Europe and Mediterranean: Ancient Kingdoms & Turkish Delight Cruise
Holland America Line
Egyptian pyramids, Cyprus treasures, and the marbled temples of Ephesus await on this roundtrip cruise from Athens. Delve into ancient wonders including an overnight stay in Rhodes allowing even more time to explore. Take in the natural beauty of ports such as Antalya, Jerusalem and Cairo.
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Sailing Itinerary
Note: Cruise itineraries are subject to change. Please verify ports and times directly with the cruise line.
Overview
Today Piraeus is the home base of Greek shipping, the largest commercial fleet in the world, apace bound to the sea like few others. The harbours of Zea and Mikrolimano as well as Phaliro play host to countless yachts and sailing craft throughout the year. Piraeus was known in medieval times as Porto Leone, a name due to the enormous stone lion, which guarded the port's entrance. Today, the life of Piraeus is centred on its three ports: the main, central one and those of Zea and Mikrolimano. You can walk around the central harbour, shared by cargo and passenger ships alike, and watch the constant comings and goings of goods and people from around the world. Having completed your tour of the central harbour of Piraeus you will then head south traversing the peninsula and arrive at Peiraiki, one of the most picturesque neighbour hoods in the city. Here one finds the harbour of Zea, one of the largest marinas in the Mediterranean. If the night finds you in the area, you can try one of the many bars found nearby. You can continue your tour along the waterfront heading towards Kastella but a small deviation toward the city centre will be useful for then you can visit the verdant square of the municipal Theatre with cafeterias and shops of all kinds surrounding it. The magnificent building housing the Municipal Theatre as well as the Town Hall and the Library complete the picture presented by the main square in the city. Piraeus's little natural harbours are among its busiest and most touristy areas: Mikrolimano, Passalimani, Zea, Freatida and Hatzikiriakio. Countless seaside tavernas provide delicious seafood washed down with the uniquely Greek drink, ouzo. The fresh smell of the sea and the sounds made by the assortment of caiques, yachts and sailing ships, which are moored next to the tables, complete the enjoyment of the food Beyond the port, the most impressive spots are the hills of Profitis Ilias and Kastela with their neoclassical mansions and modern buildings which look as they are hanging over the sea.
Overview
Mykonos is world-famous. It is no coincidence that this, the most cosmopolitan of all Greek islands, attracts so many visitors from all over the globe, including large numbers of artists and intellectuals. Here, the steep mountains to be encountered in most of the Cyclades give way to low, rocky hills which combine with superb beaches to make up the landscape of the island. The capital, Hora (Chora), with its colourful harbour in which little fishingboats nestle happily side by side with luxury yachts, presents quite a different picture from the majority of Aegean island towns. While it is usual for island villages to be built on naturally amphitheatrical sites, Mykonos is spread out over a flat area and conveys an impression of lid aesthetic cohesion. Along the whitewashed streets stand brilliant white box-shaped houses with stepped walls for sitting on, wooden doors and windows and brightly-coloured balconies. These are interspersed with small but impressive churches, pretty little tavernas and shops selling souvenirs and other goods, and the overall sense is of being inside a film set. On the low Kastro hill is the complex of churches known collectively as Our Lady 'Paraportiani', a superb arrangement of whitewashed masses created over the centuries and now recognised as a national cultural monument. Of particular historical and aesthetic interest are the medieval houses in this district of the town, which stand like a wall above the sea protecting the west side of Hora. The Archaeological Museum of Hora contains finds from tombs on the nearby island of Rhenia, sculptures, vases and figurines. The Folklore Museum brings together a number of collections of furniture, icons, pieces of sculpture and folk musical instruments. Mykonos is also the home of the Nautical Museum of the Aegean, which has interest all of its own. The countryside of Mykonos is a mixture of grey-green rocks ringed by prickly pear plants and little fertile areas carpeted with wild flowers. Here and there are tiny whitewashed chapels and windmills. Ano Mera is, after Hora, the most important of the older villages on the island. Standing 8 km. to the east of the town, Ano Mera has the interesting monastery of Our Lady Tourliani, ornamented with fine wood-carvings. The church has a collection of valuable ecclesiastical vessels, vestments and embroideries. The courtyard contains an interesting bell-tower and a marble fountain. Here lovers of the sea will find outstanding golden beaches such as Agios Stefanos, Psarou, Kalafatis, Platis Gialos, Ornos, Elia and Panormos. Miykonos is a busy island with all the amenities of a modern resort and with plenty to do - by day or night for those who want to have a lively time. Yet visitors fond of more peaceful holidays will still find quiet corners in which to relax.
Overview
Istanbul is an international art and cultural center. The International Arts and Cultural Festival is held each year in June and July with famous artists coming from all over the world. These performances are held mostly at the Ataturk Cultural Center. Those who enjoy classical music can hear it at the Cemal Resit Rey Hall. Operas, operettas, ballets, films, concerts, exhibitions and conferences all contribute to the cultural palette of the city. Istanbul also has a rich program of light entertainment. Nightclubs provide splendid entertainment throughout dinner, ranging from a selection of Turkish songs to belly-dancing. Istanbul is a preffered city in terms of international art activities . This is because the art-lovers of Istanbul are respectful to the art and the artist. The famous performance artists feel themselves very comfortable in Istanbul concerts. Because the audience is very well aware of "the rituel of watching an artistic performance." The artist knows that he or she will not come across with impudent or disrespectful behavviours. It is the same for the international picture galleries, biennials, and visual activities. Neither the spectator nor the critic leave their "respectful attitude aganist the artist. " Hence the myths of traditional pop-rock genres, giants of jazz contempoporarylegends of classical western music are always in Istanbul, on the stage. To sum up; Istanbul is a city that can add compassion next to its giant size in terms of living area and population, and siling to assimilate the universal culture while "welcoming" it with utmost hospitality: a "world city" In this case, it deserves to be called "universal culture capital"
Overview
Istanbul is an international art and cultural center. The International Arts and Cultural Festival is held each year in June and July with famous artists coming from all over the world. These performances are held mostly at the Ataturk Cultural Center. Those who enjoy classical music can hear it at the Cemal Resit Rey Hall. Operas, operettas, ballets, films, concerts, exhibitions and conferences all contribute to the cultural palette of the city. Istanbul also has a rich program of light entertainment. Nightclubs provide splendid entertainment throughout dinner, ranging from a selection of Turkish songs to belly-dancing. Istanbul is a preffered city in terms of international art activities . This is because the art-lovers of Istanbul are respectful to the art and the artist. The famous performance artists feel themselves very comfortable in Istanbul concerts. Because the audience is very well aware of "the rituel of watching an artistic performance." The artist knows that he or she will not come across with impudent or disrespectful behavviours. It is the same for the international picture galleries, biennials, and visual activities. Neither the spectator nor the critic leave their "respectful attitude aganist the artist. " Hence the myths of traditional pop-rock genres, giants of jazz contempoporarylegends of classical western music are always in Istanbul, on the stage. To sum up; Istanbul is a city that can add compassion next to its giant size in terms of living area and population, and siling to assimilate the universal culture while "welcoming" it with utmost hospitality: a "world city" In this case, it deserves to be called "universal culture capital"
Overview
Limassol is the second biggest town of Cyprus and its biggest Municipality. It has experienced great development after the tragic events occurred by the Turkish invasion in 1974, becoming the biggest port in the Mediterranean transit trade. Limassol has since then become one of the most important tourism, trade and service-providing centre in the area. Limassol is renowned for its long cultural tradition. A wide spectrum of activities and a great number of museums and archaeological sites are proposed to the interested visitor. A unique combination of ancient, Frankish, Byzantine and other modern influences is observed.
Overview
Alanya was founded on the top and sides of the high peninsula dividing the county into two. As for the castle overviewing the town on both sides, it is probably the most attractive spot. The castle walls going up for 6,5 km to the Inner Castle on the hill was initially built during the Hellenistic period but raised further, fortified and furnished with 110 towers during the Seljukid period. Alanya is very hot in the summer months. You should take precautions not to be harmed by this excess heat. Stay close to water bodies in which you can bathe or shady shelters where you can take refuge. Plateaux are a pleasant escapade. You can also bathe in cool waters of Alara and Dim Çayy streams. The most appropriate time of the year for a tour of Alanya is between the months of April, May and October , November. The Triathlon is held at 23rd of October annually.
Overview
The city of Rhodes is situated on the northern part of the island and has a population of 40,000 inhabitants. The town is characterized by modern blocks of flats, wide streets, stores, squares, monuments, picturesque neighborhoods, neo-classical houses, Byzantine churches and Turkish mosque. The recent touristic growth contributed to the construction of modern hotel units, night clubs, tavernas, restaurants and numerous shops. The sites of Rhodes are varied and interesting. Among them, one should visit the ruins of the Ancient City on the hill of Monte Smith, the mosque of Myrat Reis, the mosque of Souleiman, the Hydrobiological Institute, the churches of Agios Fragiskos, Panagia Nikis, True Cross, Panagia Kastrou, Profitis Ilias and Evangelistira, with the beautiful frescoes created by Kondoglou. One should also visit the windmills, the tower of Agios Nikolaos at the port of Mandraki, as well as the green park of Rodini, a few kilometres outside the city. The most impressive part of the city is the Medieval Town, the dominating walls surrounding it and the Palace of the Grand Magistrates, signifying the city's glorious and glamorous past. One should also visit the museums of Rhodes which are of extreme interest. The Archaeological Museum, housed in the Hospital of the Knights, includes sculpture, pots and several remarkable findings, while the Folk Museum exhibits a collection of traditional costumes and objects of daily use.
Overview
The city of Rhodes is situated on the northern part of the island and has a population of 40,000 inhabitants. The town is characterized by modern blocks of flats, wide streets, stores, squares, monuments, picturesque neighborhoods, neo-classical houses, Byzantine churches and Turkish mosque. The recent touristic growth contributed to the construction of modern hotel units, night clubs, tavernas, restaurants and numerous shops. The sites of Rhodes are varied and interesting. Among them, one should visit the ruins of the Ancient City on the hill of Monte Smith, the mosque of Myrat Reis, the mosque of Souleiman, the Hydrobiological Institute, the churches of Agios Fragiskos, Panagia Nikis, True Cross, Panagia Kastrou, Profitis Ilias and Evangelistira, with the beautiful frescoes created by Kondoglou. One should also visit the windmills, the tower of Agios Nikolaos at the port of Mandraki, as well as the green park of Rodini, a few kilometres outside the city. The most impressive part of the city is the Medieval Town, the dominating walls surrounding it and the Palace of the Grand Magistrates, signifying the city's glorious and glamorous past. One should also visit the museums of Rhodes which are of extreme interest. The Archaeological Museum, housed in the Hospital of the Knights, includes sculpture, pots and several remarkable findings, while the Folk Museum exhibits a collection of traditional costumes and objects of daily use.
Overview
This seaside resort town has grown immensely in the last 30 years, and is especially popular with package holiday-makers from Europe. From a population of 6000 in the 1970s, it is now closer to 50,000, although a high proportion of this are part of the tourist industry and here only for the summer. Many cruising ships travelling around the Aegean Islands stop here, especially because of its close proximity (20km) to Selcuk. Kusadasi is a good base to explore this and other ancient cities like Priene and Didyma. Although there is little of historical interest in Kusadasi itself, the town is popular predominantly because of its many hotels, restaurants, souvenir and carpet shops, and lively nightlife. The Kale district has some old traditional houses and narrow streets, and gives some indication of what the town used to be like. The most famous beach is Kadinlar Plaji, 2.5km south of the town, dominated by huge hotels and can get very crowded in summer. There are several small beaches further south, and closer to town is Yilanci Burnu, the peninsular.
Overview
Today Piraeus is the home base of Greek shipping, the largest commercial fleet in the world, apace bound to the sea like few others. The harbours of Zea and Mikrolimano as well as Phaliro play host to countless yachts and sailing craft throughout the year. Piraeus was known in medieval times as Porto Leone, a name due to the enormous stone lion, which guarded the port's entrance. Today, the life of Piraeus is centred on its three ports: the main, central one and those of Zea and Mikrolimano. You can walk around the central harbour, shared by cargo and passenger ships alike, and watch the constant comings and goings of goods and people from around the world. Having completed your tour of the central harbour of Piraeus you will then head south traversing the peninsula and arrive at Peiraiki, one of the most picturesque neighbour hoods in the city. Here one finds the harbour of Zea, one of the largest marinas in the Mediterranean. If the night finds you in the area, you can try one of the many bars found nearby. You can continue your tour along the waterfront heading towards Kastella but a small deviation toward the city centre will be useful for then you can visit the verdant square of the municipal Theatre with cafeterias and shops of all kinds surrounding it. The magnificent building housing the Municipal Theatre as well as the Town Hall and the Library complete the picture presented by the main square in the city. Piraeus's little natural harbours are among its busiest and most touristy areas: Mikrolimano, Passalimani, Zea, Freatida and Hatzikiriakio. Countless seaside tavernas provide delicious seafood washed down with the uniquely Greek drink, ouzo. The fresh smell of the sea and the sounds made by the assortment of caiques, yachts and sailing ships, which are moored next to the tables, complete the enjoyment of the food Beyond the port, the most impressive spots are the hills of Profitis Ilias and Kastela with their neoclassical mansions and modern buildings which look as they are hanging over the sea.
Onboard the Oosterdam
Oosterdam
Year Built: 2003
Year Refurbished: 2016
Double Occupancy Capacity: 1916
Holland America Line’s first Vista-class cruise ship, Oosterdam has delighted guests since her maiden voyage. Guests now have more world-class entertainment options than ever before. Live music has always been the heart and soul of evenings aboard Holland America Line, and now Oosterdam features the full Music Walk experience with three exciting venues. Lincoln Center Stage features world-class musicians performing chamber music. Billboard Onboard, rocks the house with 50 years of chart-topping hits. The already popular B.B. King’s Blues Club, brings the best of Memphis blues to sea. Feel free to enjoy exciting activities, pursue new interests or simply relax and rejuvenate.
Activities & Services (included in cruise)
Digital Workshop
- Card Room
- Casino
- Disco/Nightclub
- Game Arcade
- Movies
- Theater/Show Lounge
- Fitness Center
- Sauna/Steam Room
- Culinary Arts Center
- Educational Programs
- Pool - Outdoor
- Sports Facilities
- Whirlpool/Jacuzzi
- Art Gallery
- Bars/Lounges
- Library
- Children's Indoor Play Area
- Organized Age Specific Activities
- Teen Center or Disco
- Teen Programs
- Business Center
- Concierge Desk
- Duty-Free Shops/Boutiques
- Elevators
- Safe Deposit Boxes
Activities & Services (available for an extra fee)
Greenhouse Spa
- Beauty Salon
- Full-Service Spa
- Internet Center
- Babysitting
- Dry Cleaning/ Laundry Service
- Infirmary/Medical Center
Dining Room
Main Dining
Dining Room: For breakfast, lunch or an unforgettable five-course dinner, the elegant main Dining Room is your destination for sophisticated dining, with menu selections from classic favorites to vegetarian options, to dishes inspired by the regions you’ll visit.
Pinnacle Grill
Specialty Dining
Pinnacle Grill: Enjoy dishes inspired by America’s Pacific Northwest, such as king salmon from Alaska and choice, responsibly raised beef from Washington State’s Double R Ranch. Complement your meal with a selection of boutique wines from the Pacific Northwest and other celebrated vineyards from around the world. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.
Canaletto: This authentic Italian restaurant offers a menu that celebrates spartire (Italian for "sharing"). Try braised chicken cacciatore "al forno," branzino ai ferri or a classic Italian pasta: spaghetti pomodoro or garlic shrimp-infused ravioli, perhaps. Buon appetito! This restaurant is available for an additional cost.
Room Service
Casual Dining
Lido Market: Lido Market provides a fresh, new approach to casual dining for breakfast, lunch or dinner, with a panoramic view of the sea. A modern marketplace with different themed stations, the Lido offers a curated selection of delicious options to grab on the go or to have quickly made to order.
Dive-In: Dive in to a grilled burger on brioche or a Nathan’s Famous gourmet hot dog. For alfresco dining by the pool, Dive-In has it all, including lighter fare like the grilled chicken breast sandwich and vegetarian-friendly portabella mushroom stack.
Explorations Café: A comfortable, coffeehouse environment offering espresso drinks and pastries. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.
Room Service: Complimentary 24-hour dining in the comfort of your stateroom.
Staterooms feature premium massage showerheads, fine linens and fresh fruit upon request.
Category: N
Area: Approximately 151-233 sq. ft.
Category: MM
Area: Approximately 151-233 sq. ft.
Category: M
Area: Approximately 151-233 sq. ft.
Category: L
Area: Approximately 151-233 sq. ft.
Category: K
Area: Approximately 151-233 sq. ft.
Category: J
Area: Approximately 151-233 sq. ft.
Category: I
Area: Approximately 151-233 sq. ft.
Elegant staterooms feature luxurious bedding, premium massage showerheads, a porthole or a window and fresh fruit upon request.
Category: HH
Area: Approximately 174-180 sq. ft.
Category: H
Area: Approximately 174-180 sq. ft.
Category: G
Area: Approximately 174-180 sq. ft.
Category: F
Area: Approximately 174-180 sq. ft.
Category: E
Area: Approximately 174-180 sq. ft.
Category: DD
Area: Approximately 174-180 sq. ft.
Category: D
Area: Approximately 174-180 sq. ft.
Category: C
Area: Approximately 174-180 sq. ft.
Spacious staterooms have a private balcony, whirlpool bath with shower and walk-in closet.
Category: VH
Category: VF
Area: Approximately 212-359 sq. ft. including verandah.
Category: VE
Area: Approximately 212-359 sq. ft. including verandah.
Category: VD
Area: Approximately 212-359 sq. ft. including verandah.
Category: VC
Area: Approximately 212-359 sq. ft. including verandah.
Category: VB
Area: Approximately 212-359 sq. ft. including verandah.
Category: VA
Area: Approximately 212-359 sq. ft. including verandah.
Luxurious suites feature a whirlpool bath, large sitting area, private balcony, floor-to-ceiling windows and more. Select suites feature a dressing room.
Category: SZ
Area: Approximately 372-384 sq. ft. including verandah.
Category: SY
Area: Approximately 372-384 sq. ft. including verandah.
Category: SS
Area: Approximately 372-384 sq. ft. including verandah.
Category: SC
Area: Approximately 500-712 sq. ft. including verandah.
Category: SB
Area: Approximately 500-712 sq. ft. including verandah.
Category: SA
Area: Approximately 500-712 sq. ft. including verandah.
Category: PS
Area: Approximately 1,150 sq. ft. including verandah.
Symbol | Description |
---|---|
Triple (2 lower beds, 1 sofa bed) | |
Quad (2 lower beds, 1 sofa bed, 1 upper) | |
Partial sea view | |
Fully obstructed view | |
Connecting rooms | |
Shower only | |
Single sink vanity | |
Staterooms have solid steel verandah railings instead of clear-view Plexiglas railings | |
Suites SC6175 and SC6164 are fully accessible, bathtub and roll-in shower; Suite SS6108 and staterooms I8037, VB6004, VB6003, D1100, C1082, C1081, J1074, K1012, and K1011 are fully accessible, roll-in shower only | |
Fully accessible with single side approach to the bed, bathtub, and roll-in shower | |
Ambulatory accessible, roll-in shower only |
- Ship Name: Oosterdam
- Year Built: 2003
- Year Refurbished: 2016
- Year Entered Present Fleet: 2003
- Ship Class: Vista
- Maximum Capacity: 2,504
- Number of Passenger Decks: 11
- Number of Crew: 817
- Officers' Nationality: International
- Ocean-View without Balcony: 165
- Ocean-View with Balcony: 477
- Total Inside Staterooms: 154
- Tonnage (GRT): 82,305
- Capacity Based on Double Occupancy: 1,916
- Country of Registry: Netherlands
- Total Staterooms: 958
- Suites with Balcony: 162
- Crew/Hotel Staff Nationality: International
Available Dates & Prices
Terms & Conditions
*Price shown is per person based on double occupancy and is valid for select stateroom categories only. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for details.
†One Digital Costco Shop Card per room/stateroom, per stay. The exact amount of the Digital Costco Shop Card will be calculated during the booking process. The Digital Costco Shop Card promotion is nontransferable and may not be combined with any other promotion. A Digital Costco Shop Card will arrive by email approximately 10 days after the start of your cruise. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for additional information.
Ship's registry: The Netherlands
Digital Costco Shop Card
This booking includes a Digital Costco Shop Card which will arrive by email one to two weeks after you return from your vacation. The Digital Costco Shop Card is a convenient payment option in our warehouses and on Costco.ca.