Europe |
Discover centuries of art and culture
In the Vatican, Renaissance art is on display, while in boutiques the latest fashion awaits. The joyous patterning of tile work in Spain gives way to mosaics in Istanbul. From monumental sights such as the Acropolis and the Pyramids to simple pleasures like fresh bread dipped in estate-pressed olive oil, discover the Mediterranean’s endless appeal and timeless treasures. Delve into 25 centuries of history, art, and culture. Enjoy overnight stays and more time in iconic ports such as Barcelona, Venice and Istanbul.
Explore the lands where Western Civilization was born and where the fine art of living has been perfected ever since. Holland America Line's Mediterranean cruise vacations offer an unequalled Europe experience at an incredible value. Choose one of our Mediterranean Collectors’ Voyages for the ultimate exploration of this magical region. Click on Collectors’ Voyages to learn more.
| Special Mariner Society Cruises |
Longer, more in-depth itineraries
For those who love the Mediterranean and the thrill of “collecting” new places, Holland America Line’s Collectors’ Voyages offer in-depth explorations of this magical region with few repeat ports of call. Artfully crafted, these longer cruises combine our port-intensive itineraries into the ultimate Mediterranean cruise experience. Spend more time discovering the romance of Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Venice and Rome. Walk in the footsteps of ancient rulers as you explore the empires of Spain, Portugal, Italy, Turkey and Greece. Be among the few to circumnavigate the Black Sea or visit the Canary Islands. With Mediterranean Collectors’ Voyage itineraries, you can discover fascinating new ports and visit old favorites. Look for our Collectors' Voyage icon. |
With Collectors' Voyages, experience Europe as few can:
- Reap the greatest cruise vacation value: Collectors' Voyages are combined itineraries priced as one cruise, giving you the best per-day value and often providing additional discounts.
- With combined itineraries, enjoy more days at sea indulging in onboard luxuries and activities like our Greenhouse Spa & Salon, Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine magazine, Digital Workshop powered by Windows®, dance classes or just relaxing on your private verandah and enjoying 24-hour, complimentary room service. We take care to provide unique onboard activities throughout your cruise vacation.
- Experience, learn and simply do more ashore with additional days to participate in our wide variety of shore excursions.
- On select itineraries, enjoy overnight stays in more favorite ports of call. Spend one day exploring museums and famous sites and your second day hanging out with locals in the pubs, galleries, and shops of Europe's great cities.
Piraeus (Athens), Greece
Cruise to Athens
There's no escaping the Parthenon. The temple to Athena looms over Athens from its perch atop the Acropolis, and it looms across the Western imagination as an icon of art and civilization. You may as well give in and start your cruise visit there. And why not? Completed in 438 B.C., the temple still astounds as the flowering of Greek art and architecture. When you come down off the hill, be sure to visit the Ancient Agora, Syntagma Square, the National Archaeological Museum, and the city's infinite impromptu byways. As you sample some souvlaki or a frappe, take a glance back up the hill from time to time and give the goddess her due.
Barcelona, Spain
Cruise to Barcelona
Barcelona effuses the ancient, the modernist, and the Gaudi. Legend has it the city was founded by Hercules 400 years before the founding of Rome. Whatever the truth, the city today is a global capital of commerce, fashion, culture, and sunshine (the city gets about 300 days of it a year). Cruise visitors should start with a walk down Las Ramblas, the glorious tree-shaded thoroughfare at the heart of the city. Claim a patch of sand on one of the city beaches. But, most of all, see what visionary architect Antoni Gaudi wrought. Seven of his creations have been honored as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including La Sagrada Familia, the Park Guell, and Casa Mila.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Cruise to Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik, you Adriatic jewel box, where did you get that red? The city's old town is walled all around, with ramparts that drop to the sea and enclose a town of closely clustered buildings, mostly attired in white walls and brilliant red rooftops. Explore town highlights on your cruise, like Roland's Column, the Bell Tower, or the Old Port. Outside of town, go for a swim in the limpid waters at Lapad or Banje beaches. Or head to the top of Mount Srd for a view of the city, the beaches, and away west to Italy.
Shore Excursion Highlights
- Cultural Dubrovnik: Explore the Old Town on foot and take a closer look at the Sponza Palace, the Dominican church and monastery, and the Stradun, the town's main thoroughfare.
- Kolorina Sea Kayaking: Get a view of the city from the water and enjoy some snorkel time.
- East Meets West: Mostar & the Old Bridge: See the city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its Ottoman-era bridge.
Istanbul, Turkey
Cruise to Istanbul
Cross the Galata Bridge to the old city, past the Süleymaniye Mosque, whose 174-foot dome was once the highest in the Ottoman Empire. Pass the ancient city walls, built by Constantine, and beneath the epic Roman aqueduct. You've come for spice; for the scent of curry, saffron, and myrrh; for a taste of something ancient. A cruise to Istanbul (nee Constantinople nee Byzantium) with Holland America Line takes you to the world's only two-continent metropolis, thick with nearly 10 millennia of history.
Shore Excursion Highlights
- Istanbul City Walls & Spice Bazaar: The bazaar was founded in 1663. Be sure to bargain.
- A Taste of Istanbul: Dining on the Bosphorus: Fresh seafood specialties and a story-filled nighttime cruise.
- Cruise Between Europe & Asia: See traditional Turkish villas, 19th-century Ottoman palaces, fishing villages and green hills.
Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy
Cruise to Florence/Pisa
If on your cruise you mistake Livorno for another city across the Italian peninsula, you'll be forgiven. The Venice District of town is a tangle of streets crisscrossed by canals. A beautiful Renaissance city in its own right, Livorno is also your gateway to Pisa, to the north, and Florence, to the west. Pisa contains a host of beautiful cathedrals, palaces, and bridges over the Arno River, as well as one glorious monument to faulty engineering. More than a city, Florence represents so much of what is vital to human expression in commerce, politics, and the arts.
Shore Excursion Highlights
- Tuscan Landmarks: Florence & Pisa: See Florence highlights like the Duomo and the Church of Santa Croce before heading down the road to Pisa.
- A Taste of Tuscany: Lucca, Villa Lucchese & Farmhouse: Hungry? This excursion will feed your stomach and your eyes.
- Medieval Siena, San Gimignano & Wine Tasting: Head for the hill towns, and visit Siena's Torciano Winery for an Italian lunch and wine tasting.
Naples, Italy
Cruise to Naples
There is the docile bay; the peaceful cypress-tufted islands of Ischia, Procida and Capri; and the muscular city of Naples itself. And over it all there looms Mount Vesuvius: volcano, national park, and a persistent corrective to any hubris. Cruise to see the only active volcano on the European mainland, which blew in A.D. 79 and buried the city of Pompeii. Naples itself is mere enduring greatness. One of the chief commercial cities of Europe, highlights include Castel dell'Ovo, Castelnuovo and national museums dedicated to art and archaeology. The city center has been designated a World Heritage Site, and the surrounding areas are dotted with cultural and historical treasures, not least them the restored ruins of Pompeii.
Shore Excursion Highlights
- Ruins of Pompeii: A guided tour of the theaters, temples, and markets of the ancient town.
- Panoramic Naples: City highlights, such as the Royal San Carlo opera house and the Maschio Angioino castle.
- A Cruise to the Isle of Capri: Go by jetfoil to the magical little island for lunch and a tour of the ruined vacation homes of Roman emperors.
Varna, Bulgaria
Cruise to Varna
In 1444, the Crusades faltered at Varna. The Ottomans won the day, ensuring the later fall of Constantinople and four centuries of Ottoman rule. Time and history have rolled across the shores of the city, from the Romans to the Soviets. Varna endures -- as a beautiful, hot-spring studded stretch of Black Sea beachfront; the summer capital of Bulgaria; and an array of neo-Renaissance, neo-Baroque, art nouveau, and art deco gems. Highlights for cruise visitors include the Varna Archeological Museum, the Roman Baths, and the beaches along the waterfront promenade. If you're craving France, go five miles up the coast for a visit to Euxinograd, the royal summer palace which was built in the 18th-century French chateau style.
Shore Excursion Highlights
- Varna Highlights: Roman thermal baths, Eastern Orthodox chants, and a folklore show.
- Royal Escape: Balchik Botanical Garden: Walk the grounds of the royal residence and gardens.
- Wine Extravaganza: Wines from this region were praised by Homer. Try some.
Holland America Line's Cancellation Protection Plan (CPP) is available for purchase on Holland America Line Cruises and CruiseTours, and is offered as a Standard Plan or a Platinum Plan. CPP is designed to protect your vacation investment from loss. Be it illness, family matters, unforeseen work events - anything, CPP is a product that enables you to cancel your vacation plans before you leave, for any reason and receive a refund.
Four reasons to choose the Holland America Line Cancellation Protection Plan:
- YOU CAN CANCEL BEFORE DEPARTURE FOR ANY REASON. Even if it's up to 24 hours before departure under our Standard Plan or right up to departure with our Platinum Plan. For any reason whatsoever, your reservation may be cancelled with ease.
- YOU GET MONEY BACK. Only Holland America Line refunds 80-90% of eligible amounts paid, regardless of your reason for canceling, as long as you cancel more than 24 hours prior to departure (right up to departure with the Platinum Plan).
- SAME PRICE FOR ALL AGES. We offer the same excellent protection for everyone, at the same cost.
- NO PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS. Our Standard and Platinum Plans do not contain pre-existing condition exclusions.
Our Standard and Platinum plans at a glance
Unforeseen events do happen. When you book your next cruise, be sure to ask about our Cancellation Protection Plans to protect your cruise investment.
CPP Standard Plan – Provided by Holland America Line
Our Standard Cancellation Protection Plan (CPP Standard Plan) will allow you, for any reason, to provide written cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the start of your scheduled travel (sea, land and/or air) arrangements made by Holland America Line and receive a refund equal to 80% of the eligible amounts paid. CPP Standard is available to all guests, regardless of residency.
In addition, Holland America Line (HAL) automatically assumes an additional $500 (USD) of liability for lost, damaged or delayed baggage of guests who purchase the CPP Standard Plan still subject, however, to the limitations in our baggage policies. For example, we do not cover losses while baggage is in the custody of airlines. Please review our Baggage Policy.
The CPP Standard Plan is not insurance, and is administered by Holland America Line; it provides no rights other than those explained above. For example, it does not protect double-triple-quad occupancy rates should one or more members of your party cancel, nor does it cover expenses or unused services due to trip interruption.
CPP Platinum
Our Platinum Cancellation Protection Plan enables you to supplement the benefits provided under the CPP Standard Plan with higher cancellation reimbursement and extends the eligible cancellation period up until the start of your scheduled travel (sea, land and/or air) arrangements made by Holland America Line. CPP Platinum also provides insurance coverage for trip delays and interruptions, medical expenses and much more. In addition, CPP Platinum includes 24-hour worldwide emergency assistance services. CPP Platinum is comprised of the following:
SECTION I
Cancel for Any Reason Waiver
Provided by Holland America Line
You may cancel for any reason prior to the start of your scheduled travel (sea, land and/or air) arrangements made by Holland America Line and receive reimbursement equal to 90% of the eligible amounts paid to Holland America. Note: CPP Platinum does not protect double-triple-quad occupancy rates should one or more members of your party cancel prior to departure.
SECTION II
TRAVEL INSURANCE PROGRAM
Underwritten by Stonebridge Casualty Insurance Company
- Trip Interruption: Enables you to cancel or interrupt your cruise vacation for illness, injury or death to you, an immediate family member or a traveling companion, as well as certain other non-medical reasons affecting you or your traveling companion, and receive up to 150% of your cruise vacation cost.
- Trip Delay: If you miss the departure of your cruise due to carrier-caused delays or other specified reasons, you will be reimbursed up to $500 for additional accommodations, meals and “catch-up” transportation expenses.
- Baggage Protection: If your baggage or personal property is lost or damaged, you will be reimbursed up to $1,000. If your bags are delayed or misdirected by a common carrier for more than 24 hours, you will be reimbursed up to $500 for the purchase of necessary personal effects.
- Medical Expense Coverage: Should you become injured or sick during your vacation, you will be reimbursed up to $10,000 for medical expenses.
- Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation: In the event that serious illness or injury requires air or ground transportation to a specialized facility or to return home, you will be provided up to $50,000 in covered medical services and supplies (coordinated by our 24-hour assistance provider) to help ensure your safe transport. Repatriation coverage provides for shipment of remains in the event of death during the cruise vacation.
The Travel Insurance Program is underwritten by Stonebridge Casualty Insurance Company, a Transamerica company, Columbus, Ohio; NAIC #10952 (all states except as otherwise noted) under Policy/Certificate Form series TAHC5000. In CA, HI, NE, NH, PA, TN and TX Policy/Certificate Form series TAHC5100 and TAHC5200. In IL, IN, KS, LA, OR, OH, VT, WA and WY Policy Form #'s TAHC5100IPS and TAHC5200IPS. Certain coverages are under series TAHC6000 and TAHC7000.
SECTION III
WORLDWIDE EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE SERVICES
Provided by On Call International
Provides 24-hour assistance services including: pre-cruise health, safety and weather information; assistance with travel changes; lost luggage assistance; emergency cash transfer assistance; emergency medical and dental assistance; lost travel document assistance; and emergency medical payment assistance.
IMPORTANT: This is only a brief description of the program. Please refer to the link below for a summary of the terms, conditions, and exclusions. Note that the benefits and services provided in CPP Platinum are available only to guests who enroll in and pay the appropriate program cost to Holland America Line. Please note that payment of the required cruise deposit does not automatically activate enrollment in CPP Platinum Protection. In order to activate enrollment, you must pay the appropriate program costs in addition to the required cruise deposit amount. The CPP Standard and CPP Platinum Plans are optional and are available for purchase prior to the date on which cancellation fees begin to accrue. Payment for the plan is due at time of purchase and is non-refundable. The per person, per cruise costs for both plans are listed with the cruise fares. To add our Cancellation Protection Standard or Platinum Plan to your new or existing cruise booking, please call us at 1-877-932-4259.
This program was designed and is administered by Aon Affinity Berkely Travel. Aon Affinity, is the brand name for the brokerage and program administration operations of Affinity Insurance Services, Inc.; (AR 244489); in CA, MN & OK , AIS Affinity Insurance Agency, Inc. (CA 0795465); in CA, Aon Affinity Insurance Services, Inc., (0G94493), Aon Direct Insurance Administrators and Berkely Insurance Agency and in NY and NH, AIS Affinity Insurance Agency. Affinity Insurance Services is acting as a Managing General Agent as that term is defined in section 626.015(14) of the Florida Insurance Code. As a MGA we are acting on behalf of our carrier partner.
For New York residents only: The Holland America Cancel For Any Reason Waiver may be purchased separately from the Travel Insurance Program. Contact 1-877-538-3815 for details.
This plan provides insurance coverage that applies only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.
Review Terms, Conditions and Plan Sponsors
updated 02/13
25806633
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