Holland America Line has announced the opening of bookings for a new Mediterranean schedule during the fall of 2027, which will feature its flagship ship, the Rotterdam, sailing in this region for the first time.
The company will offer five itineraries through the Western and Eastern Mediterranean, designed for travelers to discover some of the area's most iconic destinations during the off-season, enjoying a more relaxed experience with less tourist crowds.
The cruises, lasting between 10 and 11 nights, will include stops at such prominent destinations as Lisbon, Naples, Kotor, Rhodes, and Alexandria. Some itineraries also feature scenic sailing through the Strait of Messina and past Stromboli, one of the world's most active volcanoes. Passengers will also have the option to combine several itineraries for a more comprehensive Mediterranean experience.
The season will conclude with a 14-day transatlantic crossing between Barcelona and Fort Lauderdale (Florida).
“We know how much our guests enjoy sailing aboard Rotterdam, and the Mediterranean remains one of our most popular destinations,” said Paul Grigsby, Vice President of Revenue Planning for Holland America Line. “There’s something very special about seeing our flagship ship visiting iconic ports like Bilbao, Naples, and Rhodes for the first time, and we’re thrilled to share this experience with our passengers.”.
Experiences on land
In addition to the premium onboard experience, travelers can participate in numerous shore excursions designed to immerse them in the history, culture, and heritage of each destination. Highlights include visits to the ruins of Ephesus from Kusadasi (Turkey), tours of Pompeii from Naples, and strolls through the medieval streets of Kotor's old town (Montenegro).
The excursions will range from traditional guided tours to more immersive experiences aimed at connecting travelers with the local culture.
Strengthening Mediterranean programming
The addition of the Rotterdam strengthens Holland America Line's presence in Europe and the Mediterranean during the autumn 2027-winter 2028 season. The company will have more than 20 sailings operated by the ships Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam, Oosterdam and Zuiderdam.
The itineraries have been designed to offer more time in ports, combining stops in well-known destinations with less frequented ones, as well as extended stays that allow for a deeper exploration of each place.
Main Rotterdam itineraries in the Mediterranean
October 17, 2027 – 10-night cruise “Around the Iberian Peninsula: Spain and Portugal”. From Rotterdam (Netherlands) to Barcelona (Spain). Stops in Portsmouth (United Kingdom), Le Verdon-sur-Mer (Bordeaux, France), Bilbao (Spain), Cartagena (Spain), Valencia (Spain), Lisbon (Portugal).
October 27, 2027 – 11-night cruise “Splendor of the Mediterranean: Spain, Italy and Greece”. From Barcelona to Athens. Stops in Palma de Mallorca (Spain), Marseille (France), Livorno (Florence/Pisa, Italy), Civitavecchia (Rome, Italy), Naples (Pompeii, Italy), Corfu (Greece), Kotor (Montenegro).
November 7, 2027 – 10-night Greek Islands Cruise: Istanbul with overnight stay, Mykonos and Rhodes. Round trip from Athens. Stops in Mykonos (Greece), Rhodes (Greece), Kusadasi (Ephesus, Turkey), Istanbul (Turkey), with overnight stay.
November 17, 2027 – 11-night cruise “Greek Islands: Egypt and the Holy Land”
Round trip from Athens. Stops in Alexandria (Cairo, Egypt), Limassol (Cyprus), Antalya (Turkey), Kusadasi (Turkey), Rhodes (Greece), Haifa (Tel Aviv, Israel), with overnight stay on board.
November 28, 2027 – 10-night Mediterranean Splendor Cruise: Italy with an overnight stay in Rome. From Athens to Barcelona. Stops in Kotor (Montenegro), Valletta (Malta), Messina (Sicily), Naples (Italy), Civitavecchia (Rome, Italy), and Livorno (Florence/Pisa, Italy). Includes scenic sailing through the Strait of Messina and past the Stromboli volcano.
December 8, 2027 – 14-night transatlantic crossing “Cultural Crossing with Spain and Morocco”. From Barcelona to Fort Lauderdale (Florida). Stopovers in Valencia (Spain), Alicante (Spain), Malaga (Spain), Tangier (Morocco).
With this new program, Holland America Line aims to expand its Mediterranean offering in the off-season, providing more relaxed itineraries and enriching cultural experiences in some of the most attractive destinations in Europe and North Africa.
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