MS Zaandam itinerary map for December 18, 2027
MS Zaandam

15 Night Panama Canal Holiday on Holland America MS Zaandam

December 18, 2027

MS Zaandam December 18, 2027

The MS Zaandam December 18, 2027 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 18th and returns on Sunday, Jan 2nd, 2028.

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

Cruise Price

MS Zaandam · December 18, 2027

The graph below tracks historic price of the MS Zaandam cruise ship departing December 18, 2027. The most recent price for this sailing starts at $2,604 ($174 per night) for an Inside Cabin. Compared to the average price of $2,604 ($174 per night), this represents a recent decrease of 0%.

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inside cabin
$2,604
0% vs avg: $2,604
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Cruise Itinerary Map

MS Zaandam · December 18, 2027

The MS Zaandam sails on December 18, 2027 for a 15 Night Panama Canal Holiday (San Diego To Ft. Lauderdale). The ship will depart the port of San Diego, California at 3:00 PM and will return to the port of Miami, Florida on Jan 2nd 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)

  • DEC18
    San Diego, California
    San Diego, California
    A: — - D: 3:00 PM
  • DEC19
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • DEC20
    Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
    Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
    A: 9:00 AM - D: 3:00 PM
  • DEC21
    Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
    Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
    A: 10:00 AM - D: 6:00 PM
  • DEC22
    Manzanillo, Mexico
    Manzanillo, Mexico
    A: 7:00 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
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • DEC27
    Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica
    Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica
    A: 7:00 AM - D: 4:00 PM
  • DEC28
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • DEC29
    Panama Canal Transit
    Panama Canal Transit
    A: 5:00 AM - D: 5:00 PM
  • DEC30
    Cartagena, Colombia
    Cartagena, Colombia
    A: 10:00 AM - D: 4:00 PM
  • DEC31
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • JAN01
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • JAN02
    Miami, Florida
    Miami, Florida
    A: 6:00 AM - D: —
Loading map...

Cruise Ports

December 18, 2027 · 15 Night Panama Canal Holiday (San Diego To Ft. Lauderdale)

San Diego, California
Day 1Saturday, Dec 18

San Diego, California

Arrival:Departure: 3:00 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 19

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 20

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Arrival: 9:00 AMDeparture: 3:00 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 21

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Arrival: 10:00 AMDeparture: 6:00 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.

Manzanillo, Mexico
Day 5Wednesday, Dec 22

Manzanillo, Mexico

Arrival: 7:00 AMDeparture: 4:00 PM

Manzanillo, Mexico, offers docking at Manzanillo Port. Travelers explore Playa La Audiencia and Jardín Álvaro Obregón. Excursions include snorkeling at Carrizalillo Bay. Local markets sell ceviche. The peak season, November to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures sandy beaches and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes birria, a Mexican favorite. Souvenirs, like pottery crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Colima history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance beach exploration. Manzanillo’s coastal charm offers a vibrant Mexican stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of scenic beaches and cultural plazas, making Manzanillo an engaging destination for exploration.

At Sea
Day 6Thursday, Dec 23

At Sea

Arrival: 11:00 PMDeparture: 10:59 PM

Enjoy onboard activities and ocean views during this sea day.

Huatulco, Mexico
Day 7Friday, 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 8Saturday, Dec 25

At Sea

Arrival: 11:00 PMDeparture: 10:59 PM

Enjoy onboard activities and ocean views during this sea day.

At Sea
Day 9Sunday, Dec 26

At Sea

Arrival: 11:00 PMDeparture: 10:59 PM

Enjoy onboard activities and ocean views during this sea day.

Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica
Day 10Monday, Dec 27

Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica

Arrival: 7:00 AMDeparture: 4:00 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.

At Sea
Day 11Tuesday, Dec 28

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 29

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 30

Cartagena, Colombia

Arrival: 10:00 AMDeparture: 4:00 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, Dec 31

At Sea

Arrival: 11:00 PMDeparture: 10:59 PM

Enjoy onboard activities and ocean views during this sea day.

At Sea
Day 15Saturday, Jan 1

At Sea

Arrival: 11:00 PMDeparture: 10:59 PM

Enjoy onboard activities and ocean views during this sea day.

Miami, Florida
Day 16Sunday, Jan 2

Miami, Florida

Arrival: 6:00 AMDeparture:

Miami, Florida, offers docking at PortMiami. Travelers explore South Beach and Wynwood Walls. Excursions visit Everglades National Park. Local markets sell Cuban sandwiches. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures art deco 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. Miami’s urban charm offers a vibrant American stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of vibrant nightlife and scenic wetlands, making Miami an engaging destination for exploring Florida’s southern coast.

Weather Forecast

MS Zaandam - December 18, 2027 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
68 / 100
safer than 68% of all cruises
68
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.
6
/ 10
Manzanillo, Mexico
Manzanillo
Travelers in Manzanillo should stay vigilant and stick to busy tourist areas to minimize risks of petty crime while enjoying the destination.
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 Caldera, Costa Rica
Puerto Caldera
Travelers at Puerto Caldera should stay cautious, especially in less populated areas, and consider organized tours for enhanced safety.
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
Miami, Florida
Miami
Travelers should remain vigilant and safeguard belongings in Miami, as certain neighborhoods may have higher crime rates, especially after dark.

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 18, 2027?

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

What ports does the MS Zaandam visit on the December 18, 2027 cruise?

This route includes san-diego-california, cabo-san-lucas-mexico, puerto-vallarta-mexico, manzanillo-mexico, huatulco-mexico, puerto-caldera-costa-rica, panama-canal-transit, cartagena-colombia, miami-florida.

How many sea days are included on this MS Zaandam December 18, 2027 itinerary?

This itinerary includes 7 sea days.

Who is the cruise director for the MS Zaandam sailing on December 18, 2027?

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 1, 2026