MS Nieuw Statendam
October 18, 2025

Piraeus (Athens), Greece, offers docking at Piraeus Port with excursions to Athens. Travelers explore Acropolis and Parthenon. Excursions visit Cape Sounion. Local markets sell souvlaki. The peak season, April to October, brings warm weather for city tours. Photography captures ancient ruins and Aegean vistas. Dining onboard includes moussaka, a Greek favorite. Souvenirs, like olive oil, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Hellenic history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance historic walks. Piraeus’ cultural gateway offers a vibrant Greek stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of iconic landmarks and scenic coasts, making Piraeus an engaging destination for exploration.

Valletta, Malta, offers docking at Valletta Port. Travelers explore St. John’s Co-Cathedral and Upper Barrakka Gardens. Excursions visit Mdina’s medieval walls. Local markets sell pastizzi. The peak season, April to October, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Baroque architecture and Mediterranean vistas. Dining onboard includes rabbit stew, a Maltese favorite. Souvenirs, like lace crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Knights of Malta history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance historic walks. Valletta’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Maltese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of UNESCO landmarks and scenic harbors, making Valletta an engaging destination.

Tunis, Tunisia, offers docking at La Goulette Port. Travelers explore Carthage Ruins and Medina of Tunis. Excursions visit Sidi Bou Said’s blue streets. Local markets sell brik. The peak season, April to October, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures ancient ruins and Mediterranean vistas. Dining onboard includes couscous, a Tunisian favorite. Souvenirs, like ceramic crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Phoenician history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance medina walks. Tunis’ historic charm offers a vibrant Tunisian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of UNESCO sites and cultural markets, making Tunis an engaging destination for exploration.

Palermo, Sicily, offers docking at Palermo Port. Travelers explore Palermo Cathedral and Norman Palace. Excursions visit Monreale’s mosaics. Local markets sell arancini. The peak season, April to October, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Arab-Norman architecture and Tyrrhenian vistas. Dining onboard includes caponata, a Sicilian favorite. Souvenirs, like ceramic crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Norman history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance historic walks. Palermo’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Italian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic landmarks and scenic coasts, making Palermo an engaging destination for exploring Sicily’s capital.

Messina, Sicily, offers docking at Messina Port. Travelers explore Messina Cathedral and Taormina’s Greek Theatre. Excursions visit Mount Etna. Local markets sell arancini. The peak season, April to October, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures volcanic landscapes and Tyrrhenian vistas. Dining onboard includes pasta alla norma, a Sicilian favorite. Souvenirs, like ceramic crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Norman history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while sturdy shoes enhance volcano hikes. Messina’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Italian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic landmarks and scenic volcanoes, making Messina an engaging destination for exploration.

Mykonos, Greece, offers docking at Mykonos Port. Travelers explore Little Venice and Mykonos Windmills. Excursions include Delos Island ruins. Local markets sell loukoumades. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures whitewashed streets and Aegean vistas. Dining onboard includes souvlaki, a Greek favorite. Souvenirs, like ceramic crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Cycladic history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance island walks. Mykonos’ picturesque charm offers a vibrant Greek stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic ruins and scenic beaches, making Mykonos an engaging destination for exploring Greece’s Cyclades.

Marmaris, Turkey, provides docking at Marmaris Port. Travelers explore the medieval Marmaris Castle and vibrant bazaars. Excursions visit Dalyan’s rock tombs and turtle beaches. Local markets sell Turkish delight. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Aegean vistas and Ottoman architecture. Dining onboard includes köfte, a Turkish favorite. Souvenirs, like evil eye charms, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Lycian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance castle and market walks. Marmaris’ scenic harbor and historic charm offer a vibrant Turkish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a blend of ancient sites, bustling markets, and coastal beauty, making Marmaris a compelling destination for exploring Turkey’s Aegean coast and its rich cultural heritage.

Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey, offers docking at Kusadasi Port with excursions to Ephesus. Travelers explore Ephesus ruins and Artemis Temple. Excursions visit Virgin Mary’s House. Local markets sell baklava. The peak season, April to October, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures ancient ruins and Aegean vistas. Dining onboard includes kebabs, a Turkish favorite. Souvenirs, like carpet crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Hellenistic history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance ruin walks. Kusadasi’s historic charm offers a vibrant Turkish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of archaeological sites and scenic coasts, making Kusadasi an engaging destination.

Rhodes, Greece, offers docking at Rhodes Port. Travelers explore Medieval City and Lindos Acropolis. Excursions include snorkeling at Kallithea Springs. Local markets sell souvlaki. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Knights’ Street and Aegean vistas. Dining onboard includes moussaka, a Greek favorite. Souvenirs, like ceramic crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Dodecanese history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance historic walks. Rhodes’ cultural charm offers a vibrant Greek stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of UNESCO landmarks and scenic beaches, making Rhodes an engaging destination for exploration.

Returning to Rhodes — see Day 11 above for port info.

Santorini, Greece, offers docking at Fira Port with tenders to shore. Travelers explore Oia’s blue-domed churches and Thera ruins. Excursions include sailing to Nea Kameni. Local markets sell fava beans. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for island tours. Photography captures caldera views and Aegean vistas. Dining onboard includes moussaka, a Greek favorite. Souvenirs, like volcanic crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Minoan history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while sturdy shoes enhance cliff walks. Santorini’s iconic charm offers a vibrant Greek stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of stunning views and ancient ruins, making Santorini an engaging destination.

Souda (Chania), Crete, offers docking at Souda Port. Travelers explore Chania’s Venetian Harbor and Samaria Gorge. Excursions include Elafonisi Beach. Local markets sell dakos. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures old town alleys and Aegean vistas. Dining onboard includes moussaka, a Greek favorite. Souvenirs, like olive oil, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Minoan history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while sturdy shoes enhance gorge hikes. Souda’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Greek stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic harbors and scenic beaches, making Souda an engaging destination.

Returning to Piraeus (Athens) — see Day 1 above for port info.

Corfu, Greece, offers docking at Corfu Port. Travelers explore Old Fortress and Achilleion Palace. Excursions include Paleokastritsa’s beaches. Local markets sell kumquat liqueur. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Venetian architecture and Ionian vistas. Dining onboard includes pastitsada, a Corfiot favorite. Souvenirs, like olive oil, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Ionian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while water shoes enhance beach exploration. Corfu’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Greek stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic fortresses and scenic beaches, making Corfu an engaging destination for exploring Greece’s Ionian Islands.

Kotor, Montenegro, offers docking at Kotor Port. Travelers explore Old Town walls and St. Tryphon Cathedral. Excursions include hiking Lovćen National Park. Local markets sell njeguški pršut. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures medieval alleys and Adriatic vistas. Dining onboard includes cicvara, a Montenegrin favorite. Souvenirs, like olive wood crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Illyrian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while sturdy shoes enhance fortress hikes. Kotor’s historic charm offers a vibrant Montenegrin stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of UNESCO landmarks and scenic bays, making Kotor an engaging destination.

Split, Croatia, offers docking at Split Port. Travelers explore Diocletian’s Palace and Marjan Hill. Excursions visit Trogir’s historic center. Local markets sell soparnik. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Roman ruins and Adriatic vistas. Dining onboard includes pašticada, a Croatian favorite. Souvenirs, like lavender crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Dalmatian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance palace walks. Split’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Croatian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of UNESCO landmarks and scenic hills, making Split an engaging destination for exploring Croatia’s Adriatic coast.

Trieste, Italy, offers docking at Trieste Port. Travelers explore Piazza Unità d’Italia and Miramare Castle. Excursions visit Postojna Cave in Slovenia. Local markets sell gnocchi. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Habsburg architecture and Adriatic vistas. Dining onboard includes jota, a Triestine favorite. Souvenirs, like glass crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Austro-Hungarian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Trieste’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Italian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic plazas and scenic coasts, making Trieste an engaging destination for exploring Italy’s Adriatic hub.

Koper, Slovenia, has docking at Koper Port. Travelers explore Tito Square and Praetorian Palace. Excursions visit Postojna Cave’s karst formations. Local markets sell truffles. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather. Photography captures Venetian architecture and Adriatic views. Dining onboard includes jota, a Slovenian stew. Souvenirs, like olive oil, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Slovenian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate. Comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Koper’s coastal charm offers a serene Slovenian stop, blending Venetian heritage with scenic beauty.

Dubrovnik, Croatia, offers docking at Gruž Port. Travelers explore Old Town walls and Lokrum Island. Excursions include kayaking along Adriatic shores. Local markets sell travarica. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures medieval ramparts and Adriatic vistas. Dining onboard includes pašticada, a Croatian favorite. Souvenirs, like lace crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Dalmatian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while sturdy shoes enhance wall walks. Dubrovnik’s historic charm offers a vibrant Croatian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of UNESCO landmarks and scenic coasts, making Dubrovnik an engaging destination for exploration.

Sarande, Albania, offers docking at Sarande Port. Travelers explore Butrint’s UNESCO ruins and Blue Eye Spring. Excursions visit Gjirokaster’s old town. Local markets sell byrek. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures ancient theaters and Ionian vistas. Dining onboard includes tave kosi, an Albanian favorite. Souvenirs, like filigree crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Illyrian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance ruin walks. Sarande’s historic charm offers a vibrant Albanian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of archaeological sites and coastal beauty, making Sarande an engaging destination for exploration.

Argostoli, Kefalonia, Greece, offers docking at Argostoli Port. Travelers explore Melissani Cave and Myrtos Beach. Excursions include wine-tasting at Robola vineyards. Local markets sell baklava. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures turquoise caves and Ionian vistas. Dining onboard includes kleftiko, a Greek favorite. Souvenirs, like olive oil, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Ionian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while water shoes enhance beach exploration. Argostoli’s coastal charm offers a vibrant Greek stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of natural wonders and scenic beaches, making Argostoli an engaging destination for exploration.

The Strait of Messina, with no docking, sees ships sailing between Sicily and mainland Italy. Travelers observe swordfish leaping in narrow waters. Lectures onboard cover Greek mythology like Scylla and Charybdis. No facilities exist; provisions are ship-based. The peak season, May to September, faces strong currents. Photography captures Messina’s cliffs. Dining onboard includes arancini. Souvenirs, such as ceramic tiles, are sold in ship shops. Briefings discuss navigational challenges. Binoculars enhance coastal views. Light clothing suits the warm Mediterranean climate. The strait’s dramatic passage offers a scenic Mediterranean crossing.

Stromboli Volcano in Italy’s Aeolian Islands has no docking; ships anchor offshore with zodiacs to view active eruptions. Travelers observe glowing lava flows at night along Sciara del Fuoco. Lectures onboard cover the volcano’s geological history. No facilities are present; provisions come from the ship. The peak season, May to September, tracks eruption activity. Photography captures steaming vents and lava. Dining onboard includes caponata. Souvenirs, like volcano prints, are sold in ship shops. Briefings emphasize eruption safety. Binoculars enhance lava viewing. Light clothing suits the warm climate. Stromboli’s fiery displays offer a thrilling Mediterranean volcanic spectacle.

Returning to Messina — see Day 6 above for port info.

Naples, Italy, offers docking at Naples Port. Travelers explore Pompeii ruins and Royal Palace. Excursions visit Capri’s Blue Grotto. Local markets sell margherita pizza. The peak season, April to October, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures ancient ruins and Tyrrhenian vistas. Dining onboard includes spaghetti alle vongole, an Italian favorite. Souvenirs, like cameo crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Roman history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance historic walks. Naples’ cultural charm offers a vibrant Italian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of archaeological sites and scenic islands, making Naples an engaging destination for exploration.

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, offers docking at Civitavecchia Port with excursions to Rome. Travelers explore Colosseum and Pantheon. Excursions visit Vatican City’s Sistine Chapel. Local markets sell gelato. The peak season, April to October, brings warm weather for city tours. Photography captures ancient ruins and Tyrrhenian vistas. Dining onboard includes carbonara, an Italian favorite. Souvenirs, like Murano glass, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Roman history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance historic walks. Civitavecchia’s cultural gateway offers a vibrant Italian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of ancient landmarks and scenic coasts, making Civitavecchia an engaging destination.