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HAL’s Westerdam set to be first cruise ship in Samoa since COVID, Sydney maiden voyage ahead

On Tuesday, Holland America Line’s Westerdam becomes the first cruise ship to visit Apia, Samoa since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Helen Hutcheon, Australasia correspondent

October 17, 2022

1 Min Read
Credit: Seatrade Cruise News

Westerdam is making its maiden call at the port on a repositioning voyage from Vancouver to Sydney.

Big welcome

The Samoa Tourism Authority, in conjunction with the Samoa Ports Authority and shore excursion agents, are planning a big welcome for the 1,964-passenger ship.

‘Apia will be a popular port call for Westerdam’s guests because of its natural coastal beauty and culture,’ said Ryan Taibel, Carnival Australia VP of Sales.

Taibel said they will have the opportunity to visit the Museum of Samoa, the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum and vanilla farms.

Maiden visit to Australasia

Westerdam is also making its maiden voyage to Sydney where it arrives November 8 to be home-ported until January 3.

The ship will sail seven itineraries around Australia and New Zealand, ranging from 13 to 30 days.

Read more about:

Holland America Line

About the Author

Helen Hutcheon

Helen Hutcheon

Australasia correspondent

Helen Hutcheon did her cadetship on a shipping magazine and worked in P&O’s Sydney office for seven years as a public relations journalist.

For 19 years she was deputy editor of Travel Week, which was Australia’s leading trade newspaper that covered major local and international industry events.

In 2008 the late legendary Rama Rebbapragada presented her with an award from Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd ‘in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the cruising industry.’

In 2010 she won the Neil Frazer Award for ‘outstanding contribution to the cruise industry,’ elevating her to CLIA Australasia’s hall of fame.

She has been the Australasia correspondent for Seatrade Cruise Review since 1997 and for Seatrade Insider (now Seatrade Cruise News) since its launch in 2000.

 

See more from Helen Hutcheon
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