Have you ever wanted to fully explore the world on a grand cruising adventure? Well, perhaps 2015 is the year you’ll join Holland America Line’s ms Amsterdam on a global circumnavigation.

When Amsterdam departs Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Jan. 5, 2015, on its Grand World Voyage, the cruise will span 114 days and call at 45 ports in 25 countries on six continents. Highlights of the roundtrip Fort Lauderdale journey include 11 overnight calls in some of the world’s most exciting cities, transits of the Panama and Suez canals, crossing the equator and International Date Line, visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, evening theme balls, local entertainment and a host of other activities.

For guests who have less time on their hands, eight segments ranging in length from 22 to 57 days are available from departure ports along the route.

“A Grand World Voyage with Holland America Line is an experience of a lifetime with a unique way of showcasing each region both onboard and ashore,” said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs for Holland America Line. “For any destination collector, a journey around the world is the pinnacle in travel, and this cruise truly is the grandest of the Grand Voyages.”

Following Amsterdam’s departure from Fort Lauderdale, the ship will take a westerly course from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean via a daylight transit of the Panama Canal. Once the ship reaches the South Pacific, guests will enjoy an overnight call at Papeete, French Polynesia. Amsterdam will explore six Polynesian islands before heading to New Zealand for an overnight call at Auckland.

Guests will have an overnight call at Papeete to enjoy the island’s beauty.

Amsterdam then sails west along the southern coast of Australia after an overnight call at Sydney. Extra time in one of the most popular ports on the journey allows for an evening at the famed Sydney Opera House, the opportunity to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge or an overland tour to Ayers Rock. Guests also will have extra time Down Under with overnights at Adelaide and Perth (Fremantle). The Australia exploration is enhanced with additional calls at Melbourne, Albany and Geraldton.

Calls throughout Australia make the region one of the highlights of the voyage.

The ship makes its way to Asia with an overnight call at Bali, Indonesia, before touching the island of Java. Blending Asian traditions with a western cityscape, Singapore is the next overnight call, as well as the departure point for an overland tour to Cambodia and Angkor Wat, one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia.

Beautiful gardens are found throughout Singapore.

Amsterdam continues its northwesterly course with calls at Malaysia and Thailand before an overnight call at Thilawa (Rangoon), Myanmar. The ship visits Colombo, Sri Lanka, and Cochin, India, before overnight calls at Mumbai (Bombay), India, and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. From Mumbai, guests can go overland to visit the Taj Mahal.

Guests can visit the reclining Buddha in Sri Lanka, left, and beautiful temples in Myanmar.

Following calls in Oman, Egypt and Jordan, Amsterdam transits the Suez Canal on its way to the Mediterranean. Guests explore 13 ports in Turkey, Greece, Italy, Spain and Portugal, including an overnight call at Piraeus (Athens), Greece, before a leisurely Atlantic crossing and return to Fort Lauderdale.

El Deir Monastery at Petra, Jordan, left, and the Acropolis at Athens, Greece, are two examples of the incredible architecture found in port along the Grand World Voyage.

A Grand Onboard Experience
Sailing on Holland America Line’s Grand World Voyage is a cruise experience unlike any other. Offering a refined and elegant “home away from home,” Amsterdam guests will enjoy many special Grand Voyage experiences. Onboard amenities are elevated to the highest level. With nearly one crewmember for every two guests, the finest service is always nearby. A different dining experience is offered every day, with the opportunity to enjoy a variety of food and fine wines from around the world.

Gracious service awaits on the Grand World Voyage.

Through the “On Location” enrichment program, local traditions and culinary and cultural experiences come to life both onboard and ashore to deepen guests’ appreciation of the destinations. During the Grand World Voyage, that might mean illuminating speakers, special guest headliners, galas and local cultural and folkloric shows such as enjoying a didgeridoo player on deck while in Australia or belly dancing lessons in the Mediterranean.

Book by July 31, 2014, and Receive Early Booking Amenities and Savings
Reservations are open for Amsterdam’s 2015 Grand World Voyage, and guests who pay in full by July 31, 2014, receive a three-percent discount off the cruise fare.

Early Booking Amenities for full Grand World Voyage guests who book by July 31 include prepaid hotel service charges, shipboard credit, luggage delivery service and a complimentary shore excursion or champagne for select stateroom categories. Guests booking a segment of the Grand World Voyage by July 31 receive a shipboard credit that varies depending on stateroom category.

Will you be joining us on the Grand World Voyage in 2015? Would you like to cruise for the whole 114 days or just take a segment?