Depiction of the Panama Canal's discovery

Panama Canal Discovery
November 8-20, 2026

Round Trip from Ft. Lauderdale, FL

This autumn we’re sailing south to discover the treasures of Central and South America on a 12-day journey featuring a trip through the famous Panama Canal. This Elite supported cruise and caregiver retreat includes stops in incredible destinations such as Costa Rica, Colombia, Panama, and Aruba and we’re inviting your family to join us on this bucket list voyage.

This group voyage is appropriate for:
Solo travelers
Multigenerational families
Travelers celebrating special events
Seniors who enjoy a concierge travel experience
Wheelchair users or travelers with accessibility requirements
Travelers with Alzheimer’s/Dementia
Caregivers and their loved ones who require a heavily supported travel experience.

Where we’re taking you

Two men pose in front of a ship moored in a canal.

Several individuals pose together in front of a sign that says

Pre-cruise: The fun begins at our pre-cruise group hotel! The Elite Cruises staff will meet you at Ft Lauderdale airport and escort you to our hotel where you’ll have a chance to relax after traveling and get to know our group. Transportation to the cruise port on embarkation day is included with your hotel stay.

November 7: Leaving the ship doesn’t have to mean the fun has to end. Join us back at our group hotel to extend your trip and take advantage of the amazing weather Ft Lauderdale has in the autumn.

November 8: Welcome aboard Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam. On day 1 of our voyage we’ll get to know each other over lunch onboard before going up on deck to wave goodbye to Florida. After unpacking and getting settled it’s time for a night out with a group dinner followed by enjoying one of the many entertainment venues on board.

November 9:Our adventures begin with a full day in Half Moon Cay, Bahamas. This island is everyone’s favorite spot, with white sand beaches and stunning blue waters. Spend the day here taking a glass bottom boat ride, relaxing in a cabana, taking a dip in the bright blue water, and enjoying a beach BBQ! It’s the perfect spot to kick off your vacation.

November 10-11: These days at sea features programs exclusively for our group with workshops and conferences for caregivers as well as respite/adult daycare where our staff takes over so caregivers can take the break they deserve. Respite activities can include music therapy, art, games, puzzles, movies, and more. Tell us what activities your loved ones enjoy and we’ll make it happen! Our supported cruises are fully customizable so every member of your family gets to do something they enjoy and have a true vacation.

November 12: Aruba is a nature lovers paradise, with so many natural wonders to see and so many amazing spots to swim. Explore a reef in the comfort of a semi-submarine, take a dip in a natural pool, or marvel at the Ayo rock formations, or if you are just looking for pure relaxation the white sands of Eagle Beach are calling your name.

November 13:This day at sea gives us another chance to host programming for caregivers while the Elite Cruises staff takes over caring for their loved ones. Caregivers can practice some self-care at one of the hot tubs onboard or at an afternoon wine tasting and if you need us we’ll be in our private conference space with all loved ones playing games, rocking out to our favorite music, snacking on some afternoon cookies, and just having a blast.

November 14: Cartagena, Colombia is an incredible city with a mix of old world Spanish architecture and colonial Caribbean styles and the best way to see them all is with a tour. Or for a glimpse at the treasures of South America stop by the Gold Museum or browse local shops for some of the emerald jewelry Cartagena is known for. While enjoying a day here don’t forget to stop and taste some of the culinary delights of the city and wash them down with Aguardiente, Colombia’s national alcohol.

November 15: Grab a front row seat on our ship as we head through the famous locks of the Panama Canal! Spend your day on deck watching the wildlife as we cruise through Gatun Lake before we finally dock in Colon for an evening of shopping for souvenirs. This is your chance to bring back some locally made items for the family and friends that didn’t join you on this cruise. Hopefully they can make it to the next one with us!

November 16: Today we’re heading inland and exploring the jungles of Costa Rica. Take a boat tour of the Tortuguero Canals, say hi to some sloths at a sloth sanctuary and research center, or visit a hacienda for a coffee and chocolate tasting. Whatever you choose to do you are guaranteed some stunning views from wherever you are so have those cameras ready!

November 17: This day at sea gives us another chance to enjoy caregiver conferences and workshops and take advantage of the ship’s amenities. We highly recommend a trip to the hydrotherapy pool in the spa which is our favorite spot to relax onboard, and our bodies could definitely use a lazy day after doing so many activities in Costa Rica.

November 18: Our last stop is beautiful Ocho Rios, Jamaica and this voyage definitely saved the best for last. Here you can cool off in Dunn’s River Falls, go on a river tubing adventure, take a scenic drive through Fern Gully Gorge, or watch dolphins play at Dolphin Cove; for a truly incredible experience you can even swim with dolphins!

November 19: This is our last chance to enjoy all the amenities the Nieuw Amsterdam has to offer. Treat yourself to a specialty massage, book a private cabana at The Retreat for an afternoon of pure relaxation, or take a book out of the library to read while relaxing by the pool. At night we’ll have one last spectacular meal (and maybe order two desserts, we do have the all-inclusive package and it would be a shame to decide between chocolate cake and crème brulee) before packing up our suitcases for the Holland America porters.

VIEW PRICING AND ITINERARY

*Holland America cruise refund available with purchase of Platinum Insurance. Elite Cruises fees are refundable if Allianz Travel Insurance has been purchased up to 10 days after cruise deposit date. Final payment date is July 27, 2026.

Route map for the Caribbean cruisep

Group Amenities

Each traveler on this group voyage will enjoy amenities including:

All-inclusive onboard package featuring dining, beverages, Wi-Fi, and more.
Option for shore excursion recommendations and booking assistance.
Option for car service from your home to local airport or cruise port.
Airport meet and greet by Elite Cruises staff and escort to group hotel.
Pre/post cruise group hotel stay for dates of your choosing
Transfers from hotel to port and back
Luggage handling by Elite Cruises staff and Holland America porters.
Group dinner reservations plus a specialty dining experience. Option for group breakfast and lunch is also available.
Elite Cruises staff accompaniment throughout travel. Staff is comprised of travel agents, nurses, lifeguards, concierges, activity therapists, and tour guides to ensure every need is met throughout journey.

Two women standing together in an airport

Elite Support Services

For travelers who require a robust supported experience as well as their families we provide amenities unique to our travel agency including:

Staff to family ratio of 1:1
Accessible accommodations and excursions and mobility device reservations can be made through our agency. Private accessible transport is also available to/from port. Elite Cruises is a certified accessible travel advocate.
Daily caregiver respite/break time
Neuroplasticity focused activities curated by our programming director. These activities are tailored to the lifestyle and preferences of any attendees.
Group accompanied by medical professionals, including RN support 24/7.
Option for flights accompanied by Elite Cruises staff.
Option for shore excursions to be accompanied by Elite Cruises staff.
Private duty care and daily personal care can be arranged.
Caregiver workshops and support circles on sea days.

Wheelchair accessible and mobility accessible staterooms are available on a first come first serve basis. All cabins on the ship can be retrofitted to be accessible with elevated toilet seats, shower chairs, and detachable shower heads at no additional cost. Arrangements can be made to rent assistive devices such as manual wheelchairs, scooters, power wheelchairs, etc. unless travelers prefer to bring their own from home.

Two women swim in the water with a large cruise ship visible in the background.

Nieuw Amsterdam offers vacation experiences for all ages!

Create lifelong memories with all generations of your family on this impressive vessel. Younger family members will enjoy dedicated activities and entertainment at Club HAL while adults unwind at Greenhouse Spa or enjoy a private cabana at The Retreat. All generations can come together for some fun at the spacious Sea View Pool or at one of the many music venues on board.