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Classic California Coast

5.0/5 Based on 3 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor
Inside
$829
Oceanview
$1,129
Balcony
$1,129
Suite
$2,429
* Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
8 Days
 Cruise Starts
San Diego
 Cruise Finishes
San Diego
8 Day Classic California Coast Itinerary (Holland America)
Countries Explored: USA, Mexico
Ship
Ship Class
Signature Class
Departures
Passengers
2104
Crew
876
Launched
2010
Refurbished
2018
Cruise Code
L5O07B

Overview

Begin and end your 8 day (7 night) cruise in San Diego onboard the Nieuw Amsterdam and enjoy exclusive savings and cruise inclusions with Holland America and Global Journeys.

Cruise Itinerary

Departs: 16:00

The Port of San Diego is the fourth largest port in California and is  is located right in downtown San Diego. Major cruise lines depart from the B Street Pier Terminal which is located a 10-minute drive from San Diego International Airport (SAN) and San Diego Station (Amtrak) and is easily accessible from major freeways.  The Embarcadero and nearby areas offer plenty of options for paid parking during your cruise.

Cruise lines embark to destinations such as the Mexican Riviera, Hawaii, the California Coast and the Panama Canal. 


Arrives: 7:00 Departs: 17:00

With its warm climate, rich cultural heritage and activities for any adventurer, Ensenada is one of Mexico’s most popular cruise ports. Located on the west coast of Baja California, it is a colourful and exciting city that is also home to the largest production of wine in Mexico. Ships will dock at the Ensenada cruise port.

Top Things to Do in Ensenada:

  • visit a winery in the Guadalupe Valley
  • marvel at La Bufadora, the largest marine geyser in the world
  • shop on Avenida Lopez Mateos
  • snorkel around Todos Santos island

A day cruising at sea offers you the perfect mix of relaxation and activity. Start your morning on the top-level decks with a game of pickleball, enjoying the fresh sea breeze and expansive ocean views. Or, head to the Greenhouse Spa & Salon® to rejuvenate with a therapeutic spa treatment. The Kids Club will keep younger guests entertained with a variety of fun events and activities, while you can unwind by the pool or enjoy a Pilates class at the Fitness Center.

In the evening, delight in a tantalizing meal at one of the ship's restaurants, and afterward, enjoy a world-class performance at the stunning World Stage, adding a touch of culture to your night. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or both, a day at sea will be full of unforgettable experiences.

Arrives: 7:00 Departs: 20:00

The Port of San Francisco annually hosts more than 80 cruise ships at the James R. Herman Cruise Terminal (Pier 27) and nearby Pier 35. The terminal is in a prime location, with easy access to popular attractions including Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf, the Ferry Building and Union Square.

One of the most spectacular things about cruising from San Francisco is passing under the Golden Gate Bridge. Make sure you are on the lido deck for the sailaway party. It’s certainly a ‘hold your breath’ moment as the ship sails under the bridge.

A day cruising at sea offers you the perfect mix of relaxation and activity. Start your morning on the top-level decks with a game of pickleball, enjoying the fresh sea breeze and expansive ocean views. Or, head to the Greenhouse Spa & Salon® to rejuvenate with a therapeutic spa treatment. The Kids Club will keep younger guests entertained with a variety of fun events and activities, while you can unwind by the pool or enjoy a Pilates class at the Fitness Center.

In the evening, delight in a tantalizing meal at one of the ship's restaurants, and afterward, enjoy a world-class performance at the stunning World Stage, adding a touch of culture to your night. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or both, a day at sea will be full of unforgettable experiences.

Arrives: 7:00 Departs: 17:00

Santa Barbara, California, often referred to as the "American Riviera," boasts a Mediterranean-like climate complemented by beautiful beaches and a picturesque backdrop of the Santa Ynez Mountains. The city's architecture is a testament to its Spanish colonial heritage, particularly evident in landmarks such as the Mission Santa Barbara, a 19th-century Spanish mission with lush gardens and an historic museum.

Downtown Santa Barbara is known for its excellent shopping, fine dining, and vibrant cultural scene, including numerous galleries and theatres. The city’s palm-lined promenades and waterfront areas invite leisurely strolls, while local vineyards just a short drive away offer wine tasting experiences in a scenic setting. Santa Barbara provides a blend of relaxation, culture, and natural beauty, making it a captivating destination on the California coast.

Arrives: 7:00

The Port of San Diego is the fourth largest port in California and is  is located right in downtown San Diego. Major cruise lines depart from the B Street Pier Terminal which is located a 10-minute drive from San Diego International Airport (SAN) and San Diego Station (Amtrak) and is easily accessible from major freeways.  The Embarcadero and nearby areas offer plenty of options for paid parking during your cruise.

Cruise lines embark to destinations such as the Mexican Riviera, Hawaii, the California Coast and the Panama Canal. 


Note: Ship ports may not be located in the starting & ending cities listed. Port and transfer details will be provided in your travel documentation. The provided itinerary is for informational purposes only. Activities and sightseeing attractions listed may not be available or achievable within the time in port.

Life Onboard Nieuw Amsterdam

Nieuw Amsterdam
Nieuw Amsterdam

Nieuw Amsterdam’s inspired interiors and the exclusive art collection pay homage to New York City style. Read more

An Exciting Culinary Journey
An Exciting Culinary Journey

The delectable showcase of global cuisine found in the complimentary and specialty dining will delight. Read more

Explorations Central
Explorations Central

Elevate your experience in port with the expert presentations, cultural performances and local knowledge. Read more

Take the Music Walk
Take the Music Walk

Enjoy an incredible program of live classical and contemporary music; rock, the Memphis blues and Billboard hits. Read more

From Port to Table
From Port to Table

Savour the food and wine traditions of the ports you visit with local culinary demonstrations and wine tastings. Read more

Refresh, Relax, Rejuvenate
Refresh, Relax, Rejuvenate

Enjoy an indulgent massage or treatment, rejuvenate with a facial when you refresh in the heavenly spa and salon. Read more

Zaandam Reviews (3) Most Recent 'Zaandam' Reviews

5.0
AVG. RATING 5.0 / 5
3 Reviews
5 Star
100%
4 Star
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
Everything and More   1 , SA, Australia, Jun 2024
This was my first cruise and so pleased we were on a smaller ship and not a floating hotel. I managed the very slight roll well. The Zaandam was an older ship but more than made up for it with service, variety of shore excursions and itinerary. It still had everything you need for a relaxing and entertaining holiday. It was more than I imagined with ...read more glaciers 'calving', bus / train trip to the Yukon and a pub crawl in an old gold mining town. Food was good, and plentiful. I have a special diet and whether it was in the dining room, Lido Deck buffet or specialty dining, I always had a choice. I can certainly recommend Holland America.
Yukon + Denali Cruise Tour 3 , NSW, Australia, Jun 2024
The highlight for us was the land tour, especially Denali and Dawson City. The accommodation and transport was good and the excursions were great. We enjoyed going on the cruise for 4 days after the land portion. Holland America was an excellent cruise - the food, accommodation and staff were great.
Excellent Ports of call - Eastern Canada and New England 3 , WA, Australia, Aug 2023
Holland America were really good to travel with, we chose a smaller ship and enjoyed every minute. The passengers were friendly and the crew were excellent, the cabin neat and clean. We visited Boston, Portland, St John, Halifax, Cornerbrook, Prince Edward Island, Sagqueny, Qubec and Montreal, all great ports of call. Would highly recommend this tr ...read moreip.

Availability USD USD Port charges, taxes and fees included.

Exclusive Deal
Saturday 11 Oct 2025
Saturday 18 Oct 2025
Ship Nieuw Amsterdam
Inside
$829
View Cabins
Oceanview
$1,129
View Cabins
Balcony
$1,129
View Cabins
Suite
$2,429
View Cabins
Saturday 11 Oct 2025
Saturday 18 Oct 2025
Ship Nieuw Amsterdam
Inside
$859
View Cabins
Oceanview
$1,036
View Cabins
Balcony
$1,112
View Cabins
Suite
$2,062
View Cabins
Saturday 11 Oct 2025
Saturday 18 Oct 2025
Ship Nieuw Amsterdam
Inside
$849
View Cabins
Oceanview
$989
View Cabins
Balcony
$1,089
View Cabins
Suite
$2,604
View Cabins
Saturday 11 Oct 2025
Saturday 18 Oct 2025
Ship Nieuw Amsterdam
Inside
$1,258
View Cabins
Oceanview
$1,858
View Cabins
Balcony
$1,858
View Cabins
Suite
$4,458
View Cabins
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Holland America. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Holland America. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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