MS Zaandam itinerary map for January 4, 2024 (15 nights)
MS Zaandam itinerary map for January 4, 2024 (15 nights)
15 nights · 9 ports
Round-trip · Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Holland AmericaMS Zaandam

MS Zaandam
January 4, 2024

15-Night Panama Canal - Westbound aboard MS Zaandam · Departing January 4, 2024 from the Port of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

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This 15-night cruise aboard the MS Zaandam departs from Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida on Thursday, January 4, 2024 and returns on Friday, Jan 19th. January weather across this route averages 87°/57°F.

The itinerary safety score for this sailing is 7.0 out of 10, averaged across 9 ports.

Cruise Length
15
Night Cruise
Departure Port
Fort Lauderdale
Florida
Port Stops
9
Sea Days
7

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

MS Zaandam · January 4, 2024

The MS Zaandam sails on January 4, 2024 for a 15 Night Panama Canal - Westbound (Ft. Lauderdale To San Diego). The ship will depart the port of Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida at 2:00 PM and will return to the port of San Diego, California on Jan 19th at 6:00 AM. During the 16-day journey, the MS Zaandam will visit 8 additional ports and will spend 7 days at sea.

Cruise itinerary route

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

  • JAN04
    Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida
    Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida
    A: — - D: 2:00 PM
  • JAN05
    Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (private Island)
    Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (private Island)
    A: 9:00 AM - D: 4:00 PM
  • JAN06
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • JAN07
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • JAN08
    Cartagena, Colombia
    Cartagena, Colombia
    A: 6:00 AM - D: 12:00 PM
  • JAN09
    Panama Canal Transit
    Panama Canal Transit
    A: 5:00 AM - D: 5:00 PM
  • JAN10
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • JAN11
    Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica
    Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica
    A: 7:00 AM - D: 3:00 PM
  • JAN12
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • JAN13
    Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala
    Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala
    A: 7:00 AM - D: 3:00 PM
  • JAN14
    Huatulco, Mexico
    Huatulco, Mexico
    A: 11:00 AM - D: 5:00 PM
  • JAN15
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • JAN16
    Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
    Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
    A: 8:00 AM - D: 4:00 PM
  • JAN17
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • JAN18
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • JAN19
    San Diego, California
    San Diego, California
    A: 6:00 AM - D: —
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MS Zaandam Cruise Ports

January 4, 2024 · 15 Night Panama Canal - Westbound (Ft. Lauderdale To San Diego)

Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida — Day 1 of MS Zaandam January 4, 2024 cruise
Day 1•Thursday, Jan 4

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
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (private Island) — Day 2 of MS Zaandam January 4, 2024 cruise
Day 2•Friday, Jan 5

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (private Island)

Arrival: 9:00 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 LinkPort Excursions Link
Day 3 at sea — MS Zaandam January 4, 2024 itinerary
Day 3•Saturday, Jan 6

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 4 at sea — MS Zaandam January 4, 2024 itinerary
Day 4•Sunday, Jan 7

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.

Cartagena, Colombia — Day 5 of MS Zaandam January 4, 2024 cruise
Day 5•Monday, Jan 8

Cartagena, Colombia

Arrival: 6:00 AM•Departure: 12:00 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 LinkPort Excursions Link
Panama Canal Transit — Day 6 of MS Zaandam January 4, 2024 cruise
Day 6•Tuesday, Jan 9

Panama Canal Transit

Arrival: 5:00 AM•Departure: 5:00 PM

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.

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link
Day 7 at sea — MS Zaandam January 4, 2024 itinerary
Day 7•Wednesday, Jan 10

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.

Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica — Day 8 of MS Zaandam January 4, 2024 cruise
Day 8•Thursday, Jan 11

Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica

Arrival: 7:00 AM•Departure: 3:00 PM

Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica, offers docking at Puerto Caldera Port. Travelers explore Carara National Park and Jacó Beach. Excursions include zip-lining in Monteverde. Local markets sell gallo pinto. The peak season, December to April, brings dry weather for coastal tours. Photography captures scarlet macaws and Pacific 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 hikes. Puerto Caldera’s natural charm offers a vibrant Costa Rican stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of wildlife and scenic beaches, making Puerto Caldera an engaging destination.

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link
Day 9 at sea — MS Zaandam January 4, 2024 itinerary
Day 9•Friday, Jan 12

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.

Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala — Day 10 of MS Zaandam January 4, 2024 cruise
Day 10•Saturday, Jan 13

Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala

Arrival: 7:00 AM•Departure: 3:00 PM

Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala, offers docking at Puerto Quetzal Port. Travelers explore Antigua’s colonial streets and Pacaya Volcano. Excursions include coffee plantation tours. Local markets sell tamales. The peak season, December to April, brings dry weather for coastal tours. Photography captures cobblestone plazas and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes pepián, a Guatemalan favorite. Souvenirs, like textile crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Mayan history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while sturdy shoes enhance volcano hikes. Puerto Quetzal’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Guatemalan stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of colonial heritage and scenic volcanoes, making Puerto Quetzal an engaging destination.

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link
Huatulco, Mexico — Day 11 of MS Zaandam January 4, 2024 cruise
Day 11•Sunday, Jan 14

Huatulco, Mexico

Arrival: 11:00 AM•Departure: 5:00 PM

Huatulco, Mexico, offers docking at Huatulco Port. Travelers explore Santa Cruz Bay and La Crucecita. Excursions include snorkeling at Maguey Bay. Local markets sell mole. The peak season, November to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures pristine beaches and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes tlayudas, a Mexican favorite. Souvenirs, like alebrije crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Zapotec history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance reef exploration. Huatulco’s coastal charm offers a vibrant Mexican stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of scenic bays and cultural villages, making Huatulco an engaging destination for exploration.

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link
Day 12 at sea — MS Zaandam January 4, 2024 itinerary
Day 12•Monday, Jan 15

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.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico — Day 13 of MS Zaandam January 4, 2024 cruise
Day 13•Tuesday, Jan 16

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Arrival: 8:00 AM•Departure: 4:00 PM

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, offers docking at Puerto Vallarta Port. Travelers explore Malecón and Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. Excursions include snorkeling at Los Arcos. Local markets sell pozole. The peak season, November to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures colorful boardwalks and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes birria, a Mexican favorite. Souvenirs, like huichol crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Jalisco history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance reef exploration. Puerto Vallarta’s coastal charm offers a vibrant Mexican stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of cultural landmarks and marine adventures, making Puerto Vallarta an engaging destination for exploration.

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link
Day 14 at sea — MS Zaandam January 4, 2024 itinerary
Day 14•Wednesday, Jan 17

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 15 at sea — MS Zaandam January 4, 2024 itinerary
Day 15•Thursday, Jan 18

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.

San Diego, California — Day 16 of MS Zaandam January 4, 2024 cruise
Day 16•Friday, Jan 19

San Diego, California

Arrival: 6:00 AM•Departure: —

San Diego, California, offers docking at San Diego Port. Travelers explore Balboa Park and Gaslamp Quarter. Excursions visit La Jolla’s sea lions. Local markets sell fish tacos. The peak season, May to September, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Spanish architecture and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes carne asada, a Californian favorite. Souvenirs, like surf-themed crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Kumeyaay history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance park walks. San Diego’s urban charm offers a vibrant American stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of cultural parks and scenic coasts, making San Diego an engaging destination.

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link

Weather Forecast

MS Zaandam - January 4, 2024 Weather Forecast

Average monthly weather for your cruise ports

Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida

🌤️

January

Typical Weather

80°F

Average High

43°F

Average Low

Rainfall

0.06in

Daily average

1.7 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.
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.
6
/ 10
Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena
Travelers in Cartagena should stay vigilant, avoid displaying valuables, and consider organized tours to minimize risks of petty crime.
8
/ 10
Panama Canal Transit
Panama Canal
Cruise travelers at the Panama Canal Transit should remain aware of their surroundings while enjoying a secure and managed experience.
7
/ 10
Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica
Puerto Caldera
Travelers at Puerto Caldera should stay cautious, especially in less populated areas, and consider organized tours for enhanced safety.
5
/ 10
Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala
Puerto Quetzal
Travelers should remain vigilant in Puerto Quetzal due to crime risks and are advised to join organized tours for safety.
7
/ 10
Huatulco, Mexico
Huatulco
Huatulco is generally safe for cruise travelers, but staying vigilant and securing belongings is advised due to potential petty theft.
7
/ 10
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Puerto Vallarta
Travelers should remain vigilant and exercise caution against petty crime, especially outside tourist zones, while visiting Puerto Vallarta.
8
/ 10
San Diego, California
San Diego
San Diego is generally safe for tourists, but travelers should remain vigilant in crowded areas and secure their belongings.

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

Other MS Zaandam Sailings

Same ship, different dates

← Previous sailing

Dec 19, 2023

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

All sailings

MS Zaandam schedule

Full itinerary calendar

Next sailing →

Jan 19, 2024

15-Night 15 Night Panama Canal - Eastbound (San Diego To Miami)

MS Zaandam January 4, 2024 FAQ

What's the cheapest cabin on the MS Zaandam January 4, 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 Zaandam January 4, 2024 route?▾

Across the ports visited on this 15-night route, January averages 87°F highs and 57°F lows. See the per-port weather forecast section above for daily detail.

How safe is the January 4, 2024 MS Zaandam itinerary?▾

This itinerary scores 7.0 out of 10 on the Gangwaze Itinerary Safety Score, averaged across 9 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 Thursday, January 4, 2024 at 2:00 PM and returns on Friday, Jan 19th, 2024 at 6:00 AM. Total duration: 15 nights.

Who is the cruise director for the MS Zaandam sailing on January 4, 2024?▾

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