Holland America gets expansive in Europe
Holland America Line’s 2008 Europe cruise season will be its most expansive and most innovative, with 57 unique itineraries from March through November that visit nine maiden ports and feature six ships, including the debut of the ms Eurodam. Next year also will mark the 135th anniversary of the premium line’s first cruise from Rotterdam to New York.
“We are introducing our first Signature Class ship with the launch of the Eurodam, and we have the Zuiderdam sailing in Europe for the first time,” stated Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs.
“With six ships and nine maiden ports, we have a 35% capacity increase in cruises and the opportunity to see every region of Europe. From the polar ice across the Arctic Circle to the shores of North Africa and the Black Sea, we offer an in-depth view of the continent and beyond.”
The European fleet includes the flagship ms Rotterdam, the ms Eurodam, two Vista-class ships, the ms Noordam and the ms Zuideram; the intimate ms Prinsendam and the five-star ms Maasdam sailing to Greenland, Iceland, and Northern Europe. All ships offer the Explorations Speaker Series, Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine Magazine, the Greenhouse Spa & Salon and one-of-a-kind Medallion Shore Excursions, which allow guests to customize time ashore and discover Europe at their own pace.
European Treasures & Collector’s Voyages
For those who want a taste of several diverse European regions in one cruise, Holland America Line offers three European Treasures itineraries. These sailings include ports in Northern and Western Europe, as well as the Mediterranean. A new 11-day Heart of Bordeaux cruise on the Prinsendam includes a daylight transit of France’s Gironde Estuary with an overnight in the heart of the scenic Bordeaux wine region.
For true explorers who appreciate longer, in-depth itineraries, there are 10 unique Collectors’ Voyages — 20-to 30-day cruises that combine non-repeating itineraries with special pricing. Other highlights include extended stays with overnights in Barcelona, Spain; Bordeaux, France; Venice, Italy; Istanbul, Turkey; and St. Petersburg, Russia.
With more than 300 choices, Holland America Line’s European shore excursions offer something for everyone. For the wine lovers and connoisseurs, there is a Taste of Croatia, a Taste of Tuscany or perhaps a Taste of the Riviera in Monte Carlo.
For the art and architecture enthusiasts, there are opportunities to discover Gaudi’s Barcelona, explore rich art traditions in Florence, tour ancient cities in Turkey, and visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice. For those who want to venture off the beaten track, tours explore rarely visited parts of Malta via four-wheel drive vehicles, canoe along the Mallorca Coast or hike through Ichkeul Natural Park in Tunisia.
European cruise fares start at $999 per person, double occupancy.
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Courtesy of cybercruises.com
Chitra Mogul
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