Holland America's Volendam to Australia in 2009

Holland America has announced 9 sailings in the 2009/2010 cruise season on the Volendam throughout Australia and New Zealand. This ship represents the largest Holland America has sent to the region thus far.

The itineraries range in length from 14-19 nights, and will depart from Singapore, Auckland or Sydney. Of course, this also means there could be some interesting repositioning cruises as well!

Australia... Now Easier to Get To!

Yesterday the US and Australia finalized a landmark Open Skies Agreement which will allow for more routes, airlines and frequency of flights between US and Australian cities.

In the past, Qantas and United Airlines have had a virtual lock on routes between the US and Australia, being the only carriers permitted non-stop flights between Australia and the lower-48 states. With this agreement, when it is fully implemented, you can expect not only more choices in airlines, times, frequency and availability, but the increased competition should bring down these traditionally expensive fares.

Expected to jump into the arena quickly are at least one of the Virgin brands, most likely Virgin Blue. Other carriers should also join this lucrative market soon.

This is great news for cruisers, as it will make the increasingly popular Australia/New Zealand cruises more easily accessible. Won't do anything about the flight time, but will make it easier on your pocketbook.

2 More TGIFebruary Offers from Royal Caribbean

Following up on last week's TGIFebruary offer of reduced 3rd and 4th person occupancy, Royal Caribbean released 2 new offers, good through the end of February, in their TGIFebruary promotion. Well, at least it was originally intended to only be for bookings through the end of the month, but in the spirit of Valentine's Day, one of the offers is good until April 1, no fooling!

First up, save $200 on select "exotic" sailings in South America or Australia! This applies to the October 19, November 1, 11, 22, December 2, 13, 23, 2008 and January 6, 13, 27 and February 10, 2009 sailings on the Rhapsody of the Seas in the South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand, the November 28, December 7, and 20, 2008, January 4, 18, February 1, 15, 28, , March 13, 29 and April 12, 2009 sailings of the Radiance of the Seas in South America. Lots of "exotic" there to choose from!

I've been highlighting more exotic destinations recently. Is it time for you to start exploring farther afield? If so, give me a call! These specials may be just the ticket for you!

The second offer this week is for sailings closer to home - the Caribbean and Panama Canal! Looking to sail next fall between August and December? These offers may be perfect for you. Most Caribbean sailings on the Freedom of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas between August 31 and December 14, 2008, offer a $100 onboard credit, as does the Jewel of the Seas 10- and 11-night Panama Canal sailings November 7, 28 and December 8, 2008. Interested in these? Call me by March 14 to book to be eligible for these savings, and be sure to mention the TGIFebruary specials!

Holland America Heads Down Under

HAL returns to their popular Australia and New Zealand itineraries in 2009, this time with the Amsterdam.

Starting with a 67-day voyage to the South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand, this "Grand Voyage" departs Sept. 26, 2009, from Seattle, and sails westward to Papeete, Tahiti; Bora Bora; Pago Pago, Samoa; Port-Vila, Vanuatu; Cairns and Sydney, Australia; Christchurch, Napier and Tauranga, New Zealand; Hawaii; and Los Angeles.

Highlights include scenic cruising through New Zealand's Milford Sound, a 12-mile long incision through 5,000-foot hillsides, and Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The voyage also offers more than 20 relaxing days at sea. Holland America Line offers departures from Seattle, Vancouver or Los Angeles, and segments from 31 to 36 days. Reservations are now open. Early-booking bonus amenities for full-cruise guests include airfare, prepaid hotel service charges, shipboard credit, luggage delivery service and limousine transfers when booking select stateroom categories; amenities vary by cruise and booking date. Cruise fares start at $11,399 per person, double occupancy, for the entire 67-day cruise. Taxes and fuel supplement are additional.

For those wishing to cruise in Australia and New Zealand, but who want to avoid long flights, this extended voyage is just the ticket!