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GETTING THERE AND BACK

Airports

Embarkation: Athens International Airport (ATH)

Disembarkation: Athens International Airport (ATH)

Flights: Arrival Recommendations
To ensure a smooth start to your cruise vacation, we highly recommend arriving in Athens by March 3rd, at least one day before embarkation. This means departing the U.S. on March 2nd, two days before sailing, as most flights to Athens are overnight (red-eye) flights.

If you'd like time to explore Athens and adjust to the time difference, consider departing the U.S. three days before sailing on March 1st. Arriving an extra day early allows you to recover from jet lag and enjoy a full day experiencing the city's iconic landmarks, culture, and local cuisine before boarding the ship.

Guests who choose to arrive on the day of embarkation (March 4th) should select flights scheduled to arrive in Athens no later than 1:00 PM, in accordance with Holland America Line's recommendations. Please note that Holland America Line and NurseCon are not responsible for missed embarkation due to airline delays, cancellations, transportation disruptions, or other travel-related issues. For peace of mind, we strongly encourage arriving at least one day prior to sailing.

Flights – Departure Recommendations

Your cruise concludes on March 11, 2028. Guests planning to fly home on the day of disembarkation should book flights departing no earlier than 11:30 AM, in accordance with Holland America Line's recommendations. Allow extra time for ship clearance, transportation to the airport, and potential traffic delays.

Port Location

Athens:

Piraeus International Passenger, Terminal A, B or C
Akti Miaouli 10
Pireaus 185 38, Greece

Transportation To/From Ship

Holland America Line offers convenient airport transfers between the airport and cruise terminal in Athens. Note that transportation provided by Holland America Line is only offered between the cruise port and the airport. Ship transfers booked through Holland America Line do not pick up or drop off at hotels or city centers.

How to Purchase:

Pre-purchase transfers through the Holland America Navigator App or your online Holland America account once you receive your Holland America booking number (typically 30 to 60 days before departure).
Transfers may also be available for purchase onboard, subject to availability.

For independent transportation, please see below.

Athens

Airport: Athens International Airport (ATH)
To/From: Port of Piraeus and Athens International Airport
Distance: Approximately 20 miles (32 kilometers)
Travel Time: About 60 minutes, depending on traffic
Estimated Taxi Fare: €60*

Fares are approximate in 2026 and may vary based on traffic, time of day, luggage, and local rates.

Rideshare Apps: Uber is available in Athens through the Uber app.

Hotels

Athens offer a wide variety of accommodations to fit every budget and travel style. Guests will find many well-known international hotel brands, as well as boutique properties, luxury hotels, and apartment-style accommodations conveniently located near major attractions, transportation hubs, and the cruise ports.

For those who prefer to stay with fellow NurseCon at Sea attendees, we are currently working with hotel partners in both cities to secure recommended properties and potential group room blocks. Details, pricing, and booking information will be announced at a later date. We encourage guests to delay booking pre- and post-cruise accommodations until our official hotel recommendations are released, if you wish to take advantage of any negotiated group rates or special amenities.

Hotel Recommendations and Group Block Information

Coming Soon (TBD).

Travel Agent Info

Need Help Making Your Travel Plans?

More information coming soon!

PREPARATION

Passport Requirements

All guests are required to carry a valid passportvalid for at least six (6) months beyond your travel dates, as many countries and airlines may deny boarding or entry if your passport does not meet validity requirements.Please also ensure your passport is in good condition and has sufficient blank pages for any required entry or exit stamps.

Travel Tip: Verify your passport expiration date now. Passport renewals and travel authorizations can take time to process, especially during busy travel seasons.

ETIAS & Visa Requirements

Depending on your nationality and country of residence, you may be required to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) travel authorization (expected to be implemented in the EU by 2028) or other visas prior to travel, depending on citizenship. Entry requirements can change, and it is each guest's responsibility to verify and obtain all necessary travel documents before departure.

Visa Assistance

Guests are solely responsible for determining and securing any visas, travel authorizations, or other documentation required. For assistance with visa and travel document requirements, Holland America Line recommends CIBTvisas, a leading provider of passport and visa services. CIBTvisas can help guests understand current entry requirements and obtain the necessary documentation for yourr travels.

Important Reminder

Travel document requirements vary by citizenship and may change without notice. We encourage all guests to review the latest requirements for Greece, Croatia, Montenegro, and Turkey well in advance of departure to avoid travel disruptions.

Travel Tip: Verify your passport expiration date now. Passport renewals and travel authorizations can take time to process, especially during busy travel seasons.

Weather

This cruise sails during the Mediterranean's cooler, more comfortable season. You can generally expect:

Daytime temperatures ranging from approximately 50°F to 65°F (10°C to 18°C)
Cooler mornings and evenings
Occasional rain showers
Comfortable sightseeing weather with fewer crowds than summer months

Packing

We recommend:

Layers for changing temperatures
A lightweight waterproof jacket
Comfortable walking shoes
A sweater or light coat for evenings
Casual sightseeing attire
Smart-casual outfits for onboard dining and evening activities
Modest attire if you plan to visit churches and religious sites
And don’t forget those theme night outfits!

International Mobile Phone Usage

Before your trip, check with your mobile phone provider to learn about international calling, texting, and data options available for Croatia, Montenegro, Turkey, and Greece. Many major carriers offer international travel plans that can be added temporarily to your account, often providing a more convenient and cost-effective option than paying roaming charges. If your phone is unlocked, you may also consider purchasing a local SIM card or eSIM upon arrival for additional savings.

Keep in mind that cellular service and data speeds may vary while at sea. Once the ship leaves port, your phone may connect to the ship's cellular network, which can result in significantly higher roaming charges. To avoid unexpected fees, consider enabling Airplane Mode while onboard and connecting through the ship's Wi-Fi service if internet access is needed.

Credit Card Usage

Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted at many tourist shops and destinations. Be sure to let your card provider know that you will be traveling abroad (many allow you do this online or via their app), and don’t forget to check with your card provider for foreign transaction fees.

Currency

The Euro is used in Croatia, Montenegro, and Greece. Turkey uses the Turkish Lira (but many businesses accept Euro), although many tourist businesses accept major credit cards. Most guests do just fine with a credit card plus a small amount of local cash. We recommend $40-$80 worth of Euros per person per port.

Electrical Adapters

Greece and all ports on this itinerary use European-style outlets (Type C and Type F). Think two round pins, not the flat-pronged plugs. The good news? Most phone, tablet, laptop, and smartwatch chargers already work with European voltage, so an adapter is usually all you need.

Check voltage needs for your hair dryer or electric razor before packing them. Consider packing a universal travel adapter with USB ports.

Six incredible ports and thousands of years of history await!

Port Information

Destination Overview

Most popular attractions on this itinerary:

Athens: Acropolis, Parthenon, Plaka District, Temple of Olympian Zeus
Dubrovnik: City Walls, UNESCO-listed Old Town, Lovrijenac Fortress, Mount Srđ
Kotor: Bay of Kotor, UNESCO-listed Old Town, San Giovanni Fortress, Our Lady of the Rocks
Santorini: Oia, Fira, famous caldera views
Kuşadası: Ancient Ephesus, House of the Virgin Mary
Athens: Extend your trip with a ferry ride to Hydra Island

Note: Most major historical sites, museums, restaurants, and cultural attractions remain open year-round. Some seasonal beach-oriented businesses may have reduced hours.

Athens, Greece

The ship docks in Piraeus, outside central Athens. Allow extra travel time for traffic.

Pre-/Post-Cruise Priorities:

Acropolis
Parthenon
Acropolis Museum
Ancient Agora
Plaka
Monastiraki
Hydra Island (via Ferry)

Try: Souvlaki, gyros, spanakopita, Greek salad, seafood, baklava, and feta.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Get ready to step inside one of Europe’s most breathtaking walled cities!

First-timer priorities:

Dubrovnik City Walls
UNESCO-listed Old Town
Lovrijenac Fortress
Stradun
Mount Srđ

Dubrovnik tips:

Comfortable, slip-resistant shoes
Water
Sun protection
An early start
A fully charged camera

Dubrovnik famously became King’s Landing in Game of Thrones. Even if you’ve never watched the show, the medieval walls and Adriatic views still deserve a starring role.

Try: Black risotto, fresh Adriatic seafood, peka, rozata, and Croatian wine.

Kotor, Montenegro

The arrival in the Bay of Kotor is part of the experience, so don’t sleep through it.

First-timer priorities:

UNESCO-listed Kotor Old Town
Bay of Kotor
Cathedral of Saint Tryphon
San Giovanni Fortress
Our Lady of the Rocks

Kotor tips:

Comfortable, slip-resistant shoes
Water
Cash for smaller vendors
Sun protection
Energy for lots of stairs

Kotor looks like a fjord, but it’s technically a submerged river canyon—and the medieval Old Town has enough resident cats to make them unofficial local celebrities.

If you climb to San Giovanni Fortress, expect more than 1,300 steps but the view is worth it!

Try: Burek, fresh mussels, grilled Adriatic seafood, Njeguški pršut, local cheese, and krempita.

Santorini, Greece

Yes, Santorini really is that beautiful, and fewer crowds mean more room for stunning photos.

First-Timer Priorities:

Explore Fira
Visit Oia
Admire the caldera views
Tour Akrotiri
Visit a winery
Stroll on a black-sand beach

Getting up from the port may involve:

Cable car
Walking
Donkey

Good to Know:

Bring comfortable shoes for stairs, hills, lines, and uneven walkways.
Bring water.
Leave extra time to return to the ship.

Please note: Some businesses and services run on limited hours

Try: Tomato fritters, fava, seafood, and Santorini wine.

Ephesus, Turkey

Kuşadası brings together ancient history, waterfront views, bustling markets, and some truly elite snacking opportunities.

The main event: Ephesus. There’s a reason everyone talks about it. Ephesus is one of the world’s best-preserved ancient cities and often becomes a favorite stop of the entire cruise.