12-Day Mediterranean Empires Add To Favourites Remove From Favourites

Departure Date: 3rd June 2020

Duration: 12 nights

Cruise Line: Holland America Line

Cruise Ship: Nieuw Amsterdam

0800 655 6601 Call Free

Price from: £1,749pp

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Prices

Stateroom

Price

Inside

£1,749pp

Booking Request

Outside

£1,981pp

Booking Request

Balcony

£2,299pp

Booking Request

Suite

£3,099pp

Booking Request

Holiday Benefits

Americas Test Kitchen - Restaurant
Canaletto - Restaurant
Casino Action
Children's Programs (Ages 3-17)
Fitness Center
Greenhouse Spa & Salon
Lincoln Center Stage
Microsoft Studio (Classes)
Movies On Board
On board Shopping
Tea Time
The Main Stage

Itinerary

3rd June 2020

Venice
Venice is a city unlike any other. No matter how often you’ve seen it in photos and films, the real thing is more dreamlike than you could imagine. With canals where streets should be, water shimmers everywhere. The fabulous palaces and churches reflect centuries of history in what was a wealthy trading center between Europe and the Orient. Getting lost in the narrow alleyways is a quintessential part of exploring Venice, but at some point you’ll almost surely end up in Piazza San Marco, where tourists and locals congregate for a coffee or an aperitif.
4th June 2020

At Sea
5th June 2020

Katakolon
Katakolon could not seem less of a cruise port if it tried. A tiny enclave clinging to the western Peloponnese coast, it’s a sleepy place except when ships dock. But it’s a popular cruise destination because of its proximity to Olympia. Ancient Olympia was one of the most important cities in classical Greece. The Sanctuary of Zeus was the city’s raison d’être, and attracted pilgrims from around the eastern Mediterranean, and later the city played host to Olympic Games, the original athletic games that were the inspiration for today’s modern sporting pan-planetary meet. At the foot of the tree-covered Kronion hill, in a valley near two rivers, Katakolon is today one of the most popular ancient sites in Greece. If you don’t want to make the trip to Olympia, then Katakolon is an ideal place for a leisurely Greek lunch while you watch the fishermen mend their nets, but there’s just not much else to do there.
6th June 2020

Piraeus
It’s no wonder that all roads lead to the fascinating and maddening metropolis of Athens. Lift your eyes 200 feet above the city to the Parthenon, its honey-color marble columns rising from a massive limestone base, and you behold architectural perfection that has not been surpassed in 2,500 years. But, today, this shrine of classical form dominates a 21st-century boomtown. To experience Athens—Athína in Greek—fully is to understand the essence of Greece: ancient monuments surviving in a sea of cement, startling beauty amid the squalor, tradition juxtaposed with modernity. Locals depend on humor and flexibility to deal with the chaos; you should do the same. The rewards are immense. Although Athens covers a huge area, the major landmarks of the ancient Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods are close to the modern city center. You can easily walk from the Acropolis to many other key sites, taking time to browse in shops and relax in cafés and tavernas along the way. From many quarters of
7th June 2020

Istanbul
The only city in the world that can lay claim to straddling two continents, Istanbul—once known as Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine and then the Ottoman Empire—has for centuries been a bustling metropolis with one foot in Europe and the other in Asia. Istanbul embraces this enviable position with both a certain chaos and inventiveness, ever evolving as one of the world’s most cosmopolitan crossroads. It’s often said that Istanbul is the meeting point of East and West, but visitors to this city built over the former capital of two great empires are likely to be just as impressed by the juxtaposition of old and new. Office towers creep up behind historic palaces, women in chic designer outfits pass others wearing long skirts and head coverings, peddlers’ pushcarts vie with battered old Fiats and shiny BMWs for dominance of the noisy, narrow streets, and the Grand Bazaar competes with modern shopping malls. At dawn, when the muezzin’s call to prayer resounds from ancient minarets,
8th June 2020

Istanbul
The only city in the world that can lay claim to straddling two continents, Istanbul—once known as Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine and then the Ottoman Empire—has for centuries been a bustling metropolis with one foot in Europe and the other in Asia. Istanbul embraces this enviable position with both a certain chaos and inventiveness, ever evolving as one of the world’s most cosmopolitan crossroads. It’s often said that Istanbul is the meeting point of East and West, but visitors to this city built over the former capital of two great empires are likely to be just as impressed by the juxtaposition of old and new. Office towers creep up behind historic palaces, women in chic designer outfits pass others wearing long skirts and head coverings, peddlers’ pushcarts vie with battered old Fiats and shiny BMWs for dominance of the noisy, narrow streets, and the Grand Bazaar competes with modern shopping malls. At dawn, when the muezzin’s call to prayer resounds from ancient minarets,
9th June 2020

Mykonos
Although the fishing boats still go out in good weather, Mykonos largely makes its living from tourism these days. The summer crowds have turned one of the poorest islands in Greece into one of the richest. Old Mykonians complain that their young, who have inherited stores where their grandfathers once sold eggs or wine, get so much rent that they have lost ambition, and in summer sit around pool bars at night with their friends, and hang out in Athens in winter when island life is less scintillating. Put firmly on the map by Jackie O in the 1960s, Mykonos town—called Hora by the locals—remains the Saint-Tropez of the Greek islands. The scenery is memorable, with its whitewashed streets, Little Venice, the Kato Myli ridge of windmills, and Kastro, the town’s medieval quarter. Its cubical two- or three-story houses and churches, with their red or blue doors and domes and wooden balconies, have been long celebrated as some of the best examples of classic Cycladic architecture. Luckily, t
10th June 2020

Rhodes
Early travelers described Rhodes as a town of two parts: a castle or high town (Collachium) and a lower city. Today Rhodes town—sometimes referred to as Ródos town—is still a city of two parts: the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site that incorporates the high town and lower city, and the modern metropolis, or New Town, spreading away from the walls that encircle the Old Town. The narrow streets of the Old Town are for the most part closed to cars and are lined with Orthodox and Catholic churches, Turkish houses (some of which follow the ancient orthogonal plan), and medieval public buildings with exterior staircases and facades elegantly constructed of well-cut limestone from Lindos. Careful reconstruction in recent years has enhanced the harmonious effect.
11th June 2020

Khania
The second-largest city in Crete and capital of the Homonym Prefecture, Chania is located in Minoan Kidonia at the end of the Homonym Gulf between the Akrotiri and Onicha peninsulas. Chania City is divided into two parts; the Old Town, which is comprised of several connected districts built around the old Venetian Harbour, and New Town, a larger, more modern city whose centre is situated next to, and south of, the Old Town. The Old Town is home to Venetian buildings and Turkish elements that combine to create a unique architectural style, and is considered to be the most beautiful urban district on Crete. It was once surrounded by old Venetian fortifications that separated it from the New Town; however, only the eastern and western parts remain today. Due to its compact size, Skiathos can be easily explored in just a single day.
12th June 2020

At Sea
13th June 2020

Korčula
Off the coast of Croatia in the southern Adriatic Sea lie some thousand islands and the largest of them, Korçula, is considered the most beautiful. With an average of 3,000 hours of sunshine per annum, which guarantees a wide assortment of Mediterranean vegetation, it is not difficult to understand why seasoned travelers compare Korçula to a latter-day Eden. Separated from the mainland by a channel of only one mile, Korçula’s main town, named the same as the island, ranks among the best preserved medieval towns in the Mediterranean. It is the island’s main tourist, economic and cultural center. Thanks to its strategic location along the sea trade routes, Korçula has always attracted travelers and settlers. Korcula was founded by Greek colonists, who were followed by Illyrians, Romans and finally the Croats. The Korçula Statute of 1214 is one of the oldest legal documents to have been adopted in this part of Europe. The same century saw the birth of the famous world traveler, Marco Polo
14th June 2020

Venice
Venice is a city unlike any other. No matter how often you’ve seen it in photos and films, the real thing is more dreamlike than you could imagine. With canals where streets should be, water shimmers everywhere. The fabulous palaces and churches reflect centuries of history in what was a wealthy trading center between Europe and the Orient. Getting lost in the narrow alleyways is a quintessential part of exploring Venice, but at some point you’ll almost surely end up in Piazza San Marco, where tourists and locals congregate for a coffee or an aperitif.
15th June 2020

Venice
Venice is a city unlike any other. No matter how often you’ve seen it in photos and films, the real thing is more dreamlike than you could imagine. With canals where streets should be, water shimmers everywhere. The fabulous palaces and churches reflect centuries of history in what was a wealthy trading center between Europe and the Orient. Getting lost in the narrow alleyways is a quintessential part of exploring Venice, but at some point you’ll almost surely end up in Piazza San Marco, where tourists and locals congregate for a coffee or an aperitif.

Ship Information

Ship Details

Cabins

Decks

Ship Facilities

Dining

Kids

Video

Useful Info

Launched

2010

Tonnage

86700

Length

285.2

Total Crew

929

Occupancy

2106

Holland America Line has installed an array of works valued at over $3 million, ranging from antiques by traditional Dutch masters to creations by renowned contemporary artists. Some pieces reflect the Dutch Golden Age while others, such as the spectacular centrepiece in the atrium, express a contemporary curiosity.

Adorning the ceiling of Nieuw Amsterdam is an eye-catching abstract sculpture of the inverted New York skyline made from clear translucent blocks that hang upside-down.

The sculpture was created by husband and wife Italian artists Gilbert Lebigre and Corinne Roger of Creazioni Lebigre & Roger. The significant collection, which includes works by celebrated artists Andy Warhol, Richard Estes and Roy Lichtenstein, continues with astounding displays throughout the ship.

Pinnacle Suite

The Pinnacle Suite features bedroom with king-size bed, oversize whirlpool bath & shower, with fragrant bath salts and exfoliating loofah mitt for an invigorating shower experience, living room, dining room, dressing room, private veranda, pantry, sofa bed for two persons, mini-bar, refrigerator, guest toilet, floor-to-ceiling windows.

Suite amenities include complimentary laundry, pressing and dry cleaning throughout your cruise, complimentary sparkling wine served in the Neptune Lounge upon embarkation and a complimentary bottled water provided in suite at embarkation. Guests in suites also benefit from gorgeous corsages and boutonnieres for the first formal night, cold hors d’oeuvres served before dinner each evening on request, binoculars and umbrellas for your use on the cruise, as well as a cocktail party with the ship’s officers. Other benefits include: priority boarding for tendered ports of call, special disembarkation service, priority dining and seating requests, exclusive daily breakfast service, and high tea service in-suite on request. Elegant wooden clothing brush, lint remover and shoehorn for keeping clothing immaculate is also included.

Guests also have access to a very special amenity exclusively for those cruising in a Neptune or Pinnacle Suite, the industry-leading Neptune Lounge features a private place to relax, socialise with other suite guests and enjoy the personalised service of a concierge. The fleet-wide lounges provide worktables, large screen television, library, sofas and chairs, refreshments throughout the day and WiFi for a small charge. One-Touch 24-hour Concierge Service is available when the Neptune Lounge is closed.

Neptune Suite

Neptune Suites feature two lower beds convertible to a king-size bed, whirlpool bath & shower, with fragrant bath salts and exfoliating loofah mitt for an invigorating shower experience, large sitting area, dressing room, private verandah, sofa bed for two persons, mini-bar, refrigerator, floor-to-ceiling windows.

Suite amenities include complimentary laundry, pressing and dry cleaning throughout your cruise, complimentary sparkling wine served in the Neptune Lounge upon embarkation and a complimentary bottled water provided in suite at embarkation. Guests in suites also benefit from gorgeous corsages and boutonnieres for the first formal night, cold hors d’oeuvres served before dinner each evening on request, binoculars and umbrellas for your use on the cruise, as well as a cocktail party with the ship’s officers. Other benefits include: priority boarding for tendered ports of call, special disembarkation service, priority dining and seating requests, exclusive daily breakfast service, and high tea service in-suite on request. Elegant wooden clothing brush, lint remover and shoehorn for keeping clothing immaculate is also included.

Guests also have access to a very special amenity exclusively for those cruising in a Neptune or Pinnacle Suite, the industry-leading Neptune Lounge features a private place to relax, socialise with other suite guests and enjoy the personalised service of a concierge. The fleet-wide lounges provide worktables, large screen television, library, sofas and chairs, refreshments throughout the day and WiFi for a small charge. One-Touch 24-hour Concierge Service is available when the Neptune Lounge is closed.

Ocean View Stateroom

Ocean View Staterooms feature two lower beds convertible to a queen-size bed, and a bathroom with bathtub and shower, as well as fragrant soaps, lotions, shampoo and other bath amenities from Elemis Aromapure.

Stateroom amenities include luxurious beds featuring Sealy Premium Euro-Top mattresses and finely woven cotton linens, deluxe waffle weave and terry cloth bathrobes for use during your voyage, 100% Egyptian cotton towels, premium massage showerheads, and 5X magnifying make-up mirrors and salon-quality hair dryers. Suites also benefit from complimentary fresh fruit on request, elegant ice bucket and serving tray for in-stateroom beverages, Flat-panel TV and DVD player, as well as ice service, shoeshine service and nightly turndown service.

Interior Stateroom

Interior Staterooms feature two lower beds convertible to a queen-size bed, and a bathroom featuring fragrant soaps, lotions, shampoo and other bath amenities from Elemis Aromapure.

Stateroom amenities include luxurious beds featuring Sealy Premium Euro-Top mattresses and finely woven cotton linens, deluxe waffle weave and terry cloth bathrobes for use during your voyage, 100% Egyptian cotton towels, premium massage showerheads, and 5X magnifying make-up mirrors and salon-quality hair dryers. Suites also benefit from complimentary fresh fruit on request, elegant ice bucket and serving tray for in-stateroom beverages, Flat-panel TV and DVD player, as well as ice service, shoeshine service and nightly turndown service.

Signature Suite

Signature Suites feature two lower beds convertible to a queen-size bed, bathroom with dual-sink vanity, bathroom with full-size whirlpool bath & shower, as well as an additional shower stall with fragrant soaps, lotions, shampoo and other bath amenities from Elemis Aromapure. A large sitting area, teak-lined private verandah, sofa bed for one person, and floor-to-ceiling windows are also included.

Stateroom amenities include Holland America Line’s signature Mariner’s Dream bed featuring a plush Euro-Top mattress and finely woven cotton linens, daily housekeeping to tidy belongings and keep staterooms immaculate, 100% Egyptian cotton towels, lighted magnifying mirrors; salon-quality hair dryers, and luxurious bathrobes for use during the voyage. Each stateroom also benefit from flat-panel TV and DVD player, complimentary DVD library, generous storage, safes for your valuables, Complimentary fresh fruit on request, complimentary 24-hour In-Room Dining, nightly turndown service, complimentary shoeshine service, as well as complimentary ice service

In addition to the stateroom amenities, guests cruising in Signature Suites also benefit from a variety of firm, medium and soft pillows, premium duvet, oversized bath towels, and soft, cotton bathrobes and slippers, mini-bar, personalised cruise stationery, one-touch telephone concierge service, fresh flowers, and umbrellas for your use on the cruise.

Verandah Staterooms

Verandah Staterooms feature two lower beds convertible to a queen-size bed, bathroom with bathtub & shower featuring fragrant soaps, lotions, shampoo and other bath amenities from Elemis Aromapure, sitting area, teak-lined private veranda, floor-to ceiling windows.

Stateroom amenities include Holland America Line’s signature Mariner’s Dream bed featuring a plush Euro-Top mattress and finely woven cotton linens, daily housekeeping to tidy belongings and keep staterooms immaculate, 100% Egyptian cotton towels, lighted magnifying mirrors; massage showerheads; salon-quality hair dryers, and Luxurious bathrobes for use during the voyage. Each stateroom also benefit from flat-panel TV and DVD player, complimentary DVD library, generous storage, safes for your valuables, Complimentary fresh fruit on request, complimentary 24-hour In-Room Dining, nightly turndown service, complimentary shoeshine, as well as complimentary ice service.

Deck 1

Deck 2

Deck 3

Deck 4

Deck 5

Deck 6

Deck 7

Deck 8

Deck 9

Deck 10

Deck 11

Entertainment

Ocean Bar

The Ocean Bar surrounds the central Atrium on deck 3 and features a small stage and dance floor. It provides a good venue for pre dinner drinks and dancing.

Piano Bar

The Piano Bar on the Lower Promenade Deck provides guests with a venue to have a drink and sing along to requests played by the pianist.

Crow's Nest

The Crow's Nest, located on the Deck 11, features a small stage, dance floor and bar and in the evening becomes a nightclub.

Offering 270 degree views, trivia and mixology classes take place here during the day.

Pool Bars

The Lido Bar serves the Lido Pool, midship on Deck 9, and the Seaview Bar serves the Sea View Pool towards the end of the deck. From either, you can enjoy a refreshing beverage poolside in shaded seating around the bar or delivered to your sunny chaise lounge.

Casino Bar

The Casino Bar on Deck 2, serving the casino, also doubles as a sports bar with overhead screens airing sporting events.

Northern Lights

The Northern Lights on deck 2 is the ship's nightclub which hosts various themed nights.

Drop by after dark as the ship's dance club revs up...

Explorer's Lounge

The Explorer's lounge, located on Deck 2, is an intimate lounge convenient for pre dinner cocktails.

Featuring the ships' Adagio Strings classical quartet playing a range of classical and contemporary music, Explorer's lounge is also the ships premium wine tasting lounge.

Dancing with the Stars: At Sea

On selected cruises, guests will have the opportunity to participate in complimentary dance classes based on dance routines from the ABC smash hit show “Dancing with the Stars.” This is a chance to learn the basics or new steps.

They will also have the chance to compete in the Dancing with the Stars: At Sea competition. Following an early elimination process, finalists will have the opportunity to take to the main stage with the ship’s dance professionals. One Cruise Champion will emerge, based on the highest combined point total from our panel of three judges, as well as audience participation.

Select cruises will also feature dance pros and celebrities from ABC's “Dancing with the Stars”. Guests will enjoy a chance to take photos, get autographs and ask questions. A special fashion show features the glamorous costumes from the show and a dazzling evening production will star the dance professionals and celebrities.

The Showroom at Sea

After dinner, take your seat in the ship's magnificent show lounge for a dazzling show.

The Showroom, located on decks 1, 2 and 3, is the ship's theatre with 2 shows nightly timed for early and late dining.

Enjoy dynamic concerts and exciting musical productions featuring Broadway veterans, talented illusionists, as well comedians and musicians.

Casino

Whether you are an experienced gambler or rolling dice for the first time, the Casino offers games for all levels as well as complimentary lessons from friendly dealers and tournaments for veteran players.

The games offered include:

- Table Games - Play Blackjack, Roulette, Craps (select ships), Three Card Poker, Texas Hold ‘Em and more.

- Slots - From penny to five-dollar machines and multi-denomination games, plus video poker, there's a game for you. You’ll find slot favourites such as Wolf Run, Wheel of Fortune, Super Jackpot Party and more! And the Megacash jackpot, the biggest progressive jackpot at sea, is linked to over 50 cruise ships worldwide.

- Cruise Lottery - Guests can play the cruise lottery for a chance to win a 7-day cruise.

- Tournaments - Join in the fun of a Slot or Blackjack tournament for that extra chance to win big.

- Gaming Lessons - Learn how to play a new casino game with free gaming lessons onboard.

At the Movies

Watch movies with free popcorn in the ship's movie theatre, or on the giant LED screen on deck. Ship Flicks, a catalogue of over 1,000 DVD titles is also available for stateroom delivery and viewing.

Explorations Café

The Explorations Café, powered by The New York Times, offers a comfortable coffee house environment where you can browse through one of the most extensive libraries at sea, view a wide array of audio and video programming, or simply read the morning paper. Guests can also enjoy fresh pastries and their favourite espresso drink provided by Torrefazione Italia.

Internet stations featuring news and email, with free access to The New York Times online edition (wireless hot spots also available for those traveling with laptops) are also available, as well as destinations-related content and travel-related crossword puzzles provided by The New York Times. For those looking for another kind of relaxing activity, there are also large jigsaw puzzle tables.

Art Tours

Holland America Line is known for the extensive art collections onboard each of its ships. Now, fine art goes high tech. The line invites you to enjoy the self-guided walking tour for each ship which highlights the art onboard an eclectic collection that is valued at tens of millions of dollars.

Narrated by well-known radio hosts Paul Lasley and Elizabeth Harryman, the 30-40 minute tours include walking directions, interviews with artists, background music and thumbnails of some of the artwork. Download the ship-specific art tour onto your personal iPod, MP3 or portable media player before you embark on your Holland America Line cruise. Pre-loaded art tours are also available on board.

Art Gallery

As a guest onboard Holland America Line, you are invited to indulge your inner art connoisseur by immersing yourself in the ship’s exclusive onboard gallery and fine art experience. Through exciting live auctions, dazzling gallery exhibitions, enriching educational programs and intimate champagne-sipping enthusiast events, you are destined for a memorable artistic encounter that will ignite your passion for fine art.

Representatives from Park West Gallery bring their expertise to Holland America Line and afford the art novice to seasoned aficionado access to an extensive array of paintings, prints, drawings, watercolours, mixed-media, sports memorabilia and animation art. Park West engages guests in a way that is sure to surprise and delight every level of collector.

Vibrant works of art by world-renowned contemporary artist Peter Max, quiet cottage scenes by Thomas Kinkade and collectable sports memorabilia from favourite athletes are but glimpses of the broad range of exquisite items offered by Park West Gallery to guests on board Holland America Line. Be sure to visit the gallery on embarkation day to pre-register for the art activities and ensure a space in one of the educational programs and champagne events. Gallery event guests also have the opportunity to take home a complimentary gift of art and enter raffle drawings for special art prizes.

Founded in 1969, Park West Gallery has brought fine works of art to more than 1.3 million clients worldwide through events at sea, at its gallery locations in Michigan and Florida, and by select auctions in major metropolitan areas. Every purchase from Park West Gallery comes with a certificate of authenticity, assuring that each is subjected to the highest level of artistic and critical scrutiny. The gallery also offers convenient shipping and framing services so you may easily enjoy your new work of art at home.

Photo Gallery

It all begins with a great photo taken at embarkation -- the first of many photo opportunities. Your onboard photographers, called "Image Creators" will be with you throughout the cruise, ready to capture that special moment at the Bon Voyage Party, Formal Night, Scenic Cruising and more.

The Photo Gallery on board offers print and digital photos, photo packages and DVDs of your cruise itinerary and voyage. Be sure to take home memories of your voyage that will last a lifetime.

Black Label Photography

Whether the look he captures on film is thoughtful, irreverent or joyous, Joe Craig believes a successful photograph reveals the soul of its subject. He has spent his life perfecting his craft and teaching it to others. See what his approach can show you.

Joe Craig Black Label creates images that blend innocence and sophistication. It’s a great opportunity for you and your friends, family or special someone to capture the memory of your voyage in interpretive photography.

All Black Label artists on board are personally trained by Joe, and studio sessions are complimentary, with no obligation to buy and no sitting fee.

The Signature Shops

Discover a world-class shopping experience only steps away. The Signature Shops onboard offer a great selection of fine jewellery, watches, fragrances, premium liquor, exclusive Holland America Line souvenirs and more all at tax and duty free savings. You’ll find many famous brands with designer names specially selected with you in mind. Knowledgeable specialists will gladly answer all your questions and are dedicated to providing you with excellent service, helping to make your cruise vacation, relaxing and enjoyable.

The Culinary Arts Centre

The Culinary Arts Centre on the ms Nieuw Amsterdam is a multi purpose venue with its own bar and hosting a number of activities including gourmet cooking lessons in the state of the art demonstration kitchen, wine tasting and line dancing. It can be found on deck 2 of the ship.

Cabana Club

The Cabana Club on the Observation Deck near the Crows nest is the ship's smoking room.

Pinnacle Bar

The Pinnacle Bar serves the Pinnacle Grill as well as being the ship's champagne bar, and is located on the Lower Promenade Deck.

Silk Den

Silk Den is an Asian inspired bar serving the Tamarind Restaurant on Deck 11.

Surrounded by panoramic ocean views, it specialises in Saketinis - cocktails made using sake as the mixer.

Enrichment

Digital Workshop powered by Windows

Guests on Holland America Line cruises can learn how to display and share their vacation memories through the Digital Workshop powered by Windows. This enrichment program offers free, informative sessions that are led by a Microsoft-trained "techspert" on a variety of relevant topics such as:

• How to take, edit and enhance better photos

• How to post your photos to the web or email them to friends and family back home

• How to create blog entries, videos, scrapbooks and more

The Digital Workshop offers many free, easy-to-use photo sharing tips and tools, so it's not necessary to be an expert photographer or an experienced computer user to benefit from the program. The workshops showcase state-of-the-art technology provided and maintained by Microsoft -- including Windows8 computers, printers, scanners and a wireless network -- and conveniently have their own dedicated space on each ship. Flat-screen TVs in each session allow for easy viewing of videos and "techspert" demonstrations.

The jargon-free interactive classes include:

• Editing your cruise photos

• Turning your cruise photos and videos into a slide show

• Getting your photos out of the camera and into the computer

• Advanced editing of your cruise photos

• Sharing your cruise photos via email and the Internet

• PC safety and maintenance

• Learning fun ways of staying connected with instant messaging and webcams

• Learning the basics of staying connected through social networking

• Understanding the basics of your digital camera

• Learning what PC is right for your lifestyle and how to find the best offers

• Seeing how Windows 8 can simplify your PC and your life

Guests can choose to attend all or just some of these 60-minute workshops, each of which will be offered at various times and days throughout each cruise. Multiple workshops will be held every day. In addition, one-on-one coaching called "Techspert Time" will also be available every day.

Scheduling of classes can be done on board only and cannot be pre-reserved prior to sailing.

On Location

From steel drum lessons in the Caribbean, to tai chi with a master in Asia, to Celtic fiddlers in the Canadian Maritimes—Holland America Line’s "On Location" program brings local culture to life showcasing unique entertainment and enriching activities as well as the cuisine of each region.

"On Location" provides so many experiences for guests to enjoy, like taking a Tango lesson in Argentina, a hula class in Hawaii or searching the southern sky with an astronomer in the South Pacific, the options go on and on. The Culinary Arts Center also comes alive as visiting chefs from along the route add local flavour to cooking shows and hands-on classes. Guests may choose to prepare the perfect salmon in Alaska, make sushi in Asia or learn to enhance dishes with the spices of the Caribbean. Wine lovers can pair food with the perfect wine as experts from vineyards in Europe, Australia and Chile host tastings.

There will also be a new sizzle to Holland America Line’s menus each day. The onboard chefs will create dishes using locally sourced ingredients, which will delight guests with an enticing array of regional cuisine.

Culinary Arts Centre - Demonstrations & Classes

Hosted by the on-board party planner, classes take place in the Culinary Arts Centre, a first-class “show kitchen at sea,” or in one of the many bars and lounges. The line schedules classes throughout the day on both sea and port days to fulfil the demand for the culinary program.

Ranging from seasonal cuisine to fruit and vegetable art, the flavourful and fun classes enable guests to learn from Holland America Line’s own professional culinary staff and discover the finer art of entertaining during their cruise. Itinerary themed cooking demonstrations focus on the ship’s sailing region and bring the local flavours on board. When in Alaska, the program offers “Flavours of the Northwest” and “Fresh Ketch.” Guests sailing on Caribbean itineraries may learn how to make jerk chicken or shrimp scampi, while those on Mediterranean cruises could prepare pasta with chorizo sauce or a warm crostini with classic caponata and mozzarella.

Culinary Arts Centre - Signature Cooking Classes

The Culinary Art Centre features a theatre-style venue, with two large plasma video screens and a large cooking display counter where guests can learn from Holland America Line’s own professional culinary staff. Offered on all sailings and ranging from itinerary based cuisine to fruit and vegetable art, the flavourful and fun classes enable guests to discover the finer art of entertaining during their cruise. Sign up for an intimate hands on cooking class or attend one of the very popular cooking demonstrations in the theatre.

Culinary Arts Centre - Wine Tasting and Mixology

In conjunction with the Holland America Line Beverage team, the Culinary Art Centre offers a Signature Cocktail program where guests can learn how to prepare world class cocktails from one of the ship’s bartenders. Wine tastings hosted by the Cellar Master and Party Planner are also available on every cruise. You can enjoy two different tasting levels – Navigator Wine Tasting or Premium Wine Tasting.

Culinary Arts Centre - Party Planner

To complete the culinary experience the Culinary Art Centre features demonstrations on the Fine Art of Flower Arranging, Ice Carving, Cake Decorating, Plate Presentation and Garnishing, Easy Entertaining and more. All hosted by the onboard Party Planner and demonstrated by Holland America Line culinary experts, florists, and carvers.

Health & Fitness

Greenhouse Spa & Salon

Of all the fascinating places you can visit on a Holland America cruise ship, none rejuvenates and relaxes like the Greenhouse Spa & Salon, featuring heavenly beauty and wellness rituals. Choose the blissful pampering of a facial therapy or let the trained fingers of a massage therapist soothe your muscles while working fragrant oils into your skin. Enjoy therapeutic water treatments as you steam in a thermal suite or bathe in herbs, all the while cruising to exotic destinations and enjoying the indulgences that are a signature feature of luxurious Holland America Line cruises.

Relaxing treatment rooms also offer breathtaking views where guests can enjoy exotic skin, body and hair treatments ranging from hot stone massages and pedicures to hair styling and facials. Facilities include:

• A hydrotherapy pool bubbling with warm, therapeutic seawater. (Available on select ships only.)

• Heated ceramic lounge reminiscent of an opulent Turkish bath.

• Private treatment rooms, including couple's massage rooms.

• Massage therapy inspired by an exotic blend of cultures- from Hawaiian Lomi Lomi to the Thai Herbal Poultice Massage.

• The latest exotic skin, body, hair and nail treatments.

• Knowledgeable, professional therapists trained to guide you through your spa experience.

Fitness Centre & Onboard Recreations

Holland America Line makes it easy for you to stay fit and trim while on your journey with fully equipped fitness centres (minimum age for guests using the fitness centre is 16 years old) and sports courts. Fitness centres aboard each ship include exercise and weight training equipment, and sports courts may include tennis, volleyball or basketball. Their broad, generously proportioned teak decks are perfect for walkers and joggers, and when you are finished exercising, cool off in one of the pools. To maintain or achieve optimum health, work with one of the qualified personal trainers or take one of the fitness classes lead by knowledgeable instructors.

Fitness classes may include:

• Pathway to Yoga: Yoga is an ancient Hindu practice that offers a pathway to enlightenment through specific postures and breathing techniques. They offer a variety of Yoga styles in classes for students of all levels.

• Mat Pilates: Developed in the 1920s by the legendary personal trainer Joseph Pilates, the Pilates method is an exercise system that combines posture and controlled moves. This class is mat based and appropriate for students of all levels.

• Cardio Ki-Bo Circuit Training: A great combination of Chi-releasing moves including boxercise, kickboxing and aerobic conditioning. They place emphasis on technique and help push you to your cardiovascular limit.

• Aquarobics: This program features a low-impact water workout. You will effortlessly strengthen tone and energise mind and body.

• Pilates Reformer: The Pilates method is an exercise system focused on improving flexibility and strength for the total body without building bulk. The Pilates method is not just exercise; it is a series of controlled movements engaging your body and mind, performed on specifically designed exercise apparatus and supervised by trained fitness directors.

There is also a Sports Court up on Deck 11, designed for both Volleyball and Basketball.

Lido & Sea View Pool

The Sea View Pool on Deck 9 is the ship's open air pool featuring two whirlpools and served by the Sea View Bar and Slice the pizzeria.

The pool itself has a shallow area around the edge of it for sitting in to cool down. This pool is designated for adults only.

The Lido Pool is also located midship on deck 9. It has 3 hot tubs and is protected by a retractable glass dome cover during inclement weather. It is served by the Lido Bar and Trident Grill for light meals and has a bandstand for live entertainment.

Holland America Line invites you to dine “As You Wish”. To savour Italian cuisine one night and a perfectly grilled porterhouse steak the next. To take your place in the Dining Room at a specific seating time or be spontaneous, following your desires. Onboard, there are restaurants to suit every mood, along with the flexibility to choose the dining style you prefer.

Pinnacle Grill & Master Chef's Room

Experience: cover

Food: surf_turf

Refined and luxurious, the Pinnacle Grill represents the pinnacle of exceptional dining. Creative, innovative menus featuring choice sustainability raised beef and premium seafood delight the palate.

The Pinnacle Grill on the Lower Promenade Deck is an intimate reservations only additional charge restaurant.

Dishes on offer range from premium sterling silver beef, filet mignon and jumbo prawns, and broiled lobster tail to Caesar salad and lobster bisque for starters and chocolate and raisin bread and butter pudding or baked Alaska for dessert.

The lunch time menu offers dishes such as fish sandwiches on sourdough bread, pasta and salads.

For one evening per cruise, The Pinnacle is transformed into “An Evening at le Cirque” with a change to its wine list and table decorations and the menu serving dishes from Sirio Maccioni’s legendary New York Restaurant such as lobster salad, sweetcorn soup, seared black cod, three cheese ravioli and creme brulee.

The Master Chef’s Room is a private reservations only room within the Pinnacle Grill, serving a set 7 course menu with premium wines.

Only open on select evenings, the $89 per person charge covers the seven courses and wine parings with food served on Versace china. Dishes on offer include goose liver, frappe of lobster, sea bass, granite, veal, cheeses, chocolate seduction dessert, petit fours and coffee and tea.

Canaletto Restaurant

Experience: cover

Food: italian

Named for the famous 18th Century Venetian artist, the Canaletto Restaurant is adjacent to the Lido Restaurant dining area. “Spartire” is the Italian word for sharing; the new menu is designed around this authentic Italian experience and offers a variety of dishes to enjoy and share with family and friends.

The Canaletto Restaurant located on Deck 9, in a corner of the Lido Restaurant, is the ship’s reservations only complimentary Italian restaurant, serving dinner.

Food on offer includes a selection of antipasti, soups and salads ranging from minestrone soup to tomato, cucumber and olive salad, pasta such as seafood linguini and spaghetti and meatballs and desserts including tiramisu, ice cream and chocolate mille-feuille.

La Fontaine Dining Room

Experience: complimentary

Food: fine

On crisp white linen, course after course arrives. Behind the scenes, master chefs have brought flavours to perfection. For an elegant breakfast, leisurely lunch or unforgettable five-course dinners designed by Master Chef Rudi Sodamin, the main dining room is your destination for elegant dining aboard.

As You Wish Dining- Flexibility is the hallmark of Holland America Line’s As You Wish dining program, and in the main Dining Room, it’s your choice of a traditional pre-set seating and dining time or a flexible open schedule.

One level of the two-tiered restaurant will offer a flexible/open dining service from 5.15pm to 9 pm daily, and the other will host two seatings, an early seating at 5.45pm and main seating at 8pm. Pre-set dining times are subject to change based on itinerary. Guests selecting flexible open seating may make reservations daily during a cruise up to 4pm, or simply walk up anytime during dining hours.

Le Cirque

Experience: cover

Food: french

Holland America Line has added another famous partnership to its innovative culinary program as it enters into an exclusive agreement with the illustrious Le Cirque restaurant to offer “An Evening at Le Cirque” in the Pinnacle Grill. Master Chef Rudi Sodamin worked with Le Cirque’s Executive Chef Craig Hopson to re-create the legendary eatery’s whimsical ambiance and award-winning dining experience onboard — from serving the amuse-bouche on fanciful orange Le Cirque china to featuring the restaurant’s famous crème brûlée.

For at least one night per voyage, the Pinnacle Grill will transform into a Le Cirque–like atmosphere. On these special evenings, menu offerings, wine selections, table decorations and the restaurant setting are tailored to create an authentic Le Cirque dining experience that is sure to impress both the eyes and palates.

Lido Restaurant

Experience: cover

Food: varies

Located in the centre of the Lido deck, the Lido Restaurant offers relaxed dining, extensive menu selections and as always, impeccable service from an attentive, yet unobtrusive staff. Bountiful breakfasts feature fresh-squeezed orange juice, cooked-to-order omelettes, pancakes, fresh fruits, natural cereals and yogurts. For lunch, cuisine from around the world, including Asian stir-fry, sushi, pizza, pasta, gourmet sandwiches and an extensive salad bar. At dinner time, the Lido features waiter service and entrées from both the Lido and main Dining Room menus. Dine indoors in air-conditioned comfort or enjoy the fresh salt air on deck.

Poolside Dining

Experience: complimentary

Food: fast

Located outside on the Lido Deck, the Terrace Grill features portable buffet bars offering pizza, nachos, grilled hamburgers and hot dogs with all the trimmings, sandwiches and gourmet sausages. Whether cruising the tropics where it’s sunny and warm or enjoying the cooler destinations under an insulated sliding glass roof, enjoy a relaxed lunch poolside at the Terrace Grill.

Slice, located near the Sea View Pool, is the ship’s poolside pizzeria serving gourmet pizza by the slice.

Explorations Café

Experience: cover

Food: cafe

Explorations Café, located on the Promenade Deck, features a bar serving speciality coffees and pastries.

Tamarind

Experience: cover

Food: asian

Enjoy the Tamarind for food evoking the rich culinary traditions of Southeast Asia, China and Japan. Recently noted for its “cuisine that rivals the top restaurants on land” by Condé Nast Traveler, Tamarind is located on the uppermost deck, providing stunning panoramic views port and starboard.

Seating 144, the Asian inspired restaurant offers a complementary lunch menu consisting of dishes such as steamed dim sums, snapper, red curry coconut chicken, sweet and sour vegetable tempura and sushi.

Dinner is reservation only and costs $15 per head.

The dinner menu begins with appetisers, soup, sushi and sashimi, futomaki followed by mains courses based on water, fire, wood and earth elements and then deserts such as mango cloud or tamarind chocolate.

Club HAL - Kids

Children, ages 3-7, can participate in such activities as pirate treasure hunts, hands-on pizza making, storytelling, "Little Artists" crafts, ice cream sundae parties and a farewell pyjama party.

All children participating in Club HAL must be completely toilet trained. No diapers or pull–ups are permitted in the Youth Centre. Youth Staff cannot assist children in the restroom.

Club HAL - Tweens

Tweens, ages 8-12 take part in Xbox and Wii tournaments, relay races, scavenger hunts, karaoke disco parties and participate in the award-winning National Park Service Jr. Ranger Program in Alaska on Alaska cruises.

The Loft and The Oasis - Teens

Teens, ages 13-17 enjoy mocktail mixology classes, late night sporting competitions, teen yoga and hip hop classes, guys verses girls scavenger hunts, cooking demos, tech classes and teen only night club events. When there are more than 100 children onboard, a HAL Talent Show is offered. [The Loft and Oasis are not available on the Prinsendam. The Oasis is located on the Statendam, Ryndam, Veendam, Rotterdam, Zaandam, Volendam and Amsterdam.]

Culinary Arts Centre

Workshops and lively demonstrations for kids and teens offering basic cooking techniques, kitchen safety and recipe instruction. Workshops are offered for two age groups: ages 3-7, and ages 8-15. Demonstrations are open to all ages.

Disabled Facilities

Service Animals

Holland America Line only permits service animals onboard, defined as those animals that are individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability. They do not permit guests to bring pets, therapy/companion animals, and other animals that do not meet the definition of service animals. If you have any questions about whether the animal you wish to bring on board is, in fact, a service animal, you may contact the Access & Compliance Department.

Guests who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

To help maximise the cruise experience for guests who are deaf or hard of hearing, Holland America Line has made the following items available:

• Stateroom kits that include a visual and tactile alert for someone knocking at the door, the phone ringing, or an alarm.

• Stateroom televisions capable of showing closed captioning (some satellite feeds do not transmit with captioning, so this feature is available only when the signal the ship receives has captioning).

• Telephones with amplified sound for staterooms.

• Assistive Listening Systems with portable receivers in the show lounges to assist guests who are hard of hearing to hear the shows.

• Written safety information and a copy of the lifeboat drill safety speech.

Guests who are Blind or have Low Vision

To help maximise the cruise experience for our guests who are blind or have low vision, Holland America Line has made the following items available:

• Window-Eyes computer software in the Explorations Café that allows guests to navigate the web by listening to the text.

• Downloadable daily activities, news, and menus for guests with laptops with screen reader programs. These items may also be downloaded to the Window-Eyes enabled computer in the Explorations Café.

• With 45 days notice, large print or Braille menus describing the inspired cuisine offered across a myriad of venues, from the elegant Dining Room to the casual Lido Restaurant.

• Familiarisation tour of the vessel upon arrival.

Cruising for Children with Special Needs

At Holland America Line we do not discriminate against individuals on the basis of disability. We seek to the extent feasible to accommodate the needs of all individuals with disabilities, including children. However, due to the sensitivity of caring for any child, with or without a disability, we must first determine what the child's specific needs are so we may properly evaluate and determine the best and safest way to meet the child's needs. We encourage families to contact our Access & Compliance Department prior to their cruise, to evaluate and determine what the child's specific needs will be and how best to accommodate those needs.

Personal Mobility Equipment

For the safety of all our guests and crew and to enhance accessibility, Holland America Line strongly recommends that all personal electric mobility equipment meets the following criteria:

Width: 23" maximum in order to be accommodated in a standard stateroom, unless collapsible to a width of 23" or less

Weight: 100 lbs. maximum without battery

Batteries: Must be Gel or Dry Cell or AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) only

They recognise that for some people, a larger scooter may be essential. If you believe you need a larger scooter, please contact the Access & Compliance Department so that you can discuss your requirements.

Special Dietary Requirements

For guests with food intolerances or allergies that are not life-threatening, please contact the Ship Services Department. For guests with life-threatening food allergies, Holland America Line asks that guests provide detailed information to the Access & Compliance Department by completing a Special Requirements Information (SRI) Form. Guests should indicate on this form which foods may potentially cause a severe reaction.

Guests with a variety of severe food allergies sail with Holland America Line regularly. Their galley staff on board is accustomed to and experienced in dealing with these types of needs. The galley itself has many different areas of food preparation, which can help reduce the possibility of cross-contamination. It is important to note, however, that meals are prepared in mass quantities on board, thus there is always the possibility of some cross-contamination. As such, Holland America Line cannot guarantee that a guest will not come in contact with those items. Although the Access & Compliance Department will provide the ship with an advance notice of all food allergies detailed on an SRI submitted to them, it is recommended that guests also contact the Dining Room Manager upon boarding to review the details of these special dietary needs.

Age Restrictions

Guests under 21 years of age must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or chaperone who is at least 21 years old; one adult chaperone is required for every five people under the age of 21 (25 years of age or older in the case of persons serving as chaperones for approved organised student/youth groups). Alcoholic beverages will not be served to guests under age 21. Due to limited medical facilities on the ships, we will not accept reservations for infants under 6 months old at time of sailing. For trans-ocean crossings, or other itineraries which the Medical Department feel present a significant risk, infants must be a minimum of 12 months of age at embarkation. Guest under the age of 16 are not allowed in the Greenhouse Spa & Salon.

Minors under age 18 traveling to certain foreign countries must be accompanied by both parents or have a notarised letter of consent signed by the parent(s) not traveling. If the other parent is deceased or the child has only one legal parent, a notarised statement must be obtained as proof.

All minors under age 18 must travel with all proper identification requirements in addition to the signed letter of authorisation. Minors who are U.S. citizens should have a certified copy of their birth certificate or another form of proof of citizenship. Children 16 or older are also required to have a photo ID. If traveling outside of the Western Hemisphere, a passport is required. Your travel agent can provide additional information about this requirement.

Parents, guardians and chaperones are responsible for overseeing the conduct of minors in their care. As such, minors may not be left unsupervised on board the ship. A parent or legal guardian MUST accompany all children under the age of 18 on all tours for safety and liability reasons.

Minors Going Ashore

Parents and guardians are responsible for deciding whether or not minors under age 16 are allowed to go ashore without adult supervision. If you want to permit a minor traveling with you to go ashore without an adult companion, please discuss this in advance with the ship's Security Officer so that they can make a notation of this in the gangway control system software. Absent this approval, the security personnel will generally prohibit minors from leaving the ship without an adult companion although the line cannot provide absolute assurances in this regard. It is ultimately the responsibility of parents and guardians to ensure that minors traveling with them act in accordance with their instructions.

Dress Code

The right clothing can make a big difference in the enjoyment of your cruise. First and foremost, dress for comfort. Daily life aboard ship and in ports of call is relaxed and casual. Warmer climates call for clothing made of lightweight, breathable fabrics. For cooler climates, the line suggests casual clothes that can be layered easily and possibly a raincoat and waterproof hat or umbrella and gloves. Certain shore excursions may require particular attention to clothing. For example, certain churches or other places of worship may not allow tank tops or short pants. Bring a swimsuit as all of our ships have pools and whirlpools. You may wish to bring more than one outfit for the water. We ask that you wear shoes and a cover-up over a bathing suit when walking through the interior of the ship. If you would like to jog on the sports deck or work out in the fitness centre, bring workout gear. Footwear should include comfortable walking shoes for visits ashore and sandals or rubber-soled shoes for strolling on deck.

Evening dress falls into two distinct categories: Formal or Smart Casual. Smart Casual can be defined as slacks and collared shirts for men and casual dresses, slacks and informal evening wear for women. T-shirts, swimsuits, tank tops and shorts are not allowed in the restaurants or public areas during the evening hours. On festive Formal evenings, ladies may wear a suit, cocktail dress, gown or fancy blouse/top with slacks and gentlemen wear a jacket and tie, dark suit or tuxedo. There are approximately two formal nights per week.

In order to complement your fellow guests, Holland America Line asks that you observe the suggested dress code throughout the entire evening.

Drinks Package

Cellar Master Package (prices starting at $224.00) — includes Wine Navigator’s Choice of 5 bottles; standard wine tasting; premium wine tasting; Pinnacle Grill dinner; wine related gift set; Holland America commemorative bottle of wine.

Dining Packages

Evenings in the Pinnacle Package ($52.00 per person) — includes two evenings in the Pinnacle Grill. Booking the package reflects a $6 per person savings. Reservation times confirmed once on board.

Signature Dining Package ($35.00 per person) — includes one evening in the Pinnacle Grill and one in Canaletto. Booking the package reflects a $4 per person savings. Reservation times confirmed once on board.

[Distinctive Dining Package ($50.00 per person) — includes one evening in the the Pinnacle Grill, one in Canaletto, and one in Tamarind. Booking the package reflects a $9 per person savings. Exclusively on the ms Nieuw Amsterdam and ms Eurodam. Reservation times confirmed once on board.]

E-Cigarette Policy

Electronic cigarettes are permitted in staterooms but not in other public areas of the ship other than on outside decks designated as smoking areas.

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