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Solar Eclipse & Astronomical Discovery

4.0/5 Based on 2 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor
Solar Eclipse & Astronomical Discovery
Solar Eclipse & Astronomical Discovery
Solar Eclipse & Astronomical Discovery
Cephalonia
Cephalonia
Corfu
Corfu
Souda Bay
Souda Bay
Messina
Messina
Cagliari
Cagliari
Valletta
Valletta
Tunis
Tunis
Chania
Chania
Cruising At Sea
Cruising At Sea
La Goulette
La Goulette
Our Price From
US$4,339
Save $75pp
Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
15 Days
 Cruise Starts
Athens
 Cruise Finishes
Athens
15 Day Solar Eclipse & Astronomical Discovery Itinerary (Holland America)
Countries Explored: Greece, Tunisia, Malta, Sardinia, Sicily
Ship
Ship Class
Vista Class
Departures
Passengers
1964
Crew
812
Launched
2003
Refurbished
2018
Cruise Code
E7M14B

Overview

Begin and end your 15 day (14 night) cruise in Athens onboard Oosterdam and enjoy exclusive savings and cruise inclusions with Holland America and Global Journeys.

Cruise Itinerary

Departs: 17:00

Welcome to the ancient city of Athens, the 'Cradle of Western Civilisation'. If your schedule is tight, savor traditional Greek coffee at a café with a view of the city's iconic ruins, soaking in the historic ambiance before your cruise departs. If you've got time to explore the Acropolis stands as a must-see, a UNESCO World Heritage site, adorned with iconic structures like the Parthenon and nearby Temple of Olympian Zeus. The nearby Acropolis Museum showcases stunning artifacts from ancient Greece, providing deeper insight into the city's heritage.

Port:Piraeus

Piraeus is located about 12 km (7.5 miles) from the city center and it takes roughly 20-30 minutes to reach by taxi or train. A taxi ride from the airport to Piraeus port will take approximately 40-60 minutes, depending on the traffic. The taxi fare (indicative only) is around 45 euros in the daytime and 64 euros at night (24:00-05:00).

A day cruising at sea offers you the perfect mix of relaxation and activity. Start your morning on the top-level decks with a game of pickleball, enjoying the fresh sea breeze and expansive ocean views. Or, head to the Greenhouse Spa & Salon® to rejuvenate with a therapeutic spa treatment. The Kids Club will keep younger guests entertained with a variety of fun events and activities, while you can unwind by the pool or enjoy a Pilates class at the Fitness Center.

In the evening, delight in a tantalizing meal at one of the ship's restaurants, and afterward, enjoy a world-class performance at the stunning World Stage, adding a touch of culture to your night. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or both, a day at sea will be full of unforgettable experiences.

Arrives: 7:00 Departs: 12:00
Today, witness a spectacular solar eclipse onboard! Join us on the top deck for a once-in-a-lifetime experience as the moon passes in front of the sun. Equipped with special viewing glasses, enjoy this celestial event and breathtaking views from the ship.

Arrives: 8:00 Departs: 18:00

Discover Tunis, a city rich with cultural and historical experiences. Wander the UNESCO-listed Medina, a maze of alleyways, souks, mausoleums, and palaces, showcasing the city's storied past. Don't miss the Bardo Museum, home to one of the world's greatest collections of Roman mosaics, for a glimpse into ancient artistry.

For a change of pace, explore Sidi Bou Said, a picturesque village with cobbled streets, vibrant courtyards, and iconic blue-and-white architecture, offering serene views over the Mediterranean.

Transport options from La Goulette port to Tunis are plentiful, with services providing efficient and affordable means to explore the capital's treasures. The connection from the port to the city is approximately 20 minutes (14.5km/9 miles).

Port:La Goulette

La Goulette serves as the main cruise port for Tunis, Tunisia's vibrant capital. Ships dock at the La Goulette Cruise Terminal, located about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) from central Tunis. The city can be reached in approximately 20 minutes by taxi or shuttle bus.

Arrives: 12:00

The entire city of Valletta, the capital of Malta, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cited as one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world, it’s a cultural hub for Baroque art, museums, and historic sites. Ships will dock at the cruise port.

Top Things to Do in Valletta:

  • tour the ornate St. John’s Co-Cathedral
  • explore the island of Gozo
  • take in the view at Dingli Cliffs
  • visit the Grand Master's Palace
  • explore Malta’s ancient capital, Mdina
  • stroll along the Valletta waterfront

A day cruising at sea offers you the perfect mix of relaxation and activity. Start your morning on the top-level decks with a game of pickleball, enjoying the fresh sea breeze and expansive ocean views. Or, head to the Greenhouse Spa & Salon® to rejuvenate with a therapeutic spa treatment. The Kids Club will keep younger guests entertained with a variety of fun events and activities, while you can unwind by the pool or enjoy a Pilates class at the Fitness Center.

In the evening, delight in a tantalizing meal at one of the ship's restaurants, and afterward, enjoy a world-class performance at the stunning World Stage, adding a touch of culture to your night. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or both, a day at sea will be full of unforgettable experiences.

Arrives: 8:00 Departs: 17:00

Cagliari, the capital of the island of Sardinia, is situated high upon hills that offer a panoramic view of the Golfo degli Angeli, the Gulf of Angels. Combining Byzantine churches with crumbling Roman ruins and Pisan towers, it’s an elegant, beguiling place to explore. Ships will dock at the Cagliari cruise port in Porto Cervo.

Top Things to Do in Cagliari:

  • take a walking tour through Il Castello
  • hike at Sella del Diavolo
  • relax on Poetto Beach
  • see the flamingo's at Molentargius-Saline Nature Park

Arrives: 8:00 Departs: 17:00

Palermo is a cultural feast, a fascinating combination of East and West, Arab and Norman that is quite unlike any other European city on the Mediterranean. Stacked markets spill out onto souk-like streets, while grand piazzas host elaborate fountains and sculptures, below the watch of baroque church domes.

Top Things to Do in Palermo:

  • take a scenic drive up Mt. Pellegrino
  • visit the Capuchin Catacombs
  • explore the ruins of Segesta
  • wander through the busy Mercato del Capo
  • visit the medieval town of Erice

Arrives: 8:00 Departs: 17:00

Messina is located on the northeastern corner of Sicily and is the panoramic gateway to the island. Sitting on a sickle-shaped harbour and under the gaze of Mt. Etna, the city is a patchwork of churches and antique palaces. Ships will dock at the cruise terminal.

Top Things to Do in Messina:

  • take the scenic drive up Mt. Etna
  • explore Taormina’s medieval streets
  • enjoy a tasting at a local winery
  • admire the Messina Cathedral's bell tower
  • sail along the Strait of Messina
  • eat a Sicilian Cannoli

A day cruising at sea offers you the perfect mix of relaxation and activity. Start your morning on the top-level decks with a game of pickleball, enjoying the fresh sea breeze and expansive ocean views. Or, head to the Greenhouse Spa & Salon® to rejuvenate with a therapeutic spa treatment. The Kids Club will keep younger guests entertained with a variety of fun events and activities, while you can unwind by the pool or enjoy a Pilates class at the Fitness Center.

In the evening, delight in a tantalizing meal at one of the ship's restaurants, and afterward, enjoy a world-class performance at the stunning World Stage, adding a touch of culture to your night. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or both, a day at sea will be full of unforgettable experiences.

Arrives: 8:00 Departs: 17:00

The lush and verdant island of Corfu lies in the Ionian Sea, midway between Greece and Italy. It is an island of sparkling beaches, mountains splashed with wildflowers, and historical, perched fortresses. Ships will dock at the town of Corfu.

Top Things to Do on Corfu:

  • visit the village of Palaiokastritsa
  • marvel at the Achilleion Palace
  • stroll through the UNESCO listed Old Town
  • taste the local liqueur made from kumquats
  • explore the Old Fortress
  • sail the waters of Corfu

Arrives: 7:00 Departs: 16:00

Cephalonia, the largest of Greece's Ionian Islands, offers stunning landscapes and rich history. The island is famous for its crystal-clear waters, particularly at Myrtos Beach, known for its dramatic cliffs and turquoise sea. Visitors can explore the captivating Melissani Cave, where a boat tour reveals a mesmerizing underground lake illuminated by sunlight streaming through a hole in the cave’s roof. History enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the ancient ruins of Sami, a testament to the island's rich past. The island also had its part in the Battle of Greece during World War II, which later inspired Louis de Bernières' novel "Captain Corelli's Mandolin".

Port:Argostoli

The modern and cosmopolitan town of Argostoli, stands on the far end of a natural bay surrounded by mountains and verdant forests. It’s a slower life here, especially since the town had to rebuild itself from the ground up following a 1953 earthquake that devastated the area. Ships will dock or anchor at this port.

Top Things to Do in Argostoli:

  • explore the dramatic Drogarati Cave
  • glide across subterranean Melissani Lake
  • ascend Mount Ainos
  • relax on the famous Myrtos beach
  • taste some local wine at Robola Winery

Arrives: 10:00 Departs: 18:00

Combining a touch of Venetian beauty with Crete’s rugged landscape and dazzling beaches, Chania is an enchanting welcome to this legendary Greek island. Inhabited since the Neolithic era, Chania is a modern city built over the ruins of the ancient city of Kydonia.

Start your day exploring the old town's labyrinthine alleys, filled with charming shops, cafes, and the 16th-century Venetian harbor. Afterward, visit the Archaeological Museum housed in a former Venetian monastery, showcasing artifacts from the Minoan to the Roman periods. For a more relaxed experience, head to the Municipal Market, a bustling hub of local life where you can taste Cretan delicacies, or relax seaside at Nea Chora beach, a short walk from the old town, perfect for a leisurely afternoon by the sea.

Port:Souda Bay

Souda Bay’s huge natural harbour is a spectacular entrance to Greece's largest island, Crete. Packed with beautiful beaches and rich maritime history, Crete is also a treasure trove of well-stocked museums, rich archaeological sites and charming Venetian fishing towns. Ships will dock at the Port of Souda.

Top Things to Do in Souda Bay:

  • admire the Arkadi Monastery
  • stroll through the Old Town of Chania
  • visit a Cretan winery and taste the local wine
  • explore Rethymnon and its Fortezza
  • visit the Agia Tradia Monastery

Arrives: 7:00

If you've got time to explore the rich heritage of Athens, begin at the Acropolis, where the Parthenon offers breathtaking views of the city. Nearby, the Plaka district's narrow streets are filled with charming shops and tavernas, perfect for leisurely exploring. Visit the Ancient Agora to walk in the footsteps of Socrates. For a modern twist, the National Archaeological Museum houses treasures spanning millennia. Wrap up your day with a sunset stroll up Lycabettus Hill, providing panoramic vistas of this timeless city.

Port:Piraeus

Athen's city center is located about 12 km (7.5 miles) from Piraeus and it takes roughly 20-30 minutes to reach by taxi or train. A taxi ride to the airport from Piraeus will take approximately 40-60 minutes, depending on the traffic. The taxi fare (indicative only) is around 45 euros in the daytime and 64 euros at night (24:00-05:00).

Note: Ship ports may not be located in the starting & ending cities listed. Port and transfer details will be provided in your travel documentation. The provided itinerary is for informational purposes only. Activities and sightseeing attractions listed may not be available or achievable within the time in port.

Life Onboard Oosterdam

Oosterdam
Oosterdam

With less than 2000 guests, Noordam offers a lively onboard program, comfortable accommodations and attentive service. Read more

Delicious Onboard Dining
Delicious Onboard Dining

The range of complimentary and specialty dining will delight the senses, prepared with regional flavours and culinary expertise. Read more

Explorations Central
Explorations Central

From expert presentations to cultural performances, culinary demonstrations to local artists, insider knowledge is yours to gain. Read more

Take the Music Walk
Take the Music Walk

Music lovers get into the rhythm of the night as live music swings from the classics to rock, the Memphis blues to the top of the pops. Read more

Family Games Room Fun
Family Games Room Fun

Spend a fun family night unleashing your competitive spirit in the family games room, where you can try to win over your kids! Read more

Refresh, Relax, Rejuvenate
Refresh, Relax, Rejuvenate

Take in the fabulous views from your treatment room in the heavenly onboard spa where you can pamper and indulge your senses. Read more

Oosterdam Reviews (2) Most Recent 'Oosterdam' Reviews

4.0
Average Rating 4.0 / 5
2 Reviews
5 Star
4 Star
100%
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
Mediterranean Tapestry 4 , QLD, Australia, Jun 2024
Excellent Itinerary, each stop was well worth it, some cancellations to ports due to weather and labour strikes occurred, but new ports were added which turned out to be great and so glad we visited them. The Holland America Oosterdam is a smaller ship so whenever tenders were required there was no waiting or long queues as we have experienced on larger read more ships in the past. The cuisine was average/good and the entertainment was limited compared to larger ships, however they were excellent. The rooms were well serviced and the staff excellent. Overall we had a great holiday, very relaxing and stress free. We did back to back cruises and had to change rooms which was stress free, we only had to changed sides on the same floor so we got to experience sunrises and sunsets.
Visited some of the beautiful Port Cities on the Adriatic Sea   4 , VIC, Australia, Aug 2023
Wow, we enjoyed this beautiful cruise visiting some of the exciting cities that we wanted to go for a long time. Also, had the opportunity to do the Greek Island hoping and tasting some of their authentic food prepared by them. The belly dance came free along with the dinner menu. The disappointing part was the HAL Standard has declined. The cruise read more ship appeared to be tired, fine dinning at the main dinning room was extremely poor and the desserts were of bad taste. The after dinner entertainment at the Main Theater was not up to standard. Very cheap entertainment without any class. We had only one good show by a flute recital which we enjoyed on a 19 day cruise. Will we cruise again on HAL, good question, only if the standard of their cruise improves tremendously.

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Holland America Europe (2027) Brochure

Holland America Europe (2027)

With over 150 years of European cruising expertise, Holland America’s 2027 itineraries blend timeless elegance with rich cultural immersion. Explore more than 200 UNESCO sites, experience exclusive HISTORY-curated shore excursions, and enjoy regionally inspired cuisine aboard ships designed for leisurely discovery. From solar eclipses off Tunisia to more fjord-filled journeys through Iceland and Greenland, these thoughtfully crafted cruises reveal Europe’s wonders in unforgettable ways.

Dates & Pricing USD USD

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From $4,339
From $4,574
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Saturday 31 Jul 2027 31 Jul 27 Athens
Saturday 14 Aug 2027 14 Aug 27 Athens
Details
Oosterdam
Book Early & Have It All Fare Option
Exclusive Savings
Inside
US$4,339
Save $75
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Holland America. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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