HOLLAND AMERICA TO INCLUDE AIR ON QANTAS A380 – THE LARGEST PASSENGER AIRLINER IN THE WORLD –

02-10-2009

 

FOR 2009 FALL ASIA, AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND SAILINGS

Flight aboard Qantas’ new A380 is a first for Holland America Line guests

Seattle, Feb. 10, 2009 — Holland America Line is offering a new cruise-and-fly package on select 2009 Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand sailings that includes airfare between Los Angeles, Calif., and Sydney, Australia.  Guests booking air-inclusive Asia and South Pacific cruises on the line’s ms Volendam and ms Amsterdam starting in September will fly on the new Air Qantas A380 Airbus, the largest commercial aircraft in the world, either to or from Sydney, depending on the itinerary. Segments of the Grand Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific voyages also are eligible for the offer.

 

“This package combines the best of Australia and New Zealand with the opportunity to fly on one of the newest, most-spacious and state-of-the-art aircrafts available,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs, for Holland America Line. “And, we are able to offer extraordinary values on these unique cruise-fly packages.”

 

The A380 air promotion is available on two segments of Amsterdam’s Grand Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific Voyage. On the first segment, guests are able to embark in three ports — Vancouver, British Columbia, Sept. 27; Seattle, Wash., Sept. 26, and Los Angeles, Sept. 30 — making it 31 to 35 days. While on board, guests will sail throughout French Polynesia, American Samoa, Fiji, the Cook Islands and Tahiti before heading to Australia and disembarking in Sydney. Highlights include crossing the International Date Line and overnight stays at Papeete, Tahiti; Bora Bora, French Polynesia, and Sydney.

Amsterdam will then depart Nov. 1 on a 32-day segment from Sydney to Los Angeles. With eight calls throughout New Zealand, guests will feel like honorary Kiwis before they sail to Tonga, Western Samoa and the islands of Hawaii.

 

Those interested in a Far East adventure can set sail Oct. 26 on Volendam’s 41-day China, Southeast Asia and Great Barrier Reef Collectors’ Voyage that journeys from Hong Kong to Sydney. The itinerary includes some of Asia Pacific’s best-known destinations, and overnights in Shanghai, China, and Bangkok, Thailand, allow guests to thoroughly explore the cities.  

 

Collectors’ Voyages cater to guests who want to take an extended vacation while receiving a good value for their travel dollar. The cruises combine intriguing ports and offer special fares, making them all the more enticing to those who want a unique yet affordable adventure.

 

Guests with less time on their hands can take advantage of one of the less extensive voyages available such as the 27-day Collectors’ Voyage departing Nov. 9 from Hong Kong to Sydney, or the 15-day voyage from Singapore to Sydney departing Nov. 21.

 

Volendam also will sail a 14-day Australia and New Zealand cruise departing Sydney Dec. 6. With eight port calls in New Zealand, guests will have the opportunity to explore the incredible Fiordland National Park before debarking in Auckland.

 

Air-inclusive fares, begin at just $2,499 per person, double occupancy for the 14-day package, $2,399 for the 15-day package, $3,999 for the 27-day package, $4,599 for the 31-day package, $4,699 for the 32-day package, $4,999 for the 34-day package, $4,999 for the 35-day package, and $4,299 for the 41-day package.

 

Air add-on fares are available from additional U.S. gateways from only $200 additional.

 

The Holland America premium cruise experience

At the heart of every Holland America cruise is a warm and award-winning style of service that is never in the way and never out of reach. Sophisticated and savory menus enhance every culinary experience, with options to suit every taste. Culinary staff and guest chefs will lead cooking classes and demonstrations in the onboard Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine, and, as part of the Explorations Speaker Series, special guest lecturers will sail on each of the Grand Voyages to offer unique and enriching perspectives on regional art, history and culture.  The Explorations Café — powered by the New York Times — enables guests to stay connected to loved ones.

 

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.

 

The A380 Airbus, manufactured by European Corporation, Toulouse, France, made its first commercial flight on Oct. 25, 2007, from Singapore to Sydney. The A380, which stands eight-stories high, has a wingspan of 262 feet and an 80-foot tail, can carry up to 853 passengers.

 

For a cruise brochure or for more information on Holland America Line’s voyages, consult a professional travel agent, call 1-800-522-3399 or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

 

 

—                     www.hollandamerica.com —

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