Articles

HAL Invites the World to Celebrate
50 Years of Grand Voyages
by Roy Witman © 2008

As the first cruise line to take on the world, Holland America began Grand World Voyages in 1958. As 2008 approaches, Holland has grand plans for a global-size celebration! Guests can choose from full circumnavigation and circle continent sailings onboard either ms Amsterdam or the intimate ms Prinsendam for tours lasting up to 114 days.

Global Circumnavigation Onboard Amsterdam

With a total of 320 days of cruising, 118 ports and 74 countries, the 114-day global circumnavigation cruise literally puts the world at your feet. The Amsterdam will usher 1,380 guests on January 4, 2008, from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, through the Panama Canal and on to the South Pacific, New Zealand, the Far East, India, Arabia, the Mediterranean, Black Sea and North Africa. A stop in Bermuda rounds out the tour before returning to North America. Passengers can disembark in New York or continue on to Fort Lauderdale.

While you might expect to see classic destinations on the itinerary, Holland America has also opted to include several lesser-known, but equally exciting, ports. A maiden call at Phu My, Vietnam, is one of the most intriguing, but those onboard Amsterdam can also look forward to visiting Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; Fuerte Amador, Panama; Christchurch and Dunedin, New Zealand; Sochi, Russia; Sevastopol, Ukraine; Split, Croatia and Tripoli, Libya.

Overnight stays are scheduled for Sydney, Hong Kong, Singapore, Turkey, Venice and other popular destinations. Plus, a first for Grand World Voyages: Guests will get to tour Fiordland National Park's Dusky Sound, Doubtful Sound and Milford Sound in New Zealand.

73-Day Grand Africa Voyage on Prinsendam

If intimate cruising is more to your liking, Prinsendam (which accommodates 793 guests) is the perfect vessel for your world cruise. Visits in the Caribbean and Caicos Islands start your voyage in a tropical and relaxing manner before whisking you away to the remote Madeira Islands. As you embark on the African continent, plan to explore the untouched savannahs of Cape Town and Durban, South Africa; the stunning beaches of Mombasa, Kenya and the amazing wildlife of Walvis Bay, Namibia.

Late-night departures are planned regularly throughout the cruise to allow you the most time for excursions, shopping and sightseeing.

Both Ships Upgraded for 50th Anniversary

But the ports are only part of the excitement! In additional efforts to make this noteworthy occasion truly spectacular, Holland has recently upgraded both Amsterdam and Prinsendam. Mariner's Dream staterooms with plush linens, the Neptune Lounge exclusively for suite guests, the Pinnacle Grill for reservations-only dining of the highest caliber and many other exceptional features have been retrofitted to the two ships, which will carry world-tour passengers.

Shorter Tours Also Available

For those who can't spare 114 days to explore the world, shorter tours are available. Segment cruises and circle continent sailings can range from 16 to 58 days. While shorter voyages, these tours focus on specific regions of the world and offer multiple opportunities for exploration.

Special Incentives

Currently, Holland America is offering early-booking bonuses for travelers who book world tours now. Those perks can include free airfare, prepaid gratuities, shipboard credit, packages, luggage shipment, limousine transfers and more. Check with your Holland representative or your travel agent for details when booking.

For most people, a world cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime event. If you're going to invest the time and money to see the world, doesn't it make sense to do it in grand style? Choose the destinations, the length of time and the ship you prefer and then make plans to see wondrous things you've never even dreamed of before!

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