MS Oosterdam
March 5, 2024

Buenos Aires, Argentina, offers docking at Buenos Aires Port. Travelers explore La Boca and Recoleta Cemetery. Excursions visit Tigre Delta. Local markets sell empanadas. The peak season, December to March, brings warm weather for city tours. Photography captures colorful barrios and Río de la Plata vistas. Dining onboard includes asado, an Argentine favorite. Souvenirs, like tango crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Peronist history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Buenos Aires’ vibrant charm offers a lively Argentine stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of cultural landmarks and scenic rivers, making Buenos Aires an engaging destination.

Returning to Buenos Aires — see Day 1 above for port info.

Montevideo, Uruguay, offers docking at Montevideo Port. Travelers explore Plaza Independencia and Pocitos Beach. Excursions visit Colonia del Sacramento. Local markets sell asado. The peak season, December to March, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures colonial architecture and Río de la Plata vistas. Dining onboard includes chivito, a Uruguayan favorite. Souvenirs, like mate gourds, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Gaucho history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Montevideo’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Uruguayan stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic plazas and scenic beaches, making Montevideo an engaging destination for exploration.

Port Stanley, Falkland Islands, offers docking at Stanley Port. Travelers explore Gypsy Cove and Falkland Islands Museum. Excursions include penguin-watching at Volunteer Point. Local markets sell fish and chips. The peak season, December to March, brings milder weather for coastal tours. Photography captures penguin colonies and South Atlantic vistas. Dining onboard includes lamb, a Falkland favorite. Souvenirs, like wool crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover British colonial history. Warm layers and waterproof boots suit the cool climate, while sturdy shoes enhance coastal hikes. Port Stanley’s wild charm offers a vibrant stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of wildlife and maritime history, making Port Stanley an engaging destination.

The Strait of Magellan in Patagonia has no docking; ships cruise its historic southern passage. Travelers observe Magellanic penguins waddling on shores. Zodiacs explore Punta Arenas’ colorful port. No facilities are available; provisions come from the ship. The peak season, November to March, brings strong winds. Photography captures Tierra del Fuego’s rugged coasts. Dining onboard features king crab. Souvenirs, like penguin postcards, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover explorer history. Kayaking navigates channels. Waterproof gear is essential for cold, windy conditions. The strait’s wild beauty offers a historic Patagonian coastal journey.

Cruise Cockburn & Beagle Channels, no docking; ships cruise Tierra del Fuego's straits. Travelers spot sea lions. Zodiacs explore Wulaia Bay's ruins. No facilities; provisions from ship. Peak season November to March; weather unpredictable. Photography captures fjord views. Dining limited to ship. Souvenirs include Yamana postcards.

Punta Arenas, Chile, offers docking at Punta Arenas Port. Travelers explore Plaza Muñoz Gamero and Nao Victoria Museum. Excursions visit Magdalena Island penguins. Local markets sell calafate jam. The peak season, December to March, brings milder weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Patagonian landscapes and Strait of Magellan vistas. Dining onboard includes asado, a Chilean favorite. Souvenirs, like wool crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Selk’nam history. Warm layers and waterproof boots suit the cold climate, while sturdy shoes enhance island hikes. Punta Arenas’ wild charm offers a vibrant Chilean stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of maritime history and scenic wildlife, making Punta Arenas an engaging destination.

Glacier Alley, Alaska, no docking; ships cruise Endicott Arm. Travelers view multiple tidewater glaciers from deck. Zodiacs spot seals on ice floes. No facilities; provisions from ship. Peak season June to August; fog possible. Photography captures cascading ice. Dining onboard features crab. Souvenirs, like alley prints, in ship shops. Briefings on calving safety. Binoculars recommended. The alley’s lineup of glaciers offers concentrated ice scenery in Alaska’s Inside Passage.

Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, offers docking at Ushuaia Port. Travelers explore Tierra del Fuego National Park and End of the World Museum. Excursions include Beagle Channel cruises. Local markets sell asado. The peak season, December to March, brings milder weather for coastal tours. Photography captures glaciers and Southern Ocean vistas. Dining onboard includes king crab, an Argentine favorite. Souvenirs, like penguin crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Yamaná history. Warm layers and waterproof boots suit the cold climate, while sturdy shoes enhance park hikes. Ushuaia’s wild charm offers a vibrant Argentine stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of rugged landscapes and maritime history, making Ushuaia an engaging destination.

Cruise Canal Sarmiento, no docking; ships cruise Patagonia’s fjord. Travelers spot sea lions. Zodiacs explore tidewater glaciers. No facilities; provisions from ship. Peak season November to March; weather unpredictable. Photography captures Cordillera Sarmiento. Dining limited to ship. Souvenirs include glacier postcards.

Cruise Chilean Fjords, no docking; ships cruise Patagonia’s channels. Travelers spot humpback whales. Zodiacs explore tidewater glaciers. No facilities; provisions from ship. Peak season November to March; weather unpredictable. Photography captures fjord cliffs. Dining limited to ship. Souvenirs include penguin postcards.

Returning to Cruise Chilean Fjords — see Day 11 above for port info.

Puerto Montt, Chile, offers docking at Puerto Montt Port. Travelers explore Petrohué Falls and Osorno Volcano. Excursions visit Chiloé Island’s churches. Local markets sell curanto. The peak season, December to March, brings milder weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Andean lakes and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes empanadas de pino, a Chilean favorite. Souvenirs, like wool crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Mapuche history. Light layers and waterproof boots suit the temperate climate, while sturdy shoes enhance waterfall hikes. Puerto Montt’s natural charm offers a vibrant Chilean stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of scenic lakes and cultural heritage, making Puerto Montt an engaging destination.

San Antonio, Chile, offers docking at San Antonio Port. Travelers explore Maipo Valley’s vineyards and Pomaire’s pottery villages. Excursions visit Valparaíso’s colorful hills. Local markets sell empanadas. The peak season, December to March, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures vine-covered hills and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes pastel de choclo, a Chilean favorite. Souvenirs, like clay crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Chilean history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance vineyard walks. San Antonio’s coastal charm offers a vibrant Chilean stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of wine culture and scenic beauty, making San Antonio an engaging destination for exploration.

Coquimbo, Chile, has docking at Coquimbo Port with excursions to La Serena. Travelers explore La Serena’s colonial churches and Elqui Valley’s vineyards. Excursions visit Isla Damas’ penguins. Local markets sell pisco. The peak season, December to March, brings warm weather. Photography captures Pacific shores and Andean foothills. Dining onboard includes pastel de choclo, a Chilean dish. Souvenirs, like lapis lazuli, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Atacama history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the arid climate. Binoculars enhance wildlife spotting. Coquimbo’s coastal charm offers a vibrant Chilean stop, blending history with scenic beauty.

Genoa, Italy, has docking at Genoa Port. Travelers explore the historic Porto Antico and Palazzi dei Rolli. Excursions visit Cinque Terre’s colorful villages. Local markets sell focaccia. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather. Photography captures medieval streets and Ligurian coastlines. Dining onboard includes pesto pasta, a Genoese specialty. Souvenirs, like ceramic tiles, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover maritime history. Light clothing suits the Mediterranean climate. Comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Genoa’s rich history and coastal charm offer a vibrant Italian stop, immersing travelers in its cultural legacy.

Callao, Lima, Peru, docks at Callao Port, 12 kilometers from Lima’s center, with taxis for 20-minute rides. Lima, population 9 million, features Plaza de Armas and the 16th-century cathedral. Travelers visit Larco Museum for pre-Columbian artifacts. Local markets sell ceviche. Excursions to Pachacamac, 45 minutes south, explore Inca ruins. Peak season December to March; taxis 10-20 PEN. Dining includes lomo saltado at Miraflores cafes. Souvenirs feature alpaca textiles.

Returning to Callao — see Day 20 above for port info.

Returning to Callao — see Day 20 above for port info.

Manta, Ecuador, offers docking at Manta Port. Travelers explore Montecristi’s Panama hat workshops and Pacoche Wildlife Refuge. Excursions include snorkeling at Isla de la Plata, known as the “Poor Man’s Galapagos.” Local markets sell ceviche. The peak season, June to November, brings milder weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Pacific beaches and artisan markets. Dining onboard features locro de papa, an Ecuadorian potato soup. Souvenirs, like woven hats, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Manta’s fishing heritage. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while snorkeling gear enhances marine exploration. Manta’s coastal vibrancy offers a dynamic Ecuadorian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of artisanal crafts, wildlife, and marine adventures, making Manta a compelling destination for exploring Ecuador’s Pacific coast and cultural traditions.

Fuerte Amador, Panama, offers docking at Fuerte Amador Port. Travelers explore Amador Causeway and Biomuseo. Excursions include Panama Canal tours. Local markets sell sancocho. The peak season, December to April, brings dry weather for coastal tours. Photography captures modern architecture and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes ceviche, 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 comfortable shoes enhance causeway walks. Fuerte Amador’s coastal charm offers a vibrant Panamanian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of urban landmarks and scenic waterways, making Fuerte Amador an engaging destination for exploration.

Panama Canal Transit, Panama, offers scenic cruising without docking. Travelers view Gatun Locks and Centennial Bridge 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 marvels 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 feats and scenic waterways, making the Panama Canal an engaging destination.

Returning to Fuerte Amador — see Day 26 above for port info.

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.

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.