Holland America Line will recreate the golden age of travel aboard its Pan Am 100th Anniversary Legendary Voyage, with a selection of onboard experiences and shore excursions designed to immerse passengers in the history, glamour and spirit of Pan Am's iconic Clipper era.
From airline-inspired culinary offerings and expert guest lectures to the revival of the legendary Clipper Club and exclusive tours, the cruise will integrate the airline's history into the entire experience, both on board and at the destinations.
The 28-day cruise will take place aboard the Zuiderdam, departing from and returning to Miami, Florida, on October 30, 2027. The itinerary will retrace some of Pan Am's historic routes through the Caribbean and Central America. During the voyage, passengers will discover various destinations through the lens of the airline's legacy, while also experiencing the culture, history, and attractions that make each location special today.
"Pan Am helped redefine the meaning of travel, turning the journey into an experience full of discoveries, connections, and special occasions," says Paul Grigsby, Vice President of Itinerary Planning and Deployment at Holland America Line.
"With this cruise, we want to bring that era to life and combine elements of Pan Am's extraordinary history with the signature experiences of Holland America Line. Passengers will discover how the legacies of these two travel brands come together in a way that is authentic to both, from the ship to the destinations we will visit.".
A journey through the history of Pan Am
On board, passengers can delve deeper into the history of this iconic airline through a special program of activities and presentations led by experts and historians from Pan Am and aviation. The speakers will discuss the people, aircraft, and destinations that shaped the company's trajectory.
The participants include:
- Willie Aames, actor and narrator, will discuss the pioneering spirit of Pan Am, from the people and innovations that helped create the world's first global airline to the extraordinary voyage of the Pacific Clipper during World War II. Internationally known for his starring roles in the series Eight Is Enough and Charles in Charge, Aames transitioned from his early film career to narrating some of the great stories of our time.
- Linda Freire, president and co-founder of the Pan Am Museum Foundation, will offer an insider's perspective on the people, culture, and international legacy of Pan Am, drawing on her experience as a flight attendant, recruitment manager, executive, and aviation professional. From her involvement in developing the company's international workforce to her current work preserving its history, she will share firsthand accounts of the airline's influence on its employees, passengers, and the evolution of international travel.
- Steve Gray, an international speaker and storyteller, will delve into the golden age of Pan Am, from its luxurious Flying Clipper and pioneering routes across South America to the stories behind its enduring visual legacy. His lifelong connection to aviation and his family's deep roots in the industry allow him to blend travel history, culture, and personal experiences to convey the romance and history of Pan American World Airways.
- David Hinson, vice president of the Pan Am Museum Foundation, will analyze the airline's service culture and its lasting influence on global aviation. Drawing on his experience in cabin crew training, leadership development, and customer service, he will share stories from his years at Pan Am and explain how the company's commitment to excellence helped shape modern commercial aviation.
- David Kliman, an international executive in the hospitality and travel sectors, will share personal experiences from decades of flying with Pan Am, drawing on his extensive collection of airline memorabilia and his experiences as a pilot and frequent passenger. With over four million frequent flyer miles, he will offer a personal perspective on the Pan Am premium experience and the evolution of international travel.
The cruise ship will also recreate some elements of the Clipper Club, Pan Am's exclusive network of airport lounges, which became synonymous with the airline's premium travel experience. These spaces offered passengers a reserved area to relax, dine, and socialize before flights and during layovers.
On board the Zuiderdam, travelers will find experiences inspired by those clubs and can enjoy a taste of the welcoming atmosphere and hospitality that characterized Pan Am beyond its aircraft.
Gastronomic experiences inspired by Pan Am
Pan Am's influence will also be evident in a selection of special menus inspired by dishes served during the airline's most iconic era. This offering will allow passengers to discover some of the flavors associated with their flights.
The proposal will be complemented by a special cocktail menu inspired by Pan Am's legacy, with updated versions of drinks linked to the airline's traditions.
Among them are:
- Pan Am Cocktail, a tribute to the company's pioneering history, made with light white rum, Campari, orgeat, lemon juice and egg white, and finished with a few drops of aromatic bitters.
- Clipper Cocktail, a drink served on board Pan Am seaplanes, prepared with Mount Gay Eclipse rum, Dolin Blanc vermouth and grenadine, and garnished with a lemon peel.
"We will be celebrating Pan Am's 100th anniversary at the start of this cruise, and I can't think of a better way to commemorate it alongside our most loyal fans and those who are discovering the brand," said Craig Carter, CEO of Pan Am Global Holdings.
"The itinerary is reminiscent of the early days of our Flying Clippers, while the onboard experience we are creating together with Holland America will allow you to relive a very special era in the history of travel."
Shore excursions that explore the history of Pan Am
Several exclusive excursions have been designed for this cruise, connecting passengers with the airline's history in the region and allowing them to explore the destinations visited in greater depth. The excursions will focus on locations and experiences linked to Pan Am's former routes, combining local history, monuments, and culture.
The selected excursions include:
- Cartagena, Colombia. "The Golden Age of Pan Am: Cartagena's High Society." The tour includes a visit in a fleet of classic convertible cars, tastings of local products, and an exploration of the city's reputation as a leading destination for quality emeralds during the Pan Am era.
- Colón, Panama. Agua Clara Locks and Panama Canal Railroad. This excursion connects two key transportation infrastructure landmarks that facilitated travel throughout the region and helped establish Pan Am as a preferred choice for discerning travelers.
- Saint John's, Antigua. A scenic excursion to Shirley Heights allows you to follow in the footsteps of Pan Am navigators. From this vantage point, you can enjoy sweeping views of the harbor, similar to those used by aviation professionals to guide their aircraft during approach.
- Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. “Pan Am’s Caribbean: The Wings of Trinidad.” This tour will explore Pan Am’s pioneering role in Caribbean aviation at Chaguaramas, the airline’s former seaplane base where the Clippers. The tour includes the Chaguaramas Military and Aerospace History Museum, which connects Pan Am’s Caribbean routes to the broader history of aviation in the region.
With Pan Am as the common thread of the journey and Holland America Line's signature service, along with its destination-centric approach, each day will offer new opportunities to connect with the people and places that made that golden age of travel so memorable.
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