Holland America's Voyage to the Black Sea
The Black Sea may sound forbidding, but along its northern shores you’ll find the city where Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin met at the end of WWII - Yalta, and the city that Catherine the Great built to rival St. Petersburg – Odessa. Istanbul stands as the gateway to and from this surprising area.
In 2014, this often overlooked area will gain a new distinction when Sochi, Russia hosts the Winter Games. Russia’s largest resort town attracts summer vacationers - ballooning from 338,000 to over 2 million - with its sub-tropical climate, numerous parks, monuments, and dramatic Stalinist architecture. You can get a peek at this up-and-coming destination on Holland America’s 14-night voyage departing September 17, 2012.
Daily Cruise Itinerary and Port Information
Sept. 17 - Depart Barcelona, Spain 5:00 p.m.
If you have time before you board and leave, take in Las Ramblas, Barcleona’s most colorful street. It’s lined with shops, cafes, flower stalls, street performers, and great places to eat.
Sept. 18 – At Sea
Sept. 19 - At Sea
Sept. 20 – Gythion, Greece, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Located along the southern shores of Greece, Gythion or Gytheio is thought to be home of the ancient Spartan fleet. Today, this quiet fishing port has colorful shops and sailboats.
Sept. 21 – Cruising the Dardanelles and Sea of Marmara, Arrive Istanbul 6 p.m.
There is no city on earth quite like Istanbul. Its magnificent history resonates throughout the city that stands as the crossroads between Europe and Asia. Must-see attractions are Haghia Sophia, the world’s finest example of Byzantine architecture; Topkapi Palace, a summer residence during the Byzantium era; The Blue Mosque, built in the 17th century with a dome that is jaw-dropping; and the Grand Bazaar is a dizzying warren of more than 4,000 shops and stalls.
Sept. 22 – Istanbul, depart 11 p.m.
Sept. 23 – At Sea
Sept. 24 - Sochi, Russia, arrive 7 a.m., depart 8 p.m.
Stretching for 90 miles along the Black Sea’s coastline, Sochi and has a humid, subtropical climate with average highs in the winter of 53° and near perfect summers in the 70s. Its reputation as a fashionable resort city was established during Stalin’s reign, and his influence can still be seen. The scenic Caucasus mountains to the east add a backdrop to a city filled with parks, monuments, and beaches.
Sept. 25 – Trabzon, Turkey, arrive 8 a.m., depart 5 p.m.
Sitting on the eastern Black Sea coast, this Turkish town dates back to 1,000 B.C. As an important trade center, several cultures influenced its architecture. The St. Sophia Church, dates back to the 13th century and has functioned as a church, a mosque, a hospital, and even a storage facility. Its now a museum open to the public. The Sumela Monastery tucked into a rocky mountain houses paintings and frescos.
Sept. 26 – Sinop, Turkey, arrive 8 a.m., depart 5 p.m.
Situated on the most northern edge of the Turkish side of the Black Sea coast, Sinop enjoys warm sub-tropical weather in the summer. Sinop flourished as a Greek city and trading port in the 7th century BC and today is a sleepy fishing village.
Sept. 27 – Sevastopol, Ukraine, arrive 6 a.m., depart 4 p.m.
This Crimean metropolis has boulevards, buildings, gardens, and squares, and about 1,800 monuments and memorials dedicated to fallen soldiers and seamen. You’ll find one of Russia’s oldest theaters, Lunacharsky Theatre.
Sept. 28 – Varna, Bulgaria, arrive 8 a.m., depart 5 p.m.
Bulgaria’s third-larges city, Varna is a mix of modern resorts and age-old cultural sites. The old opera theatre, Church of the Holy Virgin and Balchik royal palace are some of the highlights. Out side of the city, you’ll even find Roman ruins from the second and third centuries B.C.
Sept. 29 – Cruising the Bosporus, Sea of Marmaris, and Dardanelles
Sept. 30 – Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey, arrive 7 a.m., depart 5 p.m.
Located on the Aegean coast, Kusadasi’s laid back charm is the gateway to one of the best-preserved ancient archaeological sites on earth, Ephesus, dating back to the 15th century B.C., although most of the ruins are from the Roman Empire. You’ll walk the ancient streets lined with baths, agora, the library, and theater. And portions of the magnificent Temple of Artemis still stand, one of the ancient world’s seven wonders.
Oct. 1 – Piraeus (Athens), Greece. Arrive 6 a.m. and disembark
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ms Prinsendam
ms Prinsendam is Holland America’s smallest ship and perhaps its most beloved by veteran cruisers. Accommodating just 835 passengers, she gives guests the feel of a classic yacht with the spaciousness of a cruise ship. The ms Prinsendam offers many cozy public areas and most of her staterooms feature commanding ocean views- many have private verandahs.
Ship Facts
Entered services: Nove.mer 30, 1988
Guest Capacity/double occupancy: 835
Gross Tonnage: 37,983
Length: 669 feet
Staterooms: 141 verandahs, 854 ocean-view doubles, 25 inside doubles, 67 suites
Crew members: 470
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| Average Temperatures in September |
| Port |
Average High
|
Average Low
|
| Barcelona, Spain |
77° |
62° |
| Istanbul, Turkey |
77° |
59° |
| Sochi, Russia |
75° |
60° |
| Trabzon, Turkey |
75° |
62° |
| Sinop, Turkey |
73° |
63° |
| Varna, Bulgaria |
74° |
57° |
| Kusadasi, Turkey |
73° |
53° |
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