MS Zaandam itinerary map for December 19, 2026 (15 nights)
MS Zaandam itinerary map for December 19, 2026 (15 nights)
15 nights · 9 ports
Round-trip · San Diego, California
Holland AmericaMS Zaandam

MS Zaandam
December 19, 2026

15-Night Panama Canal Holiday aboard MS Zaandam · Departing December 19, 2026 from the Port of San Diego, California.

Interior from$1,799/ guest · taxes & fees incl.
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// AT A GLANCE

This 15-night cruise aboard the MS Zaandam departs from San Diego, California on Saturday, December 19, 2026 and returns on Sunday, Jan 3rd. December weather across this route averages 87°/57°F.

The itinerary safety score for this sailing is 6.6 out of 10, averaged across 9 ports. Suite cabins rose $208 on May 25.

ITINERARY SAFETY SCORE
6.6OUT OF 10
MODERATE TIER
Safer than 66% of all cruises
Ranked across every sailing in our database.
LEAST SAFESAFEST
01
15
night cruise
Sat → Sun
02
San Diego
departure port
California
03
9
port stops
Holiday
04
7
sea days
Day 2
// ON THIS PAGE07 SECTIONS
// 02 · CRUISE PRICE

MS Zaandam December 19, 2026 Price & Tracking

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 $1,799 ($120 per night) for an Inside Cabin. Compared to the average price of $2,451 ($164 per night), this represents a recent decrease of 27%.

MS Zaandam cruise departing December 19, 202615-night itinerary. Current Inside Cabin price: $1,799 ($120 per night). Average price: $2,451.

// PRICE HISTORY · INSIDE
Last 6 months · refreshes daily
This cabin
Avg $2,424
LIVE RATE
INSIDE CABIN
MS Zaandam · December 19, 2026
$1,799
$120 per night · 15 nights
26% below average
Avg $2,424 · You save $625

Prices change often and may differ at checkout. Click to see the latest available price.

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// 03 · ITINERARY

15 Night Panama Canal Holiday (San Diego To Ft. Lauderdale) Cruise Map

Interactive Itinerary MapDECEMBER 19, 2026
The MS Zaandam sails on December 19, 2026 for a 15 Night Panama Canal Holiday (San Diego To Ft. Lauderdale) (San Diego Roundtrip). 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 PORT SCHEDULE
MS Zaandam
DECEMBER 19, 2026
16 STOPSSCROLL FOR ALL ↓
Loading map...
15 NIGHTS · 8 PORTS
ROUND-TRIP · SAN DIEGO
// 04 · PORTS

15 Night Panama Canal Holiday (San Diego To Ft. Lauderdale) Port List

MS Zaandam·December 19, 2026
San Diego, California — Day 1 of MS Zaandam December 19, 2026 cruise
DAY
1
EMBARKATION
SATURDAY·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.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico — Day 3 of MS Zaandam December 19, 2026 cruise
DAY
3
PORT 2
MONDAY·DEC 21

Cabo San Lucas

Mexico
ARRIVAL
DEPARTURE
8:00 AM
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 4 of MS Zaandam December 19, 2026 cruise
DAY
4
PORT 3
TUESDAY·DEC 22

Puerto Vallarta

Mexico
ARRIVAL
DEPARTURE
8:00 AM
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.

Huatulco, Mexico — Day 6 of MS Zaandam December 19, 2026 cruise
DAY
6
PORT 5
THURSDAY·DEC 24

Huatulco

Mexico
ARRIVAL
DEPARTURE
7:00 AM
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.

Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala — Day 8 of MS Zaandam December 19, 2026 cruise
DAY
8
PORT 7
SATURDAY·DEC 26

Puerto Quetzal

Guatemala
ARRIVAL
DEPARTURE
6:00 AM
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.

Puntarenas, Costa Rica — Day 10 of MS Zaandam December 19, 2026 cruise
DAY
10
PORT 9
MONDAY·DEC 28

Puntarenas

Costa Rica
ARRIVAL
DEPARTURE
7:00 AM
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.

Panama Canal Transit — Day 12 of MS Zaandam December 19, 2026 cruise
DAY
12
PORT 11
WEDNESDAY·DEC 30

Panama Canal Transit

ARRIVAL
DEPARTURE
5:00 AM
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 13 of MS Zaandam December 19, 2026 cruise
DAY
13
PORT 12
THURSDAY·DEC 31

Cartagena

Colombia
ARRIVAL
DEPARTURE
11:00 AM
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.

Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida — Day 16 of MS Zaandam December 19, 2026 cruise
DAY
16
DISEMBARKATION
ARRIVAL
DEPARTURE
6:00 AM

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.

// 05 · WEATHER

15 Night Panama Canal Holiday (San Diego To Ft. Lauderdale) Weather Forecast

MS Zaandam·December 19, 2026
DEC FORECAST · SAN DIEGO
Historical monthly averages for travelers visiting this port.
58°
AVG · °F
Mostly sunny days
AVG HIGH
81°
AVG LOW
35°
AVG RAINFALL
2.0"
Source: 30-year historical climate averages via Open-Meteo
// YEAR-ROUND AT SAN DIEGO
Average monthly temperature and rainfall. Your sail month is highlighted.
AVG TEMP °FRAINFALL IN
58°JANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDEC12-MONTH AVERAGE · DATA: 30-YEAR HISTORICAL
// 06 · SHORE EXCURSIONS

MS Zaandam December 19, 2026 Excursions

MS Zaandam·December 19, 2026

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.

// BROWSE BY PORT
EMBEDDED · POWERED BY VIATOR

Browse shore excursions for each port on this MS Zaandam itinerary. Tours, activities, and transfers are provided by Viator.

Pricing & availability provided by Viator. Book directly from listing.
See all San Diego excursions
// 07 · SAFETY SCORE

Itinerary Safety Score

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

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 AVERAGE
MODERATE TIER
0OUT OF 100
LOWHIGH
Safer than 66% of all cruises
6.6/10 itinerary average · ranked across every sailing in our database.
LEAST SAFESAFEST
// HOW WE SCORE
Four signals, weighted by recency.

Scores combine recent crime reports, government travel advisories, Global Peace Index rankings, and port-specific security incidents. Refreshed monthly.

8.0 – 10.0
Safe — Low-risk; standard precautions apply.
6.5 – 7.9
Moderate — Generally safe with normal vigilance.
5.0 – 6.4
Caution — Stay alert; avoid certain areas after dark.
0 – 4.9
High caution — Significant risk; book guided excursions.
REFRESHED MONTHLY
// PORT-BY-PORT BREAKDOWN09 PORTS
01

San Diego 🇺🇸

California · United StatesMODERATE

San Diego is generally safe for tourists, but travelers should remain vigilant in crowded areas and secure their belongings.

0.0/10
SAFETY SCORE
02

Cabo San Lucas 🇲🇽

Mexico · MexicoMODERATE

While generally safe, travelers should remain vigilant in Cabo San Lucas, avoiding displaying valuables and staying in well-populated areas.

0.0/10
SAFETY SCORE
03

Puerto Vallarta 🇲🇽

Mexico · MexicoMODERATE

Travelers should remain vigilant and exercise caution against petty crime, especially outside tourist zones, while visiting Puerto Vallarta.

0.0/10
SAFETY SCORE
04

Huatulco 🇲🇽

Mexico · MexicoMODERATE

Huatulco is generally safe for cruise travelers, but staying vigilant and securing belongings is advised due to potential petty theft.

0.0/10
SAFETY SCORE
05

Puerto Quetzal 🇬🇹

Guatemala · GuatemalaCAUTION

Travelers should remain vigilant in Puerto Quetzal due to crime risks and are advised to join organized tours for safety.

0.0/10
SAFETY SCORE
06

Puntarenas 🇨🇷

Costa Rica · Costa RicaCAUTION

Travelers in Puntarenas should stay vigilant against petty crime and consider organized tours for added safety and enjoyment.

0.0/10
SAFETY SCORE
07

Panama Canal Transit 🇵🇦

Panama · PanamaMODERATE

Cruise travelers at the Panama Canal Transit should remain aware of their surroundings while enjoying a secure and managed experience.

0.0/10
SAFETY SCORE
08

Cartagena 🇨🇴

Colombia · ColombiaCAUTION

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

0.0/10
SAFETY SCORE
09

Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades) 🇺🇸

Florida · United StatesMODERATE

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

0.0/10
SAFETY SCORE
// 08 · CRUISE SHIP

MS Zaandam Ship Overview

Specs & DetailsHOLLAND AMERICA
MS Zaandam
HOLLAND AMERICA · ROTTERDAM CLASS
CHRISTENED
2000
STATEROOMS
716
TONNAGE
61,396GT
26.9% BELOW AVG· vs avg 84,029 GT
YEAR BUILT
2000
8 YEARS OLDER· vs avg 2008
LENGTH
778ft
15.7% BELOW AVG· vs avg 922 ft
PASSENGER COUNT
1,432cruisers
33.6% BELOW AVG· vs avg 2,157 cruisers
// ABOUT THE SHIP

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.

// INSIDE THE FULL SHIP PAGE
Dive deeper into the
MS Zaandam
  • Size comparison chart against other ships
  • Bars, restaurants, and venue highlights
  • Renovation and dry-dock schedule
  • FAQs about MS Zaandam
Full MS Zaandam Ship Info
// 09 · FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs for yourMS Zaandam·December 19, 2026sailing
  • The lowest currently-tracked fare for this sailing is $1,799 for an Inside cabin. Pricing is updated daily — see the live price chart above for the latest snapshots.

    PRICING
Researched and assembled by Gangwaze Cruise Editorial using daily-refreshed itinerary, pricing, weather, and safety data.
LAST UPDATED · MAY 25, 2026
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MS ZAANDAM·DECEMBER 19, 2026