Cruise the Panama Canal with Cynthia Rutledge!
Miami~Columbia~Panama Canal~Costa Rica~Guatemala~Mexico~San Diego
January 1 – 16, 2027
What a way to start the new year--a 14-day Holland America cruise from Miami to San Diego. You'll traverse between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans via the Panama Canal--and visit four other countries! To make it even better, we’ll have three days of workshop with Cynthia Rutledge on a new project (currently under design).
Itinerary
Day 1. Friday, January 1, 2027. Arrive in Miami.
Today you’ll start the new year by arriving in Miami, FL (airport code MIA) where you’ll be picked up and transferred to our hotel (both transfer and hotel are included). For those arriving by early evening, we’ll get together informally for dinner (not included).
Day 2. Saturday, January 2. Bon voyage!
In the morning, we will be transported to our ship, the Zuiderdam. After boarding the ship, you’ll have time to become familiar with our new home for the next two weeks.
Meals included: Lunch, dinner on board.
Days 3 & 4. Sunday & Monday. January 3 & 4. At Sea--and Workshops!
Class 9:30a to 4p each day
Our ship we will be at sea for the next two days—and there couldn’t be a better time to get started on Cynthia’s new project! We’ll have our workshop from 9:30a to 4p with a break for lunch.
Day 5. Tuesday, January 5. Cartagena, Columbia.
Ship arrives 7a; departs 1p
Our stop in Cartagena will be a great introduction to its well-preserved colonial architecture, flavorful cuisine, and the legacy of Nobel laureate Gabriel García Márquez. It will be an opportunity to wander through the streets of this walled city, tasting local delicacies, exploring Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, and enjoying the vestiges of its rich literary past.
Day 6. Wednesday, January 6. Transit the Panama Canal!
Transit canal from approximately 6a to 6p
A journey from Colón, at the Caribbean end of the canal, to Balboa, at its Pacific end, 
will allow you to marvel at this world wonder, as well as see colonial towns, historic fortresses, and sanctuaries for Panama’s wildlife along the way. Measured by miles, the journey along the canal is relatively short, but it is one with an epic sweep. You will follow in the footsteps of giants from Balboa to the workers who built the canal.
When you think of the Panama Canal, the image that may come to mind is of the world’s huge tankers and cruise ships passing through a series of locks. That, however, reflects only one aspect of this part of the world. As ships travel from the Atlantic to the Pacific, they also pass colonial towns, historic fortresses, and manmade lakes that are today home to sanctuaries for 
hundreds of different animal and plant species. At the Atlantic entrance to the Panama Canal, Colón evokes the old Panama of yesteryear, with its historic buildings gradually being restored. Some 48 miles to the south, at the canal’s Pacific entrance, Panama City's glittering skyline of office towers and condominiums reflects the country’s dynamic present and future. Traveling between these two cities, an epic tale unfolds before you—an old-school feat of engineering, ambition and courage.
The construction of the Panama Canal is one of those epic tales from the past, an old-school feat 
of engineering, ambition and courage. Over the course of a decade a little more than a century ago, tens of thousands of workers drilled dynamite holes, drove belching steam shovels, and labored with pickaxes, all the while fighting off malaria. While the French builders of the Suez Canal ultimately gave up in Panama, American crews persevered and created a route allowing ships to travel across a continent. In 2016 an expansion more than doubled the canal's capacity, ensuring it will continue to be central to the world's maritime traffic.
Day 7. Thursday, January 7. Sea Day.
Today will be yours to relax and enjoy all the ship has to offer—from the spa to lectures about local culture—or an opportunity to continue to work on your bead project!
Day 8. Friday, January 8. Puntarenas (Puerto Caldera), Costa Rica.
Ship arrives 8a; departs 6p
One of the stops along the Panama Canal Zone route is Puntarenas on Costa Rica's Pacific Coast. It is nicely positioned within easy day-trip distance of several national parks and activities from snapping photos of gushing waterfalls, sightseeing near active volcanoes, to birdwatching in nature reserves and sanctuaries. Visitors also can enjoy shopping for the handicrafts that local artists sell at their cooperatives, as well as sampling traditional Tico cuisine.
Day 9. Saturday, January 9. At Sea & Workshop.
Class 9:30a to 4p
Our final class with Cynthia on our project!
Day 10. Sunday, January 10. Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala.
Arrive 7a; depart 4p
Puerto Quetzal is Guatemala's largest port on the Pacific Ocean side of this Central American country, important for both cargo and cruise ships. While there's not a great deal to see and do in Puerto Quetzal itself, it is an ideal point of departure for exploring several corners of the country on various day trip options, such as stunning, volcano-studded landscape; one of the country's Maya sites; the UNESCO–recognized colonial city of Antigua (the former capital); a coffee plantation; or one of the many beguiling bodies of water. There's also Lake Atitlán, which 19th-century German explorer Alexander von Humboldt described as the most beautiful lake in the world.
Day 11. Monday, January 11. Huatulco, Mexico.
Arrive 11a; depart 5p
Huatulco, situated on Mexico's Pacific Coast in the state of Oaxaca, has nine bays and 36 beaches, offering more than enough opportunities for fun in the sun. But Huatulco's attractions aren't limited to sand and surf; there are also archaeological sites to explore, rivers to raft, and beautiful waterfalls that invite childlike splashing. Bird lovers will find Huatulco to be especially captivating as the region is home to more than 225 bird species, including many rare ones. And then there’s the food--the state of Oaxaca has some of the most iconic dishes in Mexico's culinary repertoire.
Day 12. Tuesday, January 12. Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico.
Arrive 8a; depart 5p
Acapulco, Mexico, is a famed Pacific resort town known for its golden beaches, lush rainforests, and historic sites. The La Quebrada cliff divers are a draw for travelers who watch with bated breath as they plunge from towering heights into the roiling sea. Other things to do in Acapulco include exploring the 17th-century Fort of San Diego or strolling along the seafront Malecón, admiring street art.
Day 13. Wednesday, January 13. Sea Day.
Another day to relax and enjoy!
Day 14. Thursday, January 14. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Arrive 8a; depart 3p.
Los Cabos sits at the southernmost tip of the Baja California Peninsula. Here you can ride a camel, or enjoy more predictable pursuits including fishing, golfing, and whale-watching. On a Cabo cruise you can visit picture-perfect El Arco, an arch that may look familiar thanks to its cameo on postcards and advertisements. Los Cabos also offers plenty to enjoy at the dining table as well, with farm-fresh fruits and vegetables and, of course, seafood.
Day 15. Friday, January 15. Sea Day.
A day of ultimate relaxation as you enjoy your final day at sea.
Day 16. Saturday, January 16. Disembark in San Diego.
Today you’ll arrive in San Diego from where you’ll disembark the ship. It is recommended your flight be scheduled to depart no earlier than 11a. Transfer from the ship to the airport is included.
About the project . . .
Cynthia is designing a project inspired by the trip's itinerary. Check back for details!
About our Teacher . . . Cynthia Rutledge
Cynthia is a contemporary seed bead artist and has been teaching for over 27 years. She specializes in peyote stitch and off‐loom weaving techniques, with an emphasis on developing sculptural unsupported shapes in beadwork. Her work has been exhibited in national and international shows, many books and publications including her first solo book, “Timeless Beadwork Designs”.
Cynthia shares “My path to being an artist has always been driven by my desire to create something that is beautiful to me. I bead for myself, to satisfy my desire to create, to feed my soul. That others admire my work is a gift. If they see something in my work that appeals to them, that calls to them, then I am blessed indeed, as maybe they can see a glimpse of the part of me that is just following my heart.”
Learn more about Cynthia at her webpage.
Trip Cost
$4,595.00 for a shared hotel room in Miami and shared interior ship cabin (Category MM); single supplement is an additional $2,045. Cabin upgrades (Oceanview, Verandah) are available at an additional cost based on availability.
For information about our ship, click here for the ms Zuiderdam's deck plan.
Non-beader savings: $180.00
Cost includes:
- One pre-cruise hotel night in Miami, FL
- 14-day cruise aboard Holland America's Zuiderdam
- All breakfasts, lunches, dinners aboard the ship
- Transportation from the Miami airport to the hotel
- Transportation from the hotel to the ship
- Transportation from the ship to San Diego airport
- Tuition for workshop with Cynthia
Cost Does Not Include:
- Airfare
- Meals on day of arrival in Miami
- Trip insurance (highly recommended)
- Shore excursions/tours
- Kit for Cynthia’s workshop
To Sign Up
To guarantee your spot on this trip, review Beadventures' Conditions & Responsibilities, complete a registration form, and send in a $1,000 deposit. Final payment will be due 120 days prior to the start of the trip.
Questions? Just send an email!
Trip Notes . . . IMPORTANT!
Travel Insurance
You are making a big investment in your upcoming travel. Despite all your planning, travel can be unpredictable--from cancelled flights to last minute illness. To help protect the investment you are making in your upcoming trip, you are strongly encouraged to purchase trip insurance. Holland America has trip protection coverage and/or research other options by clicking here.
Passport
You will need a passport for Costa Rica. Check your passport expiration date to make certain it is valid for at least six months beyond the dates of this trip.
About Activities While in Port / Shore Excursions
Beadventures does not arrange separate tours or shore excursions while on the cruise. Options are available through Holland America and other private tour operators.
About Cruising on a Beadventure
Beadventures doesn’t structure group activities on the days that the ship is in Port. You can enjoy a shore excursion based on your area of interest or relax enjoying some down time. There also will be opportunities to informally get together to bead, knit, and visit. In the evening the group will come together for dinner, or if you chose, you can enjoy in-room dining or dinner at one of the ship’s specialty restaurants. We’re flexible—you can have as much together time and/or on-your-own time as you prefer!
Bead Workshop Gear
Remember to bring your customary beading supplies (beading mat, needles, thread, scissors, magnification, and rechargeable battery-powered task light). A battery-powered light is important because extension cords/outlets may not be readily accessible.