We began our journey with Qatar Airways, including a two-night stopover in Doha. We stayed at Centro Capital Doha by Rotana, chosen for its location in the older part of the city and its amenities including a pool, bar and 24-hour check-in. The staff were excellent and nothing was too much trouble.
August is peak summer in Qatar and one day reached 42°C. Despite the heat, we enjoyed a full program. We visited Souq Waqif twice and joined a private tour that included the striking National Museum of Qatar, which was closed during our visit though impressive from the outside, along with the Museum of Islamic Art and other city landmarks. A desert excursion was a highlight, featuring a camel ride and exhilarating dune bashing.
For longer visits, I would recommend travelling between November and April when the weather is cooler, and perhaps selecting a hotel closer to the main shopping districts. Taxis were inexpensive, with the trip to Souq Waqif costing just ten Riyal, around four Australian dollars. Qatar Airways also offered complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi on long-haul flights. I would suggest reserving seats as soon as tickets are issued, as preferred options such as exit rows can book out quickly.
Our pre-cruise night in Athens was spent at the Elia Ermou Hotel, located in a lively area with shops, cafés, restaurants, markets and major attractions within easy reach. Having also stayed in Piraeus on a previous trip, I can say both locations work well, though central Athens offers a wonderful atmosphere. The hotel arranged a taxi to the cruise terminal for approximately 25 euros, a convenient and affordable option.
Embarkation on Oosterdam was seamless, with our key card waiting in the room. We had booked a VC verandah stateroom, which was spacious and comfortable. Oosterdam is a Vista-class ship with a traditional feel, featuring polished wood, brass and classic artwork. I particularly enjoy the many quiet nooks where you can relax with a drink or a book.
Facilities include a library, casino, shopping arcade, fitness centre, two swimming pools and a basketball and pickleball court. Daily activities ranged from trivia to guest lectures. Dining was varied and satisfying, with the main dining room, Lido Market, Dive-In for casual bites and room service all included.
We opted for the Have It All package, which covered a generous beverage allowance, Wi-Fi, specialty dining and shore excursion credits. On our ten-night cruise this included two specialty dinners, one at Pinnacle Grill and one at Canaletto, along with US$200 of excursion credit each. Evening entertainment featured live music in the Rolling Stone Lounge and Billboard Onboard, as well as theatre productions in the World Stage. A highlight was a performance by soprano Christina Johnston. As the cruise was port intensive, we attended fewer shows than usual, preferring to focus our energy on exploring ashore.
The itinerary offered a wonderful mix of destinations. At Souda in Crete, gateway to Chania, pronounced Hania, we used the Hop-On Hop-Off bus to explore. Istanbul was bustling with ships and ferries, though the new Galataport Cruise Terminal was modern and efficient. Our excursion visited the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the Spice Market. I would suggest skipping the rug demonstration unless you are genuinely interested in purchasing. Sailing through the Dardanelles was a memorable experience, with commentary provided as we passed Anzac Cove and other historic sites.
Katakolon was our gateway to Olympia. In hindsight, we did not allow enough time to fully explore both the ruins and the Archaeological Museum, and a guided tour would have been the better option. Olympia town itself, however, was charming. In Kerkira, Corfu, we joined a boat tour to the Paleokastritsa Caves, a fantastic way to see both coastline and countryside.
Our cruise concluded in Trieste, as large ships have not been permitted to dock in Venice since 2021. From the terminal we walked to the train station and caught a two-hour train to Venezia Santa Lucia, followed by a water taxi to our hotel. We stayed at Hotel Kette, an elegant property just a short walk from St Mark’s Square, the Basilica and the Rialto Bridge. With its old-world charm and convenient location, it provided a quintessential Venetian experience.
On departure day we indulged in a private transfer, with a water taxi collecting us at the hotel’s back entrance before meeting a luxury vehicle to the airport. It was a seamless and stylish way to end the trip.
This was not my first Holland America Line cruise and it will not be my last. Oosterdam maintained the high standards I have come to expect from previous voyages on Nieuw Amsterdam and Westerdam, combining refined atmosphere, attentive service and an itinerary that balanced history, culture and relaxation in equal measure.
