Holland America Line's Volendam Returns to Asia and Down Under in 2011 With a Widespread Array of Itineraries - Including the Great Barrier Reef

Mon Oct 12, 2009 8:58pm EDT
 
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Holland America Line's Volendam Returns to Asia and Down Under in 2011 With a
Widespread Array of Itineraries - Including the Great Barrier Reef







SEATTLE, Oct. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- 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. 


For a cruise brochure or for more information on Holland America Line's
Australia, New Zealand, Asia and South Pacific voyages, consult a professional
travel agent, call 1-800-522-3399 or visit www.hollandamerica.com.




-- www.hollandamerica.com --


About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE:
CCL and CUK)] 


Holland America Line's fleet of 14 ships offers nearly 500 cruises to 314
ports in more than 100 countries, territories or dependencies. Two- to 108-day
itineraries visit all seven continents, and highlights include Antarctica,
South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; a Grand World Voyage;
and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New
England, Europe and Panama Canal.  A 15th ship, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, is
scheduled to join the fleet in July 2010.


Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, a
commitment totaling more than $525 million, that showcase the Culinary Arts
Center presented by Food & Wine magazine -- a state-of-the-art onboard show
kitchen where more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts provide
cooking demonstrations and classes -- Explorations Cafe powered by The New
York Times, teens-only activity areas and all new stateroom amenities
highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-top Mariner's Dream Beds. 


World's Leading Cruise Lines
The highest-rated premium cruise line in the world, Holland America Line is a
member of the exclusive World's Leading Cruise Lines alliance, which also
includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Seabourn Cruise
Line and Costa Cruises.  Sharing a passion to please each guest and a
commitment to quality and value, these lines appeal to a wide range of
lifestyles and budgets.  The World's Leading Cruise Lines offer exciting and
enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations. 




               CONTACT:  Sally Andrews, John Primeau
                 PHONE:  800-637-5029, 206-262-5870
                   FAX:  206-262-5934
                 EMAIL:  pr@hollandamerica.com





SOURCE  Holland America Line

Sally Andrews, 1-800-637-5029, or John Primeau, +1-206-262-5870, both of
Holland America Line, Fax, +1-206-262-5934, pr@hollandamerica.com

 

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