Holland America Line Ocean Cruises: 45 nights from Cape Town with Zuiderdam
25 Mar 2025

Cape Town

In the heart of South Africa's breathtaking landscapes, there is a city shrouded in mystical aura and historical mysteries, and it’s Cape Town. This is a place where the grandeur of mountain peaks, endless beaches, and the turbulent ocean waters converge, create beauty and magic. Cape Town is graced by its iconic symbol – Table Mountain, which towers over the city like a guardian of ancient secrets and legends. Visitors can ascend this natural wonder to enjoy stunning views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean coastline.

Cape Town is also renowned for its cultural diversity. It attracts artists, musicians, and writers from all parts of the world, inspiring them with its unique atmosphere. The streets of Cape Town are vibrant with local markets, street art, and cafes offering dishes from various parts of Africa and the world. An interesting fact about Cape Town is its unique geography. The city is located at the southernmost tip of the continent, where the Table Bay is one of the largest and deepest natural harbors in the world. This makes it an ideal departure point for cruises along the Atlantic Ocean.

Cruises from Cape Town offer exciting journeys along the shores of South Africa, including stops at historic sites like Robben Island, where political prisoners of the apartheid era, including Nelson Mandela, were imprisoned. If you're interested in the underwater world, you can visit the largest aquarium in the Southern Hemisphere. For photography enthusiasts, we recommend the Bo-Kaap district, where houses are painted in vibrant colors.

Cruises from Cape Town also provide the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of South Africa's Western Cape, encountering wildlife and national parks, majestic waterfalls and endless beaches along the way. Cape Town not only impresses with its beauty and cultural heritage but also serves as the perfect starting point for thrilling cruise adventures, allowing guests to discover all the grandeur and diversity of this remarkable part of Africa.

Walvis Bay

Praia

Praia is the capital of the Republic of Cape Verde, located on the island of Santiago, the largest of the archipelago, west of Senegal. The country is divided into charming little unofficial districts, the most important are Plateau (centre), Achada, Varzea, Safende and Sucupira (bazaar area). At the Sucupira market, you can buy exotic souvenirs, such as Panu or Babosa land, as well as a variety of handicrafts. Its great strength is the port, which, in addition to its development and the fishing industry, allows the export of coffee, sugar cane and tropical fruit. Thanks to its pleasent climate, It is possible to visit the city all year round. Even during the so-called rainy season (from mid-August to mid-October), it can happen that there is no rainfall for weeks. Thanks to ocean currents, Cape Verde has the lowest temperatures of all West African countries. Cape Verdeans are very fond of music, especially zouk, Funana and local HipHop. They are able to dance energetically throughout the night and one can easily join in. The city has several colonial-era buildings. The main attractions in the city center include Albuquerque Square, the old town hall built in 1920, the presidential palace, built at the end of the 19th century, the Monument of Diogo Gomes, the Portuguese navigator who discovered the island of Santiago in 1460. Apart from those mentioned, its beautiful beaches and good nightlife make this place an idyllic destination.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the capital of Tenerife, is located in the north-east of the island. Its pleasent climate and commercial areas make the city the perfect place for walking and enjoying long hours of relaxation. There are lots of things to visit in the city such as its avenues, parks and Henry Moore's most famous sculptures, hidden treasures and historic buildings such as the Church of the Conception or the Carta Palace.

Do not miss the opportunity to taste local cuisine. Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a beautiful port located in Tenerife, the largest of the western islands of the Canary Islands archipelago. In the area around the port, there are wide avenues, squares, exotic green areas and some examples of modern architecture. At the heart of the city, near the sea, there is Plaza de España, built in the mid-20th century and once the site of the San Cristobal Castle (16th century).

The oldest part of the city is rich in religious monuments. The construction of the Church of San Francisco, one of the best examples of the Baroque style, began in the 17th century. The Church of Pilar, dated back to the 18th century, stands on the remains of an ancient temple. The city has also some green areas filled with exotic tree species. The Garcia Sanabria Park houses an important outdoor Sculpture Museum.

Another not to be missed place is the Maritime Park, a recreational area designed by architect César Manrique and located in the old Canary Islands commercial basin. Also known as the Black Castle, this circular defensive bastion was built in the first half of the 17th century with volcanic stones. From a naturalistic point of view, Tenerife is an island of contrasting landscapes. The wide beaches of fine sand in the south of the island give way to lush vegetation in the north.

Every year, the outfits of the island's capital prepare to host Carnival, declared International Tourist Interest and one of the most spectacular in Spain. Its privileged location makes it possible to enjoy beautiful beaches such as Las Teresitas, get to know the city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or visit Teide National Park, the symbol of the island.

Arrecife

Gibraltar

Cartagena

Carthage is a city with more than 2000 years of history. It was founded by the Carthaginian General Asdrubale in the years 227 B.C. and today is one of the most visited touristic cities in Spain.

If you visit its beautiful city center and monuments, you will immerse yourself in this unique atmosphere. The port of Cartagena, on the Mediterranean Costa Cálida, has been valued since the time of the Carthaginians. Thank to its strategic location along the Murcia coast, the city has been a meltingpot of different cultures and traces of their artistic heritage are still visible. Cartagena offers its visitors many activities, both cultural and leisure. Don't miss the ancient Roman theater with its thousand-year history and a huge site of archaeological excavations. You can also go trekking and diving, enjoy the excellent local cuisine, and visit churches and important museums. A holiday aboard a cruise offers the opportunity to visit this beautiful city and partecipate in one of these unique activities.

Carthage offers the tourists many activities, both cultural and for leisure. You cannot miss out the old Roman theatre with its thousand-year-old history and a huge archeological site. It is possible to practice trekking and immersions, taste excellent food of the local cuisine and visit Churchse and important Museums.

 

Valletta

Malta is one the smallest States in the Mediterranean. Few European countries have such a concentration of history, architecture and, beautiful beaches in such a small area. Malta is one of the most concentrated areas of historical interest anywhere in the world, for this reason it was called La Valletta when Unesco awarded it the title of World Heritage Site. The city is therefore the ideal city for art lovers and it is renowned for its massive fortifications and architectural excellence.

Alexandria

Kusadasi

Athens

Many still think of Athens as an ancient city that thrived two and a half thousand years ago. Its symbol is the mighty Acropolis, which dominates almost every view and the itinerary of every visitor, and it is crowned by the iconic Parthenon, which rises above the city, overlooking the sprawling and evolving modern metropolis.

Many still think of Athens as an ancient city that thrived two and a half thousand years ago. Its symbol is the mighty Acropolis, which dominates almost every view and the itinerary of every visitor, and it is crowned by the iconic Parthenon, which rises above the city, overlooking the sprawling and evolving modern metropolis.

Perhaps the most significant change is in the historical centre, which is almost unrecognisable since cars have been banned. This has liberated the area with the most significant archaeological sites, creating the longest, and undoubtedly one of the most splendid, pedestrianised zones in Europe. This huge archaeological park has brought past and present together, returning the cultural and social life of the city to the area around the ancient monuments and surrounding neighbourhoods.

Athens remains a city of contradictions; it is both frustrating and seductive. It is the oldest city in Europe, yet still in a state of transition. It is one of the safest and most vibrant European cities - an intoxicating mix of grunge and grace with an undeniably urban soul.

Naples

Set sail from Naples for a holiday in Mediterranean with a cruise from Naples. The port of Naples offers cruises that depart from April to November at extremely convenient prices. Discover all the itineraries and companies sailing from Naples.
A jewel set between a dormant volcano and the steaming Campi Flegrei, Naples is an eclectic metropolitan city, always active and full of contradictions. The romantic Naples, distant two hours in the south of Rome, is one of the largest and most beautiful art cities in the Mediterranean. In addition to its beautiful scenery, the city owes its well-deserved fame to the beautiful historic centre, which was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1995.
Naples is rich in monuments and squares, for example the large and famous Piazza del Plebiscito. Do not miss the residential district of Posillipo or the characteristic small streets of the historic center. Naples is an ideal starting point for many excursions to discover Amalfi coast: visit Sorrento, Capri and Ischia, and you will be faschinated by the beauty of these lands! If you are history and archaeology lover you should visit Pompeii and Herculaneum, two great archaeological sites of worldwide importance preserved thanks to the ancient and devastating eruption of Vesuvius, the volcano on whose slopes the city of Campania was founded.

Not to be missed is a visit to the Reggia di Caserta, just a few kilometres away from Naples, where you will find yourself immersed in a magical atmosphere full of luxury, opulence and wealth. Handicrafts typical of the city are nativity scenes, which are very important all year round. The main street full of specialised workshops is Via San Gregorio Armeno, which can be reached by walking along the famous Spaccanapoli to an open space full of characteristic nativity scenes.

Before embarking on a cruise from Naples, soak up the city atmosphere without missing the Porta Nolana Market, where you will find fresh fish, seasonal fruit and vegetables, as well as all kinds of clothing, bags and furnishings. For art lovers there is the Capodimonte Museum and the unmissable Cloister of Santa Chiara, while for the more daring we recommend a visit to the Catacombs of San Gennaro and Underground Naples, a parallel city carved out of the tuff and full of mystery.

Civitavecchia

The port town of Civitavecchia is about an hour away from the Italian capital and is where ships will dock before bringing lucky holidaymakers into the city of Rome. It is an important port for cruise ships and ferries, connecting to Corsica, Sardinia and Barcelona. Civitavecchia is a town in the heart of Lazio. It is a small, sleepy town that overlooks the sea from behind the busy and chaotic commercial port.

Spreading out along the coast, the town is situated between the Mignon river to the north and the Marangone river to the south.
Civitavecchia is a port town in the heart of Italy, in the province of Rome, 80 kilometres northwest of the capital.

It is shrouded in art and history, and is rich in bays and coves with sandy and rocky beaches. Today the town is the departure point for many cruises and journeys around the Mediterranean. It is an excellent tourist destination where you can simply enjoy 'la dolce vita' or visit the amazing historical monuments. On a level with the majestic ancient capital, in terms of its monuments, gardens, villas and works of art, it also gives you easy access to the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Terme della Ficoncella, and the Etruscan ruins.

Civitavecchia will guarantee you an original and enchanting experience.

Olbia

Olbia is a municipality in the province of Sassari and it is one of Sardinia's main cities in terms of industrial and economic development. The city is a very important tourist resort: many tourists choose Olbia as a destination for their summer holidays, thanks to its dreamy beaches and resorts such as Porto Rotondo and Portisco. In Olbia, you can visit the Romanesque-style church of San Simplicio and the Baroque-style church of San Paolo.

Olbia offers some of the most beautiful beaches of the island, for example Cugnana and Rena Bianca, where the crystal-clear water and white beaches make them one of the most sought after destinations in the summer.

The city has a port important both for cruise passengers and ferry boat ones: for this reason is linked to the ports of Civitavecchia, Genoa, Livorno and Piombino.

Olbia offers a cozy atmosphere and in the summer it fills up of young peoploe strolling around the streets or drinking with friends in many clubs in the center of the city. In the center of the city, live music or markets that offer typical products or handmade objects can be easily found.

Barcelona

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is a jewel enclosed between sea and mountains, an en plein air museum to be discovered. Catalonia is an autonomous region whose indipendence has long been a subject of debate and is still a topic that divides opinion in the country. The region has its own language, culture and history, most visible in its Roman ruins, Gothic cathedral and modernist buildings. The city of Barcelona is the emblem of this unique culture. Barcelona is the most cosmopolitan city in Spain and one of the most busiest port in the Mediterranean. In summer, the beautiful beaches of this city are a magnet for beach lovers. Beautiful beaches are not the only the reason why Barcelon is one of the most loved destionations for tourists. 

The city is a symbol of the the artistic, culinary and cultural avant-garde: visit the Sagrada Familia and the other visionary architectural works of Antoni Gaudi, La Pedrera, Casa Batlllò or Park Guell. For sports lovers, a visit to Camp Nou is not to be missed, while for art lovers here is the Picasso Museum, the Caixa Forum, the MNAC or the Miró Museum. If you want to taste the local cuisine, restaurants and bars are the right choice. They are always crowded as the sea in summer. An holiday aboard a cruise offers the opportunity to visit this beautiful city and immerse yourself in this unique atmosphere.

Barcelona

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is a jewel enclosed between sea and mountains, an en plein air museum to be discovered. Catalonia is an autonomous region whose indipendence has long been a subject of debate and is still a topic that divides opinion in the country. The region has its own language, culture and history, most visible in its Roman ruins, Gothic cathedral and modernist buildings. The city of Barcelona is the emblem of this unique culture. Barcelona is the most cosmopolitan city in Spain and one of the most busiest port in the Mediterranean. In summer, the beautiful beaches of this city are a magnet for beach lovers. Beautiful beaches are not the only the reason why Barcelon is one of the most loved destionations for tourists. 

The city is a symbol of the the artistic, culinary and cultural avant-garde: visit the Sagrada Familia and the other visionary architectural works of Antoni Gaudi, La Pedrera, Casa Batlllò or Park Guell. For sports lovers, a visit to Camp Nou is not to be missed, while for art lovers here is the Picasso Museum, the Caixa Forum, the MNAC or the Miró Museum. If you want to taste the local cuisine, restaurants and bars are the right choice. They are always crowded as the sea in summer. An holiday aboard a cruise offers the opportunity to visit this beautiful city and immerse yourself in this unique atmosphere.

Alicante

Alicante, located along the Mediterranean coast, is a beautiful city renowned worldwide for its very long fine sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. Sun, beaches and sand are the main reason why a large number of people visit Alicante. An holiday in Alicante offers the opportunity to visit beautiful beaches and a large number of sites related to the history and culture of Spain. Different civilazations have passed through these lands, leaving their marks that can be seen in all the corners of this emblematic city. 

Not only does this beautiful city offer access to beautiful beaches, but it also offers a wide range of cultural activities, with its museums, festivals, and natural areas, especially the island of Tabarca, a Mediterranean Marine Reserve for the excellent quality of marine flora and fauna. Even though tourism is the most developed economic sector, the city has also developed a special interest in industry and commerce. An holiday aboard a cruise offers the opportunity to visit this beautiful city and partecipate in one of these unique activities.

Lisbon

Perched on steep slopes overlooking the Rio Tejo, Lisbon offers all the pleasures one would expect from Portugal's main attraction. The capital of Portugal, Lisbon (Lisboa in Portuguese) has experienced a great development in recent years, with a thriving contemporary culture. Perched on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, Lisbon is one of the rare European cities that faces the ocean and uses water as a defining element of the city. Lisbon enchants travellers with its white limestone buildings, intimate alleys and an old-world charm that makes it a popular year-round destination.

Tanger

San Juan

San Juan is a wonderful city, which is located on the shores of the Caribbean Sea. It’s the capital of Puerto Rico. This vibrant city is brimming with cultural and historical richness and gorgeous landscapes, making it one of the most captivating tourist destinations in the region.

One of the main attractions of San Juan is its historic center, Viejo San Juan, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can find narrow cobblestone streets, colorful Spanish colonial houses, fortress walls and numerous historical monuments, including the San Felipe del Morro Fortress and the San Cristobal Fortress. San Juan is also renowned for its beautiful beaches, such as Isla Verde and Condado. These beach resorts offer a variety of water activities, from surfing to diving. The city hosts numerous music and art festivals, exhibitions, and performances.

The culinary heritage of the city is equally impressive, offering a variety of Puerto Rican and Latin American dishes that will delight any food lovers. San Juan is a city that uniquely blends history, culture, nature and entertainment.

You will have an unforgettable experience brimming with bright memories and inspiration for new adventures. Cruises from San Juan offer a unique way to explore the Caribbean. You will definitely enjoy the beauty of the islands in this region. Puerto Rico is one of the key ports for cruise liners in the Caribbean Sea, making San Juan a popular departure point for many cruise journeys.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is in Florida, USA. It is one of the main ports for the cruise market and it is a holiday resort for many tourists coming from anywhere in the States and from other Countries in the world.

 

The majority of the cruises to the Caribbean leave from Ft. Lauderdale, due to its strategic position. The city is the ideal destination for the beach life enthusiasts: you can’t miss out Hollywood Beach, near the city centre and lively beach. If you are shopping lovers, you’re in the right place. You can find plenty of shops in malls or in the city centre, that also offers many bars and clubs where you can enjoy the best night life. Visit the Flamingo Gardens, 60 acres of fields where you can observe flamingos and alligators enjoying a lush and verdant flora. Explore all the species of animals and plants during an unforgettable safari. Ft. Lauderdale is a comfortable and relaxing place and the best place where you can spend a few days before your cruise. Here you can find cruises with the best companies such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America, Princess Cruises and many more.