Holland America Line Expands Fjord Access on 2027 Rotterdam Cruises
Holland America Line has updated itineraries of five cruises aboard the Rotterdam in 2027 to give guests more chances to experience fjords.
They will include calls to Flåm and Hellesylt and access to popular fjord destinations, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Nærøyfjord and Storfjorden.
The itineraries are now open for booking and available on five seven-day cruises aboard the Rotterdam, the cruise line said in a press release.
“Northern Europe continues to be one of the most sought-after regions we sail, with fjord cruising ranking among the most desired experiences for our guests,” said Paul Grigsby, vice president of deployment and revenue planning for Holland America Line.
“By adding Flåm and Hellesylt to these itineraries, we’re giving guests even more opportunities to experience the incredible scenery, rich history and unforgettable landscapes that make this part of the world so special.”
Three departures (May 30, June 27 and Aug. 1, 2027) call at Oslo, Kristiansand, Sandnes (Stavanger) and Flåm, with the addition of scenic cruising through the Sognefjord and Oslofjord.
The departures on July 25 and Aug. 8, 2027, enable guests to visit Eidfjord, Hellesylt, Ålesund and Bergen, alongside cruising in the Hardangerfjord and Storfjorden.
This follows the brand’s announced opening of its 2027-28 Caribbean season, sailing October 2027 through March 2028.
Entitled “Best of the Red Sea,” the sold-out maiden cruise departed from the Jordanian city of Aqaba and also included visits to ports in Egypt and Israel.
With over 100 guests travelling on the ship’s 50 suites, the eight-day itinerary sailed to the resort towns of Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, and Eilat before returning to Aqaba for an included guided tour of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Petra.
During the summer, the 10,000-ton vessel offered a series of itineraries in the Adriatic and the Eastern Mediterranean visiting destinations in Greece, Croatia, Italy, Cyprus and more.
Later this year, the vessel is set to debut in the Caribbean, offering eight- to 19-day cruises to varied ports in the region, including Puerto Rico, Panama, Saint Vincent and Martinique.
According to Emerald Cruises, the vessel offers modern suites and staterooms, 88 per cent of which have balconies.
The yacht also features a large infinity pool, a spa with an infrared sauna and a gym. Designed for cruising in warm waters, the Azzurra is also equipped with a retractable marina platform, that offers SEABOBs, paddleboards, snorkelling equipment and a water trampoline.
A fleet of electronic bikes from Gocycle is also available onboard and can be used “for local village trips and active explorations,” Emerald said.
The vessel is set to be followed by a sister ship in 2023 as the Emerald Sakara debuts in the Mediterranean in August.
Luxury cruise brand Cunard has unveiled over 150 new international voyages, sailing on its three ships between Apr. 23 and Dec. 15, 2023.
According to a press release, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, will call at 120 ports in 35 countries, with 23 late evening departures and 15 overnight stays with voyages between two nights and 37 nights in duration. The Queen Mary 2 will sail a program of 18 Transatlantic Crossings, with departures from both Southampton and New York.
Some of the highlights are a Mediterranean fly-cruise season from Barcelona, a series of 10-night roundtrips in Alaska, an Independence Day sailing calling in Boston, a 16-night Baltics voyage with an overnight call in St Petersburg and a 14-night Canada and New England voyage offering three full days in Quebec.
“We’re thrilled to launch such an exciting programme of new itineraries, giving the opportunity to those new to Cunard – or new to cruising in general – the chance to visit the places they’ve always dreamed of, escape, unwind and feel special,” said Carnival UK President, Sture Myrmell. “From famous city destinations to breathtaking natural wonders, the Cunard 2023 New Voyages offer the perfect way to rediscover the joy of exploration while enjoying our signature White Star Service and all the other special touches that set a Cunard cruise apart from the rest.”
Key itineraries of The World Awaits 2023 program include:
The Canary Islands: The volcanic terrain of Tenerife’s Teide National Park and Sintra’s Moorish palaces (tours from Lisbon) are the UNESCO World Heritage sites that will be visited on this 12-night voyage of Spain and Portugal. Queen Victoria departs Southampton on Apr. 27, 2023. Inside staterooms start from 1,299 British pounds per person.
North Cape Discovery: North Cape Discovery presents “a land of forest and water, where ancient wooden houses decorate the streets, waterfalls spill from verdant gullies, and soaring mountains reflect in mirror-like fjords,” according to the press release. Queen Victoria departs Southampton on June 6, 2023. Inside staterooms start from 1,699 British pounds per person.
Transatlantic Crossing, New England and Canada: This roundtrip itinerary from/to Southampton will take guests to New York via Transatlantic Crossing, before embarking on an exploration of New England and Canada that includes three days in Quebec. The Queen Mary 2 departs Southampton on Sept. 22, 2023. Inside staterooms start from 3,299 British pounds per person.
Mediterranean Highlights: Pisa’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed leaning tower, the Sistine Chapel in Rome, and Gaudi’s architectural legacy, the Sagrada Familia, are all part of this 14-night voyage sailing from Southampton. The Queen Mary 2 departs Southampton on June 9, 2023. Inside staterooms start from 1,999 British pounds per person.
Alaska: Guests will see the colourful totem poles in Ketchikan and Alaska’s tall glaciers and icy fjords, as well as looking for humpback whales. Queen Elizabeth departs Vancouver on June 8, 2023. Inside staterooms start from 1,499 British pounds per person.
Western Mediterranean: This seven-night Mediterranean voyage from Barcelona features the French Riviera, Pisa’s UNESCO-listed leaning tower and Ibiza’s old town, Dalt Vila. Queen Elizabeth departs Barcelona on Sept. 25, 2023. Inside staterooms start from 899 British pounds per person.
The World Awaits 2023 New Voyages are available to book for past guests on Feb. 1 and are on general sale from Feb. 2, 2022.
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