19 Night Panama Canal Holiday: Amber Cove & Costa Rica (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip)
MS Nieuw Amsterdam
MS Nieuw Amsterdam
December 20, 2026
19 Night Panama Canal Holiday: Amber Cove & Costa Rica

MS Nieuw Amsterdam - 12/20/2026

The December 20, 2026 cruise on the MS Nieuw Amsterdam departs from Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida. On this 19 Night Panama Canal Holiday: Amber Cove & Costa Rica (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip) sailing, the ship will visit a total of 12 cruise port destinations, including its departure port. The MS Nieuw Amsterdam sets sail on Sunday, Dec 20th and returns on Friday, Jan 8th.

Cruise Length
19
Night Cruise
Departure Port
Fort Lauderdale
Florida
Port Stops
12
Sea Days
7

Cruise Pricing

The graph below tracks historic price of the MS Nieuw Amsterdam cruise ship departing December 20, 2026. The most recent price for this sailing starts at $2,819 ($149 per night) for an Inside Cabin. Compared to the average price of $3,369 ($178 per night), this represents a recent decrease of 16%.

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Inside Cabin
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16%
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Cruise Itinerary

Itinerary

MS Nieuw Amsterdam - December 20, 2026 - 19 Nights

DayDatePort
1Dec 20thFort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida
2Dec 21stHalf Moon Cay, Bahamas (private Island)
3Dec 22ndAt Sea
4Dec 23rdGrand Turk Island
5Dec 24thAmber Cove (Puerto Plata), Dominican Republic
6Dec 25thAt Sea
7Dec 26thKey West, Florida
8Dec 27thFort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida
9Dec 28thHalf Moon Cay, Bahamas (private Island)
10Dec 29thAt Sea
11Dec 30thAt Sea
12Dec 31stOranjestad, Aruba
13Jan 1stAt Sea
14Jan 2ndCartagena, Colombia
15Dec 20thCruise Gatun Lake (inside Panama Canal)
15Dec 20thPanama Canal (cruise Into Canal)
15Jan 3rdColon, Panama
16Jan 4thPuerto Limon, Costa Rica
17Jan 5thAt Sea
18Jan 6thGeorge Town, Grand Cayman
19Jan 7thAt Sea
20Jan 8thFort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida
show more...

The MS Nieuw Amsterdam sails on December 20, 2026 for a 19 Night Panama Canal Holiday: Amber Cove & Costa Rica (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip). The ship will depart the port of Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida at 3:00 PM and will return to the port of Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida on Jan 8th at 6:00 AM. During the 22-day journey, the MS Nieuw Amsterdam will visit 11 additional ports and will spend 7 days at sea.

Itinerary Safety Score

Based on my comprehensive research of cruise port safety information, including recent crime reports, travel advisories, Global Peace Index rankings, and specific port security concerns, we've created a "safety score" for each cruise port stop. The overall rating below represents a combined score for your specific cruise itinerary.

Itinerary Safety Rank
76 / 100
safer than 76% of all cruises
76
7
/ 10
Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida
Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale's cruise port is secure, but travelers should stay vigilant and cautious in neighborhoods with higher crime rates.
9
/ 10
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (private Island)
Half Moon Cay
Half Moon Cay ensures guest safety with strong security measures and controlled access, minimizing crime risks for a worry-free visit.
8
/ 10
Grand Turk Island
Grand Turk
Grand Turk Island is a safe destination for cruise travelers, featuring a low crime rate and a strong local police presence.
8
/ 10
Amber Cove (Puerto Plata), Dominican Republic
Amber Cove
Amber Cove ensures safety within the port, but travelers should remain vigilant and cautious when exploring areas outside it.
8
/ 10
Key West, Florida
Key West
Visitors to Key West should remain vigilant against petty crime, particularly theft, while taking standard precautions to ensure safety.
8
/ 10
Oranjestad, Aruba
Oranjestad
Oranjestad is a safe cruise destination, but travelers should remain vigilant in crowded areas to avoid petty theft.
6
/ 10
Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena
Travelers in Cartagena should stay vigilant, avoid displaying valuables, and consider organized tours to minimize risks of petty crime.
10
/ 10
Cruise Gatun Lake (inside Panama Canal)
Gatun Lake
Travelers can safely enjoy Gatun Lake's beauty from their cruise ship, as the area is well-monitored and secure.
10
/ 10
Panama Canal (cruise Into Canal)
Panama Canal
Cruise travelers at the Panama Canal can enjoy a safe experience aboard their ship, with low crime rates and strong security measures.
5
/ 10
Colon, Panama
Colon
Travelers in Colon, Panama, should stay vigilant against crime, avoid less populated areas, and consider organized tours for safety.
6
/ 10
Puerto Limon, Costa Rica
Puerto Limon
Travelers to Puerto Limon should stay vigilant against petty theft and consider organized tours for a safer experience.
9
/ 10
George Town, Grand Cayman
George Town
George Town, Grand Cayman, is a safe cruise destination with low crime rates and a strong local law enforcement presence.

Cruise Ship

MS Nieuw Amsterdam Size Infographic

MS Nieuw Amsterdam

87 k
tonnage
936 ft
length
2010
year built
1,053
cabins
2,106
passengers
929
crew

MS NIEUW AMSTERDAM SIZE

The MS Nieuw Amsterdam has a construction date of 2010 and a total size of 86,700 gross tons. The ship measures 936 feet (285 meters) in length. MS Nieuw Amsterdam is included in Holland America’s Signature Class Class. At full capacity, the MS Nieuw Amsterdam holds 3,035 passengers. That includes 2,106 cruise vacationers and 929 staff members. The MS Nieuw Amsterdam total number of staterooms is 1,053.

MS Nieuw Amsterdam Size & Stats

  • Gross Tonnage:86,700 GT
  • Length:936 ft (285 m)
  • Beam:106 ft (32 m)
  • Draft:26 ft (8 m)
  • Max Speed:28 mph (24 kn)
  • Year Built:2010
  • Years Served:2010 - Present
  • Capacity:2,106
  • Crew Members:929
  • Total on Board:3,035
  • Total Staterooms:1,053
  • Flagged Country:Netherlands
  • Ship Cost:450 Million
  • Status:active

To see how this compares, click through to see MS Nieuw Amsterdam age and stats vs all Holland America ships. There you’ll find graphs showing length, capacity, tonnage and more for this ship vs all in the fleet.

To check out the ship from top to bottom, click here for MS Nieuw Amsterdam Deck Plans.

Cruise Ports

Day1
DEC 202026
United States
D:3:00 PM

Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida, offers docking at Port Everglades. Travelers explore Las Olas Boulevard and Everglades tours. Excursions include airboat rides. Local markets sell conch fritters. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures canals and Atlantic vistas. Dining onboard includes stone crab, a Floridian favorite. Souvenirs, like seashell crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Seminole history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the subtropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Fort Lauderdale’s urban charm offers a vibrant American stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of scenic waterways and natural adventures, making Fort Lauderdale an engaging destination for exploration. (126 words)

Day2
DEC 212026
A:7:00 AMD:4:00 PM

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Private Island), offers docking at a private port. Travelers explore white-sand beaches and Stingray Cove. Excursions include horseback riding by the sea. Local markets sell conch fritters. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for island tours. Photography captures turquoise waters and Caribbean vistas. Dining onboard includes cracked conch, a Bahamian favorite. Souvenirs, like shell crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Lucayan history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance beach exploration. Half Moon Cay’s island allure offers a vibrant stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of serene beaches and marine activities, making Half Moon Cay an engaging destination. (126 words)

Day3
DEC 222026
At Sea

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Day4
DEC 232026
Turks And Caicos Islands
A:7:00 AMD:4:00 PM

Grand Turk Island, Turks and Caicos, offers docking at Grand Turk Cruise Center. Travelers explore Cockburn Town and Governor’s Beach. Excursions include snorkeling at Gibbs Cay. Local markets sell conch salad. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures colonial buildings and Caribbean vistas. Dining onboard includes jerk fish, a Turks and Caicos favorite. Souvenirs, like shell crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Taino history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance reef exploration. Grand Turk’s coastal charm offers a vibrant stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic sites and marine beauty, making Grand Turk an engaging destination. (126 words)

Day5
DEC 242026
Dominican Republic
A:7:00 AMD:4:00 PM

Amber Cove (Puerto Plata), Dominican Republic, offers docking at Amber Cove Port. Travelers explore Fort San Felipe and Amber Museum. Excursions include Damajagua Waterfalls. Local markets sell mangu. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures colonial forts and Caribbean vistas. Dining onboard includes sancocho, a Dominican favorite. Souvenirs, like amber crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Taino history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance waterfall hikes. Amber Cove’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Dominican stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic sites and adventurous waterfalls, making Amber Cove an engaging destination. (126 words)

Day6
DEC 252026
At Sea

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Day7
DEC 262026
United States
A:7:00 AMD:4:00 PM

Key West, Florida, offers docking at Mallory Square Port. Travelers explore Duval Street and Hemingway House. Excursions include snorkeling at Dry Tortugas. Local markets sell key lime pie. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures colorful homes and Gulf vistas. Dining onboard includes conch fritters, a Floridian favorite. Souvenirs, like seashell crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Conch Republic history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the subtropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Key West’s vibrant charm offers a lively American stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of literary history and scenic coasts, making Key West an engaging destination. (126 words)

Day8
DEC 272026
United States
A:6:00 AMD:3:00 PM

Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida, offers docking at Port Everglades. Travelers explore Las Olas Boulevard and Everglades tours. Excursions include airboat rides. Local markets sell conch fritters. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures canals and Atlantic vistas. Dining onboard includes stone crab, a Floridian favorite. Souvenirs, like seashell crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Seminole history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the subtropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Fort Lauderdale’s urban charm offers a vibrant American stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of scenic waterways and natural adventures, making Fort Lauderdale an engaging destination for exploration. (126 words)

Day9
DEC 282026
A:7:00 AMD:4:00 PM

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Private Island), offers docking at a private port. Travelers explore white-sand beaches and Stingray Cove. Excursions include horseback riding by the sea. Local markets sell conch fritters. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for island tours. Photography captures turquoise waters and Caribbean vistas. Dining onboard includes cracked conch, a Bahamian favorite. Souvenirs, like shell crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Lucayan history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance beach exploration. Half Moon Cay’s island allure offers a vibrant stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of serene beaches and marine activities, making Half Moon Cay an engaging destination. (126 words)

Day10
DEC 292026
At Sea

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Day11
DEC 302026
At Sea

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Day12
DEC 312026
Netherlands Antilles
A:7:00 AMD:4:00 PM

Oranjestad, Aruba, offers docking at Oranjestad Port. Travelers explore Arikok National Park and California Lighthouse. Excursions include snorkeling at Baby Beach. Local markets sell keshi yena. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures cacti landscapes and Caribbean vistas. Dining onboard includes funchi, an Aruban favorite. Souvenirs, like aloe crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Arawak history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance reef exploration. Oranjestad’s vibrant charm offers a lively Aruban stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of natural parks and scenic beaches, making Oranjestad an engaging destination for exploration. (126 words)

Day13
JAN 12027
At Sea

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Day14
JAN 22027
A:6:00 AMD:1:00 PM

Cartagena, Colombia, offers docking at Cartagena Port. Travelers explore San Felipe Castle and Old Town’s colorful streets. Excursions include Rosario Islands snorkeling. Local markets sell arepas. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures colonial walls and Caribbean vistas. Dining onboard includes sancocho, a Colombian favorite. Souvenirs, like emerald crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Spanish colonial history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance historic walks. Cartagena’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Colombian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic fortresses and scenic islands, making Cartagena an engaging destination for exploration. (126 words)

Day15
N/A N/AN/A

Cruise Gatun Lake (Inside Panama Canal), Panama, offers scenic cruising without docking. Travelers view Gatun Lake and Barro Colorado Island from the ship. Excursions include canal history tours. No facilities exist; provisions are ship-based. The peak season, December to April, brings dry weather for lake cruising. Photography captures rainforest shores and canal vistas. Dining onboard includes arroz con pollo, a Panamanian favorite. Souvenirs, like molas, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover canal history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while binoculars enhance wildlife viewing. Gatun Lake’s natural allure offers a vibrant Panamanian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of engineering feats and scenic lakes, making Gatun Lake an engaging destination. (126 words)

Day15
N/A N/AN/A

Panama Canal (Cruise into Canal), Panama, offers partial transit cruising. Travelers view Miraflores Locks and Gatun Lake from the ship. Excursions include canal history tours. No facilities exist; provisions are ship-based. The peak season, December to April, brings dry weather for canal cruising. Photography captures engineering feats and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes arroz con pollo, a Panamanian favorite. Souvenirs, like molas, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover canal history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while binoculars enhance lock viewing. Panama Canal’s industrial allure offers a vibrant stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of engineering marvels and scenic waterways, making the Panama Canal an engaging destination. (126 words)

Day15
JAN 32027
A:4:00 PMD:8:00 PM

Colón, Panama, offers docking at Colón Port. Travelers explore Gatun Locks and Fort San Lorenzo. Excursions include Emberá village tours. Local markets sell sancocho. The peak season, December to April, brings dry weather for coastal tours. Photography captures canal locks and Caribbean vistas. Dining onboard includes arroz con pollo, a Panamanian favorite. Souvenirs, like molas, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Kuna history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while sturdy shoes enhance jungle walks. Colón’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Panamanian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of canal engineering and indigenous heritage, making Colón an engaging destination for exploration. (126 words)

Day16
JAN 42027
A:6:30 AMD:3:30 PM

Puerto Limon, Costa Rica, offers docking at Puerto Limon Port. Travelers explore Tortuguero Canals and Veragua Rainforest. Excursions include sloth sanctuary tours. Local markets sell gallo pinto. The peak season, December to April, brings dry weather for coastal tours. Photography captures jungle canals and Caribbean vistas. Dining onboard includes casado, a Costa Rican favorite. Souvenirs, like coffee crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Bribri history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while sturdy shoes enhance rainforest walks. Puerto Limon’s natural charm offers a vibrant Costa Rican stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of wildlife and scenic canals, making Puerto Limon an engaging destination. (126 words)

Day17
JAN 52027
At Sea

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Day18
JAN 62027
A:6:00 AMD:3:00 PM

George Town, Grand Cayman, offers docking at George Town Port. Travelers explore Seven Mile Beach and Stingray City. Excursions include snorkeling at Coral Gardens. Local markets sell jerk chicken. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures turquoise waters and Caribbean vistas. Dining onboard includes conch chowder, a Caymanian favorite. Souvenirs, like turtle crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Taino history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance reef exploration. George Town’s coastal allure offers a vibrant Cayman stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of pristine beaches and marine adventures, making George Town an engaging destination. (126 words)

Day19
JAN 72027
At Sea

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Day20
JAN 82027
United States
A:6:00 AM

Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida, offers docking at Port Everglades. Travelers explore Las Olas Boulevard and Everglades tours. Excursions include airboat rides. Local markets sell conch fritters. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures canals and Atlantic vistas. Dining onboard includes stone crab, a Floridian favorite. Souvenirs, like seashell crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Seminole history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the subtropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Fort Lauderdale’s urban charm offers a vibrant American stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of scenic waterways and natural adventures, making Fort Lauderdale an engaging destination for exploration. (126 words)