Day 1

Fort Lauderdale - Hotel Stay

During your overnight night stay in Fort Lauderdale, you can explore its iconic waterways, world-class restaurants and shopping or venture further afield to enjoy the sights of Miami’s South Beach or the amazing Everglades.

Day 2

Fort Lauderdale - Embark ms Zaandam

Today you’ll begin your wonderful cruise holiday on board the elegant, attractive and spacious ms Zaandam; this musically themed ship offers a unique shipboard atmosphere. There are lots of luxurious yet cosy lounges and lovely pool decks, as well as superb restaurants offering fine dining.

Day 3

At Sea

You’ll be spoilt for choice for entertainment on board ms Zaandam. Spectacular shows will dazzle you in the Mondriaan Show Lounge, the twinkling lights of the casino will tempt you to have a flutter, and you can have a boogie in the Crow’s Nest before calling it a night.

Day 5

Aruba

This colourful Dutch island off the coast of Venezuela enjoys more sunny days than other Caribbean islands and is kept pleasantly cool by trade winds. With pristine beaches, excellent restaurants and boutiques and up market stores - including jewellery stores as gold used to be mined here – Oranjestad is a popular destination in Aruba.

Day 6

At Sea

There are so many opportunities to pursue new interests or relax and rejuvenate on board ms Zandaam. Hone your video-editing skills, revitalise at the Greenhouse Spa, attend an engaging lecture, take a cooking class from a master chef, go to a wine tasting or simply relax and unwind.

Day 7

Panama Canal/Panama City

Quite simply, the Panama Canal is so much more than a functional link between the world’s two great oceans. Immense locks along the Panama Canal’s 80km raise cruise ships 26 metres, as you come face to face with the canal sides and then enjoy the sights and sounds of the colourful birds and animals that inhabit the lush forests beyond.

Day 8

At Sea

During your cruise, you’ll enjoy an enviable choice of delicious dining options — everything from a burger and fries by the Lido Pool to the Pan-Asian flavours of Tamarind to the ultimate in refined and luxurious dining at the Pinnacle Grill.

Day 10

Manta

This port town has some interesting museums and pretty parks but for most travellers it is a stepping stone to visit Quito and the Galapagos Islands, an archipelago renowned for its astonishing variety of wildlife. During your time here, you could also visit the quaint colonial town of Montecristi, home of the Panama hat. It’s full of Spanish charm and market stalls selling colourful handicrafts including, of course, Panama hats.

Day 11

At Sea

Enjoy the musical heritage on board ms Zaandam. The Lincoln Centre Stage showcases outstanding live chamber music performances whereas B.B. King’s All-Stars Band brings the best of Memphis music to sea. From funky and fast to soulful and smooth, this eight-piece band performs nightly in the Queen's Lounge.

Day 12

Salaverry

Salaverry is close to many of northern Peru’s attractions including colourful Trujillo, with its bright blue, yellow and red buildings. The archeological site of Chan Chan, and the sacred pyramids of the Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna are also within easy reach, as are some sleepy beach villages where you can sit back with a cerveza and watch the fishing boats come and go.

Day 13

Callao

Lima’s UNESCO-protected historic centre is a wonder to behold with remnants of ancient city walls, baroque cathedrals and colonial buildings. It’s is also a great place to try Peruvian cuisine which has a huge variety of ingredients from coast, mountain and Amazon regions. As well as fantastic fish and seafood, you could try the legendary dish of lomo saltado pisco (beef stir-fried with tomatoes, peppers, onions and chips).

Day 14

At Sea

Make the most of your evenings on board in one of ms Zaandam’s bars. Try the Crow’s nest for incredible sea views or select from a Master Mixologist’s cocktail menu in the Gallery Bar. Share stories of your adventures as the pianist serenades you in the Piano bar or celebrate a fantastic holiday with champagne in the Mix bar.

Day 15

Pisco

The islands and waters around Pisco are so rich in marine life that they are nicknamed the Little Galapagos. Take tour around the rocky outcrops of the Ballastas Islands to spot sea lions sunbathing, endangered Humboldt penguins, whales, dolphins and cormorants. Or visit the Paracas National Reserve to spot pelicans, flamingos and Peruvian boobies among the unusual rock formations.

Day 16

At Sea

With Holland America’s famously friendly and attentive service, and a range of great fine dining options, it’s easy to see why the ms Zaandam continues to attract passengers who appreciate real cruising quality. You’ll find that all dining scenarios are covered - fine dining, pizzas, grilled and barbecued food, snacks and sandwiches.

Day 18

Coquimbo

The town of Coquimbo lies just on the edge of the Elqui Valley, where fertile vineyards produce quality Syrah and Carmenere wines as well as a grape spirit called piscos at the feet of the mountains. If you follow the Ruta de Estrellas (Route of the Stars) further, the green stripes of the vines give way to a desert landscape which is one of the best places in the world for stargazing.

Day 19

San Antonio - Disembark ms Zaandam

Your final port of call is San Antonio, the port for Santiago, where your cruise ends. You’ll disembark here and fly home.