Five Countries, One Unforgettable Cruise: Mediterranean Splendor — March 2028
Ancient Athens. A Greek island. Malta’s golden skyline. Four stops in Spain. A day in Morocco. And a finish in Lisbon.
If you’ve been looking for a European trip with plenty of variety, this one deserves a closer look.
Join JMart Travels March 11–21, 2028, aboard Holland America Line’s Nieuw Statendam for a 10-day cruise from Athens to Lisbon. Five countries. Two continents. And one comfortable home base as the scenery changes around you. And all at an incredible price for a fantastic package with so many inclusions!
Why this itinerary caught our attention
What I love about this trip is how much the experience changes from one stop to the next. You’ll move from Greece to Malta, through Spain, across to Morocco, and finally into Portugal. Morocco? Are you kidding me?! Talk about bucket lists! This adds an entire new continent to my resume!
There are seven ports of call between Athens and Lisbon, plus two sea days to enjoy the ship. That means time to explore—and time for a leisurely breakfast, a good book, or a conversation that doesn’t have to end because you’re rushing to the next hotel.
It’s the kind of trip where choosing your favorite day may be the hardest part.
Greece: Start with something extraordinary
Your cruise departs from Piraeus, the port for Athens, on March 11. If seeing the Acropolis has been on your list, arriving ahead of the sailing gives you an opportunity to plan time in Athens before boarding. Imagine standing beneath those ancient columns, then settling into a café in the Plaka neighborhood. It’s a memorable way to begin a vacation before the ship even leaves port. We can make pre-cruise flight and/or hotel arrangements to suit your plans!
The next day brings Mykonos which showcases its windmills, Little Venice and winding lanes—an invitation to slow down, wander and enjoy being somewhere wonderfully different.
Malta: The stop that may surprise you
On March 14, we arrive in Valletta. Its waterfront skyline is one of the reasons I’m excited about this itinerary. Inside the fortified city, you can plan a visit to St. John’s Co-Cathedral, explore the streets, or take in the views from Upper Barrakka Gardens.
You don’t have to fill every hour. Sometimes the best plan is a walk, a place to sit, and enough time to appreciate what’s in front of you.
Spain: Four stops, four chances to explore
This cruise gives Spain more than a single afternoon. We’ll visit:
Palma de Mallorca — March 16: Our first Spanish stop, on the island of Mallorca.
Alicante — March 17: Another day to explore Spain at your own pace or choose a shore excursion.
Cartagena — March 18: A third Spanish port before we cross to Morocco.
Cadiz (Seville) — March 20: Our final Spanish call before Lisbon. Seville is an inland excursion destination; the ship calls at Cadiz.
That’s four opportunities to try something different, explore another city, or find a favorite spot for lunch. You can build your days around what interests you instead of feeling you have to do everything.
Morocco: A different chapter in the same vacation
Tangier on March 19 adds something truly special: a visit to North Africa. Tangier is a city shaped by its position between Europe and Africa, with a historic medina and a long history of attracting artists and writers. It’s a change of setting that gives this itinerary another dimension. A guided excursion is one way to explore. We can help you look at the available options as you plan your trip.
Portugal: Finish in Lisbon
The cruise ends in Lisbon on March 21. If your schedule allows, consider staying longer to explore. Lisbon highlights include Alfama, hilltop viewpoints, Jerónimos Monastery and the chance to enjoy a pastel de nata. Let us know if you’d like to make Lisbon part of the vacation rather than simply your flight home - we can plan flight and hotel accommodations to suit you!
Your home at sea: Nieuw Statendam
Between destinations, you’ll return to Holland America Line’s Nieuw Statendam. Your two sea days—March 13 and March 15—leave room to enjoy dining, entertainment, and the simple pleasure of watching the water go by.
An interior stateroom offers a lower starting price. A verandah gives you your own outdoor space for those quiet moments at sea. We can help you choose the option that fits how you like to travel.
Your journey at a glance
March 11: Piraeus (Athens), Greece — embark
March 12: Mykonos, Greece
March 13: At sea
March 14: Valletta, Malta
March 15: At sea
March 16: Palma de Mallorca, Spain
March 17: Alicante, Spain
March 18: Cartagena, Spain
March 19: Tangier, Morocco
March 20: Cadiz (Seville), Spain
March 21: Lisbon, Portugal — disembark
Pricing and package highlights
Interior staterooms from $2,600 per person
Verandah staterooms from $3,600 per person
Prices are in U.S. dollars and based on double occupancy.
Our package highlights include:
Elite Beverage Package
Premium Wi-Fi
Prepaid Crew Appreciation
Shore excursion discount
Specialty dining
Airport/ship transfers at both ends
Travel protection
Package benefits and availability will be confirmed in your personalized quote. Shore excursions are optional additional purchases; the excursion benefit is a discount, not a promise that every tour is included.
Airfare and a pre-cruise hotel are not included. Budget an estimated additional $1,500 per person for those arrangements, subject to change. Extra hotel nights, sightseeing and any post-cruise stay could be quoted separately as well.
Ask us about cancellation protection and travel insurance so you understand the options and what your chosen plan covers.
Reserve your place
Deposit: $700 per person
Final payment due: December 1, 2027
Ready to picture yourself here? Contact JMart Travels for current availability and a personalized quote. Tell us whether you’re considering an interior or verandah stateroom—and whether you’d like extra time in Athens or Lisbon.
Greece, Malta, Spain, Morocco and Portugal. Five countries to explore, with the planning help of people you know.
World-class journeys. Hometown care.
Pricing, itinerary, benefits and availability are subject to change. Destination activities described are ideas for your trip, not included excursions unless specifically confirmed. Photos and itinerary map: Holland America Line.
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