Panama Canal Holiday Voyage

Holland America Line – ms Amsterdam • December 18, 2015 – January 5, 2016

🧭 A Westbound Winter Escape

We arrived in San Diego on Thursday, December 17—one day ahead of embarkation. Our overnight stay was at the Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Old Town/SeaWorld Area, conveniently located just steps from the Old Town Transit Center. For lunch, we crossed the street to Casa Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant, where we enjoyed what may have been the best Mexican-themed lunch we’ve ever had—vibrant décor, generous portions, and warm handmade tortillas.

After lunch, we caught the Green Line light rail from the Old Town Transit Center to the Gaslamp Quarter Station, located in Downtown San Diego’s historic Gaslamp District, a neighborhood known for its Victorian architecture, nightlife, and shopping. We strolled the busy streets, browsed storefronts, and made a sweet stop at the Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop for thick milkshakes and fresh chocolate chip cookies.

That evening, we considered catching a movie—but every theater was packed due to the premiere of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which had just debuted that same day (December 17, 2015). So instead, we walked a bit more, then headed over to Dick’s Last Resort for some signature irreverence, oversized themed hats, and surprisingly excellent French fries. Eventually, we made our way back to the hotel to rest up before embarkation the next morning.

🚢 Embarkation

Our journey officially began on Friday, December 18, 2015, when we boarded the ms Amsterdam in San Diego, California, a convenient and well-organized homeport nestled along the Embarcadero. After a smooth check-in process, we stepped aboard Holland America’s 62,735-ton classic vessel, last refurbished in 2010 and beloved for its intimate scale and traditional charm.

We were assigned Interior Aft Stateroom 3406, located on Deck 3 – Lower Promenade, near the ship’s stern. Though the room lacked windows, we quickly came to appreciate its quiet, cocoon-like ambiance—ideal for restful nights and peaceful afternoon naps between ports. There was more than enough room to stow our luggage, and the proximity to deck-side promenade seating made it easy to enjoy fresh air without needing a balcony.

At 4:54 PM, the Amsterdam unmoored and slipped away from the dock, marking the official start of our 18-day Panama Canal Holiday voyage. As the ship eased away from San Diego’s downtown skyline, we joined other guests on the outer decks to watch the California coast fade into twilight—a peaceful and reflective sendoff. With the familiar sound of the ship’s horn echoing across the bay, we were off to explore the Mexican Riviera, Central America, and Panama Canal.

📅 Cruise Itinerary: Daily Logs

Thursday, December 17 – San Diego, California (Pre-Cruise)

We arrived a day early and stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Old Town/SeaWorld Area. After checking in, we had lunch at Casa Guadalajara, then boarded the Green Line from Old Town Transit Center to the Gaslamp Quarter. We browsed shops, grabbed shakes and cookies at Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop, and watched buzz grow around the opening of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. We wrapped up with dinner at Dick’s Last Resort before heading back for the night.

Friday, December 18 – San Diego, California

We boarded the Holland America Amsterdam and settled into our aft Interior Stateroom 3406 on Deck 3 – Lower Promenade. As the ship pulled away from port, we watched the San Diego skyline fade and officially began our Panama Canal Holiday adventure.

Saturday, December 19 – At Sea

Clear skies and a cool breeze marked our first sea day. We relaxed on deck, explored the ship, and got familiar with life aboard the Amsterdam.

Sunday, December 20 – At Sea

With gentle swells and overcast skies, we spent the day indoors reading, chatting with fellow guests, and enjoying a quiet build-up to our first port.

Monday, December 21 – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

We ventured inland to the quiet mountain town of San Sebastian del Oeste. The cobbled streets, lush hills, and coffee tastings gave us a different view of Jalisco’s charm—far from the beach resorts.

Tuesday, December 22 – At Sea

The coastline occasionally came into view as we made our way south. It was a peaceful day with time to reflect, journal, and watch the sun set behind us.

Wednesday, December 23 – Huatulco, Mexico

This port took us into local villages, where we learned about Oaxacan crafts and customs. We watched weaving demonstrations and sampled handmade tortillas straight from the comal.

Thursday, December 24 – Puerto Chiapas, Mexico

On Christmas Eve, we traveled to the scenic Argovia Finca—an eco-estate that cultivates flowers and coffee. The lush grounds were a tranquil retreat and offered sweeping views of the surrounding mountains.

Friday, December 25 – Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala

Spending Christmas Day in Guatemala was different. We explored the colonial streets of Antigua and toured a working coffee estate, all set against the backdrop of volcanoes and festive spirit.

Saturday, December 26 – Corinto, Nicaragua

We visited a Nicaraguan hacienda known for its elegant horses. The equestrian show was mesmerizing—graceful, powerful, and unlike anything we’d ever seen.

Sunday, December 27 – Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica

Costa Rica welcomed us with humid air and lush greenery. We boarded a local train that wound through the countryside before transferring to a mangrove riverboat ride.

Monday, December 28 – At Sea

It was a calm, clear day on the Pacific as we neared one of the cruise’s biggest highlights. Much of the day was spent in the Crow’s Nest with shipboard friends Dan, Kristen, Michael, and a whole host of others — in our official hangout spot on the ship.

Tuesday, December 29 – Panama Canal Transit

We awoke to the historic moment we’d long anticipated—transiting the Panama Canal. From Balboa to Cristobal, we passed through the Miraflores, Pedro Miguel, and Gatun Locks. Construction on the new canal expansion was ongoing (began 2007, completed 2016), and we saw the massive works in progress. The entire day was spent on deck, captivated by this engineering marvel.

Wednesday, December 30 – At Sea

After the thrill of the canal, today felt like a deep exhale. We enjoyed the warm breeze and quiet ocean views as the Amsterdam made its way toward the Southern Caribbean.

Thursday, December 31 – Oranjestad, Aruba

We spent the day exploring Aruba’s shops and waterfront, followed by a relaxing catamaran cruise at sunset. That night, we watched fireworks light up the sky from the ship’s upper decks—Aruba’s New Year’s Eve celebration was in full swing.

Friday, January 1 – Willemstad, Curaçao

On New Year’s Day, most of Willemstad was closed, but we joined the Made in Curaçao tour to visit an aloe farm and the Chobolobo liqueur distillery. A scenic drive across the Queen Juliana Bridge capped the outing. That night, Cruise Director Carlos Mendoza surprised us with an impromptu New Year’s bash—singing, dancing, and leading the crowd in a roaring “Point! Point! Point!” celebration we’ll never forget.

Saturday, January 2 – At Sea

A calm and contemplative day at sea. We stayed close to our regular group, sharing stories and swapping contact details in the Crow’s Nest. With the coast of Colombia behind us, the vast blue horizon hinted that the end of the trip was nearing.

Sunday, January 3 – At Sea

We began gathering our things, but not before savoring a few final laps around the promenade deck and coffees shared with shipboard friends. The Amsterdam glided quietly northeast, setting its course toward the Bahamas and the Florida coast.

Monday, January 4 – Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (scheduled)

Our final port of call—Half Moon Cay—was ultimately canceled due to deteriorating weather and unsafe tendering conditions. Though disappointed, most guests took the chance to relax on board, reflecting on the voyage and soaking in one last day at sea.

Tuesday, January 5 – Fort Lauderdale, Florida

We disembarked in Fort Lauderdale grateful for a holiday season unlike any other. From Mexican ports to the Panama Canal, Aruba fireworks to sun kissed beaches, we crossed continents, made new friends, and caught a glimpse of the world from the decks of the Amsterdam.

🎉 New Year’s Celebration at Sea

One of the most unforgettable moments came on New Year’s Eve, when Cruise Director Carlos Mendoza led a lively celebration in the Queen’s Lounge. After midnight, he commandeered the microphone, rallied the crowd with an impromptu dance party, and shouted “Point! Point! Point!”—a spontaneous call-and-response moment that became the signature memory of the night.

🛋️ Shipboard life & friendships

Much of our downtime was spent in the Crow’s Nest, relaxing with panoramic ocean views. It became our gathering place with shipboard friends Dan, Kristen, and Michael among other—fellow cruisers whose warmth and humor enriched every day of the voyage.

💫 Favorite Memory

As the ship pulled away from Oranjestad on New Year’s Eve, we gathered on deck with champagne in hand and watched fireworks light up the Aruban sky. Surrounded by friends, it was the perfect farewell to 2015—and a dazzling welcome to the year ahead.

📋 Cruise Details

Cruise Itinerary Disclaimer:

Cruise itineraries shared on OceansAfoot are independently written and based on personal sailings. OceansAfoot is not affiliated with any cruise line and does not receive compensation or direction from operators referenced in these narratives.

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