Holland America Line's Fall Europe Cruises Feature Exciting Itineraries, Exceptional Value

SEATTLE, July 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- This fall, Holland America Line is offering an extensive selection of cruises that explore ports of call that span from Turkey to the Canary Islands and across the Atlantic. Setting sail after the bustling summer months, these idyllic itineraries showcase the best of the region at a beautiful time of year.

Ranging from a 7-night Mediterranean cruise to a grand 42-night trans-Atlantic journey, the fall favorites feature port-intensive itineraries, overnight calls and plenty of time to explore on one of Holland America Line's exciting shore excursions.

"Fall is a wonderful time of year to visit Europe because the temperatures are cooler and the summer crowds have diminished," said Richard Meadows, executive vice president of sales, marketing and guest programs. "It is also an opportunity to enjoy an extended European holiday at a great value."

Sailing roundtrip from Barcelona, Spain, ms Ryndam embarks on three 11-day cruises to jewels in the Mediterranean. The Cultural Mosaic cruise visits ports in Italy, Greece, Croatia and Montenegro, while the Ancient Discoveries itinerary calls at ports in Spain, Italy, Tunisia, Malta and Monaco. The Canary Island Explorer itinerary sails west, calling at ports in Spain, Portugal, the Canary Islands and Morocco.

Fares for Ryndam's 11-day cruises roundtrip Barcelona begin at $899 per person, double occupancy.

Noordam will follow two alternating 10-day roundtrip Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, itineraries. Roman Empires visits the eastern Mediterranean with calls at ports in Croatia, Greece, Turkey and Italy, and Mediterranean Enchantment sails the western Mediterranean and includes Monaco, Spain, Italy and North Africa.

Fares for Noordam's 10-day cruises roundtrip Civitavecchia begin at $999 per person, double occupancy.

Holland America Line's newest ship, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, sails alternating 12-night cruises between Barcelona and Venice, Italy. Both the Mediterranean Romance and Mediterranean Tapestry itineraries call at differing ports in Italy, Croatia and Greece, with both featuring an overnight call at Venice.

Fares for Nieuw Amsterdam's 12-day cruises between Venice and Barcelona begin at $1,199 per person, double occupancy.

Three of ms Rotterdam's itineraries are showcased this fall, all sailing roundtrip Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The 14-night Spain and Portugal Explorer itinerary calls at several ports throughout the two countries, with an added stop at Gibraltar. The 17-night Moorish Empire cruise sails all the way to Civitavecchia (Rome) and back, with calls along the way in Spain, Italy, Portugal and Gibraltar. Guests looking to explore western Europe and the shores of Africa can set sail on the 17-night Canary Island Adventure that calls at ports in Portugal, Spain, the Canary Islands and Morocco.

Fares for the Spain and Portugal Explorer cruise begin at $1,199 per person, double occupancy; starting rates for the Moorish Empire and Canary Island Adventure cruises begin at $1,499 per person, double occupancy.

Guests who truly love the thrill of sailing across the Atlantic and enjoy leisurely sea days will have the opportunity to take an ocean crossing on several of Holland America Line ships this fall. Whether repositioning back to warmer waters for the winter season or making an epic roundtrip journey across the ocean and back, the crossings range from 13- to 42-nights and combine exciting ports of call and days at sea ready to be filled with all of the on-board enrichment activities showcased by Holland America Line.

Starting rates for the trans-Atlantic crossings begin at just $699 per person, double occupancy.

For more information on Holland America Line's fall Europe cruises, consult a professional travel seller; call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425); or visit www.hollandamerica.com or the Plan a Cruise tab at www.Facebook.com/HALcruises.

Find Holland America Line on Twitter, Facebook and the Holland America Blog.  Access all social media outlets via the Online Communities quick link on the home page at www.hollandamerica.com.

About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE:  CCL and CUK)]
Holland America Line's fleet of 15 ships offers more than 500 cruises to 354 ports in 98 countries, territories or dependencies.  Two- to 110-day itineraries visit all seven continents and highlights include Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; a Grand World Voyage; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Bermuda, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal.

Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, a commitment totaling more than $525 million, that showcase the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine — a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen where more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and classes — Explorations Cafe powered by The New York Times, Digital Workshop powered by Windows, teens-only activity areas and all new stateroom amenities highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-top Mariner's Dream Beds.

World's Leading Cruise Lines
Holland America Line is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Cunard Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises and Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, World's Leading Cruise Lines inspires people to discover their best vacation experience. Together, we offer a variety of exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations.  Visit us at www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com.

SOURCE Holland America Line