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Embark on a 129-day Grand Voyage cruise, exploring over 40 ports across the globe aboard the intimate Volendam ship
- Traverse the Panama Canal and cross the Equator
- Discover remote destinations like Easter Island and Pitcairn Island
- Immerse in the vibrant culture and cuisine of Tahiti and French Polynesia
Trip Details
- Departs
- 5 January 2027
- Returns
- 15 May 2027
- Operator
- Holland America Line
129-night Grand Voyage cruise from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida aboard Volendam.
Calling at Crossing the Equator, Manta, Callao, Easter Island, Tahiti, Bahia d Opunoha, Bora Bora, Apia, Savusavu, Suva, Lifou, Noumea, Sydney, Airlie Beach, Townsville, Darwin, Benoa, Surabaya, Semarang, Singapore, Port Kelang, Penang, Phuket, Hambantota, Colombo, Male, Port Louis, La Possession, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, Luderitz, Walvis Bay, Jamestown, Banjul, Dakar, Praia, Mindelo, Santa Cruz De Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Casablanca, Lisbon, Porto, Bilbao, Bordeaux, Cherbourg, Rotterdam, Oslo, Copenhagen, Aarhus, Dover and San Juan, with 64 days at sea.
Volendam is a Holland America Line ship that entered service in 1999, carrying around 1,430 guests. One of the smaller ships in the fleet, she is prized for longer and more unusual itineraries, with a flower-themed art collection and the line's classic teak promenade deck.
Stateroom categories range from Interior to Pinnacle Suite.
Departures & Pricing
- 05 Jan 2027 - 14 May 2027
from $41,299 pp twin share *
- Interior from $41,299 pp twin share
- Ocean View from $45,999 pp twin share
- Pinnacle Suite from $350,249 pp twin share
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Upgrades, transfers, accommodation and more can be quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.
Volendam
Volendam is a Holland America Line ship that entered service in 1999, carrying around 1,430 guests. One of the smaller ships in the fleet, she is prized for longer and more unusual itineraries, with a flower-themed art collection and the line's classic teak promenade deck.
- Guests
- 1,837
- Crew
- 647
- Gross tonnage
- 61,214
- Speed
- 26 knots
- Length
- 237.7 m
- Launched
- 1998
- Deck plans
- 10
Deck 10 — Sky Deck
Source: Holland America Line, captured 5 August 2026. Deck plans are provided by the cruise line and are subject to change at any time.
Itinerary
- 1
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Departs 07:00 pm.
According to the popular 1960 beach movie, Fort Lauderdale is "where the boys are." The city's reputation as America's Spring Break capital, however, has been replaced with the more favorable image of a prime family tourist destination, attracting more than 10 million visitors annually. The most popular beach resort in Florida is even more rightly famed as the "Yachting Capital of the World," with more than 40,000 registered crafts calling its waters home. The city also prides itself on being the "Venice of America" with more than 300 miles of navigable waterways. Fort Lauderdale boasts world-class theaters, museums, sightseeing, and shopping. The city sits 24 miles north of Miami and is named after a series of forts built by the United States during the second Seminole War. The forts took their name from Major William Lauderdale, who was the commander of the detachment of soldiers who built the first fort. Look hard and you might find remnants of three of them today. More people seem to be interested in taking a water tour aboard the "Carrie B."
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At Sea
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At Sea
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At Sea
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Enter Panama Canal Cristobal
Arrives 06:00 am, departs 06:00 am.
- 5
Cruising Panama Canal
- 5
Exit Panama Canal Balboa
Arrives 06:00 pm, departs 06:00 pm.
- 6
Crossing the Equator
- 7
Manta, Ecuador
Arrives 05:00 am, departs 04:00 pm.
- 8
At Sea
- 9
Callao (Lima), Peru
Arrives 10:00 am.
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Callao (Lima), Peru
Departs 06:00 pm.
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At Sea
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At Sea
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At Sea
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At Sea
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At Sea
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Easter Island, Chile
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 05:00 pm.
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At Sea
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At Sea
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Scenic Cruising Pitcairn Island
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 12:00 pm.
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At Sea
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At Sea
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Tahiti (Papeete), French Polynesia
Arrives 08:00 am.
Papeete, the beating heart of French Polynesia, dances to the rhythm of island life while embracing modernity. Set against the backdrop of Tahiti's emerald mountains and azure waters, this bustling capital city captivates with its fusion of French flair and Polynesian culture.Stroll through its vibrant markets, where the scent of exotic fruits mingles with the melodies of local musicians. Explore the historic sites, like the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral and the regal Presidential Palace, which reflect the city's colonial past.Papeete's waterfront promenade beckons with its bustling marina, offering glimpses of luxurious yachts and traditional outrigger canoes bobbing in the harbor. Indulge in delectable French-Polynesian cuisine at waterfront cafes and fine dining establishments, where fresh seafood delights the palate.Yet amid the urban buzz, Papeete maintains its connection to nature, with lush parks and gardens providing tranquil retreats. Whether you're soaking up the sun on black sand beaches or immersing yourself in the vibrant local arts scene, Papeete invites you to experience the enchantment of the South Pacific with a touch of French sophistication.
- 23
Tahiti (Papeete), French Polynesia
Departs 05:00 am.
Papeete, the beating heart of French Polynesia, dances to the rhythm of island life while embracing modernity. Set against the backdrop of Tahiti's emerald mountains and azure waters, this bustling capital city captivates with its fusion of French flair and Polynesian culture.Stroll through its vibrant markets, where the scent of exotic fruits mingles with the melodies of local musicians. Explore the historic sites, like the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral and the regal Presidential Palace, which reflect the city's colonial past.Papeete's waterfront promenade beckons with its bustling marina, offering glimpses of luxurious yachts and traditional outrigger canoes bobbing in the harbor. Indulge in delectable French-Polynesian cuisine at waterfront cafes and fine dining establishments, where fresh seafood delights the palate.Yet amid the urban buzz, Papeete maintains its connection to nature, with lush parks and gardens providing tranquil retreats. Whether you're soaking up the sun on black sand beaches or immersing yourself in the vibrant local arts scene, Papeete invites you to experience the enchantment of the South Pacific with a touch of French sophistication.
- 23
Bahia d Opunoha, Moorea, French Polynesia
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 06:00 pm.
- 24
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Arrives 07:00 am, departs 05:00 pm.
- 25
At Sea
- 26
Cross International Date Line
The International Date Line is an imaginary line extending from the North Pole to the South Pole through the Pacific Ocean. It serves as the 180th meridian of longitude, and is used to designate the beginning of each calendar day.As you know, each adjacent time zone on the map has an hour time difference. However, at the International Date Line, +12 hours and -12 hours meet, bringing about a 24-hour time change. When your ship crosses to the west it's one day later; if your ship crosses to the east, you've gone back a day.Crossing the International Date Line has long been a rite of passage for sailors, who often must participate in a line-crossing ceremony to become part of the sacred "Order of the Golden Dragon", an honorary naval fraternity.
- 27
Apia, Western Samoa
Arrives 10:00 am, departs 06:00 pm.
The first Polynesians arrived in Western Samoa around 1000 B.C. Three millennia later, the islands formed one of the last bastions of traditional Polynesian culture. Apia, the capital of Western or Independent Samoa, is a city of 40,000 on the island of Upolu. Its picturesque waterfront is lined with public buildings, shops and trading companies. The town now comprises of modern 3-5 story buildings all along the waterfront. Government has built some very modern buildings to house most of the government offices. The village settings can only be seen in the outskirts of town within a radius of 15 miles. Western Samoa has long lured Westerners to its islands. The most famous expatriate of all was Robert Louis Stevenson, who lived at Vailima, and was buried near the summit of Mt. Vaea.Dress in light, comfortable clothing when visiting Apia. The dress code is quite casual. Shorts are appropriate for men. Dress for women is more conservative. The local women wear long skirts, dresses, lava lavas or muumuus.
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At Sea
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Savusavu, Vanua Levi, Fiji
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 05:00 pm.
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Suva, Fiji
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 05:00 pm.
The Fiji archipelago is at the cross roads of the South Pacific. In the days of sailing ships, it was known as "The Cannibal Isles," where mariners carefully avoided its fierce warriors and perfidious waters. Thankfully, Fiji's pagan days live only in the tales recalled by tour guides - in rituals such as fire-walking, Kava Ceremonies and in renditions of tribal drumming, dance and song. Fiji is an exotic destination, with 333 islands that provide an exciting adventure or peaceful repose. The northwest region, where the sun shines almost every day and a tropical shower ends as quickly as it began, is home to the majority of the resorts. Suva, the political, administrative, educational and commercial center, has a backdrop of lush rainforest maintained by the inevitable "tropical downpour." The people of Fiji are the most multiracial and multicultural of all South Pacific island countries - this being reflected in churches of all denominations, mosques, temples and shrines. Built around a reef-protected natural harbor, Suva, with its colonial buildings nestled alongside modern commercial venues, shops and local markets, parks and residential sprawl, is home to nearly half of Fiji's urban population.
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At Sea
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Lifou, New Caledonia
Arrives 09:00 am, departs 05:00 pm.
The largest of the Loyalty Islands, Lifou lies some 118 miles to the northwest of New Caledonia. The island is an ancient makatea - a fossilized coral atoll raised high above sea level. Whalers were the first Westerners to visit this Melanesian paradise - though greedy traders lured by the island's aromatic sandalwood trees soon followed. Today's visitors are drawn attracted to the island's spectacular scenery, which ranges from dense tropical forest to dramatic cliffs towering above the crashing waves. Lifou's white-sand beaches are some of the finest to be found in the entire Pacific.Lifou and the other Loyalty Islands are part of New Caledonia, which, like Tahiti, is an overseas province of France. The island is a center of traditional Melanesian culture. Easo is an anchorage port. Guests transfer to shore via ship's tender.
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Noumea, New Caledonia
Arrives 07:00 am, departs 03:00 pm.
The capital of New Caledonia, Noumea is a little piece of France in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Before World War II, New Caledonia was a little known and seldom-visited French possession known for its penal colony and its natural resources. (Nickel smelting still plays a major role in the island economy.) Today, travelers are drawn to New Caledonia for its scenic beauty. The island is famed for its white-sand beaches while its barrier reef is the world's second longest. The offshore waters also offer superb diving and snorkeling.In 1774, James Cook thought the island's rugged hills resembled those of his native Scotland. Hence he christened the island New Caledonia. The island and its outlying groups became a French colony in 1854 and an overseas department of France in 1956.
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At Sea
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At Sea
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Sydney, Australia
Arrives 06:30 am.
As your ship passes Harbour Heads, you are presented with the shimmering skyline of Sydney - hailed by many seafarers as "the most beautiful harbor in the world." Two prominent landmarks, Harbour Bridge and the sail-like curves of the Sydney Opera House, grace the backdrop of this picturesque harbor. There is a wealth of adventure waiting in Sydney - from its cosmopolitan city center to miles of beautiful beaches and the Blue Mountains.Australia's oldest and largest city was born in 1788 with the arrival of the "First Fleet" transporting 760 British convicts. Today, Sydney is the largest port in the South Pacific and is often voted the most popular destination in the South Pacific.
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Sydney, Australia
Departs 07:00 pm.
As your ship passes Harbour Heads, you are presented with the shimmering skyline of Sydney - hailed by many seafarers as "the most beautiful harbor in the world." Two prominent landmarks, Harbour Bridge and the sail-like curves of the Sydney Opera House, grace the backdrop of this picturesque harbor. There is a wealth of adventure waiting in Sydney - from its cosmopolitan city center to miles of beautiful beaches and the Blue Mountains.Australia's oldest and largest city was born in 1788 with the arrival of the "First Fleet" transporting 760 British convicts. Today, Sydney is the largest port in the South Pacific and is often voted the most popular destination in the South Pacific.
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At Sea
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At Sea
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Airlie Beach, Australia
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 05:00 pm.
Airlie Beach is your gateway to the Whitsunday Archipelago. These 74 islands feature pristine fringing reefs, calm, lagoon-like waters, and superb beaches. The archipelago is one of Australia's premier playgrounds. The Whitsundays were once mountains. Rising seas at the end of the Ice Age formed the Whitsunday Passage between the islands and the mainland.
- 41
Townsville, Australia
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 05:00 pm.
Often described as the "unofficial capital of North Queensland," Townsville was founded in 1856 when an enterprising sea captain built a wharf on Cleveland Bay. The city lies at the very north of the Dry Tropics, where the outback bush meets the waters of the Coral Sea. Today's travelers are drawn to Townsville's superb location. Queensland's fabled Wet Tropics World Heritage Area lies just to the north of the city. Towering over Townsville is Castle Rock, a 1,300-foot monolith of pink granite that provides sweeping views of Townsville, Cleveland Bay and Magnetic Island. The Strand is Townsville's lively entertainment district, home to shop, cafes, restaurants and a 24-hour water park.
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At Sea
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At Sea
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At Sea
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Darwin, Australia
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 05:00 pm.
Closer to Indonesia than to any other Australian city, Darwin is the capital of the "Top End" - the remote, vast Northern Territory. Home to more than half of the territory's population, the city reflects the rugged endurance and individualism required to survive the Outback. Darwin also boasts a colorful history to add to that heritage. During World War II the Japanese bombed the city and threatened invasion. In 1974, Cyclone Tracy cut a destructive swath through the region. In addition, man-eating crocodiles, tropical monsoons, searing heat and bush fires that burn for weeks are all part of everyday life.Locals in the Top End consume over 60 gallons of beer a year. All those empties don't go to waste: Each year Darwin residents compete in the Beer Can Regatta, a race with boats, rafts and other vessels manufactured out of beer cans.
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At Sea
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At Sea
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Benoa (Denpasar), Bali, Indonesia
Arrives 07:00 am.
- 49
Benoa (Denpasar), Bali, Indonesia
Departs 04:00 pm.
- 50
Surabaya, Indonesia
Arrives 10:00 am, departs 06:00 pm.
- 51
Semarang, Java, Indonesia
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 07:00 pm.
- 52
At Sea
- 53
Crossing the Equator
- 54
Singapore
Arrives 07:00 am, departs 06:00 pm.
Singapore - the very name summons visions of the mysterious East. The commercial center of Southeast Asia, this island city-state of five million people is a metropolis of modern high-rise buildings, Chinese shop-houses with red-tiled roofs, sturdy Victorian buildings, Buddhist temples and Arab bazaars. Founded in 1819 by Sir Stamford Raffles of the fabled East India Company, the city is a melting pot of people and cultures. Malay, Chinese, English and Tamil are official languages. Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Hinduism and Christianity are the major faiths. Singapore is an ever-fascinating island boasting colorful traditions, luxurious hotels and some of the finest duty-free shopping in the world. Lying just 85 miles north of the Equator at the tip of the Malay Peninsula, the island was a haven for Malay pirates and Chinese and Arab traders.
- 55
Port Kelang (Kuala Lumpur), Malaysia
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 06:00 pm.
- 56
Penang, Malaysia
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 05:00 pm.
In 1786 Francis Light persuaded the Sultan of Kedah to cede Pulau Pinang - the "Isle of Betel nut" - to the English crown. Legend has it that Light persuaded his men to clear the overgrown island of Penang by firing a cannon filled with gold coins into the jungle as an incentive. The island was renamed Prince of Wales Island, and its major town was christened Georgetown after King George III. Whether the story is true or not, Penang quickly became a major trading port for tea, spices, china and cloth. Here European, Malaysian, Hindu, Arabic and Chinese cultures met, melded and flourished. Today George Town is a cosmopolitan city that has preserved its unique heritage and its exotic blend of cultures. George Town is perhaps the best-preserved city in Southeast Asia. It boasts a European-style esplanade and a wealth of temples, mosques and Chinese clan houses. Listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 2008, this virgin paradise has no shortage of cultural sights and natural scenery.
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Phuket, Thailand
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 05:00 pm.
Hailed as the "Pearl of the Andaman Sea," this island off Thailand's long southern coast boasts a colorful history. A crossroads for trade, Phuket has been a melting pot of Thai, Malay, Chinese and Western influences. Its importance over the past 500 years stemmed from the island's natural resources, which include tin, hardwoods and rubber. In the past half-century, Phuket has enjoyed wide popularity as one of the premier travel destinations in Southeast Asia. Travelers are drawn to the island's beaches, crystalline waters, and dramatic, forested hills.
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At Sea
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At Sea
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Hambantota, Sri Lanka
Arrives 09:00 am, departs 07:00 pm.
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Colombo, Sri Lanka
Arrives 07:00 am, departs 09:00 pm.
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At Sea
- 63
Male, Maldives
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 11:00 pm.
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At Sea
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At Sea
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At Sea
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At Sea
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Port Louis, Mauritius
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 05:00 pm.
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La Possession, Reunion
Arrives 07:00 am, departs 04:00 pm.
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At Sea
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At Sea
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At Sea
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Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Arrives 12:00 pm, departs 09:00 pm.
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At Sea
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Cape Town, South Africa
Arrives 08:00 am.
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Cape Town, South Africa
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Cape Town, South Africa
Departs 11:59 pm.
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At Sea
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Luderitz, Namibia
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 05:00 pm.
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Walvis Bay, Namibia
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 08:00 pm.
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At Sea
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At Sea
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At Sea
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Jamestown, Saint Helena
Arrives 08:00 am.
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Jamestown, Saint Helena
Departs 05:00 pm.
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At Sea
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At Sea
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At Sea
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At Sea
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Banjul, Gambia
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 05:00 pm.
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Dakar, Senegal
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 05:00 pm.
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At Sea
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Praia, Ilha de Santiago, Cape Verde
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 05:00 pm.
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Mindelo, Cape Verde
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 05:00 pm.
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At Sea
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At Sea
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Santa Cruz De Tenerife, Canary Islands
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 11:00 pm.
Tenerife is the largest island in the Canary Archipelago. Like its brethren, Tenerife was formed by fierce volcanic activity. Its landscape remains dotted with volcanic cones and areas of intense geothermal activity. Towering over the island is Mt Teide, an extinct volcano that, at 12,200 feet above sea level, is the highest peak in Spanish territory. Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the island's capital and your port of call.Tenerife's north shore is separated from the south by rugged mountains, creating a rain shadow. The majority of the islands most recent resorts are found in the sere and parched south shore.
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Gran Canaria (Las Palmas), Canary Islands
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 09:00 pm.
The Canary archipelago was sculpted by a period of intense volcanic activity; its islands possess a stark, near lunar beauty. Gran Canaria is the third-largest island in the group and is often described as the 'Round Island' for its near-circular shape. Las Palmas, its capital, is also the largest city in the Canaries numbering some 500,000 inhabitants. Despite the seemingly inhospitable landscape, farmers in Gran Canaria's Angostura Valley cultivate abundant crops of tomatoes, onions, melons, and figs. Moreover the island's climates, lack of rainfall, and fine beaches have long drawn Europeans seeking the winter sun.
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Lanzarote (Arrecife), Canary Islands
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 05:00 pm.
Lanzarote is the fourth-largest island in the Canary chain. The most easterly of the Canaries, the island lies some 70 miles off the shore of North Africa. Like its neighbours, Lanzarote was shaped by a period of intense volcanic activity. The resulting landscape possesses a stark, near-lunar beauty: Over 300 now-dormant volcanoes left behind petrified lava seas and deep layers of volcanic ash. Today, visitors to these "Mountains of Fire" ride camels through the lava beds and even enjoy a volcano-broiled steak at the park's restaurant. (Subsurface temperatures still reach 800F in the park.) Despite the seemingly barren land scape, island farmers grow abundant crops of tomatoes, onions, melons, and figs in addition to Malvasia, a clear yellow wine produced from malmsey grapes. Lanzarote's rugged landscape, its warm climate, its lack of rainfall, and its beaches have proved attracted to travellers: Tourism dominates the island economy with some 2 million visitors arriving annually.
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At Sea
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Casablanca, Morocco (for Marrakech)
Arrives 07:00 am, departs 09:00 pm.
For many, the word Casablanca conjures up Hollywood's vision of an exotic city of intrigue. But the reality is far removed from film fantasy, more complex and fascinating. Casablanca is Morocco's largest city, the busiest port in North Africa, and home to nearly four million people. An important trading center since the days of the Phoenicians, Casablanca is an evocative blend of more new than old, more familiar than exotic. It is a modern commercial city with an old heart that is home to narrow, cobbled alleys, bazaars and souks, minarets and medinas.Casablanca is a modern city with beaches bordering the Atlantic and broad, tree-lined avenues. The city is also your gateway to Morocco's interior and the exotic "Imperial Cities" of Rabat and Marrakech.
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At Sea
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Lisbon, Portugal
Arrives 07:00 am, departs 06:00 pm.
Draped across seven hills, Lisbon was once the center of a vast maritime empire that stretched from the west coast of Africa to the Spice Islands of the East Indies. Then, on November 1, 1755, a violent earthquake destroyed two-thirds of the city in the space of 10 minutes. Only the Alfama, the old Moorish quarter, survived. Today, Lisbon is a stately city of Neoclassical buildings and wide plazas.
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Porto (leixoes), Portugal
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 05:00 pm.
Porto is a fascinating and vibrant city that is rapidly becoming one of Western Europe's most respected tourist destinations. The city boasts an extensive history. There is a lot to see and do in Porto, and this diverse city will appeal to a wide range of visitors. Opening up like a pop-up book from the banks of the Rio Douro, edgy-yet-opulent Porto entices with its historic centre, sumptuous food and wine, and charismatic locals.The region is famed for the production of Port, which is still stored and matured in the vast cellars that stretch along the banks of the Douro River.
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At Sea
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Bilbao, Spain
Arrives 07:00 am, departs 03:00 pm.
Bilbao used to be off the beaten track, but Frank Gehry's Guggenheim Museum literally put Bilbao on the map. The city offers impressive, 19th-century buildings and bridges and is the gateway to the Basque country.Perched on the hills above the rust-colored waters of the Nervion River, Bilbao is a thriving port and the commercial heart of Spain's Basque country. The city dates back to the Middle Ages - it was granted city status by Don Diego Lopez de Haro, Lord of Biscay, in 1300 - but it was the 19th century and the Industrial Revolution that cemented Bilbao's economic status. Among the city's charms are the jumble of bars and restaurants found in Siete Calles, the city's old quarter. The Gran Via and the Alameda Mazarredo are graceful, wide 19th-century boulevards. And while the port still bustles with maritime traffic, the undulating lines of Frank Gehry's Guggenheim Museum attest to Bilbao's cultural vitality in the 21st century.
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Bordeaux, France
Arrives 10:00 am.
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Bordeaux, France
Departs 08:30 pm.
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At Sea
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Cherbourg, France
Arrives 07:00 am, departs 04:00 pm.
Perched at the crossroads of France and Great Britain, it's no surprise that this piece of real estate was a prize among its many conquerors. Romans, Vikings, Saxons and Normans all fought over this strategic port on the English Channel. Cherbourg's port was once again the center of conflict when German forces captured it during World War II. Liberated by American forces in 1944, Cherbourg serves as your gateway to the historic Normandy landings of D-Day. And there's more to explore-medieval villages, a rugged countryside, charming city sights and castles and churches are all reminders that Cherbourg is a fascinating city worth discovering.
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Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Arrives 11:00 am, departs 10:00 pm.
The largest port in Europe, Rotterdam is an intriguing mix of the old and the new. The city's lineage is ancient - Count Willem III granted city rights to the sleepy fishing village on the Rotte in 1328, yet much of the city dates from the six decades following the end of World War II. An important industrial center and a major European port, Rotterdam was among the first targets of the Nazi blitzkrieg against the West. On May 14, 1940, the German Luftwaffe firebombed the city, Rotterdam was gutted. The post-war years saw a slow rebuilding but by the early 1960s the maze of port facilities extended all the way to the North Sea. Today, this city of over half a million is the economic powerhouse, not just of the Netherlands but of Northern Europe.The Nazi bombardment of 1940 gutted most of the old city. As a result, Rotterdam's architecture is an intriguing mix of old and new: modern glass skyscrapers often stand adjacent to 19th- and 18th-century buildings.
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At Sea
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Scenic cruising Oslofjord
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Oslo, Norway
Arrives 09:00 am, departs 05:00 pm.
Forest-clad slopes plummet to an island-studded fjord. Welcome to Oslo, Scandinavia's oldest capital city. The commercial center of Norway, Oslo has been a major trading port for over a millennium. Its harbor is crowded with shipping that ranges from cruise ships to workaday shrimp boats. Though a relatively modest city in size - some 550,000 Norwegians call it home - Oslo is one of the largest capital cities in the world in terms of area. The hills and lakes of its outlying countryside are a paradise for lovers of winter sports. And the city itself boasts a sophisticated, yet cozy charm, with a blend of 19th- and 20th-century buildings, many decorated with woodcarvings and bright frescoes, and wide avenues dotted with public squares and parks.Oslo is the least populous capital in Scandinavia. The city offers excellent theater, great cafés and quality shopping.
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Copenhagen, Denmark
Arrives 11:00 am.
Copenhagen was founded during the 12th century. The city owes much of its charm to the buildings erected by Denmark's monarchs, and boasts a treasure trove of late-Renaissance and Rococo architecture.Copenhagen deserves its accolade as the Venice of the North. Founded on a series of islands and islets, the city today is laced with graceful canals and boasts some of the most delightful architecture in Northern Europe. See the fabled statue of Hans Christian Andersen's Little Mermaid, a symbol of the city. Stroll along the old harbor of Nyhavn, lined with cafés, restaurants and 500-year-old gabled houses. Browse the superb shops on the world-famous Stroget or view the Rococo palaces lining Amalienborg Square. Best of all, savor the taste of local delicacies while wandering the paths of Tivoli Gardens, one of Europe's most celebrated pleasure gardens.
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Copenhagen, Denmark
Departs 09:00 pm.
Copenhagen was founded during the 12th century. The city owes much of its charm to the buildings erected by Denmark's monarchs, and boasts a treasure trove of late-Renaissance and Rococo architecture.Copenhagen deserves its accolade as the Venice of the North. Founded on a series of islands and islets, the city today is laced with graceful canals and boasts some of the most delightful architecture in Northern Europe. See the fabled statue of Hans Christian Andersen's Little Mermaid, a symbol of the city. Stroll along the old harbor of Nyhavn, lined with cafés, restaurants and 500-year-old gabled houses. Browse the superb shops on the world-famous Stroget or view the Rococo palaces lining Amalienborg Square. Best of all, savor the taste of local delicacies while wandering the paths of Tivoli Gardens, one of Europe's most celebrated pleasure gardens.
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Aarhus, Denmark
Arrives 07:00 am, departs 04:00 pm.
It's easy to assume that Aarhus stands in Copenhagen's shadow - Aarhus after all is the second largest city in Denmark but despite this fact, it only has close to 260.000 inhabitants, compared to the 600.000 of Copenhagen. Århus university is both the country's second oldest and second largest. Being recognized as the student´s city in Denmark it gives it a youthful vibe. Yet Aarhus boasts a traditional and relaxed feeling at the same time, as the city has kept in many of its areas the unique Danish buildings, combined with some of the most modern and fine new Danish designs. Early Archeological findings date Århus´s founding in 770. Famous internationally for its extensive cultural scene; you can find some of the best Museums in Denmark. It is also rich in parks and green areas. Located on Jutland's east coast, Aarhus is surrounded by dense forests, and provides easy access to Denmark's scenic Lake District west of the city and it also holds the queen's summer residence beautifully set at the rim of the forest overlooking the sea.Originally constructed in the 12th century, Aarhus's Domkirke is one of the greatest cathedrals in Scandinavia. Its immense copper spire stands over 300 feet high, making it - ironically - the second tallest bell tower in Northern Europe.
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Dover (for London), England
Arrives 07:00 am, departs 06:00 pm.
Visible for miles from sea, the White Cliffs of Dover are an instantly recognizable symbol of England. Modern highways make Dover the doorstep to London - Britain's ever-fascinating capital. Visitors to this great city have a wealth of pleasures to choose from. Explore the notorious Tower of London and view the Crown Jewels. Visit Windsor Castle or see Westminster Abbey. The choices are fascinating and endless. Dover is also your gateway to Kent's green countryside, dotted with old medieval towns and castles.Dover has played a major role in world history since the days of the Norman invasion. Today 13th century Dover Castle dominates a harbour filled with cross-channel ferries and merchant and passenger shipping.
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San Juan, Puerto Rico
Arrives 12:00 pm, departs 08:00 pm.
The oldest city under the American flag, San Juan vibrates to a lively salsa beat. There's an unmistakable zest in the air here. Perhaps it's the stunning natural setting: the verdant peaks, tropical forests, and gleaming white-sand beaches. Or maybe it's Puerto Rico's mix of cultures, the blend and occasional clash of four centuries of Spanish heritage overlaid with a century spent as America's only Commonwealth. Whatever the reason, San Juan is one of the most enticing ports in the Caribbean, and it only gets lovelier with age.
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Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Arrives 07:00 am.
According to the popular 1960 beach movie, Fort Lauderdale is "where the boys are." The city's reputation as America's Spring Break capital, however, has been replaced with the more favorable image of a prime family tourist destination, attracting more than 10 million visitors annually. The most popular beach resort in Florida is even more rightly famed as the "Yachting Capital of the World," with more than 40,000 registered crafts calling its waters home. The city also prides itself on being the "Venice of America" with more than 300 miles of navigable waterways. Fort Lauderdale boasts world-class theaters, museums, sightseeing, and shopping. The city sits 24 miles north of Miami and is named after a series of forts built by the United States during the second Seminole War. The forts took their name from Major William Lauderdale, who was the commander of the detachment of soldiers who built the first fort. Look hard and you might find remnants of three of them today. More people seem to be interested in taking a water tour aboard the "Carrie B."
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
- Dining in the main Dining Room and casual venues
- Live music venues and nightly entertainment
- Fitness centre and swimming pools
- Enrichment programme and port talks
Accommodation
Volendam is a Holland America Line ship that entered service in 1999, carrying around 1,430 guests. One of the smaller ships in the fleet, she is prized for longer and more unusual itineraries, with a flower-themed art collection and the line's classic teak promenade deck.
Stateroom categories available on this sailing: Pinnacle Suite, Ocean View and Interior.
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Book this cruise
Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.
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