Holland America Line To Explore Hawaii & Tahiti in 2011 & 2012

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. Best of all, there is no long flight across the Pacific to endure. Westerdam’s voyage sails round trip from San Diego, California, 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, Washington, 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 bucket 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. 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 décor. 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, visit HollandAmerica.com.