Inaugural cruises to the Mediterranean for the Holland America Nieuw Amsterdam are available beginning July 4, 2010.

The Holland America Nieuw Amsterdam boasts a unique and intriguing list of ports of call, including Venice and Ravenna, Italy; Dubrovnik and Split, Croatia; Kotor, Montenegro; and Katakolon and Kerkira (Corfu) in Greece. The newest addition to the fleet of Holland America ships, the eleven-deck, 86,000-ton beauty's design and décor reflect the style and glamour of New York City, which was originally named Nieuw Amsterdam (New Amsterdam) and once a seventeenth-century Dutch settlement. The new SS Nieuw Amsterdam is the fourth vessel to bear the name; the first ship launched in 1906, followed by the second in 1938 and the third in 1983.

All of the Holland America ships have undergone extensive Signature of Excellence upgrades and enhancements to staterooms and public areas to maintain each ship's status of being elegant and modern. The SS Nieuw Amsterdam will showcase the same rich teak decks, large staterooms, private verandas, and uncluttered views from staterooms, and attention to detail that travelers have come to expect on Holland America Ships. New additions to the Holland America Nieuw Amsterdam include innovative dining concepts at the Asian Tamarind restaurant and after-dinner relaxation at the Silk Den Lounge. The ship also offers a wine-tasting lounge for vintage and select wines, an atrium bar, and upscale jewelry boutique.

One of the most outstanding features on all Holland America ships is the multimillion dollar art collections. Each ship, including the SS Nieuw Amsterdam, features a collection consisting of paintings, photography, bronze sculptures, carved wood and ivory pieces, Meissen porcelain, musical instruments, Venetian glass, and Waterford crystal. Guests can take the self-guided tour of the ship to see the collection.

In addition to seeing the beautiful decor, you can indulge yourself while cruising to your destination aboard the Holland America Nieuw Amsterdam with a variety of activities and excursions. During the day, relax by the pool in your own private cabana or reserve a retreat cabana on the upper deck with sweeping ocean views. The Explorations Café provides a comfortable location for reading and has a library and computer access. In the evening, there are four fine-dining venues including the family style Canaletto's Italian restaurant and afterwards, shows and performances at the Showroom at Sea or dancing at the Crow's Nest.

If you're looking to refresh yourself on vacation, visit the Greenhouse Spa & Salon for a relaxing hot stone massage followed by a soothing facial, a dip in the hydro-pool, or an invigorating workout at the Fitness Center, which offers weight training equipment. Guests can also play a game of tennis or basketball on the sports court, and personal trainers are on hand for fitness and exercise classes.

Entertainment for young children and teens is available through several supervised Youth Programs for passengers ages 3 to 17. Club Hal-Kids has planned activities, games, and arts and crafts for children 3 to 7. Club Hal-Tweens entertains 8- to 12-year-olds with parties, sports, and games. For teens, The Loft and The Oasis provide plenty of entertainment with movies, videos, dancing, karaoke, and sports tournaments.