SEATTLE, Sept. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Holland America Line's flagship, ms Rotterdam, will sail two new six-day Scandinavian itineraries in July 2009. Ideal for travelers eager for a shorter getaway, the two round-trip sailings feature spectacular scenic cruising and explore Sweden, Denmark and Norway.
"Given our legacy in Rotterdam, we are thrilled to be sailing in and out of this magnificent port, right past our original headquarters, now the Hotel New York," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs, Holland America Line. "It's a unique and unforgettable experience to watch Rotterdam's citizens cheering at our arrivals and departures."
Departing July 18, 2009, from Rotterdam, Netherlands, the ship calls at some of the Baltic's best-known ports: Helsingborg, Sweden; Copenhagen, Denmark and Oslo, Norway, before returning to Rotterdam. A 22-hour stay in the Danish capital enables guests to meander through the streets of Copenhagen or enjoy a leisurely dinner at a sidewalk cafe before returning to the ship.
The second sailing, departing Rotterdam July 24, explores the coast of Norway with calls at Flam, Bergen and Stavanger. Two days of scenic cruising in Norway -- the first in Sognafjord and Aurlandsfjord, and the second at Lysefjord and Pulpit Rock -- will delight nature enthusiasts and amateur photographers alike.
"These new six-day cruises are perfect for the traveler who wants a shorter premium vacation and to discover some of Scandinavia's most beautiful and memorable towns and seascapes," added Meadows.
Cruise fares for the two six-day, roundtrip Rotterdam voyages begin at $869 per person, double occupancy.
12-Day cruise -- or an 18-day Collectors' Voyage -- available for those who wish to explore Baltic in more depth
Holland America Line also offers two extended cruise options for those who want to see more of Northern Europe and to receive a more in-depth discovery of Scandinavia and the Baltic.
Departing on July 18, guests can combine the two six-day itineraries for a 12-day cruise that sails to a variety of ports and includes scenic cruising through Norway's most picturesque fjords and has only one overlapping call at Rotterdam. Pricing for the 12-day cruise begins at $1,629 per person, double occupancy.
The six day, July 24 sailing, can be combined with the following 12-day, July 30 sailing, for an 18-day Collectors' Voyage. The Collectors' Voyage includes calls at Oslo, Norway; Arhus, Denmark; Warnemunde (Berlin), Germany; Tallinn, Estonia and two days in St. Petersburg, Russia. While in St. Petersburg, guests will have plenty of time to explore such iconic treasures as the Hermitage Museum, the palace of Czarina Catherine the Great and the cathedrals of St. Petersburg. The Collectors' Voyage then continues its journey to Helsinki, Finland; Stockholm, Sweden; scenic cruising of Stockholm Archipelago and disembarks in Copenhagen, Denmark. Pricing for the 18-day Collectors' Voyage begins at $2,399, per person, double occupancy. Taxes and fuel supplement are additional on all fares.
The Holland America Line premium cruise experience
At the heart of every Holland America cruise is a warm and award-winning style of service. With As You Wish dining(R), the onboard culinary experience gives options to suit every taste. Guests can choose a classic fixed seating and dining time or a flexible, open seating schedule. And alternative dining always is available, including the elegant Pinnacle Grill and relaxed Lido Restaurant.
Culinary staff and guest chefs lead cooking classes and demonstrations in
the onboard Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine, and, as
part of the Explorations Speaker Series, special guest lecturers sail on each
cruise to offer enriching perspectives on regional art, history and culture.
The Explorations Cafe -- powered by the
When in port, guests can choose from a diversity of shore excursions including the exclusive Medallion Collection featuring Overland Adventures, Signature Collection private-car touring, visits to natural, architectural and technical masterpieces from the Wonders of the World Collection and rare and unusual experiences with the Encore Collection excursions.
For cruise brochures or for more information, consult a professional travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (877-724-5425) or visit http://www.hollandamerica.com.
- http://www.hollandamerica.com -
Editor's Note: Photography available at
http://www.cleanpix.com/cleanpix/portal/WFCG:spt:4Gp
About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)]
Holland America Line's fleet of 14 ships offers nearly 500 cruises to 314 ports in more than 100 countries, territories or dependencies. Two- to 108-day itineraries visit all seven continents, and highlights include Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; a Grand World Voyage; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal. A 15th ship, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, is scheduled to join the fleet in 2010.
Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, a
commitment totaling more than $525 million, that showcase the Culinary Arts
Center presented by Food & Wine magazine -- a state-of-the-art onboard show
kitchen where more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts provide
cooking demonstrations and classes -- Explorations Cafe powered by The
World's Leading Cruise Lines
The highest-rated premium cruise line in the world, Holland America Line is a member of the exclusive World's Leading Cruise Lines alliance, which also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Seabourn Cruise Line and Costa Cruises. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, these lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. The World's Leading Cruise Lines offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations.
CONTACT: John Primeau, Rose Abello
PHONE: 800-637-5029; 206-262-5870
FAX: 206-262-5934
EMAIL: pr@hollandamerica.com
SOURCE Holland America Line
International News / Press Release source: PR Newswire
Copyright PR Newswire. All Rights Reserved.