HOLLAND ADDS MULTILINGUAL SHORE TOURS

Rondleidingen. Visitas. Führungen. They all mean "tours" -- in Dutch, Spanish and German. That's what Holland America will be offering for their new multilingual shore excursions, which will cater to their Dutch, Spanish and German guests. The cruise line notes these new tours were developed for European travelers who may "opt to book a less traditional tour — offered in their own language — such as a hiking adventure, biking through town or visiting the countryside. However, for European guests who still want to visit popular landmarks, tours also will be available in the three languages to those destinations. Foreign language tours are offered when 30 guests who speak a common language are booked on a voyage."

They also note: "Tours offered in Dutch include Hiking Ft. Floien in Bergen; an excursion from Monaco to the city of Villefranche-sur-Mer or a relaxing Kayak along the Aurlandsfjord in Flam. German-speaking tours include a visit to the ancient city of Iliada from the port of Katákolon, Greece or a beer cruise on the Bosporus Strait in Istanbul, Turkey. Spanish-speaking guests might enjoy a 4x4 expedition to the village of Cámara de Lobos in Portugal or a beach tour in Valencia, Spain. The program is expanding and select excursions are offered in German and Spanish throughout South America." -- Gerry