The 1316 passenger ship which was built expressly for world cruising is due to sail a 117 day grand world voyage, taking a westbound route through the Pacific Ocean to the Hawaiian Islands, - on to the South Pacific, Australia, Asia and Africa before making calls in the Caribbean en route back to Fort Lauderdale and New York - 

Calling at 39 ports in 27 countries across five continents, Rotterdam will cover more than 35,100 nautical miles while sailing on 15 different oceans, seas, bays, channels and straits

Holland America Line began its tradition of world cruising in 1958, and more than half a century later the line continues to offer the annual once-in-a-lifetime journeys.

Celebrating the line's annual tour around the globe, ms Rotterdam returns to world cruising in 2009 with a 114/117-day Grand World Voyage departing Jan. 19, 2009, from Los Angeles.

The voyage is highlighted in new 2009 Grand World Voyage brochure produced by the premium cruise line. Hot off the press, the catalogue is filled with stunning images, itinerary details and in-depth information about ports of call.

Guests can choose to return to Fort Lauderdale May 13 or disembark at New York three days later on May 16, making the total voyage 117 days. Hundreds of optional shore excursions and an array of overland tours add color to this epic voyage, and several cruise segments ranging from 22 to 69 days are available for those wanting a shorter journey.

In addition to favorite cities, Rotterdam visits lesser-known ports offering guests unparalleled access to some of the most exotic destinations in the world.

The itinerary features maiden calls at Kemaman, Malaysia -- known as Malaysia's silk capital -- and Maputo, Mozambique, the most exotic port of call during the voyage and once the "Cannes of Africa." Iles des Pins, New Caledonia, not previously visited on a Grand world voyage, adds to the port repertoire.


The itinerary also gives guests extra time to explore several ports of call with overnights in Sydney, Australia; Hong Kong and Shanghai, China; Mumbai, India; Mombasa, Kenya, and Cape Town, South Africa. A highlight of the cruise will include a Midnight Golden Line Crossing when Rotterdam crosses both the Equator and International Date Line simultaneously.