Panama Canal Discovery
October 26 to November 7, 2025
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 features stops in incredible destinations including Costa Rica, Colombia, Panama, and Curacao and we’re inviting your family to join us on this bucket list voyage.
This voyage is fully accessible, dementia-friendly, offers supported travel options for seniors, can include special family rates for additional travelers in your group, and offers daily caregiver respite sessions.
Where We’re Taking You
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.
October 26: Welcome aboard Holland America Line’s Rotterdam. 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.
October 27: 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 feeding the fish, taking a glass bottom boat ride, relaxing in a cabana, and enjoying a beach BBQ! It’s the perfect spot to kick off your vacation.
October 28-29: 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.
October 30: This full day in Curacao allows us to enjoy the best of the island. Whether you choose to spend your day taking a tour, relaxing on a beach, shopping the colorful storefronts, or sipping the famous liquor, our Elite staff will always be nearby to provide support as needed or accompany you on the shore excursion of your choice.
October 31: 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 conference room for adult day care. Don’t be surprised if you find a Halloween Party in full swing with us snacking on treats, doing festive crafts, playing games, or even having an impromptu dance party in our Halloween costumes!
November 1: 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 2: 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 3: 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 tasting. Whatever you choose to do you are guaranteed some stunning views from wherever you are so have those cameras ready!
November 4: 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 5: The Cayman islands are all about adventure and there’s no end to it when we dock in Georgetown. Swim with dolphins, explore a cave, or take a ride on a semi-submersible to learn about shipwrecks on the reef. Whatever you choose to do don’t leave here without trying the rum cake that this island is famous for!
November 6: This is our last chance to enjoy all the amenities the Eurodam 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. Today our group will enjoy a special dining event together to make this trip even more memorable.
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.
We offer the following on each Elite Supported Cruise so you and your loved ones can enjoy life to the fullest:
- Daily caregiver break time
- All-inclusive cruise which includes onboard dining, beverage package, and WiFi
- Group accompanied by medical professionals, including RN support 24/7, as well as trained support staff. Staff to client ratio is 1:3.
- Meet and greet at airport and escort to pre/post cruise hotel
- Transfers to/from cruise ship
- Luggage handling by Elite Cruises staff
- Group dinner seating plus 2 specialty dining experiences
- Events and programming exclusively for our group
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.
Ask us about additional services to make your vacation truly stress free including:
- Transportation from your residence to your local airport
- Flights accompanied by an Elite Cruises staff member
- Private duty caregivers
- Private accessible transportation to/from cruise port
- Extended daily respite so caregivers can enjoy longer shore excursions or ship amenities while their loved ones have fun with our Elite staff
- Shore excursions accompanied by an Elite staff member for additional support
Caregiver Conferences & Support
Connect with other caregivers on our cruises and find the support you need with caregiver circles and educational seminars on caregiving managing, self care, diagnosis/prognosis, and neuroplasticity concepts and activities. These sessions are exclusively for our group and feature new guest speakers on each voyage as well as our team of professionals including Elite Cruises owner Kathy, a geriatric neurology nurse with adaptive technology certification. Additionally get the time to regroup, relax, and recharge with daily two hour respite sessions where our team will take over your caregiving duties and you have the break you deserve.
Rotterdam 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.
FOR PRICING AND AVAILABILITY CALL
888-826-6836
