Nieuw Amsterdam: 16-Night Cruise from San Diego - October 2, 2026

You'll have 9 hours hours to explore Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM - a solid full day ashore. That's enough for 2-3 attractions and a sit-down lunch without rushing. Tackle the most distant spot first, then work your way back toward the port. Visitors can enjoy the beaches and seaside promenades, explore art galleries and local markets, and sample regional cuisine.

The Nieuw Amsterdam is a mid-sized ship, which means excursion options in Huatulco, Mexico are plentiful. Plan your top priorities in advance and you'll generally find services accessible without long waits. A boat tour through Huatulco's bays is one of the best ways to appreciate the coastline.

Your ship arrives in Puerto Chiapas, Mexico at 8:00 AM, one of the most common arrival windows. If you've booked a morning excursion, aim to be among the first off. If your plans are flexible, waiting 30-45 minutes lets the initial wave pass. Take a short drive to Tapachula and explore the vibrant local market.

With 14 hours hours in Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala - from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM - you have a full day ashore with room to breathe. Go beyond the typical tourist stops: neighborhoods, local dining, and cultural sites that most cruise visitors never reach. Leave time for unstructured wandering. Stroll through Puerto Quetzal's markets to discover colorful produce, handmade crafts, and traditional Guatemalan goods.

The Nieuw Amsterdam is a mid-sized ship, which means excursion options in Acajutla, El Salvador are plentiful. Plan your top priorities in advance and you'll generally find services accessible without long waits. A visit inland to Sonsonate or nearby towns introduces traditional architecture, local markets, and everyday Salvadoran life.

With an early arrival in Panama Canal, Panama at 5:00 AM, your group has a real advantage - you'll be among the first off the ship, ahead of the crowds that build by mid-morning. Use this window to reach popular spots in Panama Canal, Panama before congestion sets in. The Miraflores Locks Visitor Center offers observation decks and exhibits detailing the canal's operation.

Your ship overnights in Panama Canal, Panama - a rare treat that means you can experience the destination after dark. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, explore the waterfront at night, or attend a cultural performance. In the morning, catch attractions before the next wave of ships arrives. The Miraflores Locks Visitor Center offers observation decks and exhibits detailing the canal's operation.

Arriving in Cartagena, Colombia at 12:00 PM with only 6 hours hours before your 6:00 PM departure is a tight window. A ship-arranged shore excursion is the safest play here - you'll get priority disembarkation, and the ship will wait for its own excursions to return. Focus on one or two experiences close to the port. Walking the old city is the essential Cartagena experience.

The Nieuw Amsterdam is a mid-sized ship, which means excursion options in Half Moon Cay (Little San Salvador Island), Bahamas are plentiful. Plan your top priorities in advance and you'll generally find services accessible without long waits. The main beach at Half Moon Cay is wide, clean, and beautifully calm.

Your cruise ends in Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida, where the Nieuw Amsterdam is scheduled to dock at 7:00 AM. On a smaller ship, the disembarkation process moves quickly - most passengers are off within one to two hours. If you're flying out, book your flight at least four hours after the ship's scheduled arrival. Las Olas Boulevard is the heart of the city for shopping, dining, and people watching.