s vice president of itinerary planning, added that the ship will try to get as close as possible to the routes flown by Pan Am planes, although it cannot cruise to certain destinations like Cuba or Venezuela. He added that, when possible, the ship will dock or tender “pretty close to where the flying boats used to come in.” “If you’re a history buff and you love aviation, and you love cruising, this is the cruise you’re going to want to be on.” Grigsby said.
