Holland America Line's Volendam Returns to Asia and Down Under in 2011 With a
Widespread Array of Itineraries - Including the Great Barrier Reef

    



    
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<p><location>SEATTLE</location>, <chron>Oct. 12</chron> /CNW/ -- Holland America Line's ms Volendam is set to cruise to <location>Australia</location> and <location>New Zealand</location> in early 2011 with 14- and 18-day voyages to the lands of kangaroos, kiwis, the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and exotic Asian ports. The ship also will sail a 14-day exploration of the South Pacific to island jewels known for their powdery beaches and turquoise waters.</p>
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<p>In the spring, Volendam will uncover the mysteries of the Far East with 17- and 18-day voyages throughout the Orient, and then take a trans-Pacific journey that will cross the International Date Line on the way back to <location>North America</location>.</p>
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<p>"Exotic cruises to destinations such as <location>Australia</location> and the Far East remain high on the wish-list of many travelers, and we've developed our itineraries to showcase the best of each region," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs, for Holland <person>America Line</person>. "We pride ourselves in offering comprehensive experiences around the world, and these itineraries are sure to impress any cruise enthusiast."</p>
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    14-Day New Zealand Discovery
    
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<p>Both the North and South islands of <location>New Zealand</location> with their beautiful natural landscapes will be explored on the 14-day round-trip <location>Sydney, Australia</location>, sailings departing <chron>Jan. 2</chron> and 30, 2011. The ship will make a total of eight calls at ports in <location>New Zealand</location>, including <location>Wellington</location>, Napier, <location>Christchurch</location>, Tauranga and a full day at <location>Auckland</location>.</p>
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<p>The itinerary also features extensive scenic cruising in Fiordland National Park -- a UNESCO World Heritage Site -- as well as Milford Sound. Guests can take in the breathtaking views of the region's extreme scenery, ranging from glaciers to mountain ranges and sandy beaches to volcanic plateaus.</p>
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    14-Day Pacific Treasures
    
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<p>Volendam departs <chron>Jan. 16</chron> on a 14-day round-trip Sydney cruise to the islands of the South Pacific and through some of the most pristine waters in the world. Three ports of call in <location>New Caledonia</location> allow guests to dive and snorkel along the region's coral reef and in the largest lagoon in the world. The ship also calls at the island of <location>Vanuatu</location> with its potpourri of cultures and magnificent natural harbor, as well as two calls at the island of <location>Fiji</location>, known for its sun-kissed beaches and crystal-clear seas.</p>
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    14-Day Australia and New Zealand
    
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<p>Departing <chron>Feb. 13</chron> from Sydney and <chron>Feb. 27</chron> from <location>Auckland</location>, these spectacular cruises between <location>Auckland</location> and Sydney were created for travelers wishing to discover the diverse scenery and rich culture Down Under.</p>
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<p>This itinerary also features extensive scenic cruising in Fiordland National Park, as well as Milford, Dusky and <person>Queen Charlotte</person> sounds. Holland <person>America Line</person> is one of the few premium cruise lines calling at Picton, the gateway to the South Island and the hub of Marlborough Sound's thriving wine country, a certain highlight for wine connoisseurs. Guests can experience the Maori culture when the ship calls at Tauranga and experience the novelty of less-visited ports such as Burnie, <location>Australia</location>. For those looking for a more in-depth experience, pre- or post-cruise land tours take guests to the Great Barrier Reef or <person>Alice Springs</person>.</p>
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    18-Day Great Barrier Reef Explorer
    
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<p>Volendam's 18-day itinerary departing <chron>March 13</chron> from Sydney to <location>Singapore</location> enables guests to enjoy four days of cruising the Great Barrier Reef, including two days of daylight cruising through the world's largest coral reef system. Scenic highlights include an overnight anchorage in the reef near Sherrard Island and calls within the Whitsunday Island group. Several interesting ports also will be visited in <location>Indonesia</location>, including Komodo Island, part of the Komodo National Park -- a UNESCO World Heritage Site -- as well the beautiful islands of Bali and Java. An overnight call at <location>Singapore</location> at the end of the cruise enables guests to explore the bustling city and return to the comfort of the ship before disembarking the next morning.</p>
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    18-Day Asia Explorer
    
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<p>Sailing from <location>Singapore</location> to <location>Kobe</location> (<location>Osaka</location>), <location>Japan</location>, Volendam is set to explore all corners of the Orient including <location>Thailand</location>, <location>Cambodia</location>, Vietnam, <location>China</location> and <location>Japan</location> on its <chron>April 14</chron> departure. The 18-day itinerary is filled with plenty of time to explore the palaces and tombs that dot the ancient lands, take in the tranquility of the temples and gardens, and sample the unique flavors of Asian cuisine. Three overnight stays ensure that guests are able to explore <location>Bangkok</location> with it's abundance of palaces and Buddhist wats; the cosmopolitan city of <location>Hong Kong</location> with its tea shops and street markets, and <location>Shanghai</location> with its soaring skyscrapers and unforgettable Yuyuan Gardens.</p>
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    17-Day Japan and Alaska
    
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<p>In the spring, Volendam repositions back to the waters of Alaska with a 17-day trans-Pacific journey from <location>Kobe</location> to <location>Vancouver</location>, British Columbia. Departing <chron>May 2</chron>, the ship visits the ports of <location>Yokohama</location>, Hakodate and Kushiro, <location>Japan</location>, before crossing the International Date Line over to Alaska and kicking off the season with calls at Kodiak and Sitka, and scenic cruising of the Inside Passage.</p>
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<p>Cruise fares are per person, double occupancy, and start at <money>$1,599</money> for the <location>New Zealand</location> Discovery voyage departing <chron>Jan. 2</chron> and <money>$1,699</money> for the <chron>Jan. 30</chron> departure; <money>$1,599</money> for the Pacific Treasures cruise departing <chron>Jan. 16</chron>; <money>$1,699</money> for the <location>Australia</location> and <location>New Zealand</location> voyage departing <chron>Feb 13</chron> and <money>$1,599</money> for the <chron>Feb. 27</chron> departure; <money>$2,099</money> for the Great Barrier Reef Explorer cruise departing <chron>March 13</chron>; <money>$2,099</money> for the Asia Explorer voyage departing <chron>April 11</chron>, and <money>$1,599</money> for the <location>Japan</location> and Alaska trans-Pacific cruise departing <chron>May 2</chron>.</p>
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<p>For a cruise brochure or for more information on Holland America Line's <location>Australia</location>, <location>New Zealand</location>, Asia and South Pacific voyages, consult a professional travel agent, call 1-800-522-3399 or visit <a href="http://www.hollandamerica.com">www.hollandamerica.com</a>.</p>
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    -- www.hollandamerica.com --

    
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<p>About Holland <person>America Line</person> [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)]</p>
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<p>Holland America Line's fleet of 14 ships offers nearly 500 cruises to 314 ports in more than 100 countries, territories or dependencies. Two- to 108-day itineraries visit all seven continents, and highlights include Antarctica, <location>South America</location>, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; a Grand World Voyage; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, <location>Mexico</location>, Canada/New England, <location>Europe</location> and <location>Panama</location> Canal.  A 15th ship, ms Nieuw <location>Amsterdam</location>, is scheduled to join the fleet in <chron>July 2010</chron>.</p>
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<p>Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, a commitment totaling more than <money>$525 million</money>, that showcase the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine -- a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen where more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and classes -- Explorations Cafe powered by The New York Times, teens-only activity areas and all new stateroom amenities highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-top Mariner's Dream Beds.</p>
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    World's Leading Cruise Lines
    
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<p>The highest-rated premium cruise line in the world, Holland <person>America Line</person> is a member of the exclusive World's Leading Cruise Lines alliance, which also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, <person>Princess Cruises</person>, Cunard Line, Seabourn Cruise Line and Costa Cruises.  Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, these lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets.  The World's Leading Cruise Lines offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations.</p>
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               CONTACT:  Sally Andrews, John Primeau
                 PHONE:  [phone]
                   FAX:  [phone]
                 EMAIL:  [email protected]



    

For further information: Sally Andrews, 1-800-637-5029, or John Primeau, [phone], both of Holland America Line, Fax, [phone], [email protected] Web Site: http://www.hollandamerica.com