MS Zaandam itinerary map for December 19, 2023 (16 nights)
MS Zaandam itinerary map for December 19, 2023 (16 nights)
16 nights · 10 ports
Round-trip · Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Holland AmericaMS Zaandam

MS Zaandam
December 19, 2023

16-Night Southern Caribbean aboard MS Zaandam · Departing December 19, 2023 from the Port of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

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This 16-night cruise aboard the MS Zaandam departs from Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 and returns on Thursday, Jan 4th. December weather across this route averages 84°/69°F.

The itinerary safety score for this sailing is 7.0 out of 10, averaged across 10 ports.

Cruise Length
16
Night Cruise
Departure Port
Fort Lauderdale
Florida
Port Stops
10
Sea Days
5

Cruise Itinerary Map - 16 Night Southern Caribbean (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip)

MS Zaandam · December 19, 2023

The MS Zaandam sails on December 19, 2023 for a 16 Night Southern Caribbean (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 4th at 6:00 AM. During the 17-day journey, the MS Zaandam will visit 9 additional ports and will spend 5 days at sea.

Cruise itinerary route

16 Night Southern Caribbean (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip)

  • DEC19
    Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida
    Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida
    A: — - D: 2:00 PM
  • DEC20
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • DEC21
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • DEC22
    St. John's, Antigua
    St. John's, Antigua
    A: 7:00 AM - D: 4:00 PM
  • DEC23
    Philipsburg, St. Maarten
    Philipsburg, St. Maarten
    A: 7:00 AM - D: 4:00 PM
  • DEC24
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • DEC25
    Bridgetown, Barbados
    Bridgetown, Barbados
    A: 7:00 AM - D: 4:00 PM
  • DEC26
    Scarborough, Tobago
    Scarborough, Tobago
    A: 7:00 AM - D: 4:00 PM
  • DEC27
    Port Of Spain
    Port Of Spain
    A: 7:00 AM - D: 4:00 PM
  • DEC28
    Willemstad, Curacao
    Willemstad, Curacao
    A: 7:00 PM - D: —
  • DEC19
    Willemstad, Curacao
    Willemstad, Curacao
    A: — - D: 10:00 PM
  • DEC30
    Oranjestad, Aruba
    Oranjestad, Aruba
    A: 7:00 AM - D: 7:00 PM
  • DEC31
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • JAN01
    Ocho Rios, Jamaica
    Ocho Rios, Jamaica
    A: 6:00 AM - D: 6:00 PM
  • JAN02
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • JAN03
    Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (private Island)
    Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (private Island)
    A: 6:00 AM - D: 2:00 PM
  • JAN04
    Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida
    Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida
    A: 6:00 AM - D: —
Loading map...

MS Zaandam Cruise Ports

December 19, 2023 · 16 Night Southern Caribbean (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip)

Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida — Day 1 of MS Zaandam December 19, 2023 cruise
Day 1•Tuesday, Dec 19

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 LinkPort Excursions Link
Day 2 at sea — MS Zaandam December 19, 2023 itinerary
Day 2•Wednesday, Dec 20

At Sea

Arrival: 11:00 PM•Departure: 10:59 PM

Day at sea aboard the MS Zaandam — featuring Canaletto, Club Hal, Explorers Lounge & Photo Shop.

Day 3 at sea — MS Zaandam December 19, 2023 itinerary
Day 3•Thursday, Dec 21

At Sea

Arrival: 11:00 PM•Departure: 10:59 PM

Day at sea aboard the MS Zaandam — featuring Canaletto, Club Hal, Explorers Lounge & Photo Shop.

St. John's, Antigua — Day 4 of MS Zaandam December 19, 2023 cruise
Day 4•Friday, Dec 22

St. John's, Antigua

Arrival: 7:00 AM•Departure: 4:00 PM

St. John’s, Antigua, offers docking at St. John’s Port. Travelers explore Nelson’s Dockyard and Shirley Heights. Excursions include snorkeling at Cades Reef. Local markets sell fungi. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures colonial docks and Caribbean vistas. Dining onboard includes pepperpot, an Antiguan favorite. Souvenirs, like batik crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Carib history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance reef exploration. St. John’s vibrant charm offers a lively Antiguan stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic dockyards and scenic beaches, making St. John’s an engaging destination for exploration.

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link
Philipsburg, St. Maarten — Day 5 of MS Zaandam December 19, 2023 cruise
Day 5•Saturday, Dec 23

Philipsburg, St. Maarten

Arrival: 7:00 AM•Departure: 4:00 PM

Philipsburg, St. Maarten, offers docking at Philipsburg Port. Travelers explore Front Street and Maho Beach. Excursions include snorkeling at Cupecoy Bay. Local markets sell guavaberry liqueur. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures plane landings and Caribbean vistas. Dining onboard includes callaloo soup, a St. Maarten favorite. Souvenirs, like Dutch 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. Philipsburg’s vibrant charm offers a lively stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of bustling markets and scenic beaches, making Philipsburg an engaging destination for exploration.

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link
Day 6 at sea — MS Zaandam December 19, 2023 itinerary
Day 6•Sunday, Dec 24

At Sea

Arrival: 11:00 PM•Departure: 10:59 PM

Day at sea aboard the MS Zaandam — featuring Canaletto, Club Hal, Explorers Lounge & Photo Shop.

Bridgetown, Barbados — Day 7 of MS Zaandam December 19, 2023 cruise
Day 7•Monday, Dec 25

Bridgetown, Barbados

Arrival: 7:00 AM•Departure: 4:00 PM

Bridgetown, Barbados, offers docking at Bridgetown Port. Travelers explore Harrison’s Cave and Bathsheba Beach. Excursions include snorkeling at Carlisle Bay. Local markets sell flying fish cutters. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures limestone caves and Caribbean vistas. Dining onboard includes cou-cou, a Bajan favorite. Souvenirs, like rum crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Bajan history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance reef exploration. Bridgetown’s vibrant charm offers a lively Barbadian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of natural wonders and scenic beaches, making Bridgetown an engaging destination for exploration.

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link
Scarborough, Tobago — Day 8 of MS Zaandam December 19, 2023 cruise
Day 8•Tuesday, Dec 26

Scarborough, Tobago

Arrival: 7:00 AM•Departure: 4:00 PM

Scarborough, Tobago, offers docking at Scarborough Port. Travelers explore Fort King George and Pigeon Point Beach. Excursions include snorkeling at Buccoo Reef. Local markets sell curry crab. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures colonial forts and Caribbean vistas. Dining onboard includes roti, a Tobagonian favorite. Souvenirs, like cocoa crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Trinidad and Tobago history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance reef exploration. Scarborough’s island allure offers a vibrant Tobagonian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic sites and marine adventures, making Scarborough an engaging destination for exploration.

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link
Port Of Spain — Day 9 of MS Zaandam December 19, 2023 cruise
Day 9•Wednesday, Dec 27

Port Of Spain

Arrival: 7:00 AM•Departure: 4:00 PM

Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, offers docking at Port of Spain Port. Travelers explore Queen’s Park Savannah and Fort George. Excursions visit Maracas Beach for swimming. Local markets sell doubles. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for city tours. Photography captures colonial architecture and Caribbean vistas. Dining onboard includes pelau, a Trinidadian favorite. Souvenirs, like steel drum crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Carnival history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Port of Spain’s vibrant culture offers a dynamic Caribbean stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic sites, scenic beaches, and island festivities, making Port of Spain an engaging destination for exploring Trinidad’s heritage.

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link
Willemstad, Curacao — Day 10 of MS Zaandam December 19, 2023 cruise
Day 10•Thursday, Dec 28

Willemstad, Curacao

Arrival: 7:00 PM•Departure: —

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 LinkPort Excursions Link
Willemstad, Curacao — Day 11 of MS Zaandam December 19, 2023 cruise
Day 11•Friday, Dec 29

Willemstad, Curacao

Arrival: —•Departure: 10:00 PM

Returning to Willemstad, Curacao — see Day 10 above for port info.

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link
Oranjestad, Aruba — Day 12 of MS Zaandam December 19, 2023 cruise
Day 12•Saturday, Dec 30

Oranjestad, Aruba

Arrival: 7:00 AM•Departure: 7:00 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 LinkPort Excursions Link
Day 13 at sea — MS Zaandam December 19, 2023 itinerary
Day 13•Sunday, Dec 31

At Sea

Arrival: 11:00 PM•Departure: 10:59 PM

Day at sea aboard the MS Zaandam — featuring Canaletto, Club Hal, Explorers Lounge & Photo Shop.

Ocho Rios, Jamaica — Day 14 of MS Zaandam December 19, 2023 cruise
Day 14•Monday, Jan 1

Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Arrival: 6:00 AM•Departure: 6:00 PM

Ocho Rios, Jamaica, offers docking at Ocho Rios Port. Travelers explore Dunn’s River Falls and Mystic Mountain. Excursions include bobsledding and ziplining. Local markets sell jerk chicken. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures waterfalls and Caribbean vistas. Dining onboard includes ackee and saltfish, a Jamaican favorite. Souvenirs, like reggae crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Taino history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance waterfall climbs. Ocho Rios’ adventurous allure offers a vibrant Jamaican stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of natural wonders and thrilling activities, making Ocho Rios an engaging destination for exploration.

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link
Day 15 at sea — MS Zaandam December 19, 2023 itinerary
Day 15•Tuesday, Jan 2

At Sea

Arrival: 11:00 PM•Departure: 10:59 PM

Day at sea aboard the MS Zaandam — featuring Canaletto, Club Hal, Explorers Lounge & Photo Shop.

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (private Island) — Day 16 of MS Zaandam December 19, 2023 cruise
Day 16•Wednesday, Jan 3

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (private Island)

Arrival: 6:00 AM•Departure: 2:00 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 LinkPort Excursions Link
Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida — Day 17 of MS Zaandam December 19, 2023 cruise
Day 17•Thursday, Jan 4

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 LinkPort Excursions Link

Weather Forecast

MS Zaandam - December 19, 2023 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

MS Zaandam 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
70 / 100
safer than 70% of all cruises
70
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.
7
/ 10
St. John's, Antigua
St. John's
St. John's is generally safe for travelers, but vigilance is advised due to potential petty theft and risks in certain neighborhoods after dark.
7
/ 10
Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Philipsburg
Philipsburg is generally safe for cruise travelers, but remain vigilant against petty theft in crowded areas and secure personal belongings.
7
/ 10
Bridgetown, Barbados
Bridgetown
Travelers should stay vigilant in busy areas of Bridgetown, as petty crime and scams can occur, and secure personal belongings.
7
/ 10
Scarborough, Tobago
Scarborough
Scarborough is generally safe for cruise travelers, but caution is advised due to potential petty crime, especially in isolated areas.
5
/ 10
Port Of Spain
Port Of Spain
Travelers to Port of Spain should exercise caution in high-risk areas, travel in groups, and remain aware of their surroundings.
8
/ 10
Willemstad, Curacao
Willemstad
Willemstad is generally safe for tourists, but they should remain vigilant in crowded areas to avoid petty theft and opportunistic crime.
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
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Ocho Rios
Travelers in Ocho Rios should stay in tourist zones and consider organized tours to minimize risks of petty crime and scams.
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.

Cruise Ship

MS Zaandam

⚓ Tonnage

61,396

vs avg 84,029

🛠️ Year Built

2,000

vs avg 2,008

📏 Length (ft)

778

vs avg 922

👥 Passenger Count

1,432

vs avg 2,157

The MS Zaandam has a construction date of 2000 and a total size of 61,396 gross tons. The ship measures 778 feet in length. MS Zaandam is included in Holland America’s Rotterdam Class class. At full capacity, the MS Zaandam holds 1,432 passengers. That includes 817 cruise vacationers and 615 staff members. The MS Zaandam total number of staterooms is 716.

Click above for more MS Zaandam 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 Zaandam

Also of interest:

MS Zaandam Deck PlansMS Zaandam Cabin SearchMS Zaandam Health Score

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MS Zaandam schedule

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Jan 4, 2024

15-Night 15 Night Panama Canal - Westbound (Ft. Lauderdale To San Diego)

MS Zaandam December 19, 2023 FAQ

What's the cheapest cabin on the MS Zaandam December 19, 2023 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 Zaandam December 19, 2023 route?▾

Across the ports visited on this 16-night route, December averages 84°F highs and 69°F lows. See the per-port weather forecast section above for daily detail.

How safe is the December 19, 2023 MS Zaandam itinerary?▾

This itinerary scores 7.0 out of 10 on the Gangwaze Itinerary Safety Score, averaged across 10 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 Zaandam sail and return on this itinerary?▾

The MS Zaandam departs Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at 2:00 PM and returns on Thursday, Jan 4th, 2024 at 6:00 AM. Total duration: 16 nights.

Who is the cruise director for the MS Zaandam sailing on December 19, 2023?▾

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

Can I track price drops for this MS Zaandam 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 21, 2026