Holland America Line Begins Summer Bookings From Greece

It pays to be first. Just weeks ago, Greece was way out in front of most of the European Union in opening its borders to foreign—including U.S.—travelers. Now Holland America Line has jump-started Euro-cruising by opening up summer bookings. Carnival Corporation, the parent company of Holland America Line, is based in Miami.

Working in close coordination with the government of Greece, Holland America Line has received approval to restart cruising from Piraeus (Athens) in August with four departures aboard Eurodam.  Bookings for these cruises opened May 6.

“I am excited and we are all motivated that we will sail again, and the light at the end of the tunnel shines bright for our industry,” Rudi Sodamin tells SFBW. The Miami-based culinary expert and cookbook author serves as consultant master chef at Holland America Line.

Departing Aug. 15 and 29, the “Idyllic Greek Isles” itinerary features Kotor, Montenegro, plus the Greek isles of KĂ©kira (Corfu), ThĂ­ra (Santorini) and Mykonos. “Ancient Wonders” departs Aug. 22 to explore Haifa, Israel, as well as Náfplion, Mykonos and Rhodes in Greece. Both options can be combined to form a longer, back-to-back 14-day Collectors’ Voyage.

A seven-day “Adriatic Allure” itinerary departing Sept. 5 will sail from Piraeus to Venice, Italy, with calls at Mykonos, Katakolon (Olympia) and Crete (Chania), Greece, and SarandĂ«, Albania. Additional Mediterranean cruises aboard Eurodam through the fall will be announced in the coming weeks and include ports in Italy and Greece. Eurodam returns to the United States to begin sailing its published Caribbean cruises in mid-November.

“Everyone at Holland America Line has been preparing for our return to service, and we are grateful to the government of Greece for allowing us to show that we can safely operate our cruises,” says Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. “The beautiful islands of Greece have been a highlight of our Mediterranean itineraries for decades, and we are honored to be able to restart out of Athens and give our guests a memorable vacation after all this time without cruise travel.”

“The Greek Islands have been welcoming Holland America Line ships for many years, and we are proud to work together to welcome the cruise line back this summer,” says Harry Theoharis, Minister of Tourism of Greece. “We are sure that all visitors to Greece will once again have unique experiences to our beautiful destinations and fully enjoy the rich history, culture and gastronomy of our nation.”

Photo of Panathenaic Stadium in Athens by Drew Limsky

You May Also Like
Visitor Spending in Greater Fort Lauderdale Continues to Drive Broward Economy

Visit Fort Lauderdale drove him the importance of tourism during National Travel and Tourism Week May 4-10.

Read More
Fort Lauderdale Ranked as 5th-Cheapest U.S. City to Fly Into this Summer

Memorial Day and July 4th flight prices to the 954 are down, with average airfare prices down 7% overall.

Read More
Bring your attendees and your wish list: Visit Lauderdale will take your meeting to the next level.

The newly expanded Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center is expected to open in late 2025

Read More
SIXT Branches Out With a New Location in the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

The move is part of a broader partnership between SIXT, Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming.

Read More
Other Posts
How Trump’s Canada Plans are Affecting Tourism and Business in South Florida

Fewer Canadian tourists are coming to South Florida due to President Trump’s tariffs, possible travel registration and even talk of annexing the country as the 51st state. The issues are

Read More
W Fort Lauderdale Names New GM

With 18 years in hospitality, Cody Bertone has built his career across Florida and Louisiana.

Read More
Unwind Along the Paradise Coast at LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort

It is one of only a few luxury properties on the beach in the area.

Read More
The Breakers Palm Beach Emerges From Full-Scale Renovation

Pinehurst, N.C. touts itself as the “Home of American Golf,’’ thanks in part to Donald Ross and his masterpiece, Pinehurst No. 2. But before there was Ross, there was Alexander Findlay.

Read More
The Breakers