Volendam: 45-Night from New York - October 8, 2026

You'll have 9 hours hours to explore Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM - a solid full day ashore. That's enough for 2-3 attractions and a sit-down lunch without rushing. Tackle the most distant spot first, then work your way back toward the port. Its historic center showcases centuries old churches, charming plazas, and traditional Portuguese architecture.

The Volendam is a mid-sized ship, which means excursion options in Lisbon, Portugal are plentiful. Plan your top priorities in advance and you'll generally find services accessible without long waits. Exploring the Alfama district offers a glimpse into Lisbon's medieval heart with narrow cobbled streets, colorful houses, and hidden courtyards.

Your ship arrives in Cartagena, Spain at 8:00 AM, one of the most common arrival windows. If you've booked a morning excursion, aim to be among the first off. If your plans are flexible, waiting 30-45 minutes lets the initial wave pass. The Roman Theatre is Cartagena's star attraction and an impressive one.

You'll have 9 hours hours to explore Barcelona, Spain, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM - a solid full day ashore. That's enough for 2-3 attractions and a sit-down lunch without rushing. Tackle the most distant spot first, then work your way back toward the port. Wandering through the older districts reveals narrow streets, hidden squares, and centuries of stories.

The Volendam is a mid-sized ship, which means excursion options in Villefranche, France are plentiful. Plan your top priorities in advance and you'll generally find services accessible without long waits. Wander through the narrow, winding streets of Villefranche's old town, discovering pastel-colored houses, artisan shops, and quaint cafes that capture the town's authentic charm.

Your ship arrives in Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy at 7:00 AM, one of the most common arrival windows. If you've booked a morning excursion, aim to be among the first off. If your plans are flexible, waiting 30-45 minutes lets the initial wave pass. This historic canal district offers colorful buildings, bridges, and quaint streets perfect for wandering.

With 15 hours hours in Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy - from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM - you have a full day ashore with room to breathe. Go beyond the typical tourist stops: neighborhoods, local dining, and cultural sites that most cruise visitors never reach. Leave time for unstructured wandering. Rome is the main draw, and many visitors focus on a handful of must see areas.

The Volendam is a mid-sized ship, which means excursion options in Naples, Italy are plentiful. Plan your top priorities in advance and you'll generally find services accessible without long waits. A short drive from Naples, these ancient Roman towns offer a fascinating glimpse into history preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

Your ship arrives in Messina, Sicily, Italy at 8:00 AM, one of the most common arrival windows. If you've booked a morning excursion, aim to be among the first off. If your plans are flexible, waiting 30-45 minutes lets the initial wave pass. The Cathedral of Messina, rebuilt after earthquakes, features a stunning interior, historic mosaics, and the famous astronomical clock.

With 13 hours hours in Kefalonia, Greece - from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM - you have a full day ashore with room to breathe. Go beyond the typical tourist stops: neighborhoods, local dining, and cultural sites that most cruise visitors never reach. Leave time for unstructured wandering. Life here feels grounded and local, shaped by fishing traditions, family tavernas, and a strong connection to the land.

The Volendam is a mid-sized ship, which means excursion options in Iraklion (Heraklion), Crete, Greece are plentiful. Plan your top priorities in advance and you'll generally find services accessible without long waits. Just outside the city lies the Palace of Knossos, the heart of Minoan civilization and the setting of legendary myths.

Your ship arrives in Rhodes, Greece at 8:00 AM, one of the most common arrival windows. If you've booked a morning excursion, aim to be among the first off. If your plans are flexible, waiting 30-45 minutes lets the initial wave pass. Rhodes Old Town is a living museum of medieval streets, stone walls, and historic landmarks.

With 13 hours hours in Bodrum, Turkey - from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM - you have a full day ashore with room to breathe. Go beyond the typical tourist stops: neighborhoods, local dining, and cultural sites that most cruise visitors never reach. Leave time for unstructured wandering. Bodrum appeals to travelers who enjoy coastal beauty paired with layers of history.

The Volendam is a mid-sized ship, which means excursion options in Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey are plentiful. Plan your top priorities in advance and you'll generally find services accessible without long waits. Ephesus is the reason many travelers come to Kusadasi, and it rarely disappoints.

Your cruise ends in Istanbul, Turkey, where the Volendam is scheduled to dock at 8:00 AM. On a smaller ship, the disembarkation process moves quickly - most passengers are off within one to two hours. If you're flying out, book your flight at least four hours after the ship's scheduled arrival. Taking a local ferry along the Bosphorus is one of the simplest and most rewarding experiences in Istanbul.

Your cruise departs from Istanbul, Turkey on the Volendam. We strongly recommend flying in the day before - flight delays and cancellations happen, and the ship won't wait. Use the extra time to explore Istanbul, Turkey and start your trip relaxed. Complete your online check-in before arrival. Carry small cash for markets, though cards are widely accepted in most restaurants and shops.

The Volendam is a mid-sized ship, which means excursion options in Piraeus (Athens), Greece are plentiful. Plan your top priorities in advance and you'll generally find services accessible without long waits. The Acropolis stands above Athens as a powerful symbol of ancient Greece.

Your ship arrives in Valletta, Malta at 8:00 AM, one of the most common arrival windows. If you've booked a morning excursion, aim to be among the first off. If your plans are flexible, waiting 30-45 minutes lets the initial wave pass. From the outside it looks restrained, but inside is one of the most richly decorated churches in Europe.

You'll have 8 hours hours to explore La Goulette, Tunisia, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM - a solid full day ashore. That's enough for 2-3 attractions and a sit-down lunch without rushing. Tackle the most distant spot first, then work your way back toward the port. Within a short distance, you can explore ruins from ancient civilizations, wander elegant seaside neighborhoods, or dive into the energy of modern Tunis.

The Volendam is a mid-sized ship, which means excursion options in Malaga, Spain are plentiful. Plan your top priorities in advance and you'll generally find services accessible without long waits. This Moorish citadel offers panoramic views over Malaga and the harbor.

Your ship arrives in Cadiz (Seville), Spain at 8:00 AM, one of the most common arrival windows. If you've booked a morning excursion, aim to be among the first off. If your plans are flexible, waiting 30-45 minutes lets the initial wave pass. Cadiz's historic center is compact and ideal for wandering.

Your cruise ends in New York, New York, where the Volendam is scheduled to dock at 7:00 AM. On a smaller ship, the disembarkation process moves quickly - most passengers are off within one to two hours. If you're flying out, book your flight at least four hours after the ship's scheduled arrival. Strolling across the Brooklyn Bridge provides breathtaking views of Manhattan, the East River, and the Statue of Liberty.