Holland America Line’s flagship ms Amsterdam and the intimate explorer, ms Prinsendam, each will sail two Grand Voyages in 2013. In total, the four extensive itineraries feature 322 cruising days, visiting more than 120 ports of call in 65 countries.Amsterdam will sail a 115-day Grand World Voyage in January and a 75-day Grand Pacific and Far East Voyage in the fall. Prinsendam departs on a 68-day Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage in January, immediately followed by a 64-day Grand Mediterranean Voyage.
“We’ve designed Holland America Line's 2013 Grand Voyages itineraries to feature some of the most sought-after sights and experiences in the world,” said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs for Holland America Line. “Even the most experienced traveler will be inspired and impressed by our carefully crafted selection of port calls, maiden visits and extended stays.”
Grand World Voyage
Departing Jan. 5, 2013, and sailing round trip Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Amsterdam will ring in the New Year with its eighth Grand World Voyage and marking 55 years since the line began world cruising. The 115-day journey is every traveler’s dream and features eight overnight calls, visits to some of the world’s most popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites and two maiden ports of call — Makassar, Indonesia, and Penneshaw, Australia. Shorter segments ranging from 24 to 51 days also are available.
During the Grand World Voyage, Amsterdam will call at Cartagena, Colombia, before a daylight transit of the Panama Canal, one of the world’s most sophisticated man-made engineering marvels. The ship continues westbound where guests will experience memorable calls at Bora Bora and Papeete, Tahiti, home to the famous Vaipahi Garden, rugged mountains, lush rain forests and deserted beaches.
After exploring exciting ports in New Zealand, Australia and Asia, Amsterdam heads west through the Indian Ocean, taking a southerly route to the continent of Africa for a journey around the Cape of Good Hope. An African exploration presents the opportunity for guests to take an overland safari and go in search of the “big five” or learn about the legendary Zulu tribe and gain a true sense of modern-day Africa.
Amsterdam continues its voyage across the Atlantic to South America and the Caribbean before returning to Ft. Lauderdale.
Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage
Designed to explore the most remote corners of the world in elegance and style, Prinsendam returns to South America, Antarctica and the Amazon on a 68-day Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage that sails roundtrip Fort Lauderdale, also departing Jan. 5. The itinerary offers in-depth exploration with overnight calls at Callao (Lima), Peru; Buenos Aires, Argentina Rio de Janeiro and Manaus, Brazil.
The South America circumnavigation includes seven full days of cruising the Amazon River down to Manaus, the furthest navigable point for cruise ships, and a daylight passage through the Panama Canal. Adventure seekers won’t want to miss the three days of scenic cruising in Antarctica where the pristine beauty and diverse sea life are showcased during the continent’s austral summer.
For those with less time, 32- or 36-day segments to or from Buenos Aires are available.
Grand Mediterranean Voyage
Following its Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage, Prinsendam will return to Fort Lauderdale March 14 and embark on a 64-day Grand Mediterranean Voyage. This roundtrip sailing takes guests on a journey across the Atlantic to the Mediterranean and the Balkans. Prinsendam calls at several “boutique” ports in the region that are not accessible to larger vessels, including Agadir, Morocco; Marmaris, Turkey; and Korčula, Croatia.
Guests will have an opportunity to visit attractions such as the Acropolis, Constitution Square, Hadrian’s Arch and the Olympic Stadium at Piraeus (Athens), Greece, and explore the Hassan II Mosque in the economical capital of Morocco, Casablanca. Travelers can explore this area in greater depth when Prinsendam docks overnight at seven ports of call: Istanbul, Turkey; Piraeus (Athens), Greece; Sorrento and Venice, Italy; Funchal, Madeira; and Barcelona, Spain.
Grand Pacific and Far East Voyage
Amsterdam closes out the year with a new 75-day Grand Pacific and Far East Voyage sailing from Vancouver, B.C. or Los Angeles, Calif., to Los Angeles, Calif., departing Sept. 20/23. The itinerary features a more in-depth exploration of Micronesia, China, Japan, the Philippines and French Polynesian islands, as well as maiden calls at the exotic ports of Majuro, Marshall Islands, and Pohnpei, Micronesia. The cruise also offers extensive time in port, allowing guests to visit historical landmarks and experience local culture.
Following calls throughout Asia and Indonesia, the itinerary circles back through the South Pacific to the tropical island jewels of Fiji, Bora Bora and Moorea before arriving in Los Angeles. During the voyage the ship overnights in Hong Kong and Shanghai, China; Kobe (Osaka), Japan; and Singapore.
Cruise fares are per person, double occupancy. Rates start at $19,999 for Amsterdam’s 115-day Grand World Voyage departing Jan. 5; $12,999 for Prinsendam’s 68-day Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage departing Jan. 5; $11,499 for Prinsendam’s 64-day Grand Mediterranean Voyage departing March 14, and $10,999 for Amsterdam’s 75-day Grand Pacific & Far East Voyage departing Sept. 20. Segments are also available ranging from 24- to 51-day sailings.
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