Holland America Line's 2014 Grand World Voyage Takes ms Amsterdam On 113-Day Exploration To 38 Ports On Five Continents

Ship to sail a Southern Hemisphere route including west coast of Africa

SEATTLE, April 15, 2013 /CNW/ - On Jan. 4, 2014, Holland America Line's ms Amsterdam will depart Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on an epic 113-day round-trip journey around the world that will touch the shores of 38 ports across five continents. Rather than taking a traditional course, the Amsterdam will cross the equator four times on the 2014 Grand World Voyage and sail a route that deeply explores the Southern Hemisphere.

For guests who want to take part in this annual tradition but have less time on their hands, eight segments ranging in length from 20 to 86 days are available from departure ports along the route. Seven overnight calls, evening theme balls, local entertainment brought on board and a host of other highlights ensure every segment is exciting and memorable.

"When it comes to a dream vacation, our Grand World Voyage is as special as you can get due to its length, number of ports and exotic destinations, and our 2014 voyage is no exception," said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs for Holland America Line. "Every year we like to change the Grand World Voyage itinerary so each journey is one of a kind and features calls that offer some of the most sought-after sights and experiences in the world."

Following Amsterdam's departure from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., the ship will take a westerly course from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean via a daylight transit of the Panama Canal. Two full overnights at Callao, Peru, enable guests to take an overland tour to Machu Picchu, also known as the Lost City of the Incas and one of the most breathtaking sites in the world.

Easter Island remains on the "must see" list of every avid traveler for its remote location and eerie moai sculptures, and guests on this voyage will get to visit it and Pitcairn Island before an overnight call at Papeete, French Polynesia. Amsterdam's guests will explore six more ports in the South Pacific before heading Down Under to Australia.

For the 2014 Grand World Voyage, Amsterdam sails up the east coast of Australia following an overnight call at Sydney. Extra time in one of the most popular ports on the journey allows for an evening at the famed Sydney Opera House, the opportunity to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge or an overland tour to Ayers Rock. The ship also calls at Brisbane and Yorkeys Knob (Cairns), Australia.

Two calls at Papua New Guinea, lead the way to Yap Island, Micronesia, which features lush greenery, beautiful beaches and a diverse marine life including the fascinating giant manta ray. The ship then calls at Cebu and Manila, Philippines, before an anticipated arrival at Hong Kong, China, where guests will have an overnight visit to take in the bustling markets, historic sites and vibrant culture.

Blending Asian traditions with a pristine western cityscape, next guests will have an overnight call at Singapore to get to know the bustling city. This call also acts as the departure point for an overland tour to Cambodia and Angkor Wat, one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia.

The ship continues its westerly course to Phuket, Thailand, and Colombo, Sri Lanka, before heading south and calling at the stunning island port of Victoria, Mahe, in the Seychelles. An overnight call at this picture-perfect paradise allows for time to relax on the beaches and wander through the colorful Victoria Botanical Gardens.

Amsterdam's African exploration continues with calls at Port Louis, Mauritus, and La Possession, Reunion, before spending time at two South African ports. Guests will have the opportunity to visit Durban — the largest city in South Africa — before an overnight call at Cape Town, one of the most iconic cities in the world. The ship then makes its way up the west coast of Africa with calls at Walvis Bay, Namibia, which touches the edge of the Namib Desert; the remote island of Jamestown, Saint Helena, where Napoleon Bonaparte spent his last days; Georgetown, Ascension Island, with its historic World War II connection and 44 volcano craters; Banjul, Gambia, where a camel safari, canoe adventure and the Abuko Nature Reserve await, and finally Dakar, Senegal, one of west Africa's largest cities and home to a newly completed African Renaissance Monument.

Following a call at Mindelo, Cape Verde, nearly 400 miles off the coast of Africa, Amsterdam sets a course for the Caribbean on the final leg of the Grand World Voyage. Guests will have three days on the tropical islands of Barbados, Dominica and St. Maarten before concluding the journey at Fort Lauderdale.

A Grand Onboard Experience
Sailing on Holland America Line's Grand World Voyage is a cruise experience unlike any other. Onboard amenities are elevated to the highest degree. The finest service is always nearby, with nearly one crewmember for every two guests and many of them Grand Voyage veterans. A different dining experience is offered every day, with the opportunity to enjoy a variety of exquisite food and fine wine from around the world, including regional specialties that highlight the ports of call. Entertainment features local cultural and folkloric shows, special guest headliners, illuminating speakers and many other festive events and galas.

Reservations are now open for Amsterdam's 2014 Grand World Voyage, and early-booking bonus amenities for full Grand World Voyage guests who book by May 31, 2013, include prepaid hotel service charges, shipboard credit, luggage delivery service and a complimentary shore excursion or event for select stateroom categories.

Guests booking a segment of the Grand World Voyage by May 31, 2013, in select categories of staterooms and suites receive a shipboard credit that varies depending on category.

The Grand World Voyage is available to book for the full cruise or in segments starting at 20 days. Cruise fares are per person, double occupancy. Rates start at $19,999 for Amsterdam's 113-day Grand World Voyage departing Jan. 4; $6,499 for the 37-day segment sailing Fort Lauderdale to Sydney departing Jan. 4; $10,699 for the 57-day segment sailing Fort Lauderdale to Hong Kong departing Jan. 4; $15,999 for the 86-day segment sailing Fort Lauderdale to Cape Town departing Jan. 4; $3,899 for the 20-day segment sailing Sydney to Hong Kong departing Feb. 11; $9,999 for the 49-day segment sailing Sydney to Cape Town departing Feb. 11; $5,999 for the 29-day segment sailing Hong Kong to Cape Town departing March 3; $10,499 for the 56-day segment sailing Hong Kong to Fort Lauderdale departing March 3, and $4,799 for the 27-day segment sailing Cape Town to Fort Lauderdale departing April 1.

About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc. (NYSE: CCL and CUK)]
Holland America Line's fleet of 15 ships offers more than 500 cruises to 415 ports in 98 countries, territories or dependencies. One- to 110-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, Bermuda, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal. The line currently has a new ship on order from Fincantieri shipyard for delivery in fall 2015.

Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, a commitment totaling more than $500 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, Digital Workshop powered by Windows, 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
Holland America Line is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Cunard Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises and Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, World's Leading Cruise Lines inspires people to discover their best vacation experience. Together, we offer a variety of exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations. Visit us at www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com.

SOURCE: Holland America Line

http://www.hollandamerica.com