This is in anticipation of the ports there allowing international cruise ships again. The new voyages aboard Westerdam are offered from Sept. 25 and continue through March 13, with new Southeast Asia cruises starting in February after a Singapore dry dock in January.
Two new cruises conclude the Alaska season and reposition the ship Down Under from North America. Itineraries in Australia and New Zealand sail round-trip or between Sydney and Auckland, and include scenic cruising in Fiordland National Park. A special holiday cruise departing Dec. 20 celebrates the New Year exploring New Zealand .
'Utmost optimism' for reopening
'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 HAL's Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer. 'We have the utmost optimism that the entire region will be back to cruising come fall [austral spring], and our guests have been waiting two years to take their dream cruise.'
Added Alaska cruise, then 36-day repositioning
A seven-day Alaska cruise round-trip Seattle departing Sept. 25 extends Westerdam's season by a week. The ship will then spend 36 days weaving among South Pacific islands en route 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, Westerdam makes 14 calls on the islands of Hawaii, Samoa, Fiji, Vanuatu, New Caledonia and Papua New Guinea, and finishes with three Australia visits.
Starting Nov. 8, the ship will explore Australia and New Zealand on four port-intensive cruises ranging from 13 to 15 days with scenic sailing in Fiordland National Park.
Singapore dry dock
In January, Westerdam will depart from Sydney to Singapore to reposition for a dry dock. The 16-day voyage includes two days of scenic cruising in Australia's Great Barrier Reef.
Following its refurbishment, Westerdam will offer two new Asia cruises before assuming its previously published Asia itineraries.
Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. Seatrade, a trading name of Informa Markets (UK) Limited.
Add Seatrade Cruise News to your Google News feed.  |
