Itinerary:

Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades): The Holland America Zuiderdam cruise ship regularly calls at Port Everglades, which is located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA. Port Everglades is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world and serves as a gateway to the Caribbean and other destinations.

When the Zuiderdam docks at Port Everglades, passengers can disembark and explore the local area, which is known for its beaches, shopping, and dining options. There are also a variety of shore excursions available, which can be booked through Holland America Line, including tours of Fort Lauderdale, snorkeling and scuba diving trips, and visits to the nearby Everglades National Park.

Port Everglades has several terminals for cruise ships, and the specific terminal used by the Zuiderdam can vary depending on the date and time of arrival. However, Holland America Line provides detailed information to passengers on where and when to check in, as well as instructions for boarding the ship. The port also has a range of amenities, including parking, baggage handling, and transportation services, to make the embarkation and disembarkation process as smooth as possible.

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas: Half Moon Cay is a private island owned by the Carnival Corporation, which is located in the Bahamas and is often visited by Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam cruise ship. The island is approximately 1,700 acres and has been designated as an ecologically sensitive area.

When the Zuiderdam calls at Half Moon Cay, passengers can enjoy a range of activities on the island, including swimming, sunbathing, and water sports such as snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The island has a long white sand beach with crystal clear waters, as well as several restaurants and bars serving food and drinks.

In addition to beach activities, Half Moon Cay offers several shore excursions that can be booked through Holland America Line, such as horseback riding, hiking, and glass-bottom boat tours. The island also has a variety of facilities for passengers, including restrooms, showers, beach chairs and umbrellas, and even private cabanas for rent.

Half Moon Cay is known for its natural beauty and is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds and marine life. To help protect the island’s fragile ecosystem, visitors are encouraged to practice responsible tourism and to follow guidelines for respecting the local environment.

Oranjestad, Aruba:  Oranjestad is the capital and largest city of the Caribbean island of Aruba, a popular port of call for many Caribbean cruise ships, including the Holland America Zuiderdam. The city is located on the southern coast of the island and is known for its colorful Dutch Colonial architecture, beaches, shopping, and dining options.

When the Zuiderdam docks at the port in Oranjestad, passengers can disembark and explore the local area, which offers a range of activities and attractions. Some of the most popular things to do in Oranjestad include visiting the historic Fort Zoutman and the Archaeological Museum, strolling along the waterfront promenade, and relaxing on the nearby beaches.

Oranjestad also has a variety of shops and restaurants catering to visitors, including high-end boutiques and local markets selling souvenirs, crafts, and traditional Aruban foods. The city has a lively nightlife scene with a variety of bars, nightclubs, and casinos.

For those looking for more outdoor activities, there are several shore excursions available, including snorkeling and scuba diving trips to explore the island’s coral reefs and shipwrecks, as well as guided tours of the island’s rugged interior and natural attractions like the Arikok National Park.

Curacao:  Curacao is a Caribbean island and a popular port of call for many cruise ships, including the Holland America Zuiderdam. The island is part of the Netherlands Antilles and is located in the southern Caribbean Sea, just north of Venezuela. Curacao is known for its vibrant culture, historic architecture, beautiful beaches, and colorful underwater reefs.

When the Zuiderdam docks at the port in Curacao, passengers can disembark and explore the local area, which offers a range of activities and attractions. Some of the most popular things to do in Curacao include visiting the historic capital city of Willemstad, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its brightly colored Dutch Colonial architecture and museums. The island also has a variety of beaches and water activities, including snorkeling, diving, and water sports.

Curacao is known for its diverse cuisine, which blends European, African, and Caribbean flavors. Visitors can sample local dishes such as stobá, a hearty stew made with meat and vegetables, or keshi yena, a stuffed cheese dish.

For those looking for more outdoor activities, there are several shore excursions available, including guided tours of the island’s natural attractions like the Christoffel National Park, a rugged landscape of hills and cacti. There are also several tours that explore the island’s history and culture, such as the Kura Hulanda Museum, which showcases the island’s African heritage.

Cartagena, Columbia:   Cartagena is a historic port city on the Caribbean coast of Colombia and a popular destination for many cruise ships, including the Holland America Zuiderdam. The city is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, vibrant culture, and beautiful beaches.

When the Zuiderdam docks at the port in Cartagena, passengers can disembark and explore the local area, which offers a range of activities and attractions. One of the most popular things to do is to visit the historic walled city, which dates back to the 16th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The walled city is home to a variety of historic buildings, including the San Felipe de Barajas Castle and the Palace of the Inquisition, as well as a mix of shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Cartagena also has a variety of beaches and water activities, including snorkeling, diving, and water sports. The nearby Rosario Islands are a popular destination for day trips, where visitors can explore the coral reefs and enjoy the natural beauty of the Caribbean Sea.

Cartagena is known for its vibrant culture, which blends African, Spanish, and indigenous influences. Visitors can experience the local culture through a variety of activities, including music and dance performances, cooking classes, and guided tours of the city’s historic landmarks.

For those looking for more outdoor activities, there are several shore excursions available, including hiking tours of the nearby national parks, boat tours of the local mangrove forests, and visits to local villages to learn about traditional crafts and culture.

Panama Canal:  The Panama Canal is a man-made waterway that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through the narrow isthmus of Panama. The canal is a marvel of engineering and a popular destination for many cruise ships, including the Holland America Zuiderdam.

When the Zuiderdam enters the Panama Canal, it passes through a series of locks that raise and lower the ship to match the water level of the canal. The canal has three locks on the Pacific side and three on the Atlantic side, each of which is over 1,000 feet long and 110 feet wide.

As the Zuiderdam transits through the canal, passengers can enjoy a variety of views, including the lush tropical landscape of Panama, as well as the engineering marvels of the locks and the Gatun Lake, which is one of the largest man-made lakes in the world.

The transit through the canal takes several hours, during which time passengers can learn about the history and operation of the canal through onboard presentations and commentary from local experts. The canal is a major trade route, and passengers may see a variety of cargo ships and other vessels as they make their way through the canal.

In addition to the canal transit, there are several shore excursions available for passengers, including tours of Panama City, which is the capital and largest city of Panama and offers a mix of modern and historic attractions. Other options include visits to the nearby rainforest, beach resorts, and cultural sites.

Colon, Panama:  Colon is a port city located on the Caribbean coast of Panama, near the entrance of the Panama Canal. It is a popular destination for many cruise ships, including the Holland America Zuiderdam, which often stops there as part of its itinerary.

Some of the most popular things to do in Colon include visiting the nearby Gatun Locks, which is a part of the Panama Canal and provides an excellent vantage point to watch the ships pass through. Visitors can also explore Fort San Lorenzo and Fort Sherman, which are historic sites dating back to the colonial era.

Puerto Limon, Costa Rica:  Puerto Limon is a port city located on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica and a popular destination for many cruise ships, including the Holland America Zuiderdam. The city is known for its beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and rich culture.

When the Zuiderdam docks at the port in Puerto Limon, passengers can disembark and explore the local area, which offers a range of activities and attractions. Some of the most popular things to do in Puerto Limon include visiting the Tortuguero National Park, which is home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and sea turtles. Visitors can also take a boat tour of the park’s canals to explore the dense jungle and spot exotic birds.

Puerto Limon is also known for its beautiful beaches, such as Playa Bonita and Playa Cocles, which offer a variety of water sports and activities, including surfing, kayaking, and snorkeling. Visitors can also explore the local culture and history through a variety of activities, such as visiting the Cahuita National Park, which is home to a variety of Afro-Caribbean communities, and sampling local dishes such as gallo pinto, a traditional Costa Rican dish made with rice and beans.

For those looking for more outdoor activities, there are several shore excursions available, including zip-lining through the rainforest, hiking tours of the local national parks, and visits to local indigenous communities to learn about their culture and way of life.

Holland America Zuiderdam Accommodations

For this Panama Canal cruise on the Zuiderdam, I booked a Neptune Suite, 7082.  Neptune Suites are a luxurious and spacious stateroom category offered on the Holland America Zuiderdam and other ships in the Holland America Line fleet. Neptune Suites are typically located on the upper decks of the ship, providing sweeping ocean views and a premium cruising experience.

The Neptune Suite is designed to offer maximum comfort and convenience to passengers. The suite typically includes a separate sitting area with a sofa, chairs, and a coffee table, as well as a private balcony with outdoor furniture. The suite also features a large bedroom with a king-size bed, a walk-in closet, and a marble bathroom with a full-size bathtub and a shower.

In addition to the premium amenities in the suite, passengers staying in a Neptune Suite also have access to a variety of exclusive perks and services. These may include priority boarding and disembarkation, a dedicated concierge service, priority restaurant reservations, and access to a private lounge with complimentary cocktails and appetizers.

Other amenities available to Neptune Suite passengers may include a flat-screen TV, a DVD player, an iPod docking station, a mini-bar, and 24-hour room service. Additionally, passengers in the Neptune Suite category may be eligible for additional perks and promotions, such as onboard credit, free or reduced airfare, and other incentives.

Personal Day-By-Day Zuiderdam Cruise Review:

Photo Tour of the Zuiderdam:

Capturing memories through photography is an integral part of any vacation, and my voyage aboard the Holland America Zuiderdam was no different. Throughout my journey, I snapped countless photos, highlighting various aspects of the ship such as the stunning interior design, the inviting swimming pools, and my own cozy cabin. If you’re interested in viewing these snapshots, you can check out the Zuiderdam Photo Tour or browse the daily cruise review, both accessible through the links provided above.