MS Zuiderdam
January 3, 2024

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.

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.

Devils Island in French Guiana has no docking; ships anchor offshore with zodiacs to the former penal colony. Travelers explore Dreyfus Tower and prison ruins. Guided tours cover Papillon’s history. No facilities exist; provisions are ship-based. The peak season, December to April, brings dry weather. Photography captures jungle-covered cells. Dining onboard includes couac. Souvenirs, like island prints, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover penal history. Light clothing suits the tropical climate. Devils Island’s haunting past offers a unique South American stop.

Cruise Amazon River, Brazil, no docking; ships anchor at points like Manaus with zodiacs to villages. Travelers visit the Meeting of the Waters. Kayaking explores igapó forests for pink dolphins. No facilities; provisions from ship. Peak season July to December; high water February to June. Dining includes pirarucu fish onboard. Souvenirs feature woven baskets from onboard shops.

Cross The Equator offers scenic cruising without docking. Travelers celebrate the line-crossing ceremony at sea. No excursions or facilities exist; activities are ship-based. The peak season varies by itinerary, typically warm for equatorial crossings. Photography captures vast ocean vistas and festive ceremonies. Dining onboard includes international dishes, reflecting the global journey. Souvenirs, like nautical crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover maritime traditions. Light clothing suits the tropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance deck walks. Crossing the Equator offers a unique maritime stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of ceremonial events and open-sea relaxation, making the Equator crossing an engaging destination for exploration.

Macapa, Brazil, has docking at a port near the Amazon River’s equator line. Travelers visit the Marco Zero monument, marking the equator, and Fortaleza de São José. Excursions explore Amazon rainforest trails for wildlife spotting. Local markets sell açaí bowls, a regional favorite. The peak season, June to November, brings drier weather for outdoor activities. Photography captures lush jungles and riverfronts. Dining onboard features tacacá, an Amazonian soup. Souvenirs, like woven baskets, are sold in ship shops. Briefings detail Amazonian ecology and indigenous culture. Light clothing, insect repellent, and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while sturdy shoes enhance jungle treks. Macapa’s unique equatorial location and proximity to the Amazon offer a vibrant Brazilian stop, blending natural wonders with cultural heritage, ideal for travelers seeking an immersive experience in the heart of the Amazon.

Returning to Cruise Amazon River — see Day 8 above for port info.

Alter do Chao, Brazil, anchors cruise ships on the Tapajos River, 30 kilometers from Santarem, with tenders to the village’s sandy beach. The community of 2,000 offers access to Lago Verde, a lagoon encircled by white-sand shores. Travelers join boat tours to spot pink river dolphins or hike rainforest trails for sloth and macaw sightings. Ilha do Amor, a 5-minute walk from the landing, provides swimming and kayaking in calm waters. Local guides lead piracaia (fish bake) demonstrations. Excursions to FLONA Tapajos, 90 minutes by bus, explore 650,000 hectares of primary forest with Brazil nut harvesting. Markets sell manioc flour and guaraná drinks. Peak season July to December for low water levels; no terminal, provisions from ship. Dining includes tacaca soup at beach stalls. Souvenirs feature woven straw hats.

Boca da Valeria, Brazil, anchors on the Amazon River with zodiacs to the village, population 100. Travelers visit Caboclo homes on stilts for cultural demos. Kayaking explores flooded forests with pink dolphins. Local markets sell manioc flour. No facilities; provisions from ship. Peak season July to December; wet season limits access. Dining includes pirarucu fish on board. Souvenirs feature woven baskets. Photography captures river life.

Manaus, Brazil, features docking at Manaus Port on the Amazon River. Travelers explore the Teatro Amazonas and Meeting of the Waters. Excursions venture into the Amazon rainforest for piranha fishing. Local markets sell guaraná drinks. The peak season, June to November, brings drier weather for jungle tours. Photography captures lush rainforests and river confluences. Dining onboard includes tacacá, an Amazonian soup. Souvenirs, like hammocks, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Amazonian ecology. Light clothing, insect repellent, and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while sturdy shoes enhance jungle treks. Manaus’ vibrant Amazonian heart offers a dynamic Brazilian stop. Cruise travelers experience a unique blend of urban culture, natural wonders, and indigenous heritage, making Manaus an unforgettable gateway to the Amazon’s biodiversity and historic grandeur.

Parintins, Brazil, offers docking at a Amazon River port. Travelers explore the Boi Bumbá festival grounds and local markets. Excursions include riverboat tours to see pink dolphins. Local markets sell guaraná drinks. The peak season, December to March, brings warm weather for river tours. Photography captures Amazonian life and vibrant festivals. Dining onboard includes tacacá, an Amazonian soup. Souvenirs, like woven baskets, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Amazon culture. Light clothing and insect repellent suit the tropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance market walks. Parintins’ lively Amazonian spirit offers a vibrant Brazilian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of cultural festivals, river adventures, and jungle heritage, making Parintins an engaging destination for exploring Brazil’s Amazonian heart.

Santarem, Brazil, offers docking at Santarem Port. Travelers explore Meeting of the Waters and Maica Lake’s wetlands. Excursions include piranha fishing tours. Local markets sell tapioca. The peak season, July to November, brings dry weather for river tours. Photography captures Amazonian rivers and jungle vistas. Dining onboard includes tacacá, a Brazilian favorite. Souvenirs, like rubber crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Amazon history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while sturdy shoes enhance wetland walks. Santarem’s riverfront allure offers a vibrant Brazilian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of natural wonders and Amazonian culture, making Santarem an engaging destination for exploring Brazil’s Amazon River.

Returning to Cruise Amazon River — see Day 8 above for port info.

Returning to Cross The Equator — see Day 9 above for port info.

St. George’s, Grenada, offers docking at St. George’s Port. Travelers explore Grand Anse Beach and Fort George. Excursions include snorkeling at Moliniere Sculpture Park. Local markets sell oil down. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures spice markets and Caribbean vistas. Dining onboard includes callaloo soup, a Grenadian favorite. Souvenirs, like nutmeg 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. George’s vibrant charm offers a lively Grenadian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of scenic beaches and cultural heritage, making St. George’s an engaging destination.

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.

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.

Puerto Quepos, Costa Rica, offers docking at Quepos Port. Travelers explore Manuel Antonio National Park’s beaches and wildlife. Excursions include zip-lining in rainforests. Local markets sell ceviche. The peak season, December to April, brings dry weather for nature tours. Photography captures monkeys and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes gallo pinto, a Costa Rican favorite. Souvenirs, like coffee beans, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Costa Rica’s biodiversity. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while sturdy shoes enhance park hikes. Puerto Quepos’ natural charm offers a vibrant Costa Rican stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of wildlife, scenic beaches, and adventure activities, making Puerto Quepos an engaging destination for exploring Costa Rica’s Pacific coast and biodiversity.

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.

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.

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, offers docking at Kailua-Kona Port. Travelers explore Hulihe‘e Palace and Kona Coffee farms. Excursions include snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay. Local markets sell poke. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures volcanic beaches and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes loco moco, a Hawaiian favorite. Souvenirs, like Kona coffee crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Polynesian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance reef exploration. Kailua-Kona’s coastal charm offers a vibrant Hawaiian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of cultural heritage and scenic beaches, making Kailua-Kona an engaging destination.

Hilo, Hawaii, offers docking at Hilo Port. Travelers explore Rainbow Falls and Volcanoes National Park. Excursions include snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay. Local markets sell poke. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures lava fields and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes loco moco, a Hawaiian favorite. Souvenirs, like macadamia crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Polynesian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while sturdy shoes enhance volcano hikes. Hilo’s natural charm offers a vibrant Hawaiian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of volcanic landscapes and marine adventures, making Hilo an engaging destination for exploration.

Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, offers docking at Honolulu Port. Travelers explore Pearl Harbor and Waikiki Beach. Excursions include snorkeling at Hanauma Bay. Local markets sell poke. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures historic memorials and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes loco moco, a Hawaiian favorite. Souvenirs, like aloha crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Polynesian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance reef exploration. Honolulu’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Hawaiian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic sites and scenic beaches, making Honolulu an engaging destination for exploration.

Cross International Date Line offers scenic cruising without docking. Travelers experience the time shift at sea, gaining or losing a day. No excursions or facilities exist; activities are ship-based. The peak season varies by itinerary, typically warm for Pacific crossings. Photography captures vast ocean vistas. Dining onboard includes international dishes, reflecting the global journey. Souvenirs, like nautical crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover maritime history and navigation. Light clothing suits the variable climate, while comfortable shoes enhance deck walks. Crossing the Date Line offers a unique maritime stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of educational briefings and open-sea relaxation, making the Date Line an engaging destination for exploration.

Guam, Mariana Islands, has docking at Apra Harbor. Travelers explore Tumon Bay’s beaches and Chamorro Village markets. Excursions visit Two Lovers Point’s cliffs. Local markets sell coconut candy. The peak season, December to April, brings dry weather. Photography captures turquoise waters and WWII relics. Dining onboard includes kelaguen, a Chamorro dish. Souvenirs, like shell crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Pacific history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate. Snorkeling gear enhances reef exploration. Guam’s vibrant culture and beaches offer a lively Pacific stop, blending Chamorro traditions with coastal beauty.

Saipan, Mariana Islands, offers docking at Saipan Port. Travelers explore Managaha Island’s beaches and Banzai Cliff’s WWII sites. Excursions include snorkeling at The Grotto. Local markets sell kelaguen. The peak season, December to April, brings dry weather for coastal tours. Photography captures coral reefs and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes red rice, a Chamorro favorite. Souvenirs, like shell crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Mariana history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance beach exploration. Saipan’s historic allure offers a vibrant stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of WWII history, scenic beaches, and marine adventures, making Saipan an engaging destination for exploration.

Ishigaki, Japan, has docking at Ishigaki Port. Travelers explore Kabira Bay’s turquoise waters and Yaima Village’s Ryukyu culture. Excursions visit Taketomi Island’s traditional villages. Local markets sell shisa figurines. The peak season, April to June, brings warm weather. Photography captures coral reefs and island vistas. Dining onboard includes goya champuru, an Okinawan dish. Souvenirs, like coral crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Ryukyu history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate. Snorkeling gear enhances reef exploration. Ishigaki’s island charm offers a serene Japanese stop, blending culture with tropical beauty.

Naha, Okinawa, Japan, offers docking at Naha Port. Travelers explore Shurijo Castle, a UNESCO site, and Tsuboya pottery district. Excursions visit Churaumi Aquarium’s marine exhibits. Local markets sell goya champuru. The peak season, April to October, brings warm weather for island tours. Photography captures Ryukyu architecture and turquoise seas. Dining onboard includes rafute, an Okinawan pork dish. Souvenirs, like shisa statues, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Okinawa’s Ryukyu history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the subtropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance castle walks. Naha’s vibrant island culture offers a dynamic Japanese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic castles, marine life, and Okinawan traditions, making Naha an engaging destination for exploring Japan’s southern island heritage.

Returning to Naha — see Day 52 above for port info.

Tolanaro (Fort Dauphin), Madagascar, offers docking at Tolanaro Port. Travelers explore Nahampoana Reserve and Libanona Beach. Excursions include lemur-watching at Berenty Reserve. Local markets sell zebu curry. The peak season, May to October, brings dry weather for coastal tours. Photography captures rainforests and Indian Ocean vistas. Dining onboard includes romazava, a Malagasy favorite. Souvenirs, like raffia crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Tsitongambarika history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while sturdy shoes enhance reserve walks. Tolanaro’s natural allure offers a vibrant Malagasy stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of unique wildlife and scenic beaches, making Tolanaro an engaging destination for exploration.