Holland America goes Down Under

Holland America Line will add to its schedule of round-trip Sydney, Australia, sailings in 2010. The line has created three exciting 14-day cruises aboard ms Volendam geared to exploring the vast region that encompasses Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.

Two cruises, departing Jan. 20 and Feb. 28, are set to spend more time discovering the multifaceted terrain of New Zealand than any other premium cruise, while a third, departing Jan. 6, highlights the South Pacific’s exotic beauty.

"Our 14-day, roundtrip Sydney cruises are the perfect answer for a relaxing holiday escape," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs, for Holland America Line. "Travelers will pay calls to some of the most intriguing and exciting ports throughout New Zealand, including Christchurch, Wellington, Napier, Tauranga and Auckland and the most breathtaking islands in the South Pacific. At the same time, guests can indulge in our five-star, award-winning service — all at an incredible value."

Guests on board Volendam for the Jan. 6, 14-day Pacific Treasures cruise will kick-start the year sailing through the breathtaking vistas of the South Pacific. As the ship departs Sydney it makes a beeline for Noumea, New Caledonia, and the heart of French Polynesia. Here, guests will leisurely explore the region’s culture with additional calls at Mouli and Ile des Pins, New Caledonia; Port Vila and Luganville, Vanuatu, and Lautoka and Levuka, Fiji, before returning to Sydney.

The 14-day New Zealand Discovery cruise, departing Jan. 20 and Feb. 28, provides Kiwis-at-heart with a unique opportunity to explore the diverse landscapes throughout the country. Both the north and south islands of New Zealand, each with incredibly vibrant and lush scenery, will be explored with six different port calls and extensive scenic cruising in Fiordland National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Additionally, 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 Sounds’ thriving wine country.

Between the two New Zealand Discovery cruises, departing Feb. 3, Volendam will also sail a 14-day Sydney-to-Auckland itinerary.

Fares begin at just $1,599 per person, double occupancy, for the 14-day Pacific Treasures cruise and the 14-day New Zealand Discovery cruise. A 34-day Australia Circumnavigation cruise, departing March 14, will spend two days sailing the coastline of the Great Barrier Reef during daylight hours. Fares for this 34-day voyage begin at $4,599. Additionally, fares for the line’s 26- day Australia and South Pacific cruise from Sydney to Vancouver, British Columbia, departing April 17, begin at $2,699. Volendam will sail both the 34- day Australia Circumnavigation and 26-day Australia and South Pacific itineraries.