In anticipation of cruises returning to Australia and New Zealand, and strong pent-up demand as cruisers head Down Under again after the pandemic, Holland America Line has introduced new itineraries in the destinations this fall aboard the Westerdam.

HAL recently announced that Westerdam’s previously scheduled fall cruises in Asia would be cancelled because of “continued uncertainty around access to ports in (the region),” with 11 cruises impacted.

Now, from Oct. 2 through March 13, 2022, the ship will feature 10 new Down Under itineraries featuring 35 ports that also includes a repositioning cruise.

First, two new cruises will conclude its Alaska season and reposition the ship to the South Pacific from North America. Itineraries in Australia and New Zealand sail roundtrip from Sydney, Australia, or between Sydney and Auckland, New Zealand, and include scenic cruising in Fiordland National Park. A special Holiday Cruise departing Dec. 20 celebrates the New Year exploring New Zealand.

“The pent-up demand for cruises to Australia and New Zealand led us to the decision that it would be valuable to have Westerdam sail these unique itineraries that include some uncommon ports for us,” said Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer of Holland America Line. “We have the utmost optimism that the entire region will be back to cruising come fall, and our guests have been waiting two years to take their dream cruise. These new itineraries give guests a lot to choose from as they explore this part of the world.”

Goodbye, Alaska

Holland America Line added a seven-day Alaska cruise roundtrip from Seattle, Washington, departing Sept. 25, extending Westerdam’s season by a week. The ship will then spend 36 days weaving among South Pacific islands enroute to Australia’s southern and eastern regions, and the North and South islands of New Zealand. The cruise departs Seattle Oct. 2 and arrives at Sydney Nov. 8. Along the way, the ship makes 14 calls on the island of Hawaii, Samoa, Fiji, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, and Papua New Guinea, and finishes with three Australia visits.

Starting Nov. 8, Westerdam will explore Australia and New Zealand on four cruises that range from 13 to 15 days. The port-intensive itineraries ensure guests can deeply explore the region and get a variety of experiences ashore that showcase the country’s culture, culinary expertise and popular wine scene. Scenic cruising takes guests into the vistas of Fiordland National Park with its ice-tipped mountains and sprawling fjords.

In January, the ship will sail from Sydney to Singapore to reposition for a drydock. The 16-day voyage includes two days of scenic cruising in Australia’s iconic Great Barrier Reef. Following the ship’s refurbishment, Westerdam will cruise two new departures in February before assuming its previously published itineraries in Asia.

Australia and New Zealand cruise pricing starts at a “Have it All” premium package rate of US$1,848 p.p., double, for the 13-day sailing, which includes four high-value amenities: one shore excursion, a Signature Beverage Package, one night specialty dining and a Wi-Fi Surf Package to stay connected throughout the cruise. Cruise-only standard fares start at $1,329 p.p.