Holland America Line's Rotterdam and Westerdam to Sail Hawaii and Tahiti Explorations in 2011, 2012

News provided by

Dec 15, 2010, 04:42 ET

SEATTLE, Dec. 15, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- In fall of 2011 and winter of 2012 two Holland America Line ships –– ms Westerdam and ms Rotterdam –– will sail three 30-day "Circle Hawaii, Tahiti and Marquesas Islands" explorations, visiting beautiful and picturesque islands throughout French Polynesia and the Aloha state.

Westerdam's voyage sails round trip from San Diego, Calif., and departs Sept. 29, 2011. Rotterdam also sails round trip from San Diego and departs Jan. 4 and March 4, 2012.

"The South Pacific islands are known for their impressive landscape, crystalline waters, lush foliage and pristine beaches," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "Holland America Line gives our guests a full range of experiences, offering some of the best diving and snorkeling opportunities in the world as well as unique land excursions including tours to pearl farms and vanilla plantations."

Guests sailing on the Westerdam will have two opportunities to extend their voyage and embark early for the coastal portion of the cruise. The ship departs Seattle, Wash., Sept. 24, making it a 35-day voyage, or Sept. 25 from Vancouver, B.C., making it 34 days.

During the voyages the ships will call at Hilo, Lahaina, Honolulu and Hawaii; Fanning Island, Kiribati; Rarotonga in the Cook Islands, and Raiatea, Bora Bora, Papeete, Moorea, Rangiroa and Nuku Hiva, French Polynesia.

Highlights of the journey include crossing the equator and international date line, two "musts" on every traveler's list. Extended stays at Lahaina, Hilo and Honolulu allow for a more in-depth Hawaiian experience, while an overnight call at Papeete, Tahiti, affords guests time to explore the island's French culture as well as learn more about painter Paul Gauguin.

Cruise fares for Westerdam's "Circle Hawaii, Tahiti and Marquesas Islands" voyage begin at $3,699 for 30-day, $3,899 for the 34-day and $3,949 for the 35-day journey. Rotterdam cruise fares begin at $3,999. All fares are per person, double occupancy.

When in port, guests can choose from a multitude of diverse shore excursions including Overland Adventures, off-the-beaten-track explorations, Signature Collection private-car touring and exclusive Medallion Collection excursions.

Rotterdam features the latest Signature of Excellence enhancements, including new Lanai cabins and new stateroom decor. Highlights also include Mix, a new bar concept with three specialty lounges serving their namesakes: Martinis, Champagne and Spirits & Ales; Showroom at Sea, a glamorous nightclub with a new slate of performances featuring seasoned Broadway entertainers; a new resort pool feature called The Retreat, a shallow area where guests may lounge in chairs and dip their fingers and toes in the water; and Canaletto, a complimentary Italian restaurant that is open in the evening.

For more information on Holland America Line's Hawaii, Tahiti and Marquesas Islands Voyages, consult a professional travel agent, call 1-800-522-3399 or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

Find Holland America Line on Twitter, Facebook and the Holland America Blog. Access all social media outlets via the Online Communities quick link on the home page at www.hollandamerica.com.

About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)]

Holland America Line's fleet of 15 ships offers more than 500 cruises to 354 ports in 98 countries, territories or dependencies. Two- to 110-day itineraries visit all seven continents and highlights include Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; a Grand World Voyage; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Bermuda, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal.

Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, a commitment totaling more than $525 million, 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, Digital Workshop powered by Windows, teens-only activity areas and all new stateroom amenities highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-top Mariner's Dream Beds.

World's Leading Cruise Lines

Holland America Line is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Cunard Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises and The Yachts of Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, World's Leading Cruise Lines inspires people to discover their best vacation experience. Together, we offer a variety of exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations. Visit us at www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com