Europe and Mediterranean: Adriatic Antiquities: Greek Isles & Istanbul Cruise

Holland America Line

From Mykonos' waterfront tavernas to Rhodes artisanal ceramics and a spectacular overnight in Istanbul, this Mediterranean cruise invites discovery at every turn.

Included Extras

Executive Member Benefit

  • Executive Members receive an annual 2% Reward, up to $1,250, on qualified Costco Travel purchases

Digital Costco Shop Card

  • Member Exclusive: Digital Costco Shop Card with every Holland America Line sailing†

Sailing Itinerary

Note: Cruise itineraries are subject to change. Please verify ports and times directly with the cruise line.

Day 1 Port of Call Athens/Piraeus Departure 5:00p.m.

Overview

 
select to open Athens/Piraeus pictures - Opens a dialog

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 harbors 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 centered on its three ports: the main, central one, and those of Zea and Mikrolimano. You can walk around the central harbor, 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 harbor of Piraeus you will then head south traversing the peninsula and arriving at Peiraiki, one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in the city. Here one finds the harbor 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 center 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 harbors 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.

Day 2 Port of Call Mykonos Arrival 7:00a.m. Departure 8:00p.m.

Overview

 
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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.

Day 3 Cruising
Day 4 Port of Call Istanbul Arrival 7:00a.m.

Overview

 
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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 preferred city in terms of international art activities. This is because the art lovers of Istanbul are respectful of the art and the artist. The famous performance artists feel very comfortable in Istanbul concerts. Because the audience is very well aware of "the ritual of watching an artistic performance." The artist knows that he or she will not come across with impudent or disrespectful behaviors. It is the same for international picture galleries, biennials, and visual activities. Neither the spectator nor the critic leaves their "respectful attitude against the artist. " Hence the myths of traditional pop-rock genres, giants of jazz, and contemporary legends 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 try 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"

Day 5 Port of Call Istanbul Departure 11:00p.m.

Overview

 
select to open Istanbul pictures - Opens a dialog

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 preferred city in terms of international art activities. This is because the art lovers of Istanbul are respectful of the art and the artist. The famous performance artists feel very comfortable in Istanbul concerts. Because the audience is very well aware of "the ritual of watching an artistic performance." The artist knows that he or she will not come across with impudent or disrespectful behaviors. It is the same for international picture galleries, biennials, and visual activities. Neither the spectator nor the critic leaves their "respectful attitude against the artist. " Hence the myths of traditional pop-rock genres, giants of jazz, and contemporary legends 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 try 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"

Day 6 Cruising
Day 7 Port of Call Kusadasi Arrival 7:00a.m. Departure 7:00p.m.

Overview

 
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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 is part of the tourist industry and here only for the summer. Many cruising ships traveling around the Aegean Islands stop here, especially because of its proximity (20km) to Selcuk. Kusadasi is a good base to explore this and other ancient cities like Priene and Didyma. Although there is little 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 which 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.

Day 8 Port of Call Kos Arrival 8:00a.m. Departure 6:00p.m.

Overview

 
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After Rhodes, Kos is the second largest and most popular island in the Dodecanese, and there are superficial similarities between the two. Here also the harbour is guarded by an imposing castle of the Knights of St John; the streets are lined with grandiose Italian public buildings; and minarets and palm trees punctuate extensive Hellenistic and Roman remains. Although its hinterland, for the most part, lacks the wild beauty of Rhodes' interior, acre for acre Kos is the most fertile of the Dodecanese, blessed with rich soil and abundangroundwaterer. Mass tourism has largely displaced the old agrarian economy amongst the population of just over 28,000, and outside the main town and Kardhamen, this is very much a family-holiday isle, where you can turn the kids loose on pushbikes. Except for Kos Town and Mastihári, there aren't many independent travellers, and from early July to early September you'll be lucky to find any sort of room at all without reservations far in advance, or a prebooked package. The tourist industry is juxtaposed rather bizarrely with cows munching amidst baled hay, and Greek Army tanks exercising in the volcanic badlands around the airport. All these peculiarities acknowledged Kós is still definitely worth a few days while island-hopping: its handful of mountain villages is appealing, the tourist infrastructure excellent (including such amenities as regular city buses and cycle paths) and swimming opportunities are limitless - virtually the entire coast is fringed by beaches of various sizes, colours and consistencies.

Day 9 Port of Call Rhodes Arrival 8:00a.m. Departure 9:00p.m.

Overview

 
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The city of Rhodes is situated in 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 Turkishmosquese. The recent tourist growth contributed to the construction of modern hotel units, nightclubs, 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 Evangelista, 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 kilometers 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 sculptures, pots, and several remarkable findings, while the Folk Museum exhibits a collection of traditional costumes and objects of daily use.

Day 10 Cruising
Day 11 Port of Call Athens/Piraeus Arrival 7:00a.m.

Overview

 
select to open Athens/Piraeus pictures - Opens a dialog

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 harbors 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 centered on its three ports: the main, central one, and those of Zea and Mikrolimano. You can walk around the central harbor, 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 harbor of Piraeus you will then head south traversing the peninsula and arriving at Peiraiki, one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in the city. Here one finds the harbor 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 center 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 harbors 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

Cruise FPO 6 select to open Oosterdam pictures - Opens a dialog

Costco Member Reviews

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.

Onboard Activities

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

Costco Travel makes every effort to verify the accuracy of all information provided. Additional fees for amenities or services may be charged by the cruise line. Amenities or services may be discontinued or revised by the cruise line without notice. Staterooms designated as wheelchair-accessible do not necessarily meet ADA requirements. Costco Travel is not responsible for inaccuracies or provider modifications.

Dining

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.


Times, costs and other specifics are outside the control of Costco Travel. All information is at the sole discretion of the cruise line and is subject to change without notice. Dining time and table size preferences are submitted to the cruise line on a first-come, first-served request basis and are confirmed aboard ship. Questions, concerns and/or special needs regarding dining arrangements must be addressed with the maitre d' hotel aboard ship. Every effort is made to accommodate travelers' preferences; however, Costco Travel cannot guarantee dining arrangements. In specialty restaurants, space is limited and reservations are recommended. A cover charge and dress code may apply.

Staterooms

Staterooms feature premium massage showerheads, fine linens and fresh fruit upon request.

  • Standard Interior Stateroom (Category: N)

    Category: N

  • Standard Interior Stateroom (Category: MM)

    Category: MM

  • Standard Interior Stateroom (Category: M)

    Category: M

  • Standard Interior Stateroom (Category: L)

    Category: L

  • Interior Stateroom (Category: K)

    Category: K

  • Interior Stateroom (Category: J)

    Category: J

  • Large Interior Stateroom (Category: I)

    Category: I

Elegant staterooms feature luxurious bedding, premium massage showerheads, a porthole or a window and fresh fruit upon request.

  • Large Outside Stateroom (fully obstructed views) (Category: HH)

    Category: HH

  • Large Outside Stateroom (fully obstructed views) (Category: H)

    Category: H

  • Large Outside Stateroom (partial sea views) (Category: G)

    Category: G

  • Large Ocean-View Stateroom (Category: F)

    Category: F

  • Large Ocean-View Stateroom (Category: E)

    Category: E

  • Large Ocean-View Stateroom (Category: DD)

    Category: DD

  • Large Ocean-View Stateroom (Category: D)

    Category: D

  • Large Ocean-View Stateroom (Category: C)

    Category: C

Spacious staterooms have a private balcony, whirlpool bath with shower and walk-in closet.

  • Deluxe Ocean-View Verandah Stateroom (Category: VH)

    Category: VH

  • Deluxe Ocean-View Verandah Stateroom (Category: VF)

    Category: VF

  • Deluxe Ocean-View Verandah Stateroom (Category: VE)

    Category: VE

  • Deluxe Ocean-View Verandah Stateroom (Category: VD)

    Category: VD

  • Deluxe Ocean-View Verandah Stateroom (Category: VC)

    Category: VC

  • Deluxe Ocean-View Verandah Stateroom (Category: VB)

    Category: VB

  • Deluxe Ocean-View Verandah Stateroom (Category: VA)

    Category: VA

Luxurious suites feature a whirlpool bath, large sitting area, private balcony, floor-to-ceiling windows and more. Select suites feature a dressing room.

  • Signature Superior Verandah Suite (Category: SZ)

    Category: SZ

  • Signature Superior Verandah Suite (Category: SY)

    Category: SY

  • Signature Superior Verandah Suite (Category: SS)

    Category: SS

  • Neptune Deluxe Verandah Suite (Category: SC)

    Category: SC

  • Neptune Deluxe Verandah Suite (Category: SB)

    Category: SB

  • Neptune Deluxe Verandah Suite (Category: SA)

    Category: SA

  • Pinnacle Penthouse Verandah Suite (Category: PS)

    Category: PS

Deck Plan

Cruise Ship
Sports Deck
Key to Symbols
SymbolDescription
Triple (2 lower beds, 1 sofa bed)Triple (2 lower beds, 1 sofa bed)
Quad (2 lower beds, 1 sofa bed, 1 upper)Quad (2 lower beds, 1 sofa bed, 1 upper)
Partial sea viewPartial sea view
Fully obstructed viewFully obstructed view
Connecting roomsConnecting rooms
Shower onlyShower only
Single sink vanitySingle sink vanity
Staterooms have solid steel verandah railings instead of clear-view plexiglass railingsStaterooms have solid steel verandah railings instead of clear-view plexiglass 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 onlySuites 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 showerFully accessible with single side approach to the bed, bathtub, and roll-in shower
Ambulatory accessible, roll-in shower onlyAmbulatory accessible, roll-in shower only
2 lower beds2 lower beds

Ship Facts

Oosterdam ship image
  • 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
Costco Travel makes every effort to verify the accuracy of all information provided. Additional fees for amenities or services may be charged by the hotel, resort or cruise line. Amenities or services may be discontinued or revised by the provider without notice. Hotels, resorts, ships or accommodations designated as wheelchair-accessible do not necessarily meet ADA requirements. Costco Travel is not responsible for inaccuracies or provider modifications.

Costco Member Reviews

Available Dates & Prices

Departure Date

Inside Stateroom

Ocean View Stateroom

Balcony Stateroom

Suite Stateroom

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

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    Package ID: HALOOSEUR20261014