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New itineraries, maiden calls in Holland America 2012 Europe season

Holland America Line's 2012 summer Europe sailing program offers 44 unique cruise options including four new notable itineraries and five maiden ports of call.

The cruises, ranging from seven to 35 days, offer travellers an opportunity to explore a variety of destinations, from the most sophisticated capitals of the world to hidden gems of the region.

Eurodam is one of seven Holland America ships in Europe in 2012

Seven ships—Eurodam, Maasdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Prinsendam, Rotterdam and Ryndam - will cruise throughout Europe on 103 departures that span from the northern tip of Norway to the Baltic and Black Sea and the Mediterranean.

Says executive vice president Richard Meadows: “Europe continues to be one of the most popular sailing regions in the world due to its history, cultural diversity, scenic beauty, charm and ease of access. Our new itineraries and port calls are sure to intrigue both new and loyal Holland America Line guests.”

The 2012 Europe cruise features maiden calls at Durress, Albania; Fowey, England; and Eidfjord, Kirkenes and Ulvik, Norway, as well as overnight stays to 17 popular cities such as Barcelona, Spain; Hamburg, Germany; Istanbul, Turkey; St. Petersburg, Russia; Stockholm, Sweden; Dublin, Ireland; Mgarr (Victoria), Malta; Reykjavik, Iceland; Amsterdam, Netherlands; Venice, Italy, and Bordeaux, France.

Notable new itineraries

20-Day Portugal, Spain & Canary Islands
Departing April 16 on Ryndam, guests will sail from Rotterdam and end in Dover, visiting tropical ports in the Canary Islands where they can enjoy the warm climate and explore natural attractions such as Mount Teide, the third-largest volcano in the world. The itinerary also includes calls in Spain, Portugal and Morocco. Guests also have the option of sailing for 19-days and making their trip either roundtrip Rotterdam, Netherlands on April 16, or roundtrip Dover, England on April 17.

17-Day Spanish Rhapsody
Those seeking an itinerary with a Spanish flavor can embark on a 17-day sailing aboard the Rotterdam roundtrip from Rotterdam. The cruise departs May 2 and calls at Lisbon, Portugal; Cartagena, Valencia, Barcelona, Ibiza, Almeria and Cadiz (Seville), Spain; Gibraltar, and Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy.

7-Day Norwegian Fjords (Southern & Northern)
Cruisers looking to explore the glaciers and fjords of northern Europe can choose from two seven-day itineraries that sail roundtrip from Dover, Rotterdam or Amsterdam aboard Ryndam, Rotterdam or Eurodam. These shorter adventures offer a spectacular scenic tour and call at popular Norwegian ports from May through September. The 7-Day Southern Norwegian Fjords visits ports such as Oslo, Kristiansand and Stavanger. The 7-Day Northern Norwegian Fjords visits ports such as Bergen, Alesund and Geiranger.

14-Day Venetian Empire
Also new for 2012 is the 14-day “Venetian Empire” voyage aboard the Prinsendam.Guests depart Oct. 17 and sail roundtrip Civitavecchia to some of the most beautiful and untouched ports in the region. In addition to cruising past the still-active Stromboli volcano, the ship will call at Dubrovnik and Split, Croatia; Ravenna, Sorrento, Venice (overnight) and Gallipoli, Italy; Valleta and Mgarr (overnight), Malta, and Sousse, Tunisia.