By
Alex Smith |
Holland America Line has received approval to restart cruising from Piraeus, Greece, in August with four departures onboard Eurodam.
The ship will sail the ‘Idyllic Greek Isles’ itinerary on 15 and 29 August, calling at Kotor in Montenegro, and the Greek Islands of Kékira, Thíra and Mykonos. She will depart on the ‘Ancient Wonders’ itinerary on 22 August to call at Haifa, Israel, and Náfplion, Mykonos and Rhodes in Greece. Finally, the ‘Adriatic Allure’ itinerary departing on 5 September will sail to Venice, Italy, and Sarandë in Albania, as well as Mykonos, Katakolon and Crete in Greece.
“The Greek Islands have been welcoming Holland America Line ships for many years, and we are proud to work together to welcome the cruise line back this summer,” said Harry Theoharis, minister of tourism for Greece. “We are sure that all visitors to Greece will once again have unique experiences to our beautiful destinations and fully enjoy the rich history, culture and gastronomy of our nation.''
The cruises are available for guests who have received their final dose of an approved Covid-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the beginning of the cruise and have proof of vaccination. Additional preventive health measures under Holland America Line’s “Travel Well” programme will be in place, including health screenings, face mask requirements, physical distancing and capacity controls.
The ships have also received upgraded heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems and ultraviolet technology, while medical centres will be equipped with Covid-19 testing and treatment capabilities.
“Everyone at Holland America Line has been preparing for our return to service, and we are grateful to the government of Greece for allowing us to show that we can safely operate our cruises,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. “The beautiful islands of Greece have been a highlight of our Mediterranean itineraries for decades, and we are honored to be able to restart out of Athens and give our guests a memorable vacation after all this time without cruise travel.”