24 nights · Greece · Departs Piraeus-Athens (Greece) · Visiting Kotor, Valletta, Messina, Naples, Civitavecchia-Rome, Livorno, Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante, Malaga, Tangier, Fort Lauderdale · Aboard Holland America on the ms Rotterdam
Image courtesy of Holland America ©
| Cruise line | Holland America |
|---|---|
| Ship | ms Rotterdam |
| Duration | 24 nights |
| Port calls | 13 |
| Departures | 1 sailings |
| From fare | $2,454 per person |
| Year built | 2021 |
| Guests | 3218 |
| Cabins | 1340 |
| Crew | 1025 |
| Length | 297 m |
| Beam | 34 m |
| Cruising speed | 24.0 kn |
Piraeus is Athens’ working harbour, not a resort port—and that is its appeal. From here, the capital’s ancient landmarks are within reach, while the waterfront keeps its own busy, distinctly Greek character. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus, then linger over grilled fish in Mikrolimano, a small harbour lined with tavernas. Metro connections make central Athens straightforward. Or stay near the water and watch ferries depart for the islands.
At the head of Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor, the old town sits beneath steep mountains. Enter through the Sea Gate and follow stone lanes to St Tryphon’s Cathedral. Venetian-era walls frame squares, churches, and cafés within a compact UNESCO-listed center. For a broader view, climb toward San Giovanni Fortress; the steps are demanding. Take water and allow time for the ascent, especially in summer heat. From the harbor, the bay’s changing light makes a memorable arrival and departure.
Valletta makes a powerful first impression, its honey-coloured walls rising above Grand Harbour. Founded by the Knights of St John in 1566, Malta’s compact capital rewards exploration on foot. Enter St John’s Co-Cathedral for Caravaggio’s monumental paintings, then follow Republic Street to cafés, palaces and the Upper Barrakka Gardens. From the terraces, watch ferries cross the harbour and look towards the Three Cities. Allow time for steep lanes and quiet side streets.
Messina faces Calabria across the narrow Strait of Messina, with mainland Italy visible from its waterfront. At noon, figures move across the cathedral’s clock tower, a daily spectacle best seen from the square. Nearby, Montorsoli’s 16th-century Fountain of Orion rewards a closer look. Excursions reach Taormina and Mount Etna, but Messina’s compact center also merits an unhurried walk.
Naples puts its history within reach: the port opens onto a compact city framed by Mount Vesuvius and the bay. UNESCO-listed streets lead to churches, palaces and the everyday theatre of southern Italian life. At the National Archaeological Museum, mosaics and objects from Pompeii and Herculaneum bring the Roman world sharply into focus. Stay close for Neapolitan pizza, or use Naples as a springboard to Pompeii, Herculaneum and Capri.
Your ship docks at Civitavecchia, Rome’s seaport, about 50 miles northwest of the capital. Rome’s great monuments are within reach, but the port town rewards a closer look. Walk the waterfront to Forte Michelangelo, a 16th-century fortress begun under Pope Julius II; explore the old streets and market. Prefer a quieter day? The town’s seafront and nearby beaches offer an easy change of pace. Choose Rome for art and antiquity, or Civitavecchia for coastal life beyond the terminal.
Livorno rewards those who look beyond the cruise terminal. Its canals, built in the style of Venice, wind through historic Venezia Nuova. The seafront promenade leads to Terrazza Mascagni, where black-and-white paving frames the sea. At Mercato Centrale, locals shop beneath a vast iron-and-glass roof. Try cacciucco, the city’s rich fish stew. Florence and Pisa are within reach, but Livorno merits time of its own.
Barcelona is a Mediterranean port city built on Roman foundations, with Gothic lanes and striking modernist architecture. La Rambla runs from Plaça de Catalunya towards the waterfront and the old town. Gaudí’s Sagrada Família and Park Güell show the city at its most distinctive. Set aside time for a market lunch and a walk through El Born, where medieval streets meet lively cafés. Barcelona’s beaches offer a welcome pause between visits.
Valencia rewards travellers who look beyond its waterfront. Spain’s third-largest city pairs a handsome old centre with the bold architecture of the City of Arts and Sciences. Visit the Central Market for local produce, then follow the Turia Gardens towards the coast. Paella has deep roots here; seek it in its birthplace, not merely on the menu. With efficient transport and a compact historic core, Valencia is easy to explore at your own pace.
Alicante makes a graceful first impression: its Mediterranean harbour opens onto a lively, walkable city centre. Ride the lift to Santa Bárbara Castle, perched on Mount Benacantil, for sweeping views across rooftops and sea. Below, old-quarter lanes lead to the Basilica of Santa Maria and the Co-Cathedral of Saint Nicholas. Stroll the palm-lined Explanada de España, then try turrón, Alicante’s famed almond-and-honey confection. Beaches, cafés and the Archaeological Museum offer rewarding stops within easy reach of the harbour.
Málaga is more than a gateway to Andalusia; it is a port city with a confident life of its own. In the old centre, the Roman Theatre sits below the Moorish Alcazaba, while the cathedral rises above nearby streets. Visit the Picasso Museum or his birthplace, then try grilled sardines and local wine at a pavement table. The Mediterranean is close: city beaches, Atarazanas Market and palm-lined promenades make lingering easy.
Tangier faces Spain across the Strait of Gibraltar, where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic. Walk its medina’s steep lanes past whitewashed houses and shops selling leather, ceramics, and spices. At the Kasbah, find sea views and the former sultan’s palace, now a museum. Beyond the old walls, cafés and boulevards recall the city’s international past. Visit the American Legation, the first U.S. diplomatic property abroad. Or drive to Cap Spartel, where Atlantic and Mediterranean waters meet.
Port Everglades puts Fort Lauderdale within easy reach of the city’s waterways, beaches and cultural attractions. A short drive brings you to Las Olas Boulevard, where galleries, restaurants and boutiques line a walkable stretch. Visit the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens for a glimpse of old Florida, or head west toward the Everglades. Fort Lauderdale’s broad Atlantic beaches offer an easy counterpoint to the city’s lively dining scene.
Published September 29, 2026
Last updated October 3, 2026
Author: J. Richard
Good to know: Prices are quoted per person based on double occupancy and include all applicable taxes and fees. Availability and prices can change quickly, so please continue through the booking process to confirm the latest availability and pricing before you pay.
We work hard to make sure everything on this website is accurate and up to date. However, some information may be incomplete or inaccurate, including details supplied by third parties or otherwise outside our control, and we cannot be held responsible for such errors. We work with 41 cruise line operators, that are providing cruises on 585 ships visiting 1,731 ports across 7,194 unique cruises, creating 13,822 itineraries. This is a great deal of data to continually update daily from our suppliers. If a pricing error, misrepresentation, or omission occurs, we reserve the right to adjust the pricing, correct the information, or cancel or decline any booking made in error, with notice to you. Thank you for your understanding!
