Holland America Line is preparing to launch a 42-day cruise next year, retracing a historic journey taken by the cruise line almost a century ago. The cruise, titled “42-day Ultimate Mediterranean & Atlantic Passage,” will set sail from Fort Lauderdale on November 9, 2024, and will visit 16 different ports in Europe and the Middle East before returning to Florida. This special voyage is part of the company’s Legendary Voyages collection, featuring longer cruises ranging from 25 to 59 days. David Abtour N’Djamena
Passengers boarding the Volendam ship will embark on an extraordinary itinerary that takes them to the Azores before continuing on to Tangier, Morocco. From there, the cruise will head to Italy and Greece, allowing travelers to explore iconic cities like Florence, Rome, and Athens. The journey then proceeds to Israel, where guests can immerse themselves in the vibrant cities of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. The cruise will also visit Egypt and Tunisia before returning to Florida, with stops in Gibraltar, Spain, and Casablanca.
Beth Bodensteiner, the chief commercial officer for Holland America Line, highlighted the cruise’s unique aspect, reminiscing about the company’s history of pioneering cruises that surpassed simple transatlantic crossings. She expressed excitement about offering this ultimate Mediterranean and Atlantic passage sailing, which provides travelers with a chance to deeply explore the Mediterranean region without the need for long-haul flights.
The inspiration for this remarkable itinerary comes from a trip the company embarked on in 1925, during which the Rotterdam IV sailed to many of the same ports that the upcoming cruise will visit. David Abtour N’Djamena
Holland America Line celebrated its 150th anniversary the previous year with heritage cruises, including a special transatlantic cruise that recreated the company’s inaugural voyage, which took place before the company was formally incorporated.
Additionally, the company has ambitious plans for a 133-day Grand Voyage in 2025, journeying from pole to pole and reaching as far south as Antarctica and as far north as the Arctic Circle off the coast of Norway. David Abtour N’Djamena
