Zaandam: 14-Night Cruise from Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades) - March 14, 2027

With roughly 7 hours hours in Cartagena, Colombia - arriving at 7:00 AM and departing at 2:00 PM - you'll want to be strategic. A ship-arranged shore excursion is a smart choice here - the ship will wait for its own excursions to return. Stick to attractions close to the port. Beyond history, Cartagena offers Caribbean flavors, warm hospitality, and ocean views that balance the urban energy.

The Zaandam is a mid-sized ship, which means excursion options in Panama Canal, Panama are plentiful. Plan your top priorities in advance and you'll generally find services accessible without long waits. The Miraflores Locks Visitor Center offers observation decks and exhibits detailing the canal's operation.

Your ship arrives in Quepos, Costa Rica 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. Walk trails through dense rainforest to see monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and colorful birds.

You'll have 10 hours hours to explore Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala, from 6:00 AM to 4:00 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. Stroll through Puerto Quetzal's markets to discover colorful produce, handmade crafts, and traditional Guatemalan goods.

Arriving in Huatulco, Mexico at 11:00 AM with only 7 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. A boat tour through Huatulco's bays is one of the best ways to appreciate the coastline.

The Zaandam is a mid-sized ship, which means excursion options in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico are plentiful. Plan your top priorities in advance and you'll generally find services accessible without long waits. The Malecón is Puerto Vallarta's iconic waterfront promenade.

Your ship arrives in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico at 7:00 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. Many visitors explore on foot around the marina and nearby beaches.

Your cruise ends in San Diego, California, where the Zaandam 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. Many highlights are walkable from the port, including the waterfront, parks, and dining areas.