In winter 2011, Holland America Line’s ms Maasdam will sail a new, 45-day “Atlantic Adventurer” voyage that touches from the sun-kissed beaches of the Caribbean to historical and cultural locales throughout Europe and northern Africa.
Cruising roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Maasdam departs Oct. 28, 2011, and heads to the Mediterranean at a less crowded and pleasant time of the year.
“This cruise showcases the best of Holland America Line, from our relaxing days at sea to calling at some of the most beautiful, enriching and popular ports in the world,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs for Holland America Line. “By going to these areas at a less-crowded time of the year, our guests will get to see a wonderful side of Europe and have more freedom to explore the sights the region has to offer.”
The Atlantic Adventurer voyage begins with calls in the Caribbean at Tortola and St. Maarten before setting off across the Atlantic. After several leisurely days at sea, the ship stops at the Canary Islands where guests can explore Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the largest island of the Spanish archipelago. Maasdam also will call at Santa Cruz on the island of La Palma and Arrecife on Lanzarote, which is home to Mount Teide, the third-largest volcano in the world.
Maasdam then makes its way to North Africa to call at exotic Casablanca, Morocco, and then on to historical Gibraltar before arriving at Almeria, Spain, where guests can visit nearby Granada, home to the astonishing Alhambra. The Spanish segment continues with an overnight call at Barcelona and a stop at Palma de Mallorca, before arriving in Italy.
After a stop at popular Civitavecchia (Rome), the ship visits Sorrento and Naples — where guests overnight and can tour historic Pompeii or the trendy Isle of Capri. Maasdam continues on to Palermo, Sicily, and Cagliari, Italy. The ship then returns to Morocco and Spain, calling at Tangier and Cadiz (Seville), respectively, before exploring Portugal with calls at Portimao and Lisbon, where guests can enjoy an overnight stay.
Following a stop at Funchal, with an overnight on the fragrant and floral island of Madeira, the ship embarks on its return home, crossing the Atlantic Ocean and visiting award-winning Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line’s private Bahamian island, before arriving back in South Florida.
For guests with less time on their hands, the Atlantic Adventurer itinerary can be broken into two shorter segments: a 23-day itinerary that starts at Fort Lauderdale and disembarks at Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, Nov. 20; and a 22-day voyage from Civitavecchia back to Fort Lauderdale, concluding Dec. 12.
Carrying 1,258 guests, Maasdam offers an intimate and elegant experience and is ideal for longer, in-depth explorations. On board a wide array of activities are available on the relaxing days at sea. Guests can attend a cooking demonstration in the Culinary Arts Center, learn how to share their vacation photos in the Digital Workshop powered by Windows®, listen to music or surf the Internet in the Explorations Café powered by “The New York Times,” indulge in a rejuvenating treatment at the Greenhouse Spa and Salon, or attend one of the many on-board lectures, classes and events throughout the day. Guests on this voyage will enjoy recent Signature of Excellence enhancements, including the specialty bar concept, Mix and the glamorous Showroom at Sea.
