MS Zaandam itinerary map for December 19, 2026
MS Zaandam

15 Night Panama Canal Holiday on Holland America MS Zaandam

December 19, 2026

MS Zaandam December 19, 2026

The MS Zaandam December 19, 2026 cruise departs from San Diego, California. On this 15 Night Panama Canal Holiday (San Diego To Ft. Lauderdale) sailing, the MS Zaandam will visit a total of 9 cruise port destinations, including its departure port. The ship sets sail on Saturday, Dec 19th and returns on Sunday, Jan 3rd, 2027.

Cruise Length
15
Night Cruise
Departure Port
San Diego
California
Port Stops
9
Sea Days
7

Cruise Price

MS Zaandam · December 19, 2026

The graph below tracks historic price of the MS Zaandam cruise ship departing December 19, 2026. The most recent price for this sailing starts at $1,999 ($134 per night) for an Inside Cabin. Compared to the average price of $2,554 ($171 per night), this represents a recent decrease of 22%.

Use the buttons below to toggle between cabin types.

inside cabin
$1,999
22% vs avg: $2,554
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Cruise Itinerary Map

MS Zaandam · December 19, 2026

The MS Zaandam sails on December 19, 2026 for a 15 Night Panama Canal Holiday (San Diego To Ft. Lauderdale). The ship will depart the port of San Diego, California at 4:00 PM and will return to the port of Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida on Jan 3rd 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 Holiday (San Diego To Ft. Lauderdale)

  • DEC19
    San Diego, California
    San Diego, California
    A: — - D: 4:00 PM
  • DEC20
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • DEC21
    Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
    Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
    A: 8:00 AM - D: 2:00 PM
  • DEC22
    Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
    Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
    A: 8:00 AM - D: 4:00 PM
  • DEC23
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • DEC24
    Huatulco, Mexico
    Huatulco, Mexico
    A: 7:00 AM - D: 4:00 PM
  • DEC25
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • DEC26
    Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala
    Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala
    A: 6:00 AM - D: 4:00 PM
  • DEC27
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • DEC28
    Puntarenas, Costa Rica
    Puntarenas, Costa Rica
    A: 7:00 AM - D: 4:00 PM
  • DEC29
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • DEC30
    Panama Canal Transit
    Panama Canal Transit
    A: 5:00 AM - D: 5:00 PM
  • DEC31
    Cartagena, Colombia
    Cartagena, Colombia
    A: 11:00 AM - D: 5:00 PM
  • JAN01
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • JAN02
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • JAN03
    Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida
    Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida
    A: 6:00 AM - D: —
Loading map...

Cruise Ports

December 19, 2026 · 15 Night Panama Canal Holiday (San Diego To Ft. Lauderdale)

San Diego, California
Day 1Saturday, Dec 19

San Diego, California

Arrival:Departure: 4:00 PM

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.

At Sea
Day 2Sunday, Dec 20

At Sea

Arrival: 11:00 PMDeparture: 10:59 PM

Enjoy onboard activities and ocean views during this sea day.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Day 3Monday, Dec 21

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Arrival: 8:00 AMDeparture: 2:00 PM

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, offers docking at Cabo San Lucas Port. Travelers explore El Arco and Lover’s Beach. Excursions include snorkeling at Santa Maria Cove. Local markets sell fish tacos. The peak season, November to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures rock formations and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes ceviche, a Mexican favorite. Souvenirs, like silver crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Baja history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the arid climate, while water shoes enhance reef exploration. Cabo San Lucas’ coastal allure offers a vibrant Mexican stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of iconic landmarks and marine adventures, making Cabo an engaging destination.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Day 4Tuesday, Dec 22

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Arrival: 8:00 AMDeparture: 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.

At Sea
Day 5Wednesday, Dec 23

At Sea

Arrival: 11:00 PMDeparture: 10:59 PM

Enjoy onboard activities and ocean views during this sea day.

Huatulco, Mexico
Day 6Thursday, Dec 24

Huatulco, Mexico

Arrival: 7:00 AMDeparture: 4:00 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.

At Sea
Day 7Friday, Dec 25

At Sea

Arrival: 11:00 PMDeparture: 10:59 PM

Enjoy onboard activities and ocean views during this sea day.

Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala
Day 8Saturday, Dec 26

Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala

Arrival: 6:00 AMDeparture: 4:00 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.

At Sea
Day 9Sunday, Dec 27

At Sea

Arrival: 11:00 PMDeparture: 10:59 PM

Enjoy onboard activities and ocean views during this sea day.

Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Day 10Monday, Dec 28

Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Arrival: 7:00 AMDeparture: 4:00 PM

Puntarenas, Costa Rica, offers docking at Puntarenas Port. Travelers explore Paseo de los Turistas and Carara National Park. 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 mangroves and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes casado, a Costa Rican favorite. Souvenirs, like coffee crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Tico history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while sturdy shoes enhance rainforest hikes. Puntarenas’ natural charm offers a vibrant Costa Rican stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of wildlife and scenic coasts, making Puntarenas an engaging destination.

At Sea
Day 11Tuesday, Dec 29

At Sea

Arrival: 11:00 PMDeparture: 10:59 PM

Enjoy onboard activities and ocean views during this sea day.

Panama Canal Transit
Day 12Wednesday, Dec 30

Panama Canal Transit

Arrival: 5:00 AMDeparture: 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.

Cartagena, Colombia
Day 13Thursday, Dec 31

Cartagena, Colombia

Arrival: 11:00 AMDeparture: 5:00 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.

At Sea
Day 14Friday, Jan 1

At Sea

Arrival: 11:00 PMDeparture: 10:59 PM

Enjoy onboard activities and ocean views during this sea day.

At Sea
Day 15Saturday, Jan 2

At Sea

Arrival: 11:00 PMDeparture: 10:59 PM

Enjoy onboard activities and ocean views during this sea day.

Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida
Day 16Sunday, Jan 3

Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida

Arrival: 6:00 AMDeparture:

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.

Weather Forecast

MS Zaandam - December 19, 2026 Weather Forecast

Average monthly weather for your cruise ports

San Diego, California

December

Typical Weather

81°F

Average High

35°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.

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
66 / 100
safer than 66% of all cruises
66
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.
7
/ 10
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Cabo San Lucas
While generally safe, travelers should remain vigilant in Cabo San Lucas, avoiding displaying valuables and staying in well-populated areas.
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.
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.
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.
6
/ 10
Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Puntarenas
Travelers in Puntarenas should stay vigilant against petty crime and consider organized tours for added safety and enjoyment.
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.
6
/ 10
Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena
Travelers in Cartagena should stay vigilant, avoid displaying valuables, and consider organized tours to minimize risks of petty crime.
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.

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:

Itinerary FAQ

How many nights is the MS Zaandam sailing on December 19, 2026?

This is a 15-night cruise itinerary departing from San Diego, California.

What ports does the MS Zaandam visit on the December 19, 2026 cruise?

This route includes san-diego-california, cabo-san-lucas-mexico, puerto-vallarta-mexico, huatulco-mexico, puerto-quetzal-guatemala, puntarenas-costa-rica, panama-canal-transit, cartagena-colombia, fort-lauderdale-florida.

How many sea days are included on this MS Zaandam December 19, 2026 itinerary?

This itinerary includes 7 sea days.

Who is the cruise director for the MS Zaandam sailing on December 19, 2026?

Cruise director assignment data is not currently available for this sail date.

How is the itinerary safety score calculated for this cruise?

The itinerary safety score combines port-level safety indicators such as travel advisories, local risk signals, and historical context into a single overall score for this specific route.

Can I track price drops for this MS Zaandam itinerary?

Yes — use the price tracking opt-in on this page to get updates when cabin prices change for this sailing.

Last Updated: Apr 2, 2026