Holland America's Volendam Heads to Asia in 2012

When Holland America Line’s ms Volendam heads to Asia in 2013, the ship will sail a series of 14-day itineraries between Singapore and Hong Kong, China; Kobe (Osaka), Japan, and Hong Kong, as well as a roundtrip Kobe cruise. Guests will have the opportunity to also visit the countries of Vietnam, South Korea, Thailand and Cambodia on the Far East explorations, including the option to take an overland tour to the Great Wall of China.

The nine voyages — including a 16-day Great Barrier Holiday sailing Sydney to Singapore via Indonesia departing Dec. 22, 2012 and a 17-day trans-Pacific crossing from Kobe to Vancouver, British Columbia — will sail from December through April and offer extended ports calls and overnight stays at some of the most historical and exciting cities in the region, including Bangkok, Thailand; Shanghai and Xingang (Beijing), China, and Yokohama (Tokyo), Japan.

“Travel research continues to indicate that interest in the Far East is rising and Asia explorations remain on the wish lists of our guests,” said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs, for Holland America Line. “Our Asia itineraries offer everything, from interesting shore excursions and cultural encounters to ports with deep historical roots and unique experiences.”

Itineraries can be combined to form longer 28- or 31-day Collectors’ Voyages, enabling guests to experience a more in-depth exploration of Asia’s landmarks, as well as explore its mystical allure.

14-day Far East Explorer Voyages

Volendam’s three 14-day Far East Discovery voyages sail between Hong Kong and Singapore and feature port calls at Koh Samui and Bangkok (overnight), Thailand; Sihanoukville (Kâmpóng Saôm), Cambodia, and Phu My (Ho Chi Minh City), Nha Trang, Da Nang, and Halong Bay, Vietnam. Departure dates are Jan. 7 and 21, and Feb. 4.

14-day China and Japan Discovery Voyage

Four 14-day China and Japan Discovery voyages sail between Hong Kong and Kobe (Osaka) and roundtrip Kobe, and include two overnight calls at Shangahi and Xingang, China. Additional ports of call include Dalian, China; Busan (Pusan), South Korea, and Nagasaki, Japan. Departure dates are Feb. 18, March 4 and 18, and (roundtrip Kobe) April 1.

17-day Trans-Pacific Repositioning Voyage

The 17-day trans-Pacific repositioning voyage departs April 15 from Kobe and sails east to Vancouver. In addition to exotic ports of call, the itinerary features scenic cruising through Glacier Bay and the Inside Passage in Alaska, and relaxing days at sea. Following an overnight at Yokohama (Tokyo), the ship calls at Hakodate and Kushiro, Japan, and Kodiak and Ketchikan, Alaska, as it makes it way to Canada for the start of the Alaska sailing season.

Cruise fares begin at $1,899 per person, double occupancy for the 14-day Far East Explorer and 14-day China and Japan Discovery sailings, and $1,999 for the 17-day trans-Pacific sailing.

Memorable Shore Excursions

Guests can maximize their experience in Asia by booking notable optional shore excursions including a visit to the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh to explore the major highlights or discovering the Cu Chi Tunnels Discovery near Phu My, Vietnam; enjoying a cultural-experience at either Beomeosa or Tongdosa Temple complete with tea ceremony outside of Busan; and from Nagasaki, exploring the magnificent Shimabara Castle and Fugen Volcano.
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Holland America Announces Winter 2012 and Sping 2013 Australia / New England Cruises

In winter 2012 and spring 2013 two Holland America Line ships –– ms Oosterdam and ms Volendam –– will sail a series of Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific cruises, visiting more than 50 ports where guests can revel in the cosmopolitan attractions of Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland, and explore the exotic landscapes of Vanuatu and Fiji in the South Pacific.

The complete series of sailings ranges from 10- to 58-days and features for the first time one of the line’s larger Vista-class ships, ms Oosterdam. This addition represents almost a 25 percent capacity increase in the Australia/ South Pacific region for Holland America Line.

“Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands are among the top travel destinations in the world and we’ve developed our itineraries to showcase the best of what they offer from secluded ports to popular favorites,” said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs, for Holland America Line. “Holland America Line’s cruises highlight the region’s incredible wildlife on land and sea, including the legendary Outback, world-famous Great Barrier Reef and the opportunity of a lifetime to witness a solar eclipse while at sea.”

Guests can choose from a series of multiple departures ranging from 10- to14-days sailing roundtrip from Sydney or one way to or from Auckland between October 2012 and March 2013. New Zealand itineraries give guests a chance to experience some of the most amazing scenic cruising in the world, including the beautiful and dramatic Fiordland National Park and Bay of Plenty known for its beaches. These itineraries also visit both the North and South Islands of New Zealand with calls at popular ports of Wellington, Napier and Tauranga.

Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific Voyages

Volendam and Oosterdam sail a total of five 14-day Australia and New Zealand cruises from Auckland to Sydney or reverse and feature port calls at Melbourne and Burnie, Australia; Milford Sound and Akaroa (Christchurch), New Zealand, and scenic cruising at Fiordland National Park.

Four 14-day New Zealand Discovery voyages sail roundtrip from Sydney on Oosterdam Oct. 24, Nov. 21 and Dec. 19, 2012 (holiday cruise) and Jan. 12, 2013. One 14-day Solar Eclipse voyage departs Nov. 7 and includes port calls at Brisbane, Hamilton Island and Townsville, Australia; Ile des Pins and Noumea, New Caledonia, and a total of six days in the Tasman and Coral Sea. Travelers on this voyage will have an opportunity to witness the rare natural phenomenon of a solar eclipse, which occurs Nov. 14, 2012.

Four additional sailings to Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific include the 10-, 11- and 13-day Pacific Treasures cruises roundtrip from Sydney and feature more exotic and lesser-known tropical ports in Vanuatu, New Caledonia and Fiji. Cruise fares begin at $1,299 per person.

Longer Unique Itineraries

Holland America Line offers several unique longer itineraries throughout the season, including Volendam’s 34-day Australia Circumnavigation. That voyage sails roundtrip from Sydney Oct. 21, 2012 and boasts 18 ports of call and scenic cruising in the remote Ribbon Reef and Far North Regions. Ports of call include Brisbane, Hamilton Island, Perth, Melbourne and Cairns, Australia; Hobart, Tasmania; Komodo Island, Indonesia; sunrise at Lizard Island and sunset at Booby Island to name a few. The trip also visits the Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven wonders of the natural world. Cruise fares begin at $5,499 per person.

The 1,380-passenger ms Amsterdam sails a 75-day Grand Asia and Australia Voyage, departing Seattle, Wash., Sept. 21, 2012. Ports of call during this extended voyage include Darwin, Brisbane and Sydney, Australia; Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea; Waitangi (Bay of Islands) and Auckland, New Zealand; Lautoka, Fiji, and Apia, Samoa Islands. Guests on board will experience regionally inspired cuisine, gala balls and extraordinary entertainment as well as the treasured cruising tradition of crossing the equator before disembarking at San Diego, Calif. Cruise fares begin at $10,999 per person.

South Pacific and Trans-Pacific Itineraries

One-of-a-kind itineraries are also offered at the beginning and end of the season sailing westbound or eastbound from the US into the Pacific region. Oosterdam’s 22- or 23-day trans-Pacific Crossing departs Seattle, Wash., or Vancouver, B.C., for Sydney Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, 2012. Oosterdam returns on a 22- or 23-day South Pacific Crossing from Sydney to Seattle or Vancouver departing April 13, 2013.

These South Pacific repositioning cruises provide an excellent opportunity to visit several regions with iconic ports of call and more relaxing days at sea. Cruise fares for the South Pacific and trans-Pacific sailings begin at $2,399 per person.

Collectors’ Voyages

Ranging from 25- to 58-days, Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific Collectors’ Voyages on Oosterdam and Volendam are perfect for true explorers who seek a more extensive cruise experience. These voyages combine two back-to-back itineraries and represent the best per-day value for guests. During the Australia cruise season Holland America Line sails a total of 11 Collectors’ Voyages, affording the most in-depth exploration of this diverse region with extended itineraries visiting multiple destinations and more days at sea. Cruise fares begin at $3,049 per person.

Extended Stays at Ports

Guests can maximize their cruise experience at select destinations on port calls that stay through the evening or overnight at Tauranga and Wellington, New Zealand; Darwin and Tasmania, Australia, and Suva, Fiji, where they can visit local villages and experience traditional performances of local songs and dances performed by friendly villagers, known as Meke.

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Holland America's Volendam Sails to Australia and New Zealand in 2010

Oct. 12, 2009 — Holland America Line’s ms Volendam is set to cruise to Australia and New Zealand in early 2011 with 14- and 18-day voyages to the lands of kangaroos, kiwis, the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and exotic Asian ports. The ship also will sail a 14-day exploration of the South Pacific to island jewels known for their powdery beaches and turquoise waters.

In the spring, Volendam will uncover the mysteries of the Far East with 17- and 18-day voyages throughout the Orient, and then take a trans-Pacific journey that will cross the International Date Line on the way back to North America .

“Exotic cruises to destinations such as Australia and the Far East remain high on the wish-list of many travelers, and we’ve developed our itineraries to showcase the best of each region,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs, for Holland America Line. “We pride ourselves in offering comprehensive experiences around the world, and these itineraries are sure to impress any cruise enthusiast.”

14-Day New Zealand Discovery

Both the North and South islands of New Zealand with their beautiful natural landscapes will be explored on the 14-day round-trip Sydney , Australia , sailings departing Jan. 2 and 30, 2011. The ship will make a total of eight calls at ports in New Zealand , including Wellington , Napier, Christchurch , Tauranga and a full day at Auckland .

The itinerary also features extensive scenic cruising in Fiordland National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — as well as Milford Sound. Guests can take in the breathtaking views of the region’s extreme scenery, ranging from glaciers to mountain ranges and sandy beaches to volcanic plateaus.

14-Day Pacific Treasures

Volendam departs Jan. 16 on a 14-day round-trip Sydney cruise to the islands of the South Pacific and through some of the most pristine waters in the world. Three ports of call in New Caledonia allow guests to dive and snorkel along the region’s coral reef and in the largest lagoon in the world. The ship also calls at the island of Vanuatu with its potpourri of cultures and magnificent natural harbor, as well as two calls at the island of Fiji , known for its sun-kissed beaches and crystal-clear seas.

14-Day Australia and New Zealand

Departing Feb. 13 from Sydney and Feb. 27 from Auckland , these spectacular cruises between Auckland and Sydney were created for travelers wishing to discover the diverse scenery and rich culture Down Under.

This itinerary also features extensive scenic cruising in Fiordland National Park , as well as Milford , Dusky and Queen Charlotte sounds. Holland America Line is one of the few premium cruise lines calling at Picton, the gateway to the South Island and the hub of Marlborough Sound’s thriving wine country, a certain highlight for wine connoisseurs. Guests can experience the Maori culture when the ship calls at Tauranga and experience the novelty of less-visited ports such as Burnie , Australia . For those looking for a more in-depth experience, pre- or post-cruise land tours take guests to the Great Barrier Reef or Alice Springs .

18-Day Great Barrier Reef Explorer

Volendam’s 18-day itinerary departing March 13 from Sydney to Singapore enables guests to enjoy four days of cruising the Great Barrier Reef , including two days of daylight cruising through the world’s largest coral reef system. Scenic highlights include an overnight anchorage in the reef near Sherrard Island and calls within the Whitsunday Island group. Several interesting ports also will be visited in Indonesia , including Komodo Island , part of the Komodo National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — as well the beautiful islands of Bali and Java. An overnight call at Singapore at the end of the cruise enables guests to explore the bustling city and return to the comfort of the ship before disembarking the next morning.



18-Day Asia Explorer

Sailing from Singapore to Kobe ( Osaka ), Japan , Volendam is set to explore all corners of the Orient including Thailand , Cambodia , Vietnam , China and Japan on its April 14 departure. The 18-day itinerary is filled with plenty of time to explore the palaces and tombs that dot the ancient lands, take in the tranquility of the temples and gardens, and sample the unique flavors of Asian cuisine. Three overnight stays ensure that guests are able to explore Bangkok with it’s abundance of palaces and Buddhist wats; the cosmopolitan city of Hong Kong with its tea shops and street markets, and Shanghai with its soaring skyscrapers and unforgettable Yuyuan Gardens .

17-Day Japan and Alaska

In the spring, Volendam repositions back to the waters of Alaska with a 17-day trans-Pacific journey from Kobe to Vancouver , British Columbia . Departing May 2, the ship visits the ports of Yokohama , Hakodate and Kushiro , Japan , before crossing the International Date Line over to Alaska and kicking off the season with calls at Kodiak and Sitka , and scenic cruising of the Inside Passage .

Cruise fares are per person, double occupancy, and start at $1,599 for the New Zealand Discovery voyage departing Jan. 2 and $1,699 for the Jan. 30 departure; $1,599 for the Pacific Treasures cruise departing Jan.16; $1,699 for the Australia and New Zealand voyage departing Feb 13 and $1,599 for the Feb. 27 departure; $2,099 for the Great Barrier Reef Explorer cruise departing March 13; $2,099 for the Asia Explorer voyage departing April 11, and $1,599 for the Japan and Alaska trans-Pacific cruise departing May 2.

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