Holland America Line has expanded the number of sailings through the Panama Canal this year to 45 cruises, ranging in length from 10 to 28 days.

"We've increased our Panama Canal capacity significantly this year to make 2009 a very exciting season, especially with full transit cruises through the winter season," said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs, in a statement.

The 45 cruises, on nine different ships, will depart from five ports throughout the year.

Ten 14-day winter canal transits on the Statendam are new for 2009, and will sail between Fort Lauderdale and San Diego with different ports of call in each direction. Sample ports include an overnight stay in Fuerte Amador (Panama City), Panama; Puerto Chiapas, Mexico; Cartagena, Colombia; Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; and Oranjestad, Aruba.