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Sydney and New Zealand Discovery Cruise

Discover some of the most spectacular landscapes that Australia and New Zealand have to offer. Combine hotel stays in Sydney and Auckland with a 5 star Holland America cruise between these two stunning cities.

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Itinerary
Ship
Cabin and Deck Plans

Sydney
Perth and Swan River
Yarra River, Melbourne
A cruise on Milford Sound

DAY 1: Overnight flight to Sydney.

DAY 2: Sydney.

On arrival in Sydney you will be met and transferred to your hotel for two nights.

DAY 3: Sydney.

The capital of the state of New South Wales, Sydney, is Australia's oldest and largest city, and boasts one of the largest and most beautiful harbours in the world, home to the instantly recognisable Sydney Harbour Bridge and world famous architectural wonder - the Sydney Opera House. Perhaps visit Chinatown and Darling Harbour before heading to historical Mrs Macquarie's Chair, where you will have a breathtaking view of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. (B)

DAY 4: Sydney.

Today, you will be transferred to the port to embark your ship, MS Volendam. (B, D)

DAY 5: At sea.

(B, L, D)

DAY 6: Melbourne.

The capital of the State of Victoria and the second largest city in Australia, Melbourne's charm lies in the magnificently preserved Victorian architecture of its many public buildings and gracious homes. Perhaps start your sightseeing in the city centre and then move on to the exclusive suburbs of South Yarra and Toorak and finally to the Westgate Bridge for panoramic views of Port Phillip Bay. Melbourne is perhaps best known for its fine parks and gardens, so why not spend your afternoon exploring the 'Garden City'? (B, L, D)

DAY 7: Burnie.

The port town of Burnie is set on the north-west coast of Tasmania and overlooks Emu Bay. Worth a visit is the Pioneer Village Museum, which will provide you with a detailed account of the city's history. (B, L, D)

DAY 8 to 9: At sea.

(B, L, D)

DAY 10: Milford Sound.

Cruise the spectacular Milford Sound, an awe-inspiring 16 kilometre inlet, lined with soaring walls of rock. Rising above the sound is the vast, usually snow-capped form of Mitre Peak. (B, L, D)

DAY 11: Dunedin.

The city is built around an octagon in place of the traditional square. Known as the 'Edinburgh of the South' because of its strong Scottish connections, Dunedin has preserved many of its grand Victorian and turn-of-the-century buildings. (B, L, D)

DAY 12: Christchurch.

Located on the east coast of the South Island, Christchurch is a city of contrasts. There is nowhere else in the world where within two hours of an international airport you can ski at a world class alpine resort, play golf, bungy jump, go rafting, mountain biking, hot-air ballooning, wind surfing, whale watching and visit world class wineries and gardens. The city centre is comfortingly compact and the most delightful central feature is the gently winding Avon River. On its grassy banks lined with poplars and weeping willows, office workers and visitors join street entertainers, seagulls and ducks for lunch in the sun. (B, L, D)

DAY 13: Picton.

Located close to the head of Queen Charlotte Sound, Picton is your gateway to the largest grape-growing and wine-producing region of New Zealand. (B, L, D)

DAY 14: Wellington.

New Zealand's capital city is nestled between rolling hills and a stunning harbour, and has a vibrant and compact downtown area that's best explored on foot.The city is home to Te Papa, the national museum, which tells the story of New Zealand's history through bold and interactive exhibits. In Wellington you'll discover an amazing range of cafes, art galleries, theatres, attractions and a humming nightlife. The gourmet and wine experiences of the Wairarapa region are also just a short drive away. (B, L, D)

DAY 15: Napier.

Napier is one of New Zealand's most attractive cities, located at the south of the Hawkes Bay, just 20 minutes out of Hastings. Palm trees line the inner-city streets and the wonderfully sculpted Marine Parade, as the name suggests, runs along the shore of the city. Along Marine Parade various parks, gardens and memorials give the water's edge its distinct character, and you'll also find the i-SITE Visitor Centre and various local attractions. Known as the Art Deco City, Napier has the most comprehensive collection of inner-city art deco buildings in the world. Napier is also the home of New Zealand wine, housing the oldest wineries and wine-making establishments in the country. With some of the best sunshine hours in New Zealand, mountainous shelter from prevailing westerly winds, and refreshing sea breezes, not only is Napier a great climate for visiting, but is ideal for grape growing. (B, L, D)

DAY 16: Rotorua.

Stroll through the streets of Rotorua, voted New Zealand's most beautiful city six times, and instantly feel like you have entered another world; where hot steam escapes from cracks in the road, back gardens come with their own natural mineral hot pool and sulphur exotically permeates the air. Although one of New Zealand's most popular tourist spots, Rotorua still maintains its small town charms. (B, L, D)

DAY 17: At sea.

(B, L, D)

DAY 18 to 19: Auckland.

After breakfast, disembark your ship and transfer to your hotel for two nights. Known as the 'City of Sails', Auckland is situated on an isthmus with the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Tasman Sea on the other. Perhaps begin your sightseeing with a visit to the summit of Mount Eden where you will have expansive 360 degree views of the city. (B)

DAY 20: Auckland - UK.

Transfer to the airport for your overnight flight to the UK. (B)

DAY 21: Home landing in the UK.

Note: 2013 departures will be on MS Oosterdam and the cruise will visit Hobart instead of Burnie and Picton will be replaced by a day at sea. On 13 Mar 2013 departure, day 17 at sea will also be replaced by an extra day in Auckland.

Accommodation on Tour

Sydney: Park Royal Darling Harbour; Auckland: Grand Chancellor.

Visa Requirements

A visa is required for this holiday and must be obtained prior to departure.

MS Volendam
Large inside cabin, MS Volendam
Large outside cabin, MS Volendam
Verandah Suite, MS Volendam
Rotterdam Dining Room, MS Volendam
Pinnacle Grill, MS Volendam
Lido Pool area, MS Volendam
Explorer's Lounge, MS Volendam
Crow's Nest Observation Lounge, MS Volendam
Frans Hals Show Lounge, MS Volendam
Fitness Centre, MS Volendam

MS Volendam

Embodying Holland America Line's 'Signature of Excellence', MS Volendam is equipped with the most modern technologies and provides a good selection of amenities, facilities and entertainment. Decorated throughout with a garden motif, floral attributes can be found in abundance ranging from priceless paintings and sculpture, to sumptuous fabrics and bouquets of fresh flowers. Accommodating 1,432 passengers in bright, comfortable cabins, MS Volendam also offers elegant public areas and fine dining - ideal for luxurious cruising.

For the full ship description, see page 79

Public Rooms & Facilities

2 pools (one with sliding glass roof); 2 whirlpools; main dining room; Lido Restaurant; Pinnacle Grill; casual Italian Canaletto; Terrace Grill; 5 bars including Piano and Wine tasting; 3 lounges; internet café; show lounge; tennis and basketball courts; spa and beauty salon; thermal suite; fitness centre and aerobics; Wajang Theatre and Culinary Arts Center; shops; casino; art and photo galleries; launderette; 12 lifts; reception.

Dining

Your cruise includes full board. The main Rotterdam Dining Room has a wide choice of menus with most passengers opting for smart casual dress in the evenings. The Lido Restaurant and the Italian Canaletto offer casual dining most evenings, or guests can enjoy sophisticated dining in the reservations-only 'Pinnacle Grill' (additional cover charge per person applied to ship board account). Between meals there's a complimentary ice cream bar and the famous late night snack. Please note, we will automatically book early dining unless otherwise requested.

Cabins

All cabins have twin lower beds, convertible to 1 queen-sized bed (or one sofa bed and one Pullman bed); air-conditioning/climate control; flat-panel TV; DVD player; telephone; music system; and 24-hour room service. Inside cabins have a shower only while outside cabins have a shower and a bathtub. Your holiday price includes a category K inside cabin, or you may choose to upgrade.

Options/Upgrades

Cabin Categories & Descriptions:

K Large inside lower or middle deck cabin

E Large outside lower deck cabin with picture window

C Large outside middle deck cabin with picture window

AA Verandah Suite with whirlpool bath; sitting area; private verandah; minibar; fridge; floor-to-ceiling windows

Tipping

A gratuity of $11 per person per day for dining and cabin services will be automatically added to your shipboard account on a daily basis. A 15% service charge will be automatically added to your bar charges and dining room wine account.

MS Oosterdam
Large inside cabin, MS Oosterdam
Large outside cabin, MS Oosterdam
Deluxe verandah cabin, MS Oosterdam
Lido Restaurant, MS Oosterdam
Pinnacle Grill Restaurant, MS Oosterdam
Queen's Lounge and Culinary Arts Centre, MS Oosterdam
Explorer's Lounge, MS Oosterdam
Vista Lounge, MS Oosterdam
Piano Bar, MS Oosterdam
Fitness Centre, MS Oosterdam
Hydro-pool in Greenhouse Spa, MS Oosterdam
Library, MS Oosterdam

MS Oosterdam

One of Holland America Line's illustrious Vista-class ships, the sleek and stylish MS Oosterdam embodies the ultimate in classic ocean cruising coupled with the comfort and sophistication of ultra-modern facilities and technology. Providing plentiful public areas ornamented with priceless artwork, a magnificent Waterford crystal globe centrepiece, and lavish materials such as crystal, marble brass, and inlaid wood, MS Oosterdam comfortably accommodates 1,916 guests in light, comfortable and well-equipped cabins, and offers the best in entertainment, fine dining and luxurious cruising.

Public Rooms & Facilities

2 swimming pools (one with sliding glass roof); two-tiered Vista Dining Room; Lido Restaurant; Pinnacle Grill; casual Italian Canaletto; Terrace Grill; Pinnacle, Sea View, Ocean, Piano, Lido and Sports bars; Crows' Nest, Neptune and Explorers' lounges; Queen's Lounge and Culinary Arts Centre; Explorations internet café; Vista show lounge; volleyball and basketball courts; Greenhouse spa and salon with hydro pool and thermal suites; fitness centre and aerobics; observation deck; shops and boutiques; casino; nightclub; library; atrium; photo gallery; lifts; reception.

Dining

Your cruise includes full board. There is a choice of dining venues on board: the main Vista dining area has set dining or new 'dine as you wish' arrangements and a good selection of different menus. Casual dining is available in the Lido Restaurant most evenings with three courses of fresh, cooked-to-order specialities, and the informal Italian Canaletto, or guests may enjoy elegant, sophisticated dining in the reservations-only 'Pinnacle Grill' (additional cover charge per person applied to ship board account). Between meals there's the complimentary ice cream bar, hot hors d'oeuvres during the pre-dinner hour and after dinner there is the famous late night snack. Vegetarian or kosher meals and any special dietary requirements should be requested at the time of booking.

Cabins

All cabins have twin or queen size beds (or one sofa bed and one Pullman bed); air-conditioning/climate control; flat-panel TV; DVD player; and telephone. Inside cabins have a shower only while outside cabins have a shower and bathtub. Your holiday price is based on a category J cabin or you may choose to upgrade.

Options/Upgrades

Cabin Categories & Descriptions:

J Large or standard inside lower or upper deck cabin

D Large outside lower deck cabin with picture window

VC Deluxe verandah cabin with sitting area; private verandah; floor-to-ceiling windows

SS Superior verandah suite with whirlpool bath and shower; large sitting area; private verandah; floor-to-ceiling windows

Tipping

MS Volendam

MS Volendam Sky & Sports Decks
MS Volendam Lido Deck
MS Volendam Navigation Deck
MS Volendam Verandah Deck
MS Volendam Upper Promenade Deck
MS Volendam Promenade Deck
MS Volendam Lower Promenade Deck
MS Volendam Main Deck
MS Volendam Dolphin Deck

Category E Dolphin or Main Deck large outside cabin with 2 lower beds, bath and/or shower

Category C Lower Promenade deck large outside cabin with 2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-sized bed, bathtub & shower, and picture window

Category AA Verandah or Navigation Deck Verandah Suite with 2 lower beds, whirlpool bath, sitting area, private verandah, fridge, and floor to ceiling windows

MS Oosterdam

MS Oosterdam Sports Deck
MS Oosterdam Observation Deck
MS Oosterdam Lido Deck
MS Oosterdam Navigation Deck
MS Oosterdam Rotterdam Deck
MS Oosterdam Upper Verandah Deck
MS Oosterdam Verandah Deck
MS Oosterdam Upper Promenade Deck
MS Oosterdam Promenade Deck
MS Oosterdam Lower Promenade Deck
MS Oosterdam Main Deck

Category D Main Deck large outside cabin with 2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-sized bed and picture window

Category VC Verandah Deck Verandah Suite with 2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bath and shower, sitting area, private verandah, and floor-to-ceiling windows

Category SS Navigation Deck Superior Verandah Suite with 2 lower beds convertible to 1 king-size bed, an additional sofa bed, large sitting area, dressing room, bathroom with dual-sink vanity unit, full size whirlpool bath and separate shower, floor-to-ceiling windows and a private verandah

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