Holland America Line return to Australia/New Zealand for 2013-14 Cruise Season

Holland America Line’s cruise ships, ms Oosterdam and ms Volendam, will be back in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific islands in 2013 – 2014 cruise season. 1,848 passenger Vista-class ms Oosterdam and 1,432 passenger R-Class cruise ship ms Volendam will visit more than 50 ports of call and allow their guests to experience the region's incredible wildlife on land and in the sea such as Australia's legendary Outback and the Great Barrier Reef.

Between October 2013 and March 2014, Holland America Lines offer departures ranging from 10- to 14-days round trips from Sydney to Sydney, Sydney to Auckland.

Here are some cruise tours offered by these ships.

Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific Voyages

14-days Australia and New Zealand cruises will be from Auckland to Sydney and from Sydney to Auckland on 27 October 2013, 10 November 2013, 2 February 2014 and 16 February 2014. Ms Oosterdam will perform these cruises and visit ports such as Melbourne (Australia), Hobart (Tasmania), Dunedin (Akaroa), Wellington (New Zealand), Napier (NZ),  Gisborne (NZ) and Christchurch (NZ). The cruise fares on these Australia and New Zealand cruises begin at $1,599 per person, double occupancy.

Ms Oosterdam will also sail for three 14-day New Zealand Discovery cruises round trip from Sydney on 8 December 2013, 19 January 2014 and 16 March 2014. The cruise ship will call Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Akaroa, Gisborne, Milford Sound, Napier, Tauranga and the Bay of Islands. The cruise fares on these New Zealand Discovery Voyages begin at $1,499 per person, double occupancy.

Other cruises on offer include a 14-day Pacific Treasures cruises round trip from Sydney featuring more exotic and lesser-known tropical ports at the South Pacific islands of Vanuatu, New Caledonia and Fiji. Cruise fares begin at $1,499 per person, double occupancy.

According to the executive vice president, marketing, sales and guests programs for Holland America Line, Richard Meadows, the popularity of the Australia region cruises has grown tremendously over the past few years thanks to the beauty, diversity and friendly citizens of the region. The region is now top must-do for many cruise travelers. "Our array of itineraries includes popular ports, stunning island visits, extended stays, overnight calls and enticing pre- and post-cruise options to make the trip 'Down Under' a memorable experience" he adds.

Holland America Line's cruise ship ms Oosterdam departing Sydney.

Longer Holland America Line Itineraries in Australia region

Ms Volendam will cruise for a 34-day Australia Circumnavigation (a counterclockwise trip around the continent) round trip from Sydney on 20 October 2013 and will feature more tham 20 ports as well as scenic cruising in the remote Ribbon Reef and Far North Regions. Brisbane, Hamilton Island, Townsville, Cairns, Darwin, Exmouth, Freemantle (Perth overnight), Esperance, Port Lincoln, Adelaide (overnight), Kangaroo Island, Melbourne and Burnie, Australia; Hobart, Tasmania; Komodo Island, Indonesia, and a beautiful sunrise call at Lizard Island and sunset call at Booby Island off the coast of Australia. The ship will also visit the Great Barrier Reef. Cruise fares begin at $4,999 per person, double occupancy.

Ms Volendam will also cruise from Melbourne to Singapore on a 19-day Great Barrier Reef Voyage departing on 20 November 2013. The cruise ship will spend 2 days cruising around The Great Barrier Reef with stops at Sydney, Burnie, Hamilton Island, Cairns and Darwin, Australia; Komodo Island, Bali and Semarang, Indonesia before arriving in Singapore. The cruise fares begin at $2,299 per person, double occupancy.

Trans-Pacific Crossing Itineraries

The beginning and the end of the 2013-2014 cruise season will also offer one-of-a-kind itineraries. You can have an opportunity to cruise from North America to the Pacific region while the cruise ships are travelling to Australia for the start of the season. Ms Volendam’s 21 or 24 day South Pacific Crossing will depart from Los Angeles California or Vancouver for Sydney on 25 September and 28 September 2013. ms Oosterdam's 24- or 27-day South Pacific Crossing will depart from Los Angeles or Seattle for Sydney on 29 September and 2 October 2013 and includes an overnight call at Honolulu, Hawaii. At the end of the season ms Oosterdam will return to North America on a 28- or 29-day South Pacific Crossing from Sydney to Seattle or Vancouver April 13, 2014. These cruises provide an excellent opportunity to visit the South Pacific and Hawaii, as well as enjoy more relaxing days at sea. Cruise fares for the trans-Pacific sailings begin at $1,899 per person, double occupancy.

Collectors' Voyages

Ranging from 28 to 58 days, Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific Collectors' Voyages on Oosterdam and Volendam are perfect for avid explorers who seek a more extensive cruise experience. The voyages combine back-to-back itineraries and represent the best per-day value for guests. Holland America Line sails a total of 17 Collectors' Voyages, affording the most in-depth exploration of this diverse region with extended itineraries visiting multiple destinations and more days at sea. Cruise fares for the Collectors' Voyages begin at $2,799 per person, double occupancy.

Extended Stays and Pre- and Post-Cruise Tours

Guests are able to maximize their cruise experience at select calls throughout these voyages that feature a late departure or overnight visit allowing for evening shore excursions or longer independent explorations. Extended-stay ports include Hobart, Tasmania; Noumea, New Caledonia; Honolulu and Lahaina, Hawaii, and Suva, Fiji. Cruisers looking to make the most out of their time in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific can add a three- or five-night pre- or post-cruise land tour to the Great Barrier Reef, Ayers Rock/Uluru National Park or The Blue Mountains National Park, home to the famous "Three Sisters" rock formation.