Experience one of the greatest travel experiences on earth – see the icons of Australia in one exciting trip. Holland America Line’s ms Volendam will complete a thrilling 34-day circumnavigation of Australia, taking in 18 ports of call from October 21 during which guests can enjoy extra-long port days, award-winning on-shore excursions and overnight stays.
Starting in Sydney, the cruise heads up the east coast to Brisbane and the Whitsundays’ spectacular Hamilton Island where coral reefs, sparkling beaches and clear blue-green waters abound. Make the most of the island’s stunning tropical surrounds with a whole day in port.
Next stop is Cairns, where lush rain forests run all the way down to the sea and rainbow-coloured fish and coral populate the Great Barrier Reef. Then it’s off to Darwin and Kakadu National Park, the ancient Aboriginal lands teeming with crocodiles, water buffalo and view cave paintings that date 20,000 years.
The ship veers away from the coast briefly to Lembar, on the island of Lombok, just east of Bali, before stopping at Western Australia’s North West Cape to see the wonders of Ningaloo Reef where wild dolphins, manta rays and sea turtles put on a show.
From Perth, explore historic Fremantle, visit the Swan Valley region for vineyard tours or head far inland for a desert sunrise over Ayers Rock. On the South West coast, Albany’s dramatic coastline belies a brutal past of convict labour and whaling depots.
Next stop is Adelaide, the elegant capital of South Australia in the heart of premium wine regions, then a rare cruise ship visit to Kangaroo Island, home to colonies of seals and the Remarkable Rocks.
Finally, the ship heads to cosmopolitan Melbourne for a full menu of galleries, restaurants and boutiques, before stopping in Hobart to browse artist studios, markets and cafés along the historic harbour front, finishing in Sydney.
In between each exciting port of call enjoy glorious days at sea being spoiled by your attentive crew, with nearly one crew member for every two guests. Holland America Line offers mid-sized ships with ample space in staterooms and common areas, as well as generous storage.
Relax into a world of comfort and easy elegance on board this premium cruise line, with luxurious bathrobes, 100% Egyptian cotton towels and fragrant bath soaps and lotions from Elemis Aromapure. Indulge in award-winning service and sophisticated five-star dining with ever-changing menus and 24-hour in-room dining service.
Interior cabins on the ms Volendam for the 34-day circumnavigation of Australia tour star from $4,499 per person, based on double occupancy.