Holland America Announces 2013 Grand Voyages

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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Holland America's New Nieuw Amsterdam Added Inaugural Activities

July 15, 2010 — Leo and Kathy Falkensammer, co-owners of Las Vegas–based Prestige Travel/American Express, served as the Mariner Ambassadors during inaugural festivities last week for Holland America Line’s newest vessel, ms Nieuw Amsterdam.

The blessing of the ship’s bell is a Holland America Line tradition when welcoming a new ship to the fleet. Mariner Ambassadors joined Captain Edward van Zaane in pouring champagne over the bell while reciting a classic maritime benediction: “We bless the bell of Nieuw Amsterdam as an extension of this vessel. We wish upon Nieuw Amsterdam fair winds and a following sea. We wish safety for her operation, wisdom for her officers, good health for her crew and comfort for her guests.”

The Falkensammers were selected as Mariner Ambassadors for the Nieuw Amsterdam to honor the important role of travel sellers in the company’s ongoing success. Also loyal Mariners, the Falkensammers have sailed more than 200 days on Holland America Line cruises.

“Holland America Line recognizes the vital partnership with travel sellers to our business and the Falkensammers’ on-going commitment in kindling and growing our relationships with loyal repeat guests, or Mariners,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales, and guest programs for Holland America Line. “We were honored to have them serve as Mariner Ambassadors for our newest addition to the fleet.”

The Falkensammers founded Prestige Travel in 1980, and today the company is the largest agency in Nevada with more than 150 employees, 10 full-service stores and more than $100 million in annual sales. In 2000 the company partnered with American Express and since then has been an annual recipient of the American Express Excellence Award, which honors the achievements of member agencies that have reached superior sales results and year-over-year sales growth.

“Holland America is by far our favorite cruise line — our first vacation cruise was aboard ms Westerdam II sailing to Alaska — and my husband and I were honored to serve as Mariner Ambassadors for Nieuw Amsterdam,” said Kathy Falkensammer. “Nieuw Amsterdam is a beautiful ship and we’ll always remember participating in her dedication ceremony.”

Holland America Line held the official dedication for Nieuw Amsterdam July 4 in Venice, Italy, followed by the ship’s maiden voyage. Her Royal Highness Princess Máxima of the Netherlands served as the ship's godmother. The blessing of the bell ceremony was held during the three-day maiden voyage.

After several 12-day Mediterranean sailings, the 2,106-passenger vessel is scheduled to embark on a fall trans-Atlantic crossing to the Caribbean where it will sail seven-day eastern and western itineraries from November 2010 through March 2011.

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Holland America Line Named ms Nieuw Amsterdam in Venice

July 5, 2010 – In a gala ceremony rich with Dutch heritage, Holland America Line named ms Nieuw Amsterdam in Venice , Italy , on July 4. Her Royal Highness Princess Máxima of the Netherlands officially named the premium line’s 15^th ship in front of invited dignitaries, cruise guests and media during the special celebration before the ship embarked on its maiden cruise.

“We are exceptionally honored to have Her Royal Highness Princess Máxima as the godmother of this beautiful ship and to continue a long and proud tradition of having members of the Dutch Royal Family name our ships,” said Stein Kruse, president and chief executive officer, Holland America Line. “The second Signature-class ship in our fleet is elegant and the largest passenger ship to sail under the Dutch flag.”

Fifteen fleet captains representing Holland America Line’s ships participated in the festivities, welcoming Her Royal Highness as she arrived to the pier. Following the ship’s blessing and traditional breaking of a champagne bottle across the ship’s bow as the finale, company executives and senior staff officers.

Built at Fincantieri’s Marghera yard near Venice , the 2,106-guest Nieuw Amsterdam is the fourth to carry that name for the line and departed on its maiden voyage roundtrip from Venice to nearby Mediterranean ports following the naming. After a series of 12-day Mediterranean sailings, the ship embarks on a fall trans-Atlantic crossing to the Caribbean to sail seven-day eastern and western itineraries from November 2010 through March 2011.

Delivery Approaches for Holland America's New Nieuw Amsterdam - New DIning Options

June 7, 2010 – The newest Holland America Line Signature-Class ship, the ms Nieuw Amsterdam, will debut July 4, 2010, with exceptional dining options featuring a selection of diverse, innovative restaurants serving international cuisine. Each venue is highlighted by elegant décor for a one-of-a-kind culinary event. The line also will introduce an intimate dinner experience with an exclusive menu and wine pairing called the Master Chef’s Table in the Pinnacle Grill.

With Holland America Line’s As You Wish dining, Nieuw Amsterdam guests can select the restaurant venue and style they prefer, from fixed dining to open seating or casual meals throughout the ship. The 2,106 guests aboard Nieuw Amsterdam can enjoy the sophistication of the Manhattan Dining Room, alternative restaurants Pinnacle Grill, Canaletto and Tamarind, or casual dining at the Terrace Grill, Slice pizzeria and Lido poolside eateries.

“Nieuw Amsterdam has the largest and most flexible array of dining options that we’ve ever offered on a ship, and guests can choose from gourmet-quality fare served in glamorous restaurants to comfort food favorites in relaxed, casual surroundings,” said Richard D. Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs for Holland America Line. “No matter what their preference, Nieuw Amsterdam guests will experience our award-winning service and exceptional cuisine in all of our venues.”

Nieuw Amsterdam will debut the intimate Master Chef’s Table in the Pinnacle Grill that includes an exclusive dinner menu for up to 18 guests who will have the opportunity to experience fine dining at its best. Each meal is enhanced with specially selected wine pairings by the ship’s sommelier. The evening includes seven courses served on signature Versace china, each personally delivered by a special culinary expert who will be the evening’s host. The cost for a Master Chef’s Table evening is $89 per person.

Selected the best alternative restaurant at sea by Porthole magazine, the Pinnacle Grill offers a sophisticated and memorable dining experience for a $10 charge per person for lunch and $20 for dinner. Beautifully appointed Bvlgari china, Riedel stemware and Frette linens create the ideal atmosphere for enjoying superior cuisine and wine selections. Guests may choose to dine on Dungeness crab cakes, filet mignon featuring Sterling Silver beef, grilled veal chops or lobster bisque with aged sherry.

Featuring panoramic ocean views, the Asian specialty restaurant Tamarind delights guests with its unique decor, beautifully presented cuisine, and gracious and attentive service. The restaurant reflects Asian culture and cuisine by emphasizing nature’s basic elements: water, wood, fire and earth. The menu’s “water” main courses feature sea bass with a hoisin-lime glaze and baked snapper in rice paper; “wood” entrees include Wasabi soy beef tenderloin encrusted steak served on a cedar plank; “fire” dishes include red penang curry coconut chicken; and “earth” menu items encompass vegetarian dishes such as sweet and sour vegetable tempura. Dinner at Tamarind is $15 per person, while lunch is complimentary.

Nieuw Amsterdam’s main restaurant, the two-level Manhattan Dining Room, offers a culinary experience worthy of its namesake. Guests are met by gracious hosts and tended to throughout the meal by attentive staff. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner for guests looking for a more formal dining venue, menus offer a variety of options, including Greenhouse Spa selections.

For breakfast, guests may choose a personalized omelet or one of several international favorites including the Dutch breakfast of uitsmijter, a classic open-faced sandwich with sliced ham, Gouda cheese and two eggs sunny side up; a full English breakfast with bangers (sausage), baked beans, eggs and a grilled half tomato, or a Japanese meal of hot miso soup, broiled salmon, steamed white rice, tamagoyaki and hot green tea. Lunch features a selection of signature items such as salad nicoise with grilled salmon, chicken pesto Panini and cilantro and mint crusted tuna.

The five-course dinner menu showcases everything from soups and salads to quail with apricot bread stuffing, ginger grilled chicken with mango lime relish and halibut with roasted corn salsa and plantains.

Guests can savor classic Italian fare with casual tableside service at Canaletto, located adjacent to the Lido Restaurant dining area. Named for the famous 18th-century Venetian artist, Canaletto’s dinner-only menu includes traditional seafood, pasta, and meat and veal dishes. The restaurant is complimentary, yet reservations are recommended.

The ocean-view Lido Restaurant offers guests breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets in a relaxed, casual setting with everything from carved meats to fresh seafood, fruits, vegetables, pastas, salads and desserts. For dinner, the Lido Restaurant features waiter service for guests who desire a more casual dining environment.

The Terrace Grill is a casual poolside eatery serving burgers and fries and other grilled favorites, plus a selection of healthier choices including wraps, paninis and pita sandwiches.

The popular Slice pizzeria serves whole pies and slices to order. Among the featured pies are margherita, shrimp and mussel rustico, quattro formaggi, and prosciutto and arugula.

Rounding out the dining options is the complimentary In-Stateroom Dining service. Guests can order off the daily menu during dining hours or from a daytime and 24-hour menu with an extensive range of selections from light snacks to hearty dishes.

Each Nieuw Amsterdam cruise will feature three distinct tea-time themes: Traditional Dutch High Tea provides a classic sampling of desserts and cakes with tea and coffee. The Indonesian Tea Ceremony harkens to the culture of many of the ship’s crew with courteous service and traditional attire along with local tea varieties and sweets from the Indonesian Archipelago. And the whimsical Cupcake Tea serves 12 types of decadent cupcakes.

Built at Fincantieri’s Marghera yard near Venice, Italy, Nieuw Amsterdam will sail its maiden voyage July 4, 2010. After several 12-day Mediterranean sailings, the ship embarks on a fall trans-Atlantic crossing to the Caribbean where it will sail seven-day eastern and western itineraries from November 2010 through March 2011. Her Royal Highness Princess Máxima of the Netherlands will serve as the ship’s godmother.

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Holland America's New Nieuw Amsterdam 2011 European Sailings

Feb 2, 2010 — Holland America Line’s 2011 Europe season will feature the newest Signature-class ship, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, on popular Mediterranean sailings and more round-trip and seven-day itineraries than ever before.

Seven ships — Nieuw Amsterdam, ms Eurodam, ms Noordam, ms Rotterdam, ms Prinsendam, ms Maasdam and ms Ryndam — will be based in the region with the first voyage departing April 3 on the Nieuw Amsterdam and the final trans-Atlantic sailing departing Nov. 7 on the ms Prinsendam.

“In 2011, we are catering to a broader range of interests as the appeal of cruising Europe continues to grow,” said Rick Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. “By expanding our cruise opportunities — both in new ports and varied itineraries — we expect to entice both first-time and seasoned cruisers.”

The 2011 season has something for everyone. Featuring 15 maiden calls and offering overnight visits at 16 diverse ports, it marks the debut of several new European itineraries including two commemorative nine-day historical trans-Atlantic crossings aboard Rotterdam in July.

Two Signature-class ships, Nieuw Amsterdam and Eurodam, will both sail European itineraries during the 2011 season. Eurodam, the line’s first Signature-class ship, will start the Europe season with two seven-day Mediterranean sailings before continuing a series of mostly northern Europe itineraries. Nieuw Amsterdam, the newest ship, will sail the popular 12-day Mediterranean Romance, 12-day Tapestry and 12-day Empires itineraries as well as two seven-day Mediterranean cruises mid-season.

Additional round-trip itineraries, which allow time to explore a departure city before or after the cruise, depart from nine European cities — Tilbury and Dover (London), U.K.; Rome and Venice, Italy; Barcelona, Spain; Athens, Greece; Copenhagen, Denmark; and Amsterdam and Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Additionally, the line will offer a round-trip sailing to the continent from Boston , Massachusetts , aboard the Maasdam in July.

For those short on time, 18 seven-day sailings provide an array of cruises exploring the Mediterranean , Norwegian Fjords or the Baltic.

The season also will feature three new itineraries aboard the Ryndam. A 21-day Mediterranean Adventure offers a comprehensive tour of fascinating Mediterranean ports as well as the less-visited Sète , France , and Sardinia , Italy . The 14-day North Cape cruise features a crossing of the Arctic Circle and a sail by the North Cape and Norwegian ports. And an 11-day Canary Island Explorer sailing round-trip Rotterdam visits the Canary Islands, Morocco and Spain .

More ambitious cruisers looking to expand their port collections can combine itineraries for a Collectors’ Voyage, which range from 14 to 45 days and are perfect for true explorers who seek an in-depth experience at an exceptional value.

Fares start at $999 per person, double occupancy, for a seven-day voyage. For guests booking before June 1, 2010, there is an Early Booking Bonus of a choice of dinner for two in the Pinnacle Grill or Tamarind, or a welcome bottle of champagne on embarkation day.

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