Holland America offers 2008 Mediterranean cruise specials

Holland America Line is putting a number of enticing 2008 Mediterranean cruises aboard the ms Zuiderdam on special. And take my word for it, if you come from the U.S., where the dollar is increasingly weak against the Euro, whatever you pay for a European cruise next summer is going to be cheaper than almost any land-based vacation you could put together, short of backpacking.

Among the HAL offers is a 12-day cruise roundtrip from Venice to Istanbul with stops in Croatia, Greece, and Kusadasi, Turkey, with inside cabins starting from $1,799 per person for its April 26 and August 12, 2008, departures. The itineraries include onboard overnights in both Venice and Istanbul.

Another is a 12-day itinerary from Venice to Barcelona, via Dubrovnik, Corfu, Santorini, and several stops in Italy. Inside cabins start at $1,799 on this one as well, on the May 8, July 19, and August 24, 2008, departures. These voyages include overnights in Venice and Barcelona.

Fares are based on double occupancy; ask for promo code RH. On some departures, you may be able to share your stateroom with a third or fourth guest for $399 each (ask for promo code Z3).

You may also opt for a May 20, 2008, 12-night sailing from Barcelona to Venice, including overnights in both cities, that starts at $2,999 per person but includes roundtrip airfare from five U.S. cities: Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Newark, and Pittsburgh. Airfare-inclusive rates from a number of other U.S. cities are $100-$200 higher per person. Taxes adding up to around $100 per passenger are additional as well. Ask for promo RE.

For more information or bookings, go to the Holland America Website or call 877-724-5425 or a travel agent.

Photo of ms Zuiderdam from Holland America.