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9-Day Atlantic Europe: Normandy, Bordeaux & Portugal

9-Day Atlantic Europe: Normandy, Bordeaux & Portugal

About This Cruise

Who Is This Cruise For?

  • Families

    5 kids’ and teens’ clubs on board Rotterdam

  • Couples

    A premium ship with a grown-up, relaxed atmosphere

  • Over 50s

    Holland America Line is a favourite with mature travellers

  • Groups & friends

    Rotterdam is a big resort ship with plenty to do together

Type

Ocean, Premium

Ship

Rotterdam

Departure Date

22 October 2028

Cruise Line

Holland America Line

Duration

9 Nights

Select Your Cabin Type
Select your cabin type
Call Us at (01) 554 1010

Itinerary

Netherlands

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a city that's a long way removed from most people's stereotypical notion of the Netherlands. There are few, if any, canals to be found here nor are there any quaint windmills. There is, however, a thriving modern city which is one of the busiest ports in the entire world.

Belgium

Zeebrugge

In 1895 work began to construct a new seaport and harbour next to the tiny village of Zeebrugge, situated on the North Sea coast. Today the fast-expanding port of Zeebrugge is one of the busiest in Europe and its marina is Belgium’s most important fishing port. Many attempts were made to destroy this important port during both World Wars. Zeebrugge is ideally located for discovering the historic city of Bruges, and delightful seaside resorts with long sandy beaches can be visited by using the trams that run the whole length of the Belgian coast. Please note that no food may be taken ashore in Belgium. We shall not be offering shuttle buses to Bruges, but you may visit the city on an optional excursion: those visiting Bruges should note that there may be quite a long walk from the coach to the town centre.

England

Portsmouth

Portsmouth is one of the most densely populated cities in Southern England, and is unusual as most of its built-up area occupies Portsea Island, linked to the mainland by road and rail bridges. Although there is a Roman fort at nearby Portchester, occupied later by the Saxons and Normans, there was no settlement on the site of Portsmouth at the time of the 1086 Domesday Book. The town developed in medieval times and received its first charter in 1194 from King Richard I; soon afterwards it became a major naval base. It has the world’s oldest dry dock, and is home to several famous ships, including HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and the Mary Rose, raised from the Solent in 1982. Portsmouth remains an important naval base and is home to a large proportion of the British service fleet. The waterfront area is now dominated by the Spinnaker Tower, 560 feet high, the United Kingdom’s tallest building outside London. Other things to see in the city include the house where Charles Dickens was born, and the City Museum, which contains a permanent exhibition devoted to another famous writer, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who lived in the town.

France

Cherbourg

Originally a little fishing village, Cherbourg has developed into a historic port designed by Vauban. This was also a strategic naval port during the Napoleonic wars; there is a marina with over 1000 moorings. “Cap de la Hague” is to the West and the “Pointe de Barfleur” to the East. This port, which belongs to Normandy, is a region that has provided inspiration for countless artists and writers, and is the land of apple orchards and rolling farmland dotted with villages of half-timbered houses. Boasting a wealth of abbeys and châteaux, as well as a superb coastline, it offers something for everyone. Cherbourg was also the first stop of RMS Titanic after it left Southampton, England. On 19 June 1864, the naval engagement between USS Kearsarge and CSS Alabama took place off Cherbourg. The Battle of Cherbourg, fought in June 1944 following the Normandy Invasion, ended with the capture of Cherbourg on June 30.

France

Le Verdon-sur-Mer

Situated on the Garonne River, 70 miles (113 km) inland from the Atlantic, Bordeaux's origin can be traced back to the 3rd century when it was Aquitaine's Roman capital called Burdigala. From 1154 to 1453, the town prospered under the rule of the English, whose fondness for the region's red wines gave impetus to the local wine industry. At various times, Bordeaux even served as the nation's capital: in 1870, at the beginning of World War I, and for two weeks in 1940 before the Vichy government was proclaimed. Bordeaux's neo-classical architecture, wide avenues and well-tended public squares and parks lend the city a certain grandeur. Excellent museums, an imposing cathedral and a much-praised theatre add to the city's attractions. The principal highlights, clustered around the town centre, can easily be explored on foot.

Spain

Bilbao

Time in Bilbao (Bilbo, in Euskera) may be recorded as BG or AG (Before Guggenheim or After Guggenheim). Never has a single monument of art and architecture so radically changed a city. Frank Gehry's stunning museum, Norman Foster's sleek subway system, the Santiago Calatrava glass footbridge and airport, the leafy César Pelli Abandoibarra park and commercial complex next to the Guggenheim, and the Philippe Starck AlhóndigaBilbao cultural center have contributed to an unprecedented cultural revolution in what was once the industry capital of the Basque Country.Greater Bilbao contains almost 1 million inhabitants, nearly half the total population of the Basque Country. Founded in 1300 by Vizcayan noble Diego López de Haro, Bilbao became an industrial center in the mid-19th century, largely because of the abundance of minerals in the surrounding hills. An affluent industrial class grew up here, as did the working class in suburbs that line the Margen Izquierda (Left Bank) of the Nervión estuary.Bilbao's new attractions get more press, but the city's old treasures still quietly line the banks of the rust-color Nervión River. The Casco Viejo (Old Quarter)—also known as Siete Calles (Seven Streets)—is a charming jumble of shops, bars, and restaurants on the river's Right Bank, near the Puente del Arenal bridge. This elegant proto-Bilbao nucleus was carefully restored after devastating floods in 1983. Throughout the Casco Viejo are ancient mansions emblazoned with family coats of arms, wooden doors, and fine ironwork balconies. The most interesting square is the 64-arch Plaza Nueva, where an outdoor market is pitched every Sunday morning.Walking the banks of the Nervión is a satisfying jaunt. After all, this was how—while out on a morning jog—Guggenheim director Thomas Krens first discovered the perfect spot for his project, nearly opposite the right bank's Deusto University. From the Palacio de Euskalduna upstream to the colossal Mercado de la Ribera, parks and green zones line the river. César Pelli's Abandoibarra project fills in the half mile between the Guggenheim and the Euskalduna bridge with a series of parks, the Deusto University library, the Meliá Bilbao Hotel, and a major shopping center.On the left bank, the wide, late-19th-century boulevards of the Ensanche neighborhood, such as Gran Vía (the main shopping artery) and Alameda de Mazarredo, are the city's more formal face. Bilbao's cultural institutions include, along with the Guggenheim, a major museum of fine arts (the Museo de Bellas Artes) and an opera society (Asociación Bilbaína de Amigos de la Ópera, or ABAO) with 7,000 members from Spain and southern France. In addition, epicureans have long ranked Bilbao's culinary offerings among the best in Spain. Don't miss a chance to ride the trolley line, the Euskotram, for a trip along the river from Atxuri Station to Basurto's San Mamés soccer stadium, reverently dubbed "la Catedral del Fútbol" (the Cathedral of Football).

Portugal

Porto

Lively, commercial Oporto is the second largest city in Portugal after Lisbon. Also called Porto for short, the word easily brings to mind the city's most famous product - port wine. Oporto's strategic location on the north bank of the Douro River has accounted for the town's importance since ancient times. The Romans built a fort here where their trading route crossed the Douro, and the Moors brought their own culture to the area. Oporto profited from provisioning crusaders en route to the Holy Land and enjoyed the riches from Portuguese maritime discoveries during the 15th and 16th centuries. Later, port wine trade with Britain compensated for the loss of the spice trade and the end of gold and gem shipments from Brazil. In the 19th century, the city went through a period of new prosperity with the rise of industries. In its wake followed the building of workers' quarters and opulent residences. Since the declaration of Oporto as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the city aims to build up a cultural reference that will provide it with a new image, based on deep historical roots. Among the attractions that make Oporto such an interesting place are its graceful bridges spanning the Douro River, a picturesque riverfront quarter and, most notable, its world-famous port wine lodges. Although Oporto is a bustling centre and home to many different businesses, the source of its greatest fame is the rich, sweet fortified red wine we know as port.

Portugal

Lisbon

Set on seven hills on the banks of the River Tagus, Lisbon has been the capital of Portugal since the 13th century. It is a city famous for its majestic architecture, old wooden trams, Moorish features and more than twenty centuries of history. Following disastrous earthquakes in the 18th century, Lisbon was rebuilt by the Marques de Pombal who created an elegant city with wide boulevards and a great riverfront and square, Praça do Comércio. Today there are distinct modern and ancient sections, combining great shopping with culture and sightseeing in the Old Town, built on the city's terraced hillsides. The distance between the ship and your tour vehicle may vary. This distance is not included in the excursion grades.
Suite

Pinnacle Suite

Our premier 1,290 sq. ft. Pinnacle Suite features floor-to-ceiling glass doors, large private Whirlpool verandahs (on select ships), living, dining, and dressing rooms, and lush sleeping accommodations with luxurious Duxiana® king beds. These elegant suites sleep up to four guests and include a deep soaking tub and an independent, full-size shower stall, dual-sink vanities, and guest toilets. 

  • 1,290 sq. ft.
  • Exclusive access to the Neptune Lounge
  • Personal concierge
  • Priority check-in
  • Complimentary laundry service, pressing, and dry cleaning

Suite

Neptune Spa Suite

Steps from the Spa & Salon, Neptune Spa Suites feature floor-to-ceiling glass doors, spacious private verandahs, expansive sitting areas, separate dressing rooms, and comfortable sleeping accommodations with Mariner’s Dream™ beds, our 465–502 sq. ft. suite sleeps up to 4 guests and boast a deep soaking tub and an independent, full-size shower stall, dual-sink vanities, premium bathrobes, pillow menus, fresh flowers, and binoculars.

  • 465–502 sq. ft.
  • Exclusive use of Neptune Lounge
  • Personal concierge
  • Priority check-in
  • Proximity to the Spa & Salon

Suite

Neptune Suite

With floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private verandah, these spacious suites are flooded with light. They feature a large sitting area and two lower beds convertible to one king-size bed—our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses. The bathroom comes with a dual-sink vanity, full-size whirlpool bath and shower, plus additional shower stall. Amenities include use of the exclusive Neptune Lounge, a private concierge and an array of complimentary services.

Approximately 465-502 sq. ft. including verandah

Suite

Signature Suite

These elegant 393–400 sq. ft. suites feature a sitting area with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private verandah. Signature Suites accommodate up to four guests with two beds that convert to a queen- or king-size bed — our signature Mariner’s Dream™ bed, and a Murphy, Pullman, or sofa bed, depending on configuration.

  • 393–400 sq. ft.
  • Refrigerator
  • Set of binoculars

Suite

Vista Suite

Graced with a private verandah, floor-to-ceiling glass doors, and comfortable sitting areas, our 260–356 sq. ft. Vista Suites are filled with natural light. They include two beds that convert to one queen-size bed — our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush euro-top mattress.

  • 260–356 sq. ft.
  • Refrigerator
  • Set of binoculars

Suite

Aft-View Vista Suite

Graced with a private verandah, floor-to-ceiling glass doors, and comfortable sitting areas, our 260–356 sq. ft. Vista Suites are filled with natural light. They include two beds that convert to one queen-size bed — our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush euro-top mattress.

  • 260–356 sq. ft.
  • Refrigerator
  • Set of binoculars

Balcony

Spa Verandah

Steps from the Spa & Salon, these 228–405 sq. ft. staterooms are filled with light from floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private balcony. Verandah staterooms include a sitting area and two beds that convert to one queen-size bed — our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush euro-top mattress.

Balcony

Aft-View Verandah

Floor-to-ceiling doors lead to your balcony, infusing these coveted 228–405 sq. ft. staterooms with natural light. Enjoy a private verandah overlooking the ocean, a spacious sitting area for unwinding, and our signature Mariner’s Dream™ bed that can convert from one queen to two beds.

Balcony

Verandah

Floor-to-ceiling doors lead to your balcony, infusing these coveted 228–405 sq. ft. staterooms with natural light. Enjoy a private verandah overlooking the ocean, a spacious sitting area for unwinding, and our signature Mariner’s Dream™ bed that can convert from one queen to two beds.

Balcony

Obstructed Verandah

These 228–405 sq. ft. staterooms are filled with light from floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private balcony with a partially obstructed view. Verandah staterooms include a sitting area and two beds that convert to one queen-size bed — our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush euro-top mattress.

Outside

Family Ocean View

These expansive 222–231 sq. ft. Family Ocean View staterooms sleep up to 5 guests with two beds that convert to one queen-size bed — our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush euro-top mattress — plus an additional bed and a sofa bed. They include a sitting area, full bath, and 3/4 bath (additional bath, shower, and sink).

Outside

Spa Ocean View

Steps from the Spa & Salon, these 175–282 sq. ft. staterooms include a sitting area, two beds that convert to one queen-size bed — our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush euro-top mattress — and premium massage showerheads.

Outside

Ocean View

With a view of the ocean through a window or porthole, these expansive staterooms include a sitting area, two beds that convert to one queen-size bed — our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush euro-top mattress — premium massage showerheads, and a host of amenities.

Outside

Single Ocean View

Designed specially for solo travelers, these 127–172 sq. ft. Single Ocean View staterooms include a full-size signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush euro-top mattress and a host of amenities.

Inside

Spa Inside

Steps from the Spa & Salon, our 143–225 sq. ft. Interior staterooms offer exceptional value with two beds that convert to one queen-size bed — our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush euro-top mattress — and premium massage showerheads.

Inside

Inside

Big on comfort, our 143–225 sq. ft. Inside staterooms offer exceptional value with two beds that convert to one queen-size bed — our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush euro-top mattress — premium massage showerheads and a host of amenities. 

french

Sel De Mer

Sel de Mer is an intimate Mediterranean Bistro featuring the flavors of France, Spain and Greece with a focus on fresh fish and authentically prepared recipes.

varies

The Dining Room

Multi-course dining with fresh seafood, global flavors, and flexible options daily, all included in your cruise fare.

casual

Pinnacle Grill

Welcome to Pinnacle Grill, our signature chophouse featuring Wagyu, seafood, regional specialties, sides, wines & desserts.

italian

Canaletto

In Italy, there’s nothing more important than coming together to celebrate the joy of great food. Canaletto's crafted menu is inspired by the simplicity of Italian food and its rich, robust flavors. And at Canaletto, our pasta is made from scratch each and every day. Buon Appetito!

sushi

Tamarind

Savor vibrant Asian flavors at this specialty restaurant on select ships. Additional charge applies.

american

Dive-In

Dive-In offers a variety of casual culinary classics, using the highest quality ingredients. Enjoy a burger, grilled to perfection and served on a toasted brioche with our own trade-marked secret sauce. Savor a succulent Nathan’s Famous gourmet hot dog with golden French fries. Or choose a grilled chicken breast sandwich or juicy portabella mushroom stack. Dive-In is the perfect spot to dine poolside on the best burgers at sea.

italian

New York Pizza

At New York Pizza, choose from a variety of scrumptious, 9-inch, thin-crust pies. Named for New York’s famed five boroughs, our signature pizzas are made to order and topped with only the finest ingredients. Enjoy your pizza by day while overlooking the Lido pool, and into the night.

sushi

Morimoto by Sea Sushi Bar

Watch as expert chefs prepare fresh, à la carte sushi right before your eyes, alongside a curated selection of tempting hot appetizers and entrées to complement your meal perfectly.

varies

24-Hour In-Room Dining

Freshly prepared breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night favorites delivered right to your door.

ice_cream

Gelato

At “G” Gelato, you can indulge your sweet tooth with a classic European gelato (ice cream), made fresh on board each day by chefs trained at the Carpigiani Gelato University. Choose from among 12 delightful flavors, two of which are rotated daily. Smooth, creamy and refreshing, this tasty treat is served in a variety of ways, including gelato popsicles and the flavors of G, composed shots with layers of caramel, nuts and gelato. Love pistachio? Select ingredients like Sicilian pistachios make our pistachio gelato out of this world!

Theatre

World Stage

Bold visuals, dynamic choreography, dazzling costumes, and unforgettable music unite in spectacular shows spanning genres and generations.

Musicians

Rolling Stone Lounge

Celebrate 60 years of chart-topping hits, including rock, pop, and country classics that are sure to keep you dancing and reliving unforgettable musical moments.

Musicians

Crow's Nest Bar

Relax in the Crow's Nest, a panoramic lounge high above the sea. Sip your favorite drink and soak in stunning views.

Casino

Casino Action

Your Holland America Line ship’s Casino offers a wide array of gaming options. Whether you prefer slot machines or want to try your hand at blackjack or poker, our dealers and staff are available to provide complimentary instruction — and we offer many engaging tournament options. The Casino is only open at sea.

Musicians

Billboard Onboard

Join the biggest sing-along at sea, test your music knowledge at themed trivia events, and enjoy “All Request” performances featuring classics, and crowd favorites.

Musicians

Lincoln Centre Stage

In an exclusive partnership with the world’s leading centre for the performing arts, we proudly present Lincoln Centre Stage, showcasing outstanding musicians performing multiple programs of chamber music most evenings, as well as afternoon recitals during leisurely days at sea. 

Spa, Wellness, Salon

Greenhouse Spa & Salon

Spa & Salon Services

From personalized massages and revitalizing facials to holistic wellness rituals, expert salon styling, and Elemis products, our Spa & Salon delivers restorative relaxation at sea.​

Pool

Sea View Pool

An Adults-Only Oasis
Exclusively for guests 18 and older, the Sea View Pool features ambient live music during days at sea and is home to our Signature Pool Experience, featuring cold towels and your favorite drinks delivered right to you.

Gym, Exercise Class

Fitness

Stay Active at Sea

Keeping fit is easy with a fully equipped Fitness Center — cardio, strength equipment, and complimentary wellness classes. Elevate your routine with paid personal training or instructor-led classes.

Sports Court

Pickleball At Sea

Whether you're new to the game or a pro, each Holland America ship offers one or two ocean-view courts, so you can serve, volley, and score while sailing the world.

Kids Programs (Ages 3-6)

A world of supervised fun awaits — arts & crafts, sports, and games — all designed to spark creativity and help kids build real friendships at sea.

Tweens Programs (Ages 7-11)


From arts & crafts and sporting events to video gaming tournaments and movie nights, there's plenty to keep tweens engaged.

Teens Programs (Ages 12-17)

Teens connect through sports, group games, movie nights, and dedicated hangouts, plus exclusive evening events like video game tournaments.

Special Needs

Children with special needs are welcome in Kids Club by age. Some activities may require parental support — please share needs at booking.

Port Day Activities

Kids Club activities are available from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on port days*. Lunch is not offered as part of this service. Children must be registered and signed into and out of programming by a parent or guardian.

*Hours of operation may change to better serve our guests.