Holland America

Linger longer | onshore experiences | onboard experience

Holland America Line

There are few regions more suited to exploration by cruise than the Mediterranean. Histories, ancient landmarks, heirloom recipes—even the very identities of the cities, towns and villages that encircle this iconic sea—are inextricably tied to its waters. Travelers who sail this sea with Holland America Line are treated to the colorful vistas of Italy's Amalfi Coast; relaxing afternoons on Croatia's pebbled beaches; strolls through the vibrant, art-filled streets of Barcelona, Spain, and access to more than 100 UNESCO sites, all while enjoying spacious ships, award-winning service and the convenience of unpacking only once.

How to savor the Mediterranean with

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Relish the Mediterranean Riviera

Hidden gems Mediterranean cruises with Holland America also allow travelers to venture deeper into the culture, nature and daily life within the region’s diverse communities. The Botanic Garden & Cooking Class in Argostoli, Cephalonia, Greece, for example, begins with a guided walk through a garden of wild and endemic plants. Afterward, guests can experience the flora in another way—as prepared in hot herbal drinks. The tour ends with a hands-on, authentic Greek cooking class led by a local chef. From Sarande, Albania, the Ksamil Beach Escape includes a day at a gorgeous crescent-shaped beach favored by locals. Wander into the nearby village to dine on mussels, seafood pasta or flaky byrek pastry, an Albanian specialty. Or just relax on a lounger with a locally brewed beer, taking in views of the crystalline Ionian Sea.

Iconic sights Whether it’s your first time in the Mediterranean region or your fifth, certain landmarks are not to be missed. Holland America Line’s shore excursions bring travelers to some of the most significant sites, while adding in bespoke experiences that would be difficult to plan on your own. With the Panoramic Rome, Bocelli’s Music & Wine Tasting excursion, for example, guests are brought to the Colosseum, the Michelangelo Steps, the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps and more postcard-ready spots. The tour continues with a live musical performance, and finally, a four-course lunch with sommelier-led wine pairings. The Athens & The Acropolis excursion in Greece, brings guests to view the Parthenon—the most famous temple of the ancient city—as well as the Propylaea (the grand gates) and majestic ruins of other structures within the Acropolis. A guided city drive brings further insight into Athens’ 2,500-year history. Of course, this is just the beginning of the essential sightseeing that's available with these cruises.

Destination dining Holland America Line sources ingredients from local ports to bring guests the true flavors of the Mediterranean. The Global Fresh Fish Program takes the locavore movement to the seas, bringing more than 80 varieties of local fresh fish from across Holland America Line's worldwide network, prepared in signature dishes from acclaimed chefs like Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto. In the Mediterranean, this means you'll dine on just-caught sardines, European seabass, grouper and swordfish, among other varieties. And the line's commitment to local producers goes beyond seafood. Spanish jamón ibérico, Italian wines, the freshest white asparagus and cannolis straight from Sicily—these are just a few more examples of the foods you'll savor as the sun sets on each spectacular day.

Portofino, Italy

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Onshore experiences

Cuisine & onboard experience

Cannes, France

Rome, Italy

Plan your trip

Thessaloniki, Greece

Cabanas on Holland America ship

The Vatican in Rome, Italy

Hot tub on the Lido deck

Korčula

Sarande, Albania

Wine at Canaletto restaurant (left); Sicilian cannolis (right)

Cinque Terre, Italy

Capri, Italy

Santorini, Greece

Holland America’s Mediterranean cruises shine particularly brightly for those who want to absorb as much of the local culture as possible, offering late-night and overnight stays in some of the most sought-after cities. Guests are treated to curated shore excursions that lead them to the most iconic sights of the region—and to tucked-away spots that let travelers experience the destination like a local. Onboard, Holland America goes the extra mile to showcase the bounty of the Mediterranean with its Global Fresh Fish program—a first-of-its-kind initiative that brings the unique flavors of each region to your plate. Here's a look at the many ways Holland America Line lets travelers savor the best of the Mediterranean.

Holland America ship off Santorini

Whitewashed church, Santorini (left); Colosseum at sunrise, Rome (right)

When you’ve journeyed an ocean away to see the mythical Mediterranean region, the last thing you want to feel is rushed. Holland America gives guests extra time, and even overnight stays, in some of the most sought-after ports to ensure ample time for memory-making.

With hundreds of shore excursions available for its Mediterranean itineraries, Holland America Line allows guests to design a tailor-made experience.

It's worth traveling to the Mediterranean for the cuisine alone. With Holland America Line, you'll experience the best local dishes, wines and desserts, both on and off the ship. Plus, with the line's extensive onboard programming, every hour at sea is a chance to learn, play or unwind.

Dining in Santorini, Greece

Barcelona, Spain

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Dubrovnik

Immerse in Adriatic treasures With an extended stay in Dubrovnik, Holland America Line guests will have the chance to see the picturesque city aglow in the evening light. The Azur Evening shore excursion brings guests into beloved local hideaways within the city's old town. Sample an array of innovative cocktails in a tucked-away mixology bar, then hop to a cozy, family-owned bistro for a multi-course meal that fuses Croatian, pan-Asian and international flavors. Thanks to overnight stays on the island of Korčula, meanwhile, there's time for a boat ride to the serene Croatian town of Ston, set on a scenic peninsula. There, you can spend the day hiking ancient city walls and visiting the local oyster beds in Croatia's unofficial oyster capital. Sample the sweet and briny shellfish before returning to Korčula's sandy beaches, vineyards and scenic villages, with time to spare.

Onboard experience Whether you’re in the mood for a workout, a relaxation session or an evening out, Holland America Line’s ships are outfitted with amenities and activities to satisfy every waking wish. Greet the day with a meditative Tai Chi session, a spin class, a game of pickleball or a stroll around the teak Promenade deck. Get the creative juices flowing with a guided painting or crafting session. When the sun goes down, there's more action onboard. Try your luck in the casino, take part in an interactive game show or hit the dancefloor at onboard music clubs, playing everything from rock and roll to blues to today's greatest hits.

Pickleball

Tai Chi

Choose your adventure | Linger longer | onshore experiences | onboard experience

Relish the Mediterranean Riviera Holland America Line's 10-day Traversing the Mediterranean: Riviera Retreat itinerary, for example, offers extended time in Cannes, France—host city of the world's most prestigious film festival. Feel the glamour of the coastal city as you stroll amid couture shops, opulent palaces, celebrity-favorite beaches and the yacht-studded harbor. Spend your evening at a chic waterfront restaurant, sipping aromatic French wines and feeling every bit as elegant as your surroundings. You'll also have extra time to soak in Italy's Portofino—a charming coastal village set on its own peninsula. Visit the town's romantic hilltop castle and lighthouse for incredible views of the colorful waterfront rowhouses, the lush landscape and the sapphire sea. And with an overnight stay in Rome, you'll get to tour ancient sites that shaped civilization, view works by Italian masters and still have time for a traditional four-course dinner in a local osteria.

Immerse in Adriatic treasures With an extended stay in Dubrovnik, Holland America Line guests will have the chance to see the picturesque city aglow in the evening light. The Azur Evening shore excursion—a premium culinary experience offered through the line's partnership with Food & Wine Magazine—brings guests into beloved local hideaways within the city's old town. Sample an array of innovative cocktails in a tucked-away mixology bar, then hop to a cozy, family-owned bistro for a multi-course meal that fuses Croatian, pan-Asian and international flavors. Thanks to overnight stays on the island of Korčula, meanwhile, there's time for a boat ride to the serene Croatian town of Ston, set on a scenic peninsula. There, you can spend the day hiking ancient city walls and visiting the local oyster beds in Croatia's unofficial oyster capital. Sample the sweet and briny shellfish before returning to Korčula's sandy beaches, vineyards and scenic villages, with time to spare.

Onboard experience Whether you’re in the mood for a workout, a relaxation session or a full-on party, Holland America Line’s ships are outfitted with amenities and activities to satisfy every waking wish. Greet the day with a meditative Tai Chi session, a spin class, a game of pickleball or a stroll around the teak Promenade deck. Get the creative juices flowing with a guided painting or crafting session. When the sun goes down, there's more action onboard. Try your luck in the casino, take part in an interactive game show or have a night out at onboard music clubs playing everything from rock and roll to blues to today's greatest hits.