Cruise Launch Details
Holland America Line will launch a 42-day cruise across the Atlantic Ocean and around Europe and the Middle East from Florida next year, inspired by a journey the cruise line undertook nearly 100 years ago.
The “42-day Ultimate Mediterranean & Atlantic Passage” cruise will set sail from Fort Lauderdale on November 9, 2024, visiting 16 different ports before returning to Florida, according to the cruise company. This sailing is part of the company’s Legendary Voyages, featuring longer cruises ranging from 25 to 59 days.
Itinerary Highlights
Travelers boarding the company’s Volendam ship will first travel to the Azores before heading to Tangier, Morocco, followed by visits to Italy and Greece. Passengers will have the opportunity to explore renowned cities such as Florence, Rome, and Athens. The cruise will then continue to Israel, where guests can discover Tel Aviv and Jerusalem before making stops in Egypt and Tunisia.
On the return journey to Florida, passengers will enjoy stops in Gibraltar, Spain, and Casablanca.
Historical Inspiration
“Holland America Line was one of the first companies to feature cruise vacations that extended beyond a transatlantic crossing. Today, we continue to innovate our itineraries by offering memorable voyages like this ultimate Mediterranean and Atlantic passage sailing,” said Beth Bodensteiner, the chief commercial officer for Holland America Line. “Since introducing this new Legendary category of cruises, which offer a deep focus on one region, they’ve become very popular. We’re thrilled to add a longer voyage that enables travelers to explore the Mediterranean in-depth without the need for a long-haul flight.”
Holland America stated that the cruise draws inspiration from a trip the company undertook in 1925, departing from New York City on the Rotterdam IV to many of the same ports included in next year’s cruise itinerary.
Future Cruise Plans
Last year, Holland America celebrated its 150th anniversary with a series of heritage cruises, one highlighted by a special transatlantic cruise that recreated the company’s inaugural voyage by crossing the Atlantic Ocean prior to its official incorporation.
Moreover, the company has announced plans for an epic 133-day pole-to-pole Grand Voyage in 2025, which will explore regions as far south as Antarctica and as far north as the Arctic Circle off the coast of Norway.
