Holland America Line to Restart Cruising From Greece in August
After an unprecedented pause in cruising, Holland America Line is excited to announce that we will be restarting operations this summer with sailings roundtrip from Piraeus (Athens), Greece, aboard Eurodam. Guests looking to explore the gorgeous Greek isles will have two incredible, seven-day itineraries that will be offered in August and September, plus a cruise from Piraeus to Venice, Italy, for a total of four departures.
Departing Aug. 15 and 29, the “Idyllic Greek Isles” itinerary features Kotor, Montenegro, plus the Greek isles of Kékira (Corfu), Thíra (Santorini) and Mykonos. “Ancient Wonders” departs Aug. 22 to explore Haifa, Israel, as well as Náfplion, Mykonos and Rhodes in Greece. Both options can be combined to form a longer, back-to-back 14-day Collectors’ Voyage.
A seven-day “Adriatic Allure” itinerary departing Sept. 5 will sail from Piraeus to Venice, Italy, with calls at Mykonos, Katakolon (Olympia) and Crete (Chania), Greece, and Sarandë, Albania.
Additional Mediterranean cruises aboard Eurodam through the fall will be announced in the coming weeks and include ports in Italy and Greece. Eurodam returns to the United States to begin sailing its published Caribbean cruises in mid-November.
“Everyone at Holland America Line has been preparing for our return to service, and we are grateful to the government of Greece for allowing us to show that we can safely operate our cruises,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. “The beautiful islands of Greece have been a highlight of our Mediterranean itineraries for decades, and we are honored to be able to restart out of Athens and give our guests a memorable vacation after all this time without cruise travel.”
“The Greek Islands have been welcoming Holland America Line ships for many years, and we are proud to work together to welcome the cruise line back this summer,” said Harry Theoharis, Minister of Tourism of Greece. “We are sure that all visitors to Greece will once again have unique experiences to our beautiful destinations and fully enjoy the rich history, culture and gastronomy of our nation.”
On board, Holland America Line will continue to offer the amenities that are a hallmark of the brand. Dining will be available in all restaurants and specialty venues, as well as room service. Entertainment will be in full swing in the main show lounge, and live music will be featured in Lincoln Center Stage, B.B. King’s Blues Club and Billboard Onboard. Port-to-Table culinary demonstrations, EXC Talks and more will bring Greece and its culture on board through engaging activities. To accommodate physical distancing, additional performances may be added to the schedule.
Cruise and Stay Healthy with ‘Travel Well’ Protocols
Holland America Line cruises from Greece are available for guests who have received their final dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the beginning of the cruise and have proof of vaccination.
Holland America Line guests will be required to comply with all health and safety protocols in place at the time of departure for travel to and from the ship, as well as all onboard protocols and procedures for visiting ports. Guests can find information about Greece traveler health requirements on the Visit Greece website.
Additional preventive health measures under Holland America Line’s “Travel Well” program will be in place, including health screenings, face mask requirements, physical distancing and capacity controls. The ships now feature enhanced environmental sanitation and air filtration with upgraded HVAC systems and ultraviolet technology. HEPA filters will be used in key areas as a further safeguard. In addition, medical centers will be equipped with COVID-19 testing and treatment capabilities.
Holland America Line’s protocols are subject to change as work continues in collaboration with medical experts and government bodies to ensure the practices evolve in line with the latest advice.
Full details, including cruise fares and information on shore excursions, are being finalized and will be shared in the coming weeks at hollandamerica.com. Attractive airfares from several domestic and international gateways will be available through Holland America Line’s FlightEase program. Flexible cancellation terms, including our COVID-19 Protections, are offered through “Book with Confidence” when booked by June 30, 2021, for sailings through Dec. 31, 2021. The cruise line’s Cancellation Protection Plan also allows cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
We have been eagerly waiting to welcome guests back on board, and we look forward to saying “Opa!” in person this summer.
We are less than a month before our cruise and have not been told how Holland America plans to get passengers to Venice as cruise ships are no longer allowed into the port of Venice
I will not sail again unless all passengers and crew are required to have both shots of the vaccine. A requirement to wear a mask would not deter me.
I was booked on the Greenland cruise for this Fall. This cruise was cancelled, the reason we were given was that the Rotterdam had been sold. It appears from some comments above that sailings on the Rotterdam are still being offered! What gives?
When do anticipate maskless voyages?
I can’t cruise until then. Mariner 4
I appreciate everything that HAL is doing to protect the health of all travelers and ship staff. As much as we’d all love to be on a beautiful ship, and pretend that COVID isn’t still circulating (and mutating), that isn’t reality. So I’m happy to do my part to keep all of my fellow voyagers healthy!
This is exciting news!
We are supposed to be on the cruise leaving Venice on July 24. Any idea if that will happen?
Would like to hear about any and all cruises as soon as they are available. Prefer inside rooms but will go up if necessary. 4Star Mariners.
I would like to hear about your cruises to Alaska this summer.
I will NEVER travel if I have to get Covid shot, what are your requirements
Sorry to see how hesitant HAL is to state their plans for sailing this Fall. AS one of thousands of families with reservations on HAL ships in 2021 we have heard nothng about cruising in Se[tember, October 2021 Our final payment may come due before HAL sends us any news whether we will be sailing as planned much less allowed to enjoy the scheduled ports. Are passengers restricted to HAL shore excursions or may they wander in Corfu, Venice, Naflion, etc. to enjoy freedom?
Too bad face masks are required. That keeps me from cruising. A shame since I like cruising HA.
Hooray for Holland America Line. Hope Rotterdam can sail in August as well.
I live twelve minutes from port Everglades we need u here soonest. Lots of people need there jobs back as well as shops and restaurants on 17th st