Majestic Mediterranean
April 18 to May 5, 2028
Barcelona to Barcelona

You’ve been asking, so we’re delivering on the Mediterranean voyage of your dreams! Join us for sun soaked historic cities, dramatic coastlines, incredible cuisine, spectacular wines, and dreamy views throughout the Western Mediterranean.

This group voyage is appropriate for:
Solo travelers
Multigenerational families
Travelers celebrating special events
Seniors who enjoy a concierge travel experience
Caregivers and their loved ones who require a heavily supported travel experience
Travelers with Alzheimer’s/Dementia
Mobility device users who desire extra assistance when traveling (ADA accessible excursions featuring wheelchair lifts are limited and are not available in all ports, “Easy” category excursions will require navigating steps into a tour bus with the help of Elite Cruises staff).

Passports valid through November 6, 2028 are required for all travelers on this voyage.

Where we’re taking you.

April 18: Welcome to Barcelona! An Elite Cruises staff member will be waiting at Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) to greet you outside baggage claim and escort you to our pre-cruise group hotel. For a fully supported experience we can arrange for an Elite Cruises staff member to accompany your flight from the US to Europe. Enjoy some light exploring with the Elite Cruises tour guides after arriving and be sure to treat yourself with some Sangria de Cava, a refreshing cocktail made with the local sparkling wine. You are on vacation after all!

April 19: Today we’re exploring the city highlights, such as the old city, or Gothic Quarter, and the iconic Sagrada Familia masterpiece of Gaudi. For lovers of art a stop at the Museu Picasso is a must, or if the weather turns unseasonably warm we can head to one of the beaches the city is famous for which feature wooden walkways right up to the water, making it easy for all travelers to dip their toes in the surf!  
 
April 20: Welcome onboard the Nieuw Amsterdam! We will depart our hotel as a group and transfer to the cruise port where Elite Cruises staff will escort you through the cruise terminal and to your stateroom or suite. You’ll have a chance to relax and freshen up for our first evening onboard where we’ll have a decadent dinner before exploring the entertainment venues onboard our ship.

April 21: Island life is the life for us, especially if that island is beautiful Palma de Mallorca. There’s so much to see on this island and the Easy Palmapanoramic tour gives travelers the highlights, including the Bellver Castle and Mallorca Cathedral, or see the sights with an added Flamenco performance with sangria and tapas tastings on the Panoramic Palma & Passion Showexcursion. 
 
April 22: This sea day is devoted to relaxing after our early adventures in Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca. Independent travelers can enjoy cultural programs Holland America offers or treat themselves to a spa day to relax any muscles sore from traveling. Caregivers can take part in workshops and support circles while their loved ones enjoy activities with the Elite Cruises crew. At night we’ll all enjoy a lovely dinner together and some live music in venues around the ship before our adventures continue in the morning. 
 
April 23: Tunisia has so much to offer lovers of history, from the ruins of the city of Carthage to the bustling old town Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that remains seemingly unchanged from its creation in the 7th century. Take in all the highlights of Tunis on the Panoramic Tunistour or explore ancient ruins on Sidi Bou Said & Carthageexcursion. 
 
April 24: Today we’re visiting one of the most exclusive ports in the Mediterranean: Valletta. Travelers have a chance to see so much of the island on a Malta Scenic Driveor head away from the port to visit the charming village of Marsaxlokk and enjoy a wine tasting on A Taste of Maltaexcursion. No matter what travelers choose to do they can expect incredible historic sites, picturesque sea views, and a full day of fun on this incredible island. 
 
April 25: Benvenuti in Italia! We kick off the Italian leg of our trip in Catania, a dramatic coastal town on the island of Sicily. As the ship pulls into port keep an eye on the city skyline for a glimpse of Mt Etna’s peak hovering in the distance and crowing the magnificent baroque buildings the city is known for. Join Elite Cruises tour guides for a cathedral visit and taste of local Sicilian street food, or let us arrange a private driver for the day to bring you to one of the many local wineries. Whatever you choose to do your day will be filled with history, dramatic views, and incredible things to taste on Italy’s largest island. 
 
April 26: Today we’re docking in Naples, Italy, for a day full of adventure. Discover the twisting streets, packed with history, on a Panoramic Driveor explore the city at your own pace on a Hop On Hop Off bus. For wine aficionados, make sure to try the local wine Lacryma Christi at an Organic Wine Tasting or take an Amalfi Coastal Cruise to explore the small towns built into the cliffs and taste Falanghina, wine made from local grapes, at one of the many local cafes. 
 
April 27: Civitavecchia is a historic port town outside of Rome, giving travelers the opportunity to have a relaxing day by the water or venture into the city for a day of touring. Traveler’s going into Rome can enjoy activities such as a Panoramic Tour with visit to the Vatican and St Peter’s Basilica, or Hop On Hop Off tour which includes a ticket to the iconic Colosseum.  
 
April 28: While Florence is known for being the hub of the Medici, the port city of Livorno is also connected to the family who purchased it in 1421 so they wouldn’t have to rely on Pisa’s harbor. This city boasts Medici-worthy art works such as the Vasari alter piece at Chiesa di Santa Caterina, charming canals in their Little Venice area, and an incredible food scene thanks to their local fishing industry. Travelers who wish to venture inland can partake in excursions such as Tuscan Countryside & Wine Tasting or Leaning Tower of Pisa Views by Trolly.  
 
April 29: We’re tendering right into the heart of charming Portofino! Spend a day exploring this impossibly picturesque seaside town of head to the nearby beach town of Camogli on a Small Group Tour or cruise the coast right to the harbor on a Camogli Cruising excursion. For city sights head into Genoa via boat and coach bus for a day to see the sights of Christopher Columbus’ home town. 
 
April 30: We’re saying goodbye to Italy and Bonjour to France when we arrive in the bustling city of Marseille. Take a quick taxi ride into the city center from port to be immediately immersed in the history and culture of this city or take a Panoramic Tour with a stop to explore the cafes and shops of the old harbor area. Foodies and wine aficionados should head inland though to explore Avignon and visit one of the many area wineries. 
 
May 1: We’ve seen so many extraordinary places already so it’s time to enjoy a hard-earned day at sea. It’s time to sleep in, spend some time on your private verandah, take advantage of free room service, and enjoy a leisurely day after so many days of exploring. Caregivers traveling with us can participate in Elite Cruises programs while their loved ones enjoy Social Club with our staff. 
 
May 2: Gibraltar is known for its iconic rock, a 200 million year old limestone promontory separating the Atlantic from the Mediterranean. It’s easy to catch a glimpse of this rock formation from almost everywhere in the city and on clear days it’s also easy to see the coast of Africa which is only 12 miles away. Discover more about the history and unique geography of this city on a guided tour which stops for an elegant European high tea, or head back out on the water to watch for dolphins which are often seen hunting and playing in these waters. 
 
May 3: One last day at sea gives travelers a chance to relax before we return to Amsterdam. Family caregivers can take advantage of afternoon respite to pack suitcases while their loved ones participate in Social Club with Elite Cruises staff. All travelers can enjoy one last dinner together with a memorable sendoff from Holland America’s culinary team. 
 
May 4: We’re returning to Barcelona for one last day of touring or relaxing before heading home. From the cruise port we’ll transfer to our group hotel and then enjoy one last day in the warm Mediterranean sunshine. 
 
May 5: All travelers will be escorted to the airport by a member of the Elite Cruises staff. Please ask us about accompanied flights if you would like our assistance in the airport and on the flight home.

Group Amenities.

Each traveler on this group voyage will enjoy amenities including:

• All-inclusive onboard package featuring dining, beverages, Wi-Fi, and more. 
  
• Option for personalized shore excursion recommendations beyond the ones mentioned in daily itinerary descriptions above and excursion booking assistance.  
  
• Option for car service from your home to local airport or cruise port. 
  
• Airport meet and greet by Elite Cruises staff and escort to group hotel. 
  
• Pre/post cruise group hotel stay. 
  
• Transfers from hotel to port and back.  
  
• Luggage handling by Elite Cruises staff and Holland America porters. 
  
• Group dinner reservations plus 2 specialty dining experiences. Option for group breakfast and lunch is also available.   
  
• Elite Cruises staff accompaniment throughout travel. Staff is comprised of travel agents, nurses, concierges, activity therapists, and tour guides to ensure every need is met throughout journey.

Elite Support Services

For travelers who require a robust supported experience as well as their families we provide amenities unique to our travel agency including:

• Staff to family ratio of 1:1 so a member of our crew is always available for assistance as needed. Private duty care and personal care can be arranged with advance notice at additional cost. 
  
• Accessible accommodations can be made through our agency. Private accessible transport is also available to/from port. Accessible excursions featuring wheelchair lift are unavailable in some ports on this itinerary.  
  
• Caregiver respite/break time 
  
• Neuroplasticity focused activities curated by our programming director. These activities are tailored to the lifestyle and preferences of any attendees.  
  
• Group accompanied by medical professionals, including RN support 24/7. 
  
• Option for flights accompanied by Elite Cruises staff. 
  
• Shore excursions accompanied by Elite Cruises staff. 
  
• Caregiver workshops and support circles on sea days.
  

Wheelchair accessible and mobility accessible staterooms are available on a first come first serve basis. All cabins on the ship can be retrofitted to be accessible with elevated toilet seats, shower chairs, and detachable shower heads at no additional cost. Arrangements can be made to rent assistive devices such as manual wheelchairs, scooters, power wheelchairs, etc. unless travelers prefer to bring their own from home.

 

Nieuw Amsterdam offers vacation experiences for every traveler.

Enjoy classic European style seamlessly paired with modern amenities to meet the needs of every traveler when you cruise on the Nieuw Amsterdam. Lifelong learners can participate in Port Talks and other informative and history-based programs offered at the World Stage. Music lovers can spend their evenings with acoustic guitarists, string quartets, rock bands, dueling pianos, and more. Foodies will appreciate menus focusing on local, seasonal ingredients reflecting the cuisine of each port alongside classical and comforting choices for the pickiest of eaters. And for those moments of relaxation travelers can enjoy a thoughtfully curated library, myriad of spa services, indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs, variety of art classes and games, and plenty of cozy corners to just enjoy the views.

Call 219-608-2002 to reserve your stateroom today.