This is the first of three photographic books (ports visited highlighted in blue on itinerary) covering my impressions of our 28 day cruise on the Mediterranean, sailing on the Holland America Line Signature Class ship Nieuw Statendam, visiting 21 ports from Amsterdam to Athens, from 7 September to 5 October 2024. The third book also covers the few extra days we spent in Athens (Greece) and Dubai (UAE), prior to departing for home in New Zealand. The book is basically set out in chronological order. This is my personal story, mainly told in pictures (some taken out of a coach window). They not only try to capture the cityscapes, buildings, street scenes (sometimes chaotic), the delicious foods, the bright colours and overall vibrancy etc. but also the friendly people whilst endeavouring to maybe show their moods and emotions. My lasting impression of the trip, apart from the summer heat and humidity was the comradeship and fun we had with our travelling tourists from Piha (Auckland, New Zealand), Kerry and Merv and Karen and Graeme (the latter whom disembarked in Rome). Anne and Kerry were our map and GPS navigators, whilst Merv and I followed like lost sheep! This book is for all to enjoy. Bruce Burgess February 2025