Holland America Line Transatlantic Cruises

Traditionally speaking, transatlantic crossings were for Europeans visiting America or immigrating into the country. The passengers departed from European ports like Southampton and Hamburg to arrive in New York. Nowadays, transatlantic cruises include several more itineraries, and may take passengers from ports like Miami and Ft. Lauderdale to the exciting and chic ports that line the Mediterranean Sea. Holland America offers a handful of exciting transatlantic cruises that do just that, from extensive 55-day itineraries to more laid-back sailings focusing on Spain, the Canary Islands and the Azores. These non-traditional crossings give you time to relax before seeing the beauty of the Mediterranean, and allow for a smooth time zone transition. 

Things to Do on a Transatlantic Cruise with Holland America Line

The bookends of a transatlantic sailing with Holland America offer you an affordable opportunity to experience some exotic locals, like the Canary Islands and the city of Rabat in Morocco.

• Everglades Airboat Tour (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida)
  Set out into the swamps of Florida on an airboat where you’ll encounter alligators and other wild creatures. The tour also includes a visit to the endangered species exhibit where you may get a glimpse of the Florida panther.
   

• Cesar Manrique and Canary Culture (Arrecife, Canary Islands)
  Learn about the island’s most famous artist, Cesar Manrique, at various sites across Arrecife. You’ll visit the Jardin de Cactus where 10,000 cacti grow in a quarry. The cacti are the home for Cochineal beetles which are used to create food coloring. You’ll also visit Manrique’s former home, which is built over a collapsed volcanic passage. Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art and unwind with a glass of Lanzarote wine and local cheese.
   

• The Imperial City of Rabat (Casablanca, Morocco)
  Visit Morocco’s capital where you’ll see the 12th century Hassan Tower and the royal palace. You could spend hours in the markets, known as souks, where local produce and crafts are sold. You can also see the remnants of the Roman town of Sala and on your way back to Casablanca you’ll stop at the huge Hassan II Mosque.
   

• Fado, Folklore and Food (Lisbon, Portugal)
  Enjoy a night of Portugal’s local heritage at a restaurant designed to resemble what a restaurant of the 15th or 18th century might look like. Here you’ll be entertained with Fado, a style of song that started off as the Portuguese version of the blues. You’ll also watch dancers perform to the songs while you enjoy a meal featuring local flavors.
   

• A Special Invitation to Balfour Castle (Kirkwall, Scotland)
  Ferry across the Kirkwall Bay to the Island of Shapinsay where you’ll be guided through the complex of the Balfour Castle, which was home to the prominent Balfour family for years before becoming a hotel. You’ll tour the grounds and have afternoon tea prepared by Jean Baptiste Bady, the 2009 Scottish Chef of the Year. Before returning you’ll stroll through the gardens.
   

• Mysteries of Palermo (Palermo, Sicily, Italy)
  Visit the catacombs of the Capuchin Friars, an inherently spooky spot on this island where 8,000 mummified monks, nobleman and other people are still dressed in their clothes from the 15th century. Then explore the mysteries of the rosary at the Oratory of Santa Cita and the Oratory of the Rosario di San Domenico where you’ll see paintings from acclaimed artists Pietro Novelli and Luca Giordano.