Holland America Line’s New ‘42-Day Ultimate Mediterranean & Atlantic Passage’ In 2024 Is Inspired By A Cruise From A Century Ago, Starting Under $5,200.

Holland America Line is adding another Legendary Voyage to its diverse roster of lengthier cruises from convenient gateways. The “42-day Ultimate Mediterranean & Atlantic Passage” aboard Volendam departing Nov. 9, 2024, was inspired by a voyage the cruise line operated nearly 100 years ago. Perfectly designed for today’s traveler, the 2024 departure sails roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, allowing guests to experience 16 different ports across nine countries, all without international air.

The original voyage that provided the vision for the “42-day Ultimate Mediterranean & Atlantic Passage” departed New York City Feb. 4, 1925, aboard Rotterdam IV and carried just 550 guests across the Atlantic Ocean to explore many of the same ports. The 2024 cruise follows in the footsteps of the 1925 journey, visiting Portugal, Morocco, Italy, Greece, Israel, Egypt, Tunisia, Gibraltar (United Kingdom) and Spain.

“Holland America Line was one of the first companies to feature cruise vacations that went beyond a transatlantic crossing, and today they’re continuing to innovate their itineraries by offering memorable voyages like this ultimate Mediterranean and Atlantic passage sailing,” said Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer, Holland America Line. “Since introducing this new Legendary category of cruises that offer an in-depth focus on one region, they’ve been very popular. We’re excited to add a longer voyage that makes it easy to explore the Med in depth without a long-haul flight.”

The “42-day Ultimate Mediterranean & Atlantic Passage” route first visits Horta and Ponta Delgada in the Azores after crossing the Atlantic Ocean. A call at Tangier, Morocco, is followed by overnight visits to both Livorno and Civitavecchia, Italy. From Livorno, guests can explore Florence or Pisa, while Rome is easily accessed from Civitavecchia. Volendam then makes way to Naples, Italy, and Catania, Sicily, before Piraeus (Athens), Greece.

Guests will then explore the Holy Land at Haifa (Tel Aviv) and Ashdod (Jerusalem), Israel, followed by Port Said and Alexandria (Cairo), in Egypt. The final ports on the voyage include La Goulette (Tunis), Tunisia; Gibraltar; Cadiz (Seville), Spain: and Casablanca, Morocco. The cruise concludes Dec. 21 at Fort Lauderdale.

What is a ‘Legendary Voyage’?

These lengthier cruises, which range from 25 to 59 days, combine the ceremony of Holland America Line’s Grand Voyages while focusing on a singular region. They visit some of the most unique ports while offering guests an in-depth exploration. Shipboard programming is specially curated to share insights into the history and culture of the destinations visited.

Most of Holland America Line’s Legendary Voyages sail roundtrip or to/from a North American homeport, allowing travelers to see the world from their doorstep with a convenient domestic flight and easy embarkation. The itineraries are offered on a variety of the line’s perfectly sized ships where guests enjoy the “best of” Grand Voyages on-board programming such as iconic theme parties, memorable sailaways and classic cruise activities to further enhance the experience.

Oceania Cruises Announces New 33-Day Grand Voyage For Fall 2023

Oceania Cruises, the world's leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, announced a brand-new immersive Grand Voyage itinerary for 2023. Now on sale, the Mediterranean Connection sailing on Marina will embark on a 33-day journey from Venice to Barcelona, immersing guests in the highlights of the Eastern Mediterranean and Holy Lands like never before. Departing on October 11, 2023, this Grand Voyage will call on 28 ports, not repeating one throughout the journey, and will offer three shorter segment options up to 12 days long.

"With demand continuing to increase for longer and more destination-immersive voyages, we are thrilled to reveal this new itinerary offering experiences in both iconic and off-the-beaten-path ports of call in a corner of the world with rich history and cultural wonders," stated Howard Sherman, President and CEO of Oceania Cruises.

This Grand Voyage is ideal for time-rich travelers to enjoy special luxuries available on board. Ranging from a state-of-the art cooking school teaching the flavors of the region to private dining at Privée offering the ultimate exclusive dining experience, there are endless selections for guests to indulge in. This special Grand Voyage itinerary was designed for the intrepid explorer, enamored by the celebration of history, culture, and cuisine in myriad mesmerizing destinations. During this expedition, Marina will call on Italy, Croatia, Greece, Turkey, Malta, Israel, Egypt and more.

Mediterranean Connection: Grand Voyage 33 Days Aboard Marina – October 11, 2023 – November 13, 2023

Set sail for just over a month aboard the 1,238-guest Marina to delight in an array of brilliant discoveries throughout the Eastern Mediterranean. From Venice, this voyage takes guests through iconic marquee ports and hidden gem destinations across the Mediterranean with a truly unique itinerary featuring sought-after culinary experiences in soul-stirring Italian locales, an intriguing blend of history and culture throughout the Greek Isles and a comprehensive journey through the sacred sites of the Holy Lands.

Mediterranean Connection Grand Voyage Highlights

With no repeat ports of call, explore 28 diverse ports ranging from iconic cities to off-the-beaten-path destinations Embarking in fall 2023, experience all that the Eastern Mediterranean has to offer with a more temperate climate and fewer crowds Explorations of 10 legendary countries, easily connecting diverse corners of the region An overnight in Istanbul offering guests ample time for in-depth exploration of the magnificent city astride two continents

Ports of Call

Venice (Trieste), Italy

Split, Croatia

Kotor, Montenegro

Corfu, Greece

Katakolon, Greece

Chania (Crete), Greece

Santorini, Greece

Messina (Sicily), Italy

Salerno, Italy

Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy

Naples/Pompeii, Italy

Catania (Sicily), Italy

Bodrum, Turkey

Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey

Athens (Piraeus), Greece

Mykonos, Greece

Thessaloniki, Greece

Kavala/Philippi, Greece

Istanbul, Turkey (including one overnight)
Antalya, Turkey

Limassol, Cyprus

Jerusalem (Haifa), Israel

Jerusalem (Ashdod), Israel

Cairo (Port Said), Egypt

Alexandria, Egypt

Valletta, Malta

La Goulette, Tunisia

Barcelona, Spain

For guests interested in shorter segments of the Mediterranean Connection Grand Voyage, Oceania Cruises is offering three segments that compose it for ease and convenience aboard the luxurious Marina, followed by three additional Grand Voyage itineraries of up to 23 days.

Greek & Italian Shores – Venice to Rome – 10 days, October 11 – October 21, 2023 Legendary Pathways – Rome to Istanbul – 11 days, October 21 – November 1, 2023 Holy Land & Treasures – Istanbul to Barcelona – 12 days, November 1 – November 13, 2023 Mediterranean Mystique – Barcelona to Rome – 22 days, September 29 – October 21, 2023 Icons of Civilizations – Venice to Istanbul – 21 days, October 11 – November 1, 2023 Seas of Revelation – Rome to Barcelona – 23 days, October 21 – November 13, 2023

The itineraries are now available to book online at www.OceaniaCruises.com. For additional information on Oceania Cruises' small-ship luxury product, exquisitely crafted cuisine, and expertly curated travel experiences, visit OceaniaCruises.com, call 855-OCEANIA, or speak with a professional travel advisor.

Princess Cruises Announces 2019 Europe Season

A destination leader in Europe, recognized for offering the "Best Itineraries," Princess Cruises today announced its 2019 cruises and cruisetours, open for sale December 14, 2017.

Noteworthy itineraries for the 2019 season include Northern Europe, with the cruise line's return to Greenland on Pacific Princess, new departures out of Dublin on the popular British Isles itineraries aboard Crown Princess and the opportunity to search for the Northern Lights in Norway on Sapphire Princess, sailing the longest season ever out of London (Southampton), England.

All cruises also include the cruise line's exclusive and award-winning Local Connections program, bringing storytellers aboard to share their personal insights about upcoming ports, offering guests an insider's guide to their next destination.  

The 2019 season features five ships sailing to 130 destinations from the corners of the Mediterranean to the northernmost tip of Europe. Guests can choose from 85 unique itineraries on 211 cruise departures, visiting 37 countries, featuring 30 ports with longer time ashore, including five ports with overnight stays.

"Europe is a destination our guests want to come back to year after year," said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises and Carnival Australia group president. "Our 2019 itineraries offer so many desired European destinations and experiences that will leave our guests inspired and changed by the local culture, food, landscape and charm of these iconic places."

Highlights of the 2019 Europe season include:

New Itineraries and Cruisetours

• Greenland & Iceland (with Optional Edinburgh Military Tattoo) 18-day voyage on Pacific Princess, roundtrip from London (Dover), calling to Greenland, Iceland, and Edinburgh (Rosyth) for the opportunity to see the world-famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo
• Search for the Northern Lights 12-day voyage on Sapphire Princess, roundtrip from London (Southampton), with an overnight in Alta and a late-night stay in Tromso, to enhance the chance of seeing one of Mother Nature's greatest wonders
• Scandinavia & Russia 11-day sailings from Helsinki (in addition to Copenhagen and Berlin (Warnemunde)
• British Isles 12-day cruises departing from Dublin (in addition to London (Southampton) and Paris/Normandy (Le Havre)
• Grand Mediterranean and Grand Western Mediterranean 11-day voyages on Emerald Princess, combinable for a 22-day Grand Mediterranean Collection voyage
• Spanish Passage & Panama Canal 29-day Adventure from Barcelona to Los Angeles on Emerald Princess
• Ireland, Scottish Highlands & Wales on 14-day cruises aboard Pacific Princess, with maiden calls to Portland (for Stonehenge), Portree (Isle of Skye), and Aberdeen

Northern Europe

• Scandinavia & Russia 11-day sailings from Copenhagen, Berlin (Warnemunde), or Helsinki on Ocean Medallion-enabled Regal Princess, featuring overnights in St. Petersburg and late evening stays in Berlin (Warnemunde)
• Scandinavia & Russia 14-day sailings from London (Southampton) on Sapphire Princess or from London (Dover) on Pacific Princess, featuring overnights in St. Petersburg
• British Isles 12-day sailings on Ocean Medallion-enabled Crown Princess, with round-trip departures from London (Southampton), Paris/Normandy (Le Havre), or Dublin
• Overnight stays in Dublin on select British Isles sailings, in addition to late departures from Belfast on every 12-day British Isles sailing
• Two opportunities on Pacific Princess and three opportunities on Crown Princess to see the Edinburgh Military Tattoo from either Greenock, Rosyth, or South Queensferry
• Round-trip London (Dover) sailings on Pacific Princess, visiting a variety of boutique Northern Europe destinations, including Greenland, Iceland, Norway, the Shetland Islands, and the Faroe Islands
• Additional opportunity to visit Greenland on a 16-day Greenland & Canada voyage on Ocean Medallion-enabled Caribbean Princess, roundtrip New York

Mediterranean

• Emerald Princess offers 58 sailings in the Mediterranean, ranging from seven to 22 days and departing from Barcelona, Rome (Civitavecchia), and Athens (Piraeus)
• More Ashore late-night stay in Chania (Crete) and Mykonos on every seven-day Mediterranean & Aegean and late-night stay in Barcelona and Genoa on every seven-day Mediterranean on Emerald Princess
• Two unique 14-day itineraries from London (Southampton) to the Western Mediterranean on Sapphire Princess
• Pacific Princess 11- to 28-day voyages, visiting a variety of destinations throughout the Mediterranean such as Croatia, Greece, Malta, and Corsica, with overnight stays in Venice on all 12-day voyages between Rome (Civitavecchia) and Venice
• European Explorer 10-day sailings between Rome (Civitavecchia) and London (Southampton) on Sapphire Princess, combinable with the 27-day Mediterranean & Southeast Asia voyages between Rome (Civitavecchia) and Singapore for an epic 37-day Indian Ocean & Europe Grand Adventure
• Opportunity to visit one of the newly inscribed UNESCO World Heritage Sites of 2017, the "Venetian Works of Defence between the 16th and 17th Centuries: Stato da Terra – Western Stato da Mar," which include the Fort of St. Nikola in Sibenik and the Fortified City of Kotor

Europe CruisetoursTo further enhance guests' European vacation, Princess Cruises is pleased to offer four unique cruisetours to choose from in 2019: 

• NEW - Highlights of Spain: Offered with the seven-day Mediterranean or 11-day Grand Western Mediterranean voyages from Barcelona, visiting Madrid, Valencia, Toledo and featuring the sights and tastes of Spain
• Ring of Kerry: offered with the 12-day British Isles cruise, includes a traditional Ceili dinner and highlights the Cliffs of Moher, Killarney and Cork
• Classic Italy: visit Venice, Florence and Rome's greatest sights: Venice's St. Mark's Square and Doge's Palace, Rome's Coliseum and Vatican museums, the Duomo and Michelangelo's sculpture of David in Florence. All sights are offered with the seven-day Mediterranean & Aegean cruise or the 11-day Grand Central Mediterranean cruise 
• Imperial Treasures: brings guests to Budapest, Vienna, Prague and Berlin for a memorable introduction to these historic European cities and is offered with the 11-day Scandinavia & Russia cruise.

Captain's Circle Savings and Early Booking DepositAs new benefit under the Princess Cruises Captain's Circle loyalty program, guests who have reached Elite status will have the opportunity to secure their booking a day earlier than the general public, which goes on sale December 14, 2017. A reduced deposit of 10 percent is available for bookings made by August 31, 2018.  

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS or by visiting the company's website at www.princess.com.

Legendary Chef Jacques Pepin Gets His Own Oceania Cruise

Culinary travel is one of the hottest trends in travel right now, andOceania Cruises is tapping into that white-hot market with a new itinerary specially prepared for the foodie traveler.

Oceania Cruises announced that its 1,250-passenger Marina cruise ship would host a Mediterranean itinerary featuring world-renowned chef Jacques Pepin, which is scheduled to set sail on Nov. 1, 2016.

CRUISE | OCEANIA CRUISES | DONALD WOOD |

Photo courtesy of Oceania Cruises

Pepin is a legendary master chef and longtime executive culinary director for Oceania Cruises, and he has been tapped to host the Jacques Pepin Cruise. The 10-day voyage will take passengers from Venice through the Mediterranean before finally returning to Rome.

Guests onboard the Marina cruise ship will be treated to book signings, meet-and-greets and a special culinary demonstration hosted by Pepin himself. Add in specially designed menus in the restaurants, epicurean-infused shore excursions and hands-on culinary instruction taking place in the Culinary Center on board, and passengers will be immersed in Pepin’s signature style.

Pepin released a statement about the Oceania Cruises journey next year, saying, “It’s such a joy sailing aboard Marina with guests who share the same passion for food, wine and overall enjoyment of life. This Mediterranean itinerary is a beautiful mix of long-established culinary destinations and some burgeoning epicurean hotspots.”

As for how much a journey like this will cost, fares for the Jacques Pepin Cruise start at $3,899 per person. Passengers can also purchase a ticket for Oceania Cruises’ Reunion Cruise that departs November 11, making it a 20-day voyage. A ticket for both cruises starts at $6,599 per person.

For more information about the Jacques Pepin Cruise, check out the Oceania Cruises' official website.

Princess Cruises Unveils New 2016 Europe Cruise Offerings

Regal Princess in Istanbul

Princess Cruises has announced its 2016 cruise vacations to Europe featuring five ships sailing to over 130 destinations from the corners of the Mediterranean to the northernmost tip of Europe. Guests can choose from itineraries ranging from three to 48 days and on ships ranging from the cruise line’s newest and largest Royal Princess and Regal Princess; to its deluxe Caribbean Princess and Emerald Princess; and its small ship, Pacific Princess, which will visit off-the-beaten path destinations never before visited by the line.

The 2016 season includes the cruise line’s return to the Canary Islands and many maiden ports of call for Princess in Croatia, Ireland, Norway and Scotland. All 2016 Europe cruises open for bookings on March 19, 2015.

“Princess has long been hailed as offering the best cruise itineraries and we’re not resting on our laurels,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises president. “We have many unique and first-time offerings for the 2016 Europe cruise season to appeal to both novice and avid cruisers. We've combined the best destinations with our signature onboard innovations like Movies Under the Stars, The Sanctuary and our new Discovery at Sea program to create the most rejuvenating retreats at sea possible for vacation-goers who want to explore this fascinating region.”

Highlights of the Princess Cruises 2016 Europe program include:

Cruises to the Mediterranean

Royal Princess will sail on a variety of unique seven-, 14-, 21- and 28-day cruises from Barcelona, Rome and Athens. Mediterranean Medley 14-day sailings include destinations rich with ancient history including Rome, Athens and Naples. Collection voyages will sail the entire Mediterranean region visiting Spain, France, Italy, Tunisia, Malta, Greece and Turkey during 21-day immersive adventures. For the ultimate Mediterranean experience, 28-day Circle Mediterranean voyages will visit 20 destinations in seven countries with all cruises visiting Rome, Athens, Istanbul and the French Riviera.

Pacific Princess will offer a variety of 12-day voyages from Rome, Venice and Barcelona and feature a mix of marquee ports with off-the-beaten-path ports unreachable by larger ships.

For guests sailing from Britain, Emerald Princess will be based in London (Southampton) to offer two-week Mediterranean Adventurer sailings featuring such marquee ports as Florence, Rome and Dubrovnik. Emerald Princess will also sail to the Canary Islands on 11-day voyages, visiting four island destinations in the Canaries and Madeira and Vigo, Spain.

Scandinavia & Russia Cruises

Regal Princess returns to Northern Europe, for popular 11-day cruise vacations to Scandinavia & Russia featuring two full days in St. Petersburg, Russia. Joining her in the region, Emerald Princess will sail select 14-day cruises through the Baltic Sea.

British Isles Cruises

Caribbean Princess, the only cruise ship dedicated to the region for the entire summer season, will visit must-see destinations in the U.K., Ireland and Scotland, including two opportunities to see Scotland’s famed Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the grounds of Edinburgh Castle.

Small ship Pacific Princess will offer an all-new way to explore the British Isles on 14-day Irish Counties & Scottish Highlands voyages from London (Dover). The itinerary includes maiden port calls in Ullapool, Scotland and Galway, along the western coast of Ireland.

Iceland & Norway Cruises

Both Emerald Princess and Pacific Princess will offer North Cape voyages to the Arctic Circle during the peak midnight sun period around the summer solstice. Emerald Princess will also visit the spectacular Norwegian fjords, while Pacific Princess will feature a maiden call in Haugesund, Norway.

Pacific Princess will also offer 14-day Iceland & Norway itineraries visiting off-the-beaten path ports in Iceland and the Shetland Islands. She will also cross to the land of fire and ice on a Transatlantic crossing featuring Iceland.

European Cruisetours

Guests can enhance their European travel with four land and sea vacation options, which combine certain sailings with a fully-escorted land tour. Choices include Paris and the French Countryside; Ireland’s Ring of Kerry; Classic Italy, visiting popular sites in Venice, Florence and Rome; and the Imperial Treasures of Budapest, Vienna, Prague and Berlin.

Azamara Club Cruises Offering Free Companion Airfare On More Than 100 Voyages When Booking In June And July 2014

Traveling is always more real when you can share it with someone. And Azamara Club Cruises is inviting up-market travelers to share a destination-immersive adventure with that special someone by offering complimentary companion airfare when they make a booking in June and July 2014. Whether it’s reveling in the Sambadrome at Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival; delighting in the hospitality of charming European ports and towns where larger ships cannot reach; exploring the bustling metropolises of the Far East; or discovering Australia and New Zealand during Azamara’s inaugural season in the region, up-market travelers have a choice of more than 100 voyages aboard the cruise line’s boutique ships, Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest, to take advantage of the special offer. 

With Azamara’s distinctive longer stays and more overnights in port, guests can enjoy night touring in some of the most intriguing destinations in Asia, Northern and Western Europe, the Mediterranean, and South America and the West Indies, as well as on trans-oceanic crossings. Azamara guests can fully immerse themselves in a destination’s nightlife and savor its authentic culture and flavors when other cruise ships have departed. For more information and the complete list of applicable voyages, please visit www.AzamaraClubCruises.com/Free-Airfare. 

For all new individual bookings and named group bookings made with full deposit from June 2 through July 31, 2014, U.S. and Canadian travelers who book a Club Oceanview or higher-category stateroom on voyages departing from December 2014 through 2016 will receive complimentary coach-class airfare for the second guest when the first guest purchases air through Azamara. Guests must register offer code “FreeAir2ndGuest” in their reservation at the time of booking and the offer is only applicable for select U.S. and Canadian international gateways. The complimentary companion airfare offer is subject to availability and additional restrictions may apply. 

Azamara Club Cruises offers distinct destination-immersive experiences for up-market travelers. The cruise line uniquely features voyages with longer stays and more overnights at ports to provide guests the opportunity to experience night touring at some of the most compelling destinations in Asia, Northern and Western Europe, the Mediterranean, South America and the West Indies, and Australia and New Zealand, as well as on trans-Oceanic crossings. Aboard every voyage, guests are treated to AzAmazing Evenings, an authentic, exclusive and bespoke grand event that showcases the unexpected colors, culture and flavors of a destination at night. Guests also can choose a range of enlightening and immersive tour options with Azamara’s Land Discoveries (shore excursion) program, including more intimate and fascinating experiences hosted by a local through Insider Access, and after-dinner tours that showcase the best of a destination as seen by night through Nights and Cool Places. On board the intimate Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest, guests receive exceptional and personal service and fine cuisine , as well as more inclusive amenities, such as included gratuities; complimentary bottled water, sodas, specialty coffee, and teas, as well as complimentary boutique wines from around the world, international beers and select standard spirits in the ships’ bars, lounges and restaurants when open; complimentary self-service laundry; English Butler service for suite guests; and shuttle transportation to city centers in ports, where available. 

For more information, travelers can call their travel professional, dial 1-877-999-9553, or visit www.AzamaraClubCruises.com. Connect with Azamara Club Cruises on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AzamaraClubCruises, on Twitter @AzamaraVoyages or follow President and CEO @LarryPimentel.

Gain First Hand Insights On American Politics On Mediterranean Cruise With Public Broadcasting Icons Aboard The Regent Seven Seas Mariner From Barcelona To Lisbon August 13, 2012

In the midst of one of the most politically charged presidential elections in American history a privileged group will have the opportunity to sail on a ten day luxury Mediterranean cruise along with American Public Broadcasting icons and their featured guests on the Regent Seven Seas from Barcelona to Lisbon on August 23rd. Port of calls will include Cartagena, Malaga, Seville, Casablanca, Funchal, Madeira, Cascais, and Lisbon.

Personalities sailing include Robert Siegel whom is senior host of All Things Considered, America's most listened to radio news program; Charlie Cook, political analyst for the National Journal Group and NBC News; David Flemming,  Executive Producer of Frontline which is America's longest running investigative documentary series; and Michael Childress, acclaimed photographer of over 200 International magazine covers. Cruisers will be invited to experience panel discussions, private dinners, and cocktail parties providing the opportunity for on-on-one interactions.

Fares start at $7,900 U.S.per person (plus government taxes and fees), all inclusive, double occupancy. Included are round trip air from U.S. gateway cities (those not using Regent Air including coming from Europe and Asia will receive an air credit), unlimited shore excursions, luxury hotel package, wines and premium spirits, gratuities, in suite mini bar, transfers, 24 hour room service, and free travel insurance when booked directly with Crown Cruise Vacations.

For more details please go to www.crowncruisevacations.com or call 1-855-788-7880.