Holland America’s Westerdam Is Coming To Our Shores

Holland America Line is repositioning their ship Westerdam to Australia and New Zealand.

Having seen countless ships diverting away from our shores due to continued doubt over the cruise climate, cruising doubt in other parts of the world is now sending ships to Australia for the same reason, with Holland American Line citing doubt over some Asian ports as the reason for repositioning.

Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer of Holland America Line said she can’t wait to share the Australian itineraries with keen cruisers, with itineraries featuring the classic Aussie landmarks you’d expect.

“With the reopening of cruising in Australia, we’re able to create some wonderful new itineraries exploring the urban excitement of Sydney, New Zealand’s wine country, and must-see destinations such as the Great Barrier Reef.

“We will be publishing these new itineraries on hollandamerica.com in the coming days.”

The changes effectively cancel 11 sailings that were planned between September 25, 2022 and February 27, 2023.

Ms Bodensteiner said: “We’re sorry for the inconvenience for guests scheduled on these sailings, but we felt it was important to make this decision given the current uncertainties around access in the ports we visit in Asia.

“We are contacting all impacted guests to help them rebook a cruise on one of our many worldwide sailing options, including the new Westerdam itineraries.”

Impacted guests will either be rebooked on similar Asia voyages for later in the season or next year.

Guests who were impacted but wish to sail locally in Australia and New Zealand or also in South America and Asia from spring 2022, will get $200 onboard credit.