Ms Rotterdam and ms Volendam sail cruises from 14 to 90 days
Throughout winter 2014 and spring 2015, Holland America Line will have two ships exploring Asia and the Far East, with new itineraries, Myanmar (Burma) calls and more overnight port stays. Ms Volendam will sail a series of 14 to 17-day cruises, while the ms Rotterdam will take an epic 88-night “Passage to the Far East” roundtrip journey from Southampton. All of the cruises feature exotic ports of call, with extended and overnight stays at some of Asia’s most iconic cities.
“As more travellers look to fulfil their dream of a holiday to far-off corners of the globe, the Far East remains popular due to its historical significance, wealth of sightseeing opportunities and mysterious allure,” said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programmes for Holland America Line. “From overland tours to the Bagan Temples to a chance to see the famed Komodo dragon, the length and diversity of our Asia cruises make them a truly unique experience.”
88-night Passage to the Far East voyage – Southampton roundtrip
The ms Rotterdam will start the New Year off with an 88 night “Passage to the Far East” voyage roundtrip from Southampton, departing 8 January 2015. The ship sails east with calls at Portugal, Morocco, Spain, Malta and Greece, before a daylight transit of the Suez Canal. The Middle East is also explored with stops in Muscat, Oman, and Dubai, before the ship arrives in India. The journey then continues to Thilawa (Rangoon) for an overnight visit. The itinerary then includes calls in Singapore, Jakarta, Indonesia and Malaysia before sailing back to Sri Lanka, India, Oman, Jordan and Egypt. During the voyage, guests can enjoy overnight calls in Port Klang, Malaysia; Colombo, Sri Lanka; Mumbai (Bombay), India; Bali and Singapore. Segments ranging from 34 to 55 days are also available between Rotterdam, Southampton and Singapore.
Cruise fares start from £8,049pp for the complete 88-night cruise, £5,149 for the 54-day passage and £3,249 for the 34-day segment. All prices are based on two sharing an inside stateroom.
New 14-day Asian Adventure Voyages
New for 2014, ms Volendam will sail three 14-day “Asian Adventure” roundtrip cruises from Singapore. Departing 22 December 2014, 22 February and 16 March 2015, the ship calls at ports in Malaysia, Thailand and Myanmar (Burma). Guests will enjoy an overnight stay at Singapore and Thilawa (Rangoon), Myanmar (Burma), as well as an extended port call at Port Kelang (Kuala Lumpur), Malaysia.
14-day Far East Discovery Voyages
The ship ms Volendam will also sail a series of 14-day “Far East Discovery” cruises between Singapore and Hong Kong, throughout January, February and March 2015. The itinerary calls at Koh Samui, Thailand; Sihanoukville, Cambodia (with a late departure); several ports in Vietnam including late departures from Nha Trang and Halong Bay; and there will also be an overnight call at Laem Chabang (Bangkok), Thailand.
Fares for the 14-day Asian Adventure and Far East Discovery cruises begin at £1,199pp, based on two sharing an inside stateroom.
16-Day Great Barrier Reef Voyage
Ms Volendam sails three nonrepeating itineraries at the beginning and end of the season, starting 22 November 2014, with a cruise from Sydney, to Singapore. The 16-day “Great Barrier Reef” voyage explores eastern Australia with calls at Hamilton Island and Port Douglas (Cairns), with an extensive Great Barrier Reef experience. Guests will witness a sunrise at Lizard Island, sunset at Piper Island and sail around the Ribbon Reef and Far North regions and through the Torres Strait. The ship says goodbye to Australia with a final call at Darwin before visiting Komodo Island, Bali and Java in Indonesia.
14-day China and Japan Voyage
In the spring, ms Volendam sails a 14-day “China and Japan” voyage departing from Hong Kong on 13 April 2015 and ending at Kobe, Japan. Along the way the ship calls at Shanghai and Xingang (Beijing), China, both overnight calls enabling guests to explore those bustling cities; Jeju (Cheju) and Pusan, South Korea; and Nagasaki, Japan.
17-day Trans-Pacific
Guests looking for an unusual adventure can embark in Kobe on 27 April 2015 for a 17-day trans-Pacific voyage to Vancouver. The itinerary includes an overnight call at Yokohama (Tokyo), Japan, and calls at Hakodate and Kushiro, Japan, before guests will enjoy leisurely days at sea crossing the Pacific Ocean to Canada. The ship visits Kodiak and Sitka, Alaska, with memorable scenic cruising along Alaska’s famous Inside Passage.
The 14-day China and Japan itinerary can be combined with the 17-day trans-Pacific cruise for a 31-day “China, Japan and North Pacific Crossing Collectors’ Voyage.”
Fares for the 16-day Great Barrier Reef cruise start from £1,399pp and the 14-day China and Japan cruise is available from £1,289pp. The 17-day trans-Pacific cruise starts from £1,399pp and the 31-day trans-Pacific crossing begins at £2,439pp. All prices are based on two sharing an inside stateroom.
All prices include the full board cruise and are per person, based on two people sharing an inside stateroom. Fly-cruise prices are available upon request.
For more information or to book, contact Holland America Line on www.hollandamerica.co.uk
