Holland America Line adds another Legendary Voyage to its diverse roster of longer cruises from convenient departure points. The 42-day “Ultimate Mediterranean & Atlantic Passage” aboard the Volendam, departing November 9, 2024, is inspired by a voyage the cruise line undertook nearly 100 years ago. Perfectly tailored for today’s traveler, the 2024 sailing round-trip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, allows guests to experience 16 different ports across nine countries, all with a distinctly international feel.
The original voyage that gave rise to the 42-day “Ultimate Mediterranean & Atlantic Passage” departed New York on February 4, 1925, aboard the Rotterdam IV, carrying 550 passengers across the Atlantic Ocean to explore many of the same ports. The 2024 cruise follows in the footsteps of the 1925 voyage, visiting Portugal, Morocco, Italy, Greece, Israel, Egypt, Tunisia, Gibraltar (UK), and Spain.
“Holland America Line was one of the first companies to offer cruise vacations that went beyond a transatlantic crossing, and today we continue to innovate our itineraries by offering memorable journeys like this Mediterranean and Atlantic cruise,” said Beth Bodensteiner, Chief Commercial Officer of Holland America Line.
The “42-Day Ultimate Mediterranean & Atlantic Passage” route first visits Horta and Ponta Delgada in the Azores, after crossing the Atlantic Ocean. Following a stop in Tangier, Morocco, the cruise continues overnight in Livorno and Civitavecchia, Italy. From Livorno, guests can explore Florence or Pisa, while Rome is easily accessible from Civitavecchia. The Volendam then sails to Naples, Italy, and Catania, Sicily, before arriving in Piraeus (Athens), Greece.
Next, guests will explore the Holy Land in Haifa (Tel Aviv) and Ashdod (Jerusalem), Israel, followed by Port Said and Alexandria (Cairo), Egypt. The final ports of call are La Goulette (Tunisia), Tunisia; Gibraltar; Cádiz (Seville), Spain; and Casablanca, Morocco. The cruise concludes on December 21 in Fort Lauderdale.
Most Holland America Line Legendary Voyages sail to and from a North American homeport, allowing travelers to see the world from their doorstep with a convenient domestic flight and easy embarkation. Itineraries are offered on a variety of the line's perfectly sized ships, where guests enjoy the best of the Grand Voyages onboard programming, including iconic theme parties, memorable departures, and classic cruise activities to further enhance the experience.
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