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Release:Six Holland America Line Ships Set to Explore the Multicultural Mosaic of Europe in 2020

NieuwAmsterdam returns to theMediterranean, and Istanbul featured again on itineraries

Seattle, Wash., Dec. 20, 2018 —Guests looking to explore the fjords of Norway, castles of the British Isles,flavors of Italy and beaches of Greece can choose from six Holland America Lineships to discover a wide range of ports and regions on cruise itineraries forthe 2020 Europe season. Anchored by the return of Nieuw Amsterdam to the Mediterranean, Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam, Veendam, Zaandam and Zuiderdam will offercruises from March through early November.

In addition to transatlantic crossings to and from Europe, the ships will spanthe entire region on itineraries from seven to 35 days, including the Baltic;British Isles; French and Spanish rivieras; Iberian Peninsula; Iceland; theMediterranean and Northern Europe, including Norway and the North Cape.Istanbul, Turkey, is back on the schedule with seven overnight visits, and Veendam will offerseveral distinct and unique European itineraries.

"European cruises are incredibly popular because they are the most affordableand convenient way to visit more cities and countries in one seamlessvacation," said Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line's president. "With anexpanded season and six ships offering itineraries that cover the entireregion, our guests have a wide selection of cruises that showcase the best ofeach country with the most enriching and immersive experiences."

Roundtrip sailing options from a variety of port cities make for a convenientcruise vacation. Guests can embark at Amsterdam and Rotterdam, the Netherlands;Boston, Massachusetts; Civitavecchia (Rome) and Venice, Italy; Barcelona,Spain; and Copenhagen, Denmark. Cruises also sail between Barcelona, Spain, andVenice or Civitavecchia.

To offer more in-depth experiences in some of Europe's most popular cities,Holland America Line has scheduled overnight calls at 13 ports, includingAntwerp, Belgium; Amsterdam; Barcelona; Dublin, Ireland; Funchal, Madeira;Istanbul; Lisbon, Portugal; Piraeus (Athens), Greece; Reykjavik, Iceland; SouthQueensferry (Edinburgh), Scotland; St. Petersburg, Russia; Venice; andValletta, Malta.

Nearly every cruise can be combined with the nonrepeating itinerary comingbefore and after, allowing guests to see more of Europe with a Holland AmericaLine Collectors' Voyage. Ranging from 14 to 35 days, these artfully craftedlonger journeys offer extra time so guests can discover the art, history andculture of different regions in Europe.

Three Ships Spend theSummer Season in Northern Europe
Due to strong demand, three ships will offer cruises in Northern Europe fromApril through September, giving travelers more ways to explore the Norwegianfjords. Nieuw Statendam,Holland America Line's newest ship, will return to Northern Europe on seven-and 14-day roundtrip cruises from Amsterdam, while Rotterdam sails seven- and 14-day roundtripcruises from Rotterdam. Veendam'sroundtrip Amsterdam itineraries allow for a more in-depth exploration of theregion, with itineraries ranging from 14 to 21 days in length.

The ships will take guests to the most stunning fjords in Norway includingGeirangerfjord, Hardangerfjord, Olsofjord, Eidfjord, Liefdefdfjord,Lilliehöökfjord, Trondheimsfjord and Sognefjord.

When not in Norway, NieuwStatendam will cruise the Baltic, the Iberian Peninsula and theMediterranean; Rotterdamwill visit the Baltic, British Isles and Iberia; and Veendam will featurememorable cruises to the Baltic, British Isles, Iceland, Iberia and the HolyLand.

In 2020 Zaandamsets sail on the epic 35-day Voyage of the Vikings roundtrip Boston cruisedeparting July 18. The legendary journey calls at 18 ports in the U.S., Canada,Greenland, Iceland, Norway, the Netherlands and Ireland, making it easy tovisit Europe without international air. Two shorter segments from Boston toAmsterdam (17 days) or from Amsterdam to Boston (18 days) are available.

Four Ships OfferMediterranean Cruises in 2020
Holland America Line's Mediterranean cruises are anchored by Nieuw Amsterdam in 2020,which will spend a full season in the region. The ship will offer the popular12-day Mediterranean Romance, Mediterranean Tapestry and Mediterranean Empirescruises to Greece, Turkey and Italy roundtrip from Venice or between Venice andBarcelona or Civitavecchia (Rome), as well as the 12-day Adriatic Dream andGreek Odyssey itineraries between Venice and Civitavecchia.

Nieuw Amsterdamwill be joined by Zuiderdamfrom May through June on 12-day itineraries, followed by Nieuw Statendam and Veendam in September andOctober on cruises ranging from 10 to 14 days. Zuiderdam, Nieuw Amsterdam and Veendam all featureovernight calls to Istanbul and a combined 14 overnights at Venice.

Veendam Itineraries Span Europe, Explorethe Holy Land
Veendam'sseason spans April through October and features longer European explorationsfrom 14 to 21 days to a variety of regions. In addition to Norway, highlightsof the ship's summer include a European Rivers Explorer cruise to the ScheldtRiver, Gironde Estuary and Tagus River; the "Holy Land" itinerary to Greece,Croatia, Turkey and Israel; and cruises to Spitsbergen and Iceland.

Spring and FallTransatlantic Crossings, Viking Passage Adventure
Guests who enjoy leisurely sea days combined with enriching ports of call havea 19-Day Viking Passage cruise in August and several transatlantic crossingsbetween Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Northern Europe or the Mediterranean inthe spring and fall. Ranging from 13 to 17 days, the transatlantic cruisesfeature six or seven consecutive days at sea, where the ships become thedestination.

Travelers looking to take in the beauty of the North Atlantic in peak summer canembark Zuiderdam'sViking Passage itinerary from Copenhagen to New York, New York. The ship visitssome of the most picturesque ports in Norway, Iceland, Greenland and Canada,retracing the route the Vikings sailed centuries ago.

Cruise fares for Europe 2020 cruises begin from a range of $999 to $4,799 perperson, double occupancy, depending on the itinerary. Taxes, fees and portexpenses are additional.

EXC Programming BringsEuropean Cultures on Board
Throughout the voyages, EXC programming brings the traditions, culinary tastesand cultural experiences of Europe to life onboard. Through EXC Encounters,guests can participate in activities such as learning to braid a Viking cordusing a lucet, a tool dating from Viking times, or reveling at a Germanbierfest with a live "oompah" band.

The EXC Team will provide further customized guidance for the European calls,and online EXC Port Guides provide exclusive handbooks for each destination.For guests who enjoy exploring on their own, printed EXC Port Maps present asimple view of the best each port has to offer. The in-stateroom EXC Channelwill feature a selection of curated films, documentaries and TV shows exploringdestinations on the ship's itinerary.

For more information, contact a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL(1-877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.

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