MS Rotterdam itinerary map for December 29, 2024 (21 nights)

MS Rotterdam — December 29, 202421-Night Southern Caribbean/Panama Canal Sunfarer Holiday on Holland America

This 21-night cruise aboard the MS Rotterdam departs from Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida on Sunday, December 29, 2024 and returns on Sunday, Jan 19th. December weather across this route averages 84°/66°F.

The itinerary safety score for this sailing is 7.3 out of 10, averaged across 11 ports.

Cruise Length

Night Cruise

Departure Port

Fort Lauderdale

Florida

Port Stops

Sea Days

Cruise Itinerary Map - 21 Night Southern Caribbean/Panama Canal Sunfarer Holiday (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip)

MS Rotterdam · December 29, 2024

The MS Rotterdam sails on December 29, 2024 for a 21 Night Southern Caribbean/Panama Canal Sunfarer Holiday (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip). The ship will depart the port of Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida at 2:00 PM and will return to the port of Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida on Jan 19th at 6:00 AM. During the 23-day journey, the MS Rotterdam will visit 10 additional ports and will spend 9 days at sea.

Cruise itinerary route

21 Night Southern Caribbean/Panama Canal Sunfarer Holiday (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip)

DEC29
Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida
A: — - D: 2:00 PM
DEC30
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (private Island)
A: 8:00 AM - D: 4:00 PM
DEC31
At Sea
A: — - D: —
JAN01
At Sea
A: — - D: —
JAN02
Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic
A: 7:00 AM - D: 4:00 PM
JAN03
At Sea
A: — - D: —
JAN04
Cartagena, Colombia
A: 6:00 AM - D: 1:00 PM
JAN05
Panama Canal (cruise Into Canal)
A: 5:00 AM - D: 2:00 PM
JAN05
Colon, Panama
A: 4:00 PM - D: 8:00 PM
JAN06
Puerto Limon, Costa Rica
A: 6:30 AM - D: 3:30 PM
JAN07
At Sea
A: — - D: —
JAN08
George Town, Grand Cayman
A: 6:30 AM - D: 3:30 PM
JAN09
At Sea
A: — - D: —
JAN10
Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida
A: 6:00 AM - D: 2:00 PM
JAN11
At Sea
A: — - D: —
JAN12
At Sea
A: — - D: —
JAN13
Willemstad, Curacao
A: 11:00 AM - D: 10:00 PM
JAN14
Kralendijk, Bonaire
A: 7:00 AM - D: 4:00 PM
JAN15
Oranjestad, Aruba
A: 7:00 AM - D: 4:00 PM
JAN16
At Sea
A: — - D: —
JAN17
At Sea
A: — - D: —
JAN18
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (private Island)
A: 7:00 AM - D: 2:00 PM
JAN19
Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida
A: 6:00 AM - D: —

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Cruise Ports

December 29, 2024 · 21 Night Southern Caribbean/Panama Canal Sunfarer Holiday (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip)

Day 1•Sunday, Dec 29

Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida

Arrival: —•Departure: 2:00 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.

Port Info Link Port Excursions Link

Day 2•Monday, Dec 30

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (private Island)

Arrival: 8:00 AM•Departure: 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.

Port Info Link Port Excursions Link

Day 3•Tuesday, Dec 31

At Sea

Arrival: 11:00 PM•Departure: 10:59 PM

Day at sea aboard the MS Rotterdam — featuring Canaletto, Club Hal, Sun Bar & Photo Shop.

Day 4•Wednesday, Jan 1

At Sea

Arrival: 11:00 PM•Departure: 10:59 PM

Day at sea aboard the MS Rotterdam — featuring Canaletto, Club Hal, Sun Bar & Photo Shop.

Day 5•Thursday, Jan 2

Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic

Arrival: 7:00 AM•Departure: 4:00 PM

Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic, anchors offshore with tenders to Bahía de las Águilas, a remote beach. Travelers snorkel coral reefs with parrotfish. Local markets sell larimar jewelry. Excursions to Jaragua National Park, 30 minutes inland, spot flamingos. No facilities; provisions from ship. Peak season December to April; taxis 10-20 USD. Dining includes sancocho on board. Souvenirs feature amber pendants. Photography captures turquoise bays.

Port Info Link Port Excursions Link

Day 6•Friday, Jan 3

At Sea

Arrival: 11:00 PM•Departure: 10:59 PM

Day at sea aboard the MS Rotterdam — featuring Canaletto, Club Hal, Sun Bar & Photo Shop.

Day 7•Saturday, Jan 4

Cartagena, Colombia

Arrival: 6:00 AM•Departure: 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.

Port Info Link Port Excursions Link

Day 8•Sunday, Jan 5

Panama Canal (cruise Into Canal)

Arrival: 5:00 AM•Departure: 2:00 PM

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.

Port Info Link Port Excursions Link

Day 8•Sunday, Jan 5

Colon, Panama

Arrival: 4:00 PM•Departure: 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.

Port Info Link Port Excursions Link

Day 9•Monday, Jan 6

Puerto Limon, Costa Rica

Arrival: 6:30 AM•Departure: 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.

Port Info Link Port Excursions Link

Day 10•Tuesday, Jan 7

At Sea

Arrival: 11:00 PM•Departure: 10:59 PM

Day at sea aboard the MS Rotterdam — featuring Canaletto, Club Hal, Sun Bar & Photo Shop.

Day 11•Wednesday, Jan 8

George Town, Grand Cayman

Arrival: 6:30 AM•Departure: 3:30 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.

Port Info Link Port Excursions Link

Day 12•Thursday, Jan 9

At Sea

Arrival: 11:00 PM•Departure: 10:59 PM

Day at sea aboard the MS Rotterdam — featuring Canaletto, Club Hal, Sun Bar & Photo Shop.

Day 13•Friday, Jan 10

Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida

Arrival: 6:00 AM•Departure: 2:00 PM

Returning to Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida — see Day 1 above for port info.

Port Info Link Port Excursions Link

Day 14•Saturday, Jan 11

At Sea

Arrival: 11:00 PM•Departure: 10:59 PM

Day at sea aboard the MS Rotterdam — featuring Canaletto, Club Hal, Sun Bar & Photo Shop.

Day 15•Sunday, Jan 12

At Sea

Arrival: 11:00 PM•Departure: 10:59 PM

Day at sea aboard the MS Rotterdam — featuring Canaletto, Club Hal, Sun Bar & Photo Shop.

Day 16•Monday, Jan 13

Willemstad, Curacao

Arrival: 11:00 AM•Departure: 10:00 PM

Willemstad, Curaçao, offers docking at Willemstad Port. Travelers explore Queen Emma Bridge and Punda’s colorful buildings. Excursions include snorkeling at Tugboat Beach. Local markets sell keshi yena. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Dutch architecture and Caribbean vistas. Dining onboard includes stobá, a Curaçaoan favorite. Souvenirs, like blue curaçao crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Antillean history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance reef exploration. Willemstad’s vibrant charm offers a lively Curaçaoan stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of colonial heritage and marine adventures, making Willemstad an engaging destination for exploration.

Port Info Link Port Excursions Link

Day 17•Tuesday, Jan 14

Kralendijk, Bonaire

Arrival: 7:00 AM•Departure: 4:00 PM

Kralendijk, Bonaire, offers docking at Kralendijk Port. Travelers explore Washington Slagbaai Park and Klein Bonaire. Excursions include snorkeling at Bari Reef. Local markets sell kadushi soup. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures flamingos and Caribbean vistas. Dining onboard includes keshi yena, a Bonairean favorite. Souvenirs, like salt 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. Kralendijk’s coastal allure offers a vibrant Bonairean stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of marine biodiversity and scenic islands, making Kralendijk an engaging destination for exploration.

Port Info Link Port Excursions Link

Day 18•Wednesday, Jan 15

Oranjestad, Aruba

Arrival: 7:00 AM•Departure: 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.

Port Info Link Port Excursions Link

Day 19•Thursday, Jan 16

At Sea

Arrival: 11:00 PM•Departure: 10:59 PM

Day at sea aboard the MS Rotterdam — featuring Canaletto, Club Hal, Sun Bar & Photo Shop.

Day 20•Friday, Jan 17

At Sea

Arrival: 11:00 PM•Departure: 10:59 PM

Day at sea aboard the MS Rotterdam — featuring Canaletto, Club Hal, Sun Bar & Photo Shop.

Day 21•Saturday, Jan 18

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (private Island)

Arrival: 7:00 AM•Departure: 2:00 PM

Returning to Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (private Island) — see Day 2 above for port info.

Port Info Link Port Excursions Link

Day 22•Sunday, Jan 19

Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida

Arrival: 6:00 AM•Departure: —

Returning to Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida — see Day 1 above for port info.

Port Info Link Port Excursions Link

Weather Forecast

MS Rotterdam - December 29, 2024 Weather Forecast

Average monthly weather for your cruise ports

Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida

⛅

December

Typical Weather

82°F

Average High

45°F

Average Low

Rainfall

0.06in

Daily average

2.0 in monthly total

Shore Excursions

Explore the most popular excursion options at each port.

From beach breaks and snorkeling to local food tours and cultural landmarks, these shore excursions help you make the most of every stop. Browse by port below to compare top-rated options and plan your day before you board.

See all Fort Lauderdale Shore Tours

Itinerary Safety Score

Based on 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

73 / 100

safer than 73% of all cruises

/ 10

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale's cruise port is secure, but travelers should stay vigilant and cautious in neighborhoods with higher crime rates.

/ 10

Half Moon Cay

Half Moon Cay ensures guest safety with strong security measures and controlled access, minimizing crime risks for a worry-free visit.

/ 10

Cabo Rojo

Cabo Rojo is generally safe for cruise travelers, but remain vigilant and avoid wandering alone at night to minimize risks.

/ 10

Cartagena

Travelers in Cartagena should stay vigilant, avoid displaying valuables, and consider organized tours to minimize risks of petty crime.

/ 10

Panama Canal

Cruise travelers at the Panama Canal can enjoy a safe experience aboard their ship, with low crime rates and strong security measures.

/ 10

Colon

Travelers in Colon, Panama, should stay vigilant against crime, avoid less populated areas, and consider organized tours for safety.

/ 10

Puerto Limon

Travelers to Puerto Limon should stay vigilant against petty theft and consider organized tours for a safer experience.

/ 10

George Town

George Town, Grand Cayman, is a safe cruise destination with low crime rates and a strong local law enforcement presence.

/ 10

Willemstad

Willemstad is generally safe for tourists, but they should remain vigilant in crowded areas to avoid petty theft and opportunistic crime.

/ 10

Kralendijk

Kralendijk is a safe cruise destination with low crime rates, but travelers should remain vigilant against petty theft and secure belongings.

/ 10

Oranjestad

Oranjestad is a safe cruise destination, but travelers should remain vigilant in crowded areas to avoid petty theft.

Cruise Ship

⚓ Tonnage

99,863

vs avg 84,029

🛠️ Year Built

2,021

vs avg 2,008

📏 Length (ft)

975

vs avg 922

👥 Passenger Count

3,218

vs avg 2,157

The MS Rotterdam has a construction date of 2021 and a total size of 99,863 gross tons. The ship measures 975 feet in length. MS Rotterdam is included in Holland America’s Pinnacle Class class. At full capacity, the MS Rotterdam holds 3,218 passengers. That includes 2,193 cruise vacationers and 1,025 staff members. The MS Rotterdam total number of staterooms is 1,340.

Full MS Rotterdam Ship Info

Click above for more MS Rotterdam stats, tips, imagery, and more.

📊Size comparison chart against other ships
🍸Bars, restaurants, and venue highlights
🛠️Renovation and dry-dock schedule
❓FAQ's about MS Rotterdam

Also of interest:

MS Rotterdam Deck Plans MS Rotterdam Cabin Search MS Rotterdam Health Score

Other MS Rotterdam Sailings

Same ship, different dates

← Previous sailing

Dec 20, 2024

21-Night 21 Night Southern Caribbean Seafarer/Panama Canal Sunfarer (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip)

All sailings

MS Rotterdam schedule

Full itinerary calendar

Next sailing →

Jan 10, 2025

16-Night 16 Night Southern/Eastern Caribbean (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip)

MS Rotterdam December 29, 2024 FAQ

What's the cheapest cabin on the MS Rotterdam December 29, 2024 cruise?▾

Live pricing is not currently available for this sailing. Sign up for price-drop alerts above to be notified when fares appear.

What's the weather like on the MS Rotterdam December 29, 2024 route?▾

Across the ports visited on this 21-night route, December averages 84°F highs and 66°F lows. See the per-port weather forecast section above for daily detail.

How safe is the December 29, 2024 MS Rotterdam itinerary?▾

This itinerary scores 7.3 out of 10 on the Gangwaze Itinerary Safety Score, averaged across 11 ports. We weight current travel advisories, recent crime data, and Global Peace Index signals — see the Safety Score section above for the full per-port breakdown.

When does the MS Rotterdam sail and return on this itinerary?▾

The MS Rotterdam departs Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida on Sunday, December 29, 2024 at 2:00 PM and returns on Sunday, Jan 19th, 2025 at 6:00 AM. Total duration: 21 nights.

Who is the cruise director for the MS Rotterdam sailing on December 29, 2024?▾

Cruise director assignment for this sail date is not currently confirmed in our records.

Can I track price drops for this MS Rotterdam itinerary?▾

Yes — use the price tracking opt-in on this page to get an email when cabin prices drop for this exact sailing. We snapshot fares daily.

Researched and assembled by Gangwaze Cruise Editorial using daily-refreshed itinerary, pricing, weather, and safety data.

Last Updated: May 16, 2026