Holland America Line's ms Oosterdam And ms Volendam Return To Australia/New Zealand For 2013-14 Season

Series of cruises 'Down Under' feature 12 Collectors' Voyages and 10 itineraries

SEATTLE, April 2, 2013 /CNW/ - Holland America Line's ms Oosterdam and ms Volendam will return to Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific islands for the 2013-14 season with a series of sailings that will visit more than 50 ports of call. During the voyages guests will have the opportunity to experience the region's incredible wildlife on land and in the sea, including Australia's legendary Outback and the world's largest coral ecosystem, the Great Barrier Reef, during a complete circumnavigation of the continent.

Guests can select from a series of multiple departures ranging from 10- to 14-day sailings round-trip from Sydney, Australia, or Sydney to or from Auckland, New Zealand, between October 2013 and March 2014. New Zealand itineraries give guests a chance to experience some of the most amazing scenic cruising in the world, including the dramatic Fiordland National Park and Bay of Plenty, renowned for its majestic beaches. These itineraries also visit both the North and South Islands of New Zealand with calls at the popular ports of Wellington, Napier and Tauranga.

"Over the past few years the popularity of the Australia region has grown tremendously because of its beauty, diversity and friendly citizens, with many travelers making it their top 'must-do' trip of a lifetime," said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs for Holland America Line. "Our array of itineraries includes popular ports, stunning island visits, extended stays, overnight calls and enticing pre- and post-cruise options to make the trip 'Down Under' a memorable experience."

Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific Voyages
In 2013-14 Oosterdam sails a total of four 14-day Australia and New Zealand cruises from Auckland to Sydney or reverse Oct. 27 and Nov. 10, 2013, and Feb. 2 and 16, 2014. Featured ports of call include Melbourne, Australia; Hobart, Tasmania; Dunedin, Akaroa, Wellington, Napier, Gisborne and Christchurch, New Zealand, and scenic cruising at Fiordland National Park. Cruise fares begin at $1,599 per person, double occupancy.

Three 14-day New Zealand Discovery voyages depart on Oosterdam round-trip from Sydney Dec. 8, 2013, and Jan. 19 and March 16, 2014. During those voyages throughout New Zealand port calls include Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Akaroa, Gisborne, Milford Sound, Napier, Tauranga and the Bay of Islands. Cruise fares begin at $1,499 per person, double occupancy.

Five additional sailings to Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific include Oosterdam's 14-day Pacific Treasures cruises round-trip from Sydney Nov. 24 and Dec. 22, 2013 (holiday voyage), and Jan. 5 and March 2 and 30, 2014. Those cruises feature more exotic and lesser-known tropical ports at the South Pacific islands of Vanuatu, New Caledonia and Fiji. Cruise fares begin at $1,499 per person, double occupancy.

Longer Unique Itineraries including Australia Circumnavigation
Holland America Line offers several longer itineraries throughout the season, including Volendam's 34-day Australia Circumnavigation. This voyage is round-trip from Sydney Oct. 20, 2013, and features more than 20 ports as well as scenic cruising in the remote Ribbon Reef and Far North Regions. Calls during the counterclockwise trip around the continent include Brisbane, Hamilton Island, Townsville, Cairns, Darwin, Exmouth, Freemantle (Perth overnight), Esperance, Port Lincoln, Adelaide (overnight), Kangaroo Island, Melbourne and Burnie, Australia; Hobart, Tasmania; Komodo Island, Indonesia, and a beautiful sunrise call at Lizard Island and sunset call at Booby Island off the coast of Australia. The ship also visits the Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven wonders of the natural world. Cruise fares begin at $4,999 per person, double occupancy.

19-day Great Barrier Reef
Travel Melbourne to Singapore on the Volendam departing Nov. 20, 2013. Featuring two days of scenic cruising in The Great Barrier Reef with stops at Sydney, Burnie, Hamilton Island, Cairns and Darwin, Australia; Komodo Island, Bali and Semarang, Indonesia before arriving in Singapore. Cruise fares begin at $2,299 per person, double occupancy.

Trans-Pacific Crossing Itineraries
One-of-a-kind itineraries also are offered at the beginning and end of the season sailing from North America to the Pacific region. Volendam's 21- or 24-day South Pacific Crossing departs Los Angeles, Calif., or Vancouver, B.C., for Sydney Sept. 25 and Sept. 28, 2013. Oosterdam's 24- or 27-day South Pacific Crossing departs Los Angeles, Calif., or Seattle, Wash., for Sydney Sept. 29 and Oct. 2, 2013, and includes an overnight call at Honolulu, Hawaii. Oosterdam returns to North America on a 28- or 29-day South Pacific Crossing from Sydney to Seattle or Vancouver April 13, 2014.

The repositioning cruises provide an excellent opportunity to visit the South Pacific and Hawaii, as well as enjoy more relaxing days at sea. Cruise fares for the trans-Pacific sailings begin at $1,899 per person, double occupancy.

Collectors' Voyages
Ranging from 28 to 58 days, Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific Collectors' Voyages on Oosterdam and Volendam are perfect for avid explorers who seek a more extensive cruise experience. The voyages combine back-to-back itineraries and represent the best per-day value for guests. Holland America Line sails a total of 17 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 for the Collectors' Voyages begin at $2,799 per person, double occupancy.

Extended Stays and Pre- and Post-Cruise Tours
Guests are able to maximize their cruise experience at select calls throughout these voyages that feature a late departure or overnight visit allowing for evening shore excursions or longer independent explorations. Extended-stay ports include Hobart, Tasmania; Noumea, New Caledonia; Honolulu and Lahaina, Hawaii, and Suva, Fiji. Cruisers looking to make the most out of their time in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific can add a three- or five-night pre- or post-cruise land tour to the Great Barrier Reef, Ayers Rock/Uluru National Park or The Blue Mountains National Park, home to the famous "Three Sisters" rock formation.

For more information and cruise fares, contact a professional travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

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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