Home to a wild and craggy landscape that stretches from the Arctic Circle to the North Sea, Norway offers one of the most dramatic coastlines in Europe.
During this unique European holiday not only will you get to experience this incredible region on board Holland America Line’s Rotterdam, but you’ll also discover the beauty of some of Europe’s greatest rivers on board Emerald Sun.
With soaring, snow-capped mountains, hulking green pine forests, Alpine glaciers and cascading waterfalls, the Norwegian fjords are one of the most popular cruising destinations in the world. During your cruise you’ll discover one of the coastal highlights of the Norwegian Fjords; the pretty port of Stavanger, which offers easy access to the view-toting Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen). Leaving Norway behind you’ll embark on a classic journey on the Rhine River on board Emerald Sun.
Your Imagine Holiday Includes
14 night full-board cruise on board Rotterdam
7 night full-board river cruise on board Emerald Sun
Canal cruise in Amsterdam
Private Evening concert on the Rhine
Guided bike tour to Waterland
1 night four-star stay in Amsterdam at the Mercure Amsterdam City Hotel
2 night four-star stay in Zürich at The Home Hotel – Zürich
All hotel stays include breakfast
Auckland departure – regional flights available
Overnight flight
Your Voyage
Your Itinerary
Your holiday begins as you fly from New Zealand to your destination.
Explore charming canals lined with picturesque houses. Visit the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum. Stroll through the historic Jordaan and trendy De Pijp neighbourhoods. Experience the lively ambiance of Dam Square.
Overnight: Mercure Amsterdam City Hotel
Today you’ll embark Holland America Line’s Rotterdam, a ship that combines modern elegance with classic cruising traditions. It features luxurious amenities, diverse dining options, world-class entertainment and enriching activities.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Rotterdam
Copenhagen: A fairy tale city with colorful streets, historic castles, and innovative design. Embrace its bicycle-friendly culture, indulge in world-class cuisine, and immerse yourself in the captivating charm of this enchanting destination.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Rotterdam
Experience Oslo’s enchanting blend of natural beauty and urban sophistication. Explore stunning fjords, lush parks, and world-class museums. Indulge in a vibrant culinary scene. Discover a city that captivates the senses.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Rotterdam
Discover the coastal gem of Kristiansand, Norway. Immerse in its picturesque harbour, wander through charming streets, and embrace the vibrant arts scene. Let Kristiansand’s natural beauty and cultural delights create unforgettable memories.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Rotterdam
Immerse yourself in the dynamic spirit of Stavanger, Norway. With its charming old town, modern energy, and breathtaking fjords, it’s a city that invites you to explore the history and innovation amidst Norway’s natural wonders.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Rotterdam
Rotterdam, a vibrant masterpiece in the Netherlands. Marvel at its iconic modern architecture, stroll along the bustling waterfront, and immerse yourself in its thriving cultural scene. Let Rotterdam’s energy ignite your passion for exploration.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Rotterdam
Uncover the hidden gem of Haugesund, Norway. Immerse yourself in its picturesque coastal charm, explore Viking history, and indulge in fresh seafood. Let the stunning landscapes and warm hospitality create an unforgettable experience.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Rotterdam
Cruising Eidfjord and Hardangerfjord reveals Norway’s dramatic landscapes, featuring majestic mountains, cascading waterfalls, and lush orchards. This picturesque voyage offers unparalleled natural beauty and quaint villages, highlighting the essence of Norwegian fjordland.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Rotterdam
Uncover the magic of Bergen. With its charming harbor, historic architecture, and surrounding fjords, it’s a city that invites you to embrace the essence of Norway’s coastal beauty and cultural heritage.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Rotterdam
Step into Kirkwall, where ancient history meets breathtaking beauty. Explore the mystical standing stones, immerse yourself in Viking heritage, and embrace the warmth of our welcoming community. Let Kirkwall enchant and inspire your soul’s journey.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Rotterdam
Today you’ll say goodbye to Rotterdam as you disembark and begin the next part of your European adventure. Transfer to port to embark Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, Emerald Sun, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to welcome you.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Overnight: Emerald Sun
Your first port of call offers the chance for you to re-visit Amsterdam. Don’t miss the chance to take a boat tour, visit the Anne Frank House, and indulge in Dutch treats like stroopwafels and herring.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Emerald Sun
Cologne offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and modernity. Its iconic landmark, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral, dominates the skyline. Explore the charming Old Town, visit world-class museums, and indulge in the city’s vibrant culinary scene.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Emerald Sun
Located where the Rhine and Moselle meet, Koblenz is one of Germany’s oldest and most beautiful cities. Characterised by cosy wine taverns and narrow alleyways, it’s the perfect place to while away a few hours.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Emerald Sun
Ludwigshafen features modern architecture, green spaces, and a range of cultural and recreational amenities. Despite its industrial roots, the city offers a high quality of life with a focus on sustainability and innovation.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Emerald Sun
Experience the captivating allure of Heidelberg. Walk its ancient streets, marvel at the majestic castle, and immerse in its vibrant culture. Let the romantic atmosphere and breathtaking views ignite your wanderlust and create lifelong memories.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Emerald Sun
The charming German town of Kehl is known for its scenic beauty and proximity to Strasbourg, France. It features picturesque parks, historic architecture, and a lively cultural scene, reflecting a blend of German and French influences.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Emerald Sun
Strasbourg blends French and German cultures, evident in its cuisine and traditions. The city’s historic centre, Grande Île, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring the stunning Strasbourg Cathedral.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Emerald Sun
Picturesque Breisach boasts historic landmarks like St. Stephen’s Cathedral, charming cobblestone streets, and stunning views of the surrounding vineyards, embodying the essence of the Upper Rhine.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Emerald Sun
Freiburg, located in southwest Germany’s Black Forest region, is famed for its medieval architecture, market squares, and scenic surroundings. It’s known for its environmentally conscious culture and the charming Freiburg Minster, towering over the historic city centre.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Emerald Sun
Today you’ll disembark your ship and transfer to your hotel in Zürich. Switzerland’s largest city is known for its financial hub, picturesque old town, stunning lake views, and cultural scene.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Overnight: The Home Hotel – Zürich
Your holiday complete, today you’ll head to the airport for your flight home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Rotterdam
The impressively designed ship offers 12 decks, a wide variety of amenities, 1,340 staterooms and delicious gourmet dining experiences, there’s something for everyone on board this impressive vessel.
This luxurious ship offers guests the ultimate in service and comfort, with indulgent spa treatments, breathtaking entertainment and more.
Passengers can relax in the plush spa and pool area, take part in enrichment programs like wine tastings or exciting shore excursions. Rotterdam also offers state-of-the-art entertainment options including first-run movies, stage productions and even an interactive game show night.
Rotterdam is a perfect choice for those looking to experience the best of Holland America’s fleet. With its classic design, modern amenities and luxurious touches, Rotterdam is sure to provide an unforgettable cruise experience.
- Tonnage 99,800 tons
- Length 984 ft (300.00 m)
Life on Board Rotterdam
There’s something for every age, personality, mood and desire on board the Rotterdam, from keeping fit to relaxing in the spa.
dining
Facilities
Why not spend your days getting pampered at the spa or getting lost in your favourite novel? For the more active there are sports activities, pools and more.
- Library
- Greenhouse Spa & Salon
- Wi-Fi
- Sport facilities including Pickleball at Sea
- Two pools
- Whirlpools
- Nursery
- Kid’s Club
- Youth Area
- Shops
- Explorations Central
entertainment
For evening entertainment why not try your luck in the casino or be entertained by live shows at the popular on-board theatre?
- Casino
- Theatre
- Night Club
- Rolling Stone Rock Room
- B.B King’s Blues Club
- BBC Earth in Concert
- Billboard Onboard
- World Stage
Emerald Sun
Built with luxurious accommodations and a plethora of on board activities, sailing on the Emerald Sun is the perfect way to explore some of the world’s most scenic destinations. Passengers can choose between eight-day, 12-day or 16-day cruises, visiting a variety of destinations.
From complimentary shore excursions and EmeraldActive excursions to local entertainment passengers aboard the Emerald Sun can enjoy unforgettable days on and off the ship.
For those wishing to dine in style, the Emerald Sun serves up delicious international cuisine at its several eateries. In addition to delicious food and cocktails, passengers aboard the Emerald Sun can enjoy a variety of on board entertainment including live shows and music performances.
From its elegant design to its many comfortable amenities, and exciting sightseeing tours at various ports of call, there’s something for everyone aboard this impressive ship.
- Occupancy 180
- Tonnage 3,544 tons
- Length 443 ft (135.00 m)
Life on Board Emerald Sun
A trip on the Emerald Sun is a journey you won’t want to miss. Enjoy exquisite cuisine, and thrilling activities, or simply savour the breathtaking views.
dining
- Reflections Restaurant
- The Terrace
- Horizon Bar and Lounge
Facilities
You will never be bored on this magnificent vessel; whether you’re enjoying the views from the gorgeous infinity pool, or indulging in a massage from the on board therapist.
- Sun deck
- Golf putting green
- Games area
- Walking track
- Navigation bridge
- Daytime pool & bar
- Lift
- Reception
- Wellness area
- Fitness area
- Sky barbecue
- Hair salon
entertainment
At night aboard the Emerald Sun, you can watch a movie, dance to live music, or enjoy a drink with new-found friends.
- Cinema
- Nightly music
- Cooking demonstrations
- Enrichment lectures
Cabins and Suites
The Rotterdam cabins and suites provide everything you need for a restful sleep following a day out in the open air.
inside Prices from $11,999pp
The Inside Staterooms are nicely appointed with modern conveniences and all you need for restful and comfortable sleep.
- Signature Mariner’s Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses
- Vanity desk with chair
- Flat-screen TV
- Private bathroom with shower, toilet and basin
- Telephone
- Safe
- Two beds convertible to a queen-size bed
Ocean View Prices from $13,499pp
These rooms benefit from having a porthole-style window for a pleasant view of the ocean. Awaken to beautiful sun rays beaming through the large window, filling your comfortable stateroom with light and converse with loved ones in the cosy seating area.
- Signature Mariner’s Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses
- Private bathroom with shower, toilet, and basin
- Telephone
- Safe
- Two beds convertible to a queen-size bed
- Large window
- Vanity desk with chair
- Separate seating area
Verandah Prices from $14,999pp
The Verandah Staterooms are spacious rooms that offer full-length windows and a private veranda, ideal for couples wanting to enjoy witnessing the majestic sunsets in the comfort of their own retreat. Guests can enjoy plenty of floor space with separate seating area, and floor-to-ceiling windows, as well as a private verandah.
- Signature Mariner’s Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses
- Private bathroom with shower, toilet, and basin
- Telephone
- Safe
- Two beds convertible to a queen-size bed
- Separate seating area
- Vanity desk with chair
- Private verandah
- Floor-to-ceiling windows
suite Prices from $16,999pp
Featuring a stunning teak-lined verandah, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a comfortable seating area, these warm and welcoming suites are filled with light. They are beautifully decorated in calming tones and have a separate seating area in which to unwind and catch up on your novel.
- Signature Mariner’s Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses
- Mini bar
- Private bathroom with shower, toilet, and basin
- Telephone
- Refrigerator
- Safe
- Vanity desk with chair
- Two beds convertible to a queen-size bed
- Separate seating area
- Private verandah
- Floor-to-ceiling windows
Your Hotel Stays
Amsterdam
Mercure Amsterdam City Hotel (Or Similar)
Mercure Amsterdam City is a modern and stylish hotel situated in the vibrant heart of Amsterdam. With contemporary design and comfortable amenities, it offers a convenient base for both leisure and business travellers. Located close to major attractions, shopping districts, and public transport links, Mercure Amsterdam City provides a perfect blend of accessibility and relaxation for guests exploring the dynamic cityscape of Amsterdam.
Zürich
The Home Hotel, a Member of Design Hotels™ (Or Similar)
The Home Hotel, a Member of Design Hotels™,is a stylish and contemporary boutique hotel located in Zürich, Switzerland. It offers a unique blend of modern design and cozy comfort, creating a homely atmosphere for its guests. The hotel features elegantly designed rooms with chic furnishings and state-of-the-art amenities, catering to both leisure and business travelers. With a focus on personalized service and attention to detail, The Home Hotel Zürich provides a distinctive and memorable stay experience, set within the vibrant and picturesque surroundings of Zürich.
