Holland America Line's ms Veendam Spends Three Nights at Hamilton on 2016 Bermuda Cruises

Seven-day voyages sail roundtrip from Boston

SEATTLE, July 10, 2015 /CNW/ -- Guests looking to spend a few days immersing themselves in the laid-back lifestyle of Bermuda can embark Holland America Line's ms Veendam for seven-day cruises to the island in May and June 2016. Sailing roundtrip from Boston, Mass., the four departures each feature two half-days, two full days and three nights at Hamilton, the country's capital, known for its pink-sand beaches, pastel architecture and exceptional golf courses.

Carrying just 1,350 guests, Veendam offers an ideal mid-sized, premium cruise experience in Bermuda that enables the vessel to dock at Hamilton, in the center of town. The seven-day voyages spend a day at sea after departing Boston and arrive at Hamilton mid-day, with enough time for guests to go ashore and enjoy the town. The ship then spends three nights, including two full days and another half day, serving as a base from which guests can experience local nightlife and dine ashore, if desired. While in Hamilton, the ship's facilities including lounges, entertainment venues, the casino and gift shops will be open so guests may relax and enjoy the shipboard life as well. Veendam departs Bermuda mid-day on day four at the island, with two nights and a full day at sea before arriving back at Boston.

"Our Bermuda cruises in 2015 have been a huge success, and we're excited to take more guests to the beautiful island in 2016," said Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line's president. "It's rare for cruisers to get to spend three nights in a port, and this itinerary is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of all that Bermuda has to offer — both during the day and evening."

With two full days and two half-days, guests will find multiple ways to experience Hamilton's British-tinged charm, cultural heritage sites and world-renowned beaches on a variety of shore excursions. From the ship, guests can take a short walk to Front Street and explore its array of colorful shops and restaurants. Hamilton also is home to a massive, 19th-century neo-Gothic cathedral and the Georgian-style Sessions House that was built in 1815. Shore tours offered by the ship include island tours, snorkeling or diving among famous shipwrecks along the coastline, cycling to scenic vistas, ocean kayaking, and a 360-degree coastal tour of the island with a stop in St. George's. 

The seven-day Bermuda itinerary can be combined with a seven-day Canada/New England cruise to create a 14-day Bermuda & Canada/New England Collectors' Voyage. The four Collectors' Voyages in May and June start or end at Montreal, Quebec, Canada; and call at Quebec City, Quebec; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Sydney and Halifax, Nova Scotia; Bar Harbor, Maine; Boston; and Hamilton, with cruising in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Cruise fares begin at $799 for the seven-day cruises and $1,449 for the 14-day Bermuda & Canada/New England Collectors' Voyages, all per person, double occupancy.

Visit Holland America Line's website and browse the menu of Bermuda options, contact a travel professional or call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425).

Find Holland America Line on Twitter, Facebook and the Holland America Blog.  Access all social media outlets via the Online Communities quick link on the home page at hollandamerica.com.

About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE:  CCL and CUK)]

Holland America Line's fleet of 15 ships offers more than 500 cruises to 415 ports in 98 countries, territories or dependencies.  One- to 110-day itineraries visit all seven continents and highlights include Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; four annual Grand Voyages; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and the Panama Canal. The line currently has a new 2,650-guest ship, ms Koningsdam, on order for delivery in April 2016 from Fincantieri shipyard, as well as a second Pinnacle Class ship due for delivery in November 2018.

Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, a commitment totaling more than $500 million, that showcase the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine — a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen where more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and classes — Explorations Café powered by The New York Times, Digital Workshop powered by Windows, teens-only activity areas and all-new stateroom amenities highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-top Mariner's Dream Beds.

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SOURCE Holland America Line