MS Volendam
January 25, 2025

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.

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, offers docking at Santo Domingo Port. Travelers explore Colonial Zone’s UNESCO cathedral and Alcázar de Colón. Excursions visit Los Tres Ojos caves. Local markets sell mangu. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for city tours. Photography captures colonial architecture and Caribbean vistas. Dining onboard includes la bandera, 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 comfortable shoes enhance historic walks. Santo Domingo’s colonial charm offers a vibrant Dominican stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic landmarks and cultural heritage, making Santo Domingo an engaging destination.

Santa Marta, Colombia, offers docking at Santa Marta Port. Travelers explore Tayrona National Park and Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino. Excursions include snorkeling at Playa Blanca. Local markets sell arepas. The peak season, December to April, brings dry weather for coastal tours. Photography captures jungle trails and Caribbean vistas. Dining onboard includes sancocho, a Colombian favorite. Souvenirs, like emerald crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Bolívar history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while sturdy shoes enhance park hikes. Santa Marta’s natural allure offers a vibrant Colombian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic sites and coastal beauty, making Santa Marta an engaging destination for exploration.

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.

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 9 above for port info.

Cross The Equator offers scenic cruising without docking. Travelers celebrate the line-crossing ceremony at sea. No excursions or facilities exist; activities are ship-based. The peak season varies by itinerary, typically warm for equatorial crossings. Photography captures vast ocean vistas and festive ceremonies. Dining onboard includes international dishes, reflecting the global journey. Souvenirs, like nautical crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover maritime traditions. Light clothing suits the tropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance deck walks. Crossing the Equator offers a unique maritime stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of ceremonial events and open-sea relaxation, making the Equator crossing an engaging destination for exploration.

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.

Salaverry (Trujillo), Peru, offers docking at Salaverry Port. Travelers explore Chan Chan’s UNESCO adobe ruins and Huanchaco’s reed boats. Excursions visit Moche’s Huaca del Sol. Local markets sell ceviche. The peak season, May to October, brings dry weather for historic tours. Photography captures ancient adobe and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes lomo saltado, a Peruvian favorite. Souvenirs, like pottery crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Moche history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the arid climate, while comfortable shoes enhance ruin walks. Salaverry’s ancient allure offers a vibrant Peruvian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of archaeological wonders and coastal culture, making Salaverry an engaging destination for exploration.

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 16 above for port info.

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.

Arica, Chile, docks at Puerto Arica, 2 kilometers from downtown, with shuttles or taxis for 10-minute rides. The city, population 220,000, features the San Marcos Cathedral, a 1876 iron structure by Gustave Eiffel. Travelers climb El Morro for Pacific views. Excursions to Lauca National Park, 3 hours east, spot vicuñas and Chungará Lake. Local markets sell alpaca textiles. Peak season November to March; taxis 2,000-5,000 CLP. Dining includes ceviche at port stalls. Souvenirs feature Aymara crafts.

Antofagasta, Chile, docks at Puerto Antofagasta, 2 kilometers from downtown, with shuttles or taxis for 10-minute rides. The city, population 400,000, features the Ruins of Huanchaca, a 19th-century silver refinery. Travelers stroll the Balneario Beach promenade. Excursions to La Portada, 20 minutes north, view natural limestone arches. Local markets sell alpaca wool. Peak season November to March; taxis 2,000-5,000 CLP. Dining includes ceviche at port cafes. Souvenirs feature copper crafts.

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.

Robinson Crusoe Island, Chile, has no docking; ships anchor offshore with tenders to Juan Fernández shores. Travelers explore Alejandro Selkirk’s trails and San Juan Bautista village. Excursions include diving for lobster. No facilities exist; provisions are ship-based. The peak season, December to March, brings mild weather for island tours. Photography captures volcanic cliffs and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes empanadas, a Chilean favorite. Souvenirs, like shell crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover island history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while sturdy shoes enhance hikes. Robinson Crusoe’s remote allure offers a vibrant Chilean stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of natural beauty and island heritage, making it an engaging destination.

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.

Castro, Isla Chiloé, Chile, docks at Castro Port, a 10-minute walk to downtown, population 40,000. Travelers visit Palafitos, colorful stilt houses. The San Francisco Church, a UNESCO site, dates to 1567. Local markets sell licor de oro. Excursions to Chonchi, 30 minutes south, explore wooden churches. Peak season December to March; taxis 2,000-5,000 CLP. Dining includes curanto at harbor restaurants. Souvenirs feature wool ponchos.

Puerto Chacabuco, Chile, offers docking at Puerto Chacabuco Port. Travelers explore Aysén’s fjords and San Rafael Glacier. Excursions include kayaking in Patagonia’s rivers. Local markets sell empanadas. The peak season, December to March, brings milder weather for fjord tours. Photography captures glacial landscapes and Andean vistas. Dining onboard includes pastel de choclo, a Chilean favorite. Souvenirs, like wool crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Patagonian history. Warm layers and waterproof boots suit the cool climate, while binoculars enhance glacier spotting. Puerto Chacabuco’s wild beauty offers a vibrant Chilean stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of glacial scenery, outdoor adventures, and Patagonian charm, making Puerto Chacabuco an engaging destination for exploring Chile’s southern wilderness.

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.

El Brujo Glacier, located in Chile’s Patagonia, has no docking; ships cruise through its fjord for scenic views. Travelers witness the glacier’s towering blue ice walls calving into turquoise waters from the ship’s deck. Zodiac excursions approach the glacier’s face, offering close-up views of ice formations and floating bergs. No facilities are available; all provisions come from the ship. The peak season, November to March, brings variable weather, often with strong winds. Photography captures the glacier’s vibrant hues against Andean peaks, a stunning backdrop. Dining is limited to onboard menus, sometimes featuring regional salmon. Souvenirs, like glacier photo prints, are available in ship shops. Briefings highlight environmental protocols to protect the fragile ecosystem. Kayaking near icebergs offers thrilling perspectives of the glacier’s scale. Warm, waterproof clothing is essential due to the cold, unpredictable conditions of this remote Patagonian wilderness.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Cape Horn, no docking; ships round Tierra del Fuego's cape. Travelers spot albatross. Zodiacs explore Hornos Island. No facilities; provisions from ship. Peak season November to March; weather unpredictable. Photography captures Drake Passage views. Dining limited to ship. Souvenirs include albatross postcards.

Cruise Cape Horn & Drake Passage, no docking; ships sail Southern Ocean. Travelers spot whales. Lectures cover explorer history. No facilities; provisions from ship. Peak season November to March; rough seas common. Photography captures icebergs. Dining limited to ship. Souvenirs include nautical maps.

Antarctic Experience, encompassing the Antarctic Peninsula, anchors expedition ships in bays like Paradise Harbor, with zodiacs for shore landings. Travelers explore icebergs and penguin colonies (Adélie, chinstrap) on 2-3 hour excursions. Kayaking navigates glacial waters; wildlife includes humpback whales and leopard seals. No facilities; ship provisions. Peak season December to February for austral summer. Guided walks visit research stations like Vernadsky. Photography captures ice cliffs. Briefings stress environmental protocols.

Returning to Antarctic Experience — see Day 37 above for port info.

Returning to Antarctic Experience — see Day 37 above for port info.

Returning to Antarctic Experience — see Day 37 above for port info.

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.

Puerto Madryn, Argentina, offers docking at Puerto Madryn Port. Travelers explore Punta Tombo’s penguins and Valdes Peninsula. Excursions include whale-watching tours. Local markets sell alfajores. The peak season, December to March, brings milder weather for coastal tours. Photography captures wildlife and Patagonian vistas. Dining onboard includes asado, an Argentine favorite. Souvenirs, like wool crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Tehuelche history. Warm layers and waterproof boots suit the cool climate, while sturdy shoes enhance peninsula hikes. Puerto Madryn’s wild charm offers a vibrant Argentine stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of marine wildlife and scenic coasts, making Puerto Madryn an engaging destination for exploration.

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.

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.