Holland America to Asia-Pacific in 2009!

Holland America Line will feature a selection of nine voyages to the Asia Pacific region in 2009. For the first time, Volendam will sail to destinations throughout the Pacific, calling at locales in China, Southeast Asia, Korea, Indonesia, Vietnam and Russia. A convenient new round-trip Hong Kong itinerary is offered, and four maiden calls are planned in Puerto Princesa, Philippines; Otaru, Japan; Sanya, Hainan, China; and Keelung (Taipei), Taiwan. The itineraries visit more than a dozen popular Pacific Rim nations on cruises from 14 to 19 days that can be combined for a voyage of up to 66 days.

The Volendam is an excellent ship for this series of sailings. She was the largest of the pre-Vista class ships, and is comfortable, roomy, very functional and of course beautiful. For those of you who love Holland America, and are experiencing a bit of "been there, done that", these 9 voyages could offer just the ticket to exploration in a new region for you!

Starting in late-September, 2009, from either Vancouver or Seattle, they are followed by two new "Indonesian Islands and the Great Barrier Reef" itineraries will visit Komodo Island, part of the Komodo National Park; Padang Bai, Bali; and Semarang, a city teeming with ancient temples. These cruises include four days of cruising the Great Barrier Reef, including two days of daylight cruising through the world's largest coral reef system. The 19-day itinerary from Auckland to Singapore departs March 16, 2009, and the 15-day Singapore to Sydney cruise departs Nov. 21, 2009. Holland America also features a selection of nine voyages Down Under in 2009 with 14-day cruises and a 16-day holiday sailing between Australia and New Zealand.