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What a magnificent time you are going to have on this cruise!
Setting sail from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, you will have an opportunity to experience the Panama Canal aboard the luxurious comfort of Holland America’s ship, Ms. Zuiderdam.
You will certainly enjoy going through the locks in the canal and, coupled with the wonderful shore excursions the ship has to offer, you are certain to have a lifetime of memories.
Excursions are the best way to enjoy the magnificent sights and culture in each of the ports-of-call and to enjoy the warm embrace of the native people.
On January 7, 1914, the Panama Canal opened for business, creating a water passage between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. This mega ship mover was considered one of the largest engineering wonders of its time.
Cruise ships that pass through the Panama Canal pay toll rates that are based on the number of berths. Every year 17,500 ships move through the locks. You may want to get a balcony for this cruise, as it will take 8 to 10 hours to navigate the locks.
You will be able to see the expansion, often called the “third locks,” which doubled the capacity of the Panama Canal, once that portion opened, in 2016.
Bring your camera, and be prepared for the trip of a lifetime!
April 10, 2019
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US Departs 05:00 PM
April 11, 2019
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas Arrives 08:00 AM Departs 03:00 PM
April 12, 2019 AT SEA
April 13, 2019
Oranjestad, Aruba Arrives 01:00 PM Departs 11:00 PM
April 14, 2019
Willemstad, Curacao Arrives 08:00 AM Departs 11:00 PM
April 15, 2019 AT SEA
April 16, 2019
Cartagena, Colombia Arrives 07:00 AM Departs 01:00 PM
April 17, 2019
Enter Panama Canal Cristobal Arrives 05:00 AM Departs 05:00 AM
April 17, 2019 Cruising Panama Canal and Gatun Lake
April 17, 2019
Gatun Lake, Panama Arrives 09:00 AM Departs 10:00 AM
April 17, 2019 Cruising Gatun Lake and Panama Canal
April 17, 2019
Exit Panama Canal Cristobal Arrives 01:00 PM Departs 01:00 PM
April 17, 2019
Colon, Panama Arrives 03:00 PM Departs 08:00 PM
April 18, 2019
Puerto Limon (San Jose), Costa Rica Arrives 06:30 AM Departs 04:00 PM
April 19, 2019 AT SEA
April 20, 2019 AT SEA
April 21, 2019
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US Arrives 07:00 AM
Recall Dates:
November 11, 2018
December 11, 2018
January 10, 2019
The above rates are only guaranteed as long as space is available in our blocked space.
Booking your cabin early
Escapees can only hold the discounted group space for a limited time before the cruise line recalls our unused cabins, or if we sell out and obtain more from the cruise line. The below rates are not guaranteed and we may not be able to secure the rates or your cabin near the other HOP attendees. Escapees will attempt to secure your preferred cabin, if space is still available. Most cruises sell out early, so it’s critical to book early, even though this cruise is scheduled for NEXT YEAR!
Deck plan:
https://www.hollandamerica.com/assets/deckplans/zu.pdf
Cabins and pricing:
Interior: Category J– Deck 1, – Forward & Aft - approximately 151 sq. ft.
$1540.00 Cruise Rate
$ 410.00 Port Charges, Taxes/Fees
$1950.00 per person
Outside: Category D– Deck 1, 4, – Forward & Aft - approximately 180 sq. ft.
$1679.00 Cruise Rate
$ 410.00 Port Charges, Taxes/Fees
$2089.00 per person
Verandah with Balcony: Category VD –Deck 6, 7, – Forward, Mid & Aft - approximately 213 sq. ft.
$2199.00 Cruise Rate
$ 410.00 Port Charges, Taxes/Fees
$2609.00 per person
Deposit:
$600 per person
Final Payment Date:
January 25, 2019
To register for this cruise
Call the Escapees Travel Agency
Toll-free: 1-855-757-8881
Or, email: ETA@escapees.com
Early Dining
Escapees has asked for early dining for the HOP group. If you would like to dine later, please let us know when you register for this HOP.
Socials On-Board
There will be several socials onboard reserved for the Escapees HOP attendees. Once the socials are approved by the cruise line, you will be notified via email.
Passports:
Please remember to have a current passport. Even if there are six months left on your passport, you may be denied entry into a country. The travel industry is warning us that sometimes it can take up to three months to renew or apply for your passport.
Confirmation email
Once registered, a confirmation notification will be sent via email regarding all the pertinent information, such as an RV Park address, tour dates, times, etc.
Please, make sure Escapees has your current email address on file. If you do not receive it, please check your spam files, or email us at: eta@escapees.com.
Trip cancellation and interruption Insurance
We highly suggest that you protect your investment on this HOP by purchasing trip insurance.
If you or a family member has a pre-existing medical condition, you might also consider purchasing cancellation insurance. Insurance can also help with covering unexpected emergencies while on the trip.
You can get more information about this insurance, such as pricing and coverage, by calling the Escapees Travel Agency, 855-757-8881, or emailing them at: eta@escapees.com. Travel insurance must be purchased within 10 business days, once the HOP is purchased.
To view upcoming HOPs: https://www.escapees.com/community/head-out-program-hops/
To visit the HOP Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/EscapeesHOPs
To join our informative discussion forum: http://www.rvnetwork.com .
Escapees Club News:
The HOPs or any Escapees RV Club information can be sent to you in the Club News.
If you would like to stay informed with important club updates, advocacy issues and promotion items, simply go to: https://member.escapees.com/members/ and then click the “Club News” tab, in the middle of the page, to sign up.
See you at the HOP!
HOP Director/RV Show Director
For Cruise HOPs, call:
Escapees Travel Agency
855-757-8881 (Toll Free)
Escapees RV Club
100 Rainbow Drive
Livingston, Texas 77351
888-757-2582