In anticipation of the ports in Australia & New Zealand fully welcoming cruise ships back, HAL-Holland America opened bookings for a season of new itineraries on ms Westerdam starting in fall 2022.
The new cruises, offered from September 25, 2022, through to March 13, 2023, explore the rich culture of Australia, the lush landscapes of New Zealand, and the history of Southeast Asia.
A couple of new sailings conclude the Alaskan season and reposition the Westerdam Down Under from North America. Itineraries in Australia & New Zealand sail roundtrip from Sydney (Australia), or between Sydney and Auckland (New Zealand), and feature scenic cruising in Fiordland National Park NZ. A Holiday Cruise departing December 20 celebrates the New Year by exploring New Zealand.
Holland America added a 7-day Alaska roundtrip from Seattle WA, departing September 25, extending Westerdam's cruise season by a week. The vessel will then spend 36 days around the isles of the South Pacific en route to the southern and eastern regions of Australia, and the North & South Islands of New Zealand. The journey departs Seattle WA on October 2 and arrives in Sydney on November 8. Along the way, Westerdam makes a total of 14 calls on the islands of Hawaii, Fiji, Vanuatu, Samoa, New Caledonia, and PNG-Papua New Guinea, and finishes with 3 Australia visits.
Starting November 8, ms Westerdam will explore Australia & New Zealand on 4 sailings that range between 13 and 15 days. The port-intensive itineraries ensure passengers can deeply explore the region, its culture, culinary expertise, and wine scene. Scenic cruising takes travellers to the Fiordland National Park.
In January, the liner will sail from Sydney to Singapore in order to reposition for a drydock. The 16-day cruise includes 2 days of scenic cruising in Australia's Great Barrier Reef, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. After the refurbishment, ms Westerdam will offer a couple of new departures in February prior to assuming her previously published itineraries in Asia.
Ranging between 24 and 51 days, Collectors' Voyages provide a more extensive cruise experience. They combine back-to-back (B2B), nonrepeating itineraries and boast the best per-day value for passengers.
Australia & New Zealand cruise pricing starts at the "Have it All" premium package rate of US$1,848 per person, double occupancy for the 13-day voyage, which includes 4 high-value amenities: 1 shore excursion, 1-night specialty dining, a Signature Beverage Package, and a Wi-Fi Surf Package. Cruise-only standard fares start at US$1,329 per person, double occupancy. Taxes/fees/port expenses are additional.