This spring, Holland America Line is offering two segments as part of ms Volendam’s 34-day circumnavigation of Australia. These voyages are perfect for the traveller with less time to holiday but still have the desire to explore many of the country’s most iconic destinations in one single journey.
Embarking 21 October 2012, the first itinerary is a 19-night Sydney to Perth (via Darwin and Indonesia) sailing. Perfect for guests wishing to experience an early summer, the cruise will take in some of Australia’s most tropical locations and stunning beaches.
First port of call from Sydney is Brisbane where guests will be able to enjoy a whole day in port to experience the exciting city centre or take a trip to the iconic Gold Coast.
From Brisbane, the Volendam will sail to the Whitsundays dropping in at Hamilton Island. With a full day in port, guests can make the most of the island’s incredible white sandy beaches and tropical surrounds.
Next stop is Cairns for another full day in port, before the ship heads to Darwin via the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait.
Following a full day in Darwin where guests will be able to explore the Kakadu National Park, the ship will make an exciting detour from Australia’s coast for stops at Komodo Island and Lombok, both east of Bali in Indonesia.
Wrapping up the 19-day sailing, the ship will then venture back to Australian waters to the North West Cape where guests will be able to experience the Ningaloo Reef and its wild marine life with a full day in port.
The ship will arrive into Perth on 9 November signalling the conclusion of the unique 19-day journey.
Interior cabins on ms Volendam for the 19-day split circumnavigation of Australia start at $2,399 per person, based on double occupancy.
Next, ms Volendam will embark on a 15-day journey taking in the southern coastline of Australia. This segment of the circumnavigation also marks the only Volendam departure out of Perth this season, allowing west coast guests to embark locally rather than flying to Sydney.
Departing Perth on 9 November, the ship will sail to Albany and Esperance in West Australia and enjoy two full days in port.
Then, following two days at sea, the ship will anchor in Port Lincoln on the stunning Eyre Peninsula of South Australia. Guests will be able to disembark for the day and enjoy the marvellous seafood and long stretches of white sand beaches of this picturesque town.
Next stop is Adelaide. With a full day in port, guests have the opportunity to visit some of the nearby famed Barossa wineries or explore the vibrant city centre.
From Adelaide, the cruise will sail to South Australia’s pristine Kangaroo Island. A full day in port allows guests the opportunity to experience this majestic island paradise known worldwide for its native wildlife and rugged coastline. The Volendam will also mark the first arrival of a cruise ship at the island’s new pontoon in the quaint seaside town of Penneshaw.
Finally, the ship will make calls in Melbourne and Hobart. Both known for their exciting food experiences, rich cultural heritage and artistic communities, guests will be able to explore each destination with a full day in port. The ship will then sail into Sydney on 24 November marking the completion of ms Volendam’s 34-day circumnavigation of Australia.
Interior cabins on ms Volendam’s 15-day Perth to Sydney segment start at $1,799 per person, based on double occupancy.
For guests who wish to experience the full 34-day circumnavigation, rates start at $3,999 per person, double occupancy for an interior cabin.
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