American Express Travel Club is presently offering a unique 14-day Black Sea & Mediterranean Cruise slated for this October. Originating in Rome, Holland America Line's MS Oosterdam winds its way through the Mediterranean and circles the Black Sea before returning to Athens.

"Officially christened in 2003 by Her Dutch Royal Highness, Princess Margriet of the Netherlands, the ms Oosterdam is the second in our series of Vista-class ships. As such she embraces the latest industry and environmental technologies such as her use of a diesel-electric power plant for optimal energy efficiency and an Azipod propulsion system that maximizes maneuverability."

Activities aboard the MS Oosterdam include a Culinary Arts Center, a fully equipped Fitness Center, (featuring basketball, ping pong, tennis, volleyball, yoga, and a golf simulator), and a variety of youth and teen-friendly facilities.

Holland America Line has purposefully designed their itineraries to allow guests maximum time in each port. As for shopping, the multiple ports of call on this trip include Olympia, Navplion, Istanbul, Sochi, Batumi, Trabzon, Sinop, Sevastopol, Ephesus, and of course Athens. Holland America Line's Guaranteed & Recommended Shopping Program will help you find the perfect gift or souvenir with significant savings below U.S. retail prices. 

Another unique feature of the MS Oosterdam are the "digital workshops" offered by Microsoft:

"Free workshops led by Microsoft-trained "techsperts" will show even the most novice camera or computer user how to take better vacation photos, make movies, edit pictures and create scrapbooks using a variety of Microsoft Windows and Windows Live services. Guests will learn how to share all their digital memories through email, blogging and social networking — so friends and family can see where they've been cruising even before they return home. "

With Fall being one of the ideal seasons for a Mediterranean cruise, now is the time to start clearing your schedule for the latter half of October by calling Wilcox World Travel & Tours at 828-254-0746 or Toll Free 800-2-WILCOX with questions or for more info.