Holland America Line is bringing the golden age of travel to life aboard its Pan Am 100th Anniversary Legendary Voyage, with a curated collection of onboard experiences and shore excursions designed to immerse guests in the history, glamour and spirit of Pan Am’s iconic Clipper era. From Pan Am-inspired dining and expert guest speakers to the return of the legendary Clipper Club and exclusive tours, the cruise will weave the airline’s history into the journey from ship to shore.
The 28-day cruise aboard Zuiderdam sails roundtrip from Miami, Florida, departing Oct. 30, 2027, retracing portions of Pan Am’s historic routes through the Caribbean and Central America. Along the way, guests will have opportunities to experience destinations through the lens of Pan Am’s legacy while discovering the culture, history and attractions that make each place special today.
“Pan Am helped redefine what it meant to travel, turning the journey into an experience filled with discovery, connection and a sense of occasion,” said Paul Grigsby, vice president of itinerary planning and deployment for Holland America Line. “With this cruise, we’re bringing that era to life while merging elements of Pan Am’s storied history with Holland America Line’s signature experiences, giving guests a chance to see how the legacies of two travel brands come together in ways that feel authentic to both, from the ship to the destinations along the way.”
Exploring Pan Am’s history
On board, guests can delve deeper into the iconic airline’s history through a series of special programs and presentations from Pan Am and aviation historians and experts. These experts will explore the people, aircraft and destinations that shaped the airline’s story:
- Actor and storytellerย Willie Aamesย will discuss Pan Am’s pioneering spirit, from the people and innovations that helped build the world’s first global airline to the extraordinary Pacific Clipper journey during World War II. Known globally for his starring roles in “Eight is Enough” and “Charles in Charge,” Aames transitioned from his filmmaking roots into telling some of the great tales of our times.
- Linda Freire,ย chair and co-founder of the Pan Am Museum Foundation, will share an insider’s perspective on Pan Am’s people, culture and global legacy, drawing on her career as a flight attendant, recruiter, manager and aviation leader. From helping build Pan Am’s workforce around the world to preserving its history today, Freire will offer firsthand stories about the airline’s impact on employees, passengers and the evolution of international travel.
- Alaska-bornย Steve Gray, an international guest speaker and storyteller, will delve into Pan Am’s golden age of travel, from the airline’s luxurious Flying Clippers and pioneering routes through South America to the fascinating stories behind its enduring visual legacy. With a lifelong connection to flight and a family aviation heritage, Gray combines travel history, culture and firsthand adventure to capture the romance and history of Pan American World Airways.
- David Hinson, vice chairman of the Pan Am Museum Foundation, will explore the airline’s service culture and enduring influence on global aviation. Drawing on his experience in flight attendant training, leadership development and customer service, Hinson will share stories from his years with Pan Am and discuss how the airline’s commitment to excellence helped shape modern air travel.ย
- David Kliman, global hospitality and travel industry leader, will share firsthand stories from decades of flying Pan Am, drawing from his extensive collection of airline memorabilia and experiences as a longtime pilot and frequent Pan Am passenger. With more than four million airline miles logged, Kliman will offer a personal perspective on Pan Am’s premium passenger experience and the evolution of global air travel.
The voyage also will recreate elements of the Clipper Club, Pan Am’s exclusive network of private airport lounges that became synonymous with the airline’s premium travel experience. The Clipper Club offered Pan Am passengers a dedicated space to relax, dine and socialize before and between flights. On board Zuiderdam, guests will encounter moments inspired by the original Clipper Club and get a taste of the welcoming atmosphere and hospitality that extended beyond the aircraft.
Pan Am-inspired culinary experiences
Pan Am’s influence comes through in a selection of special menus inspired by dishes served during the airline’s celebrated era of travel, giving guests a taste of the cuisine once associated with flying Pan Am.
Example dishes include Cocktail de Crevettes (jumbo shrimp, boiled egg, asparagus, Louis dressing); Cream of Tomato Soup; Broiled Filet Mignon Maรฎtre d’Hรดtel with croquette potatoes and jardiniรจre vegetables; Eggplant Cannelloni Parmigiano with asparagus risotto; Sole en Croรปte (Filets of Dover sole with crabmeat filling, baked in puff pastry); and Soufflรฉ Grand Marnier with crรจme anglaise.
A special cocktail menu is inspired by Pan Am’s legacy, with each drink offering a reimagined take on the flavors and traditions associated with the airline. Examples include:
- Theย Pan Am Cocktail,ย paying tribute to Pan Am’s pioneering history with light white rum, Campari, orgeat, lemon juice and egg white, topped with aromatic bitters.
- Theย Clipper Cocktail,ย which was served aboard flying boats and is made with Mount Gay Eclipse rum, Dolin Blanc and grenadine garnished with a lemon twist.
“We’ll be marking 100 years of Pan Am at the start of this cruise, and I can’t think of a better way for our biggest fans and new fans to celebrate,” said Craig Carter, CEO, Pan Am Global Holdings. “Not only is the cruise itinerary reminiscent of our early days of the Flying Clippers, but the onboard experience we are creating with Holland America will bring to life a special time in the history of travel.”
Shore excursions trace Pan Am’s history
Several tours have been curated exclusively for the Pan Am cruise, connecting guests to the airline’s history in the region while offering a deeper look at the destinations themselves. Designed around places and experiences that intersect with Pan Am’s historic routes, the excursions explore local history, landmarks and cultural experiences.
Select Pan Am tours created for this cruise include:
- Cartagena, Colombia:ย “Pan Am’s Golden Age: Cartagena’s Jet Set” tour includes exploring in a fleet of classic roadsters, tasting local fare and learning about the city’s reputation as a destination for world-class emeralds during the Pan Am era.
- Colรณn, Panama: Explore theย Agua Clara Locks and Panama Canal Railway, connecting two landmarks to the transportation network that helped make travel through the region possible and Pan Am the top choice for discerning travelers.
- St. John’s, Antigua: Follow in the footsteps of Pan Am navigators on a “High Point” tour to Shirley Heights, where sweeping views of the harbor offer a perspective similar to the one navigators used to guide their aircraft into port.
- Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago: On the “Pan Am’s Caribbean: Wings of Trinidad” tour, explore Pan Am’s pioneering role in Caribbean aviation at Chaguaramas, the former Pan Am flying boat base where the Clippers once landed. Visit the Chaguaramas Military History & Aerospace Museum, connecting Pan Am’s Caribbean routes with the region’s broader aviation history.
With Pan Am woven throughout the journey and Holland America Line’s signature service and destination-focused approach at the heart of the voyage, each day offers another connection to the people and places that made this era of travel memorable.
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