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Kiwis and Kangaroos

Holland America Line - MS Noordam

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

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Set your navigation system for the perfect winter getaway - the sunny southern hemisphere of Australia and New Zealand. Almost half a world away, the friendly locals and beauty of Down Under are waiting for you.

Embrace this easy way to cover a lot of area in comfort and with ease. The Holland America Noordam is a traditional, classy vessel offering an intimacy that mega-liners don’t. Their itineraries focus on destinations, providing high quality information and experiences.

We begin in Australia - exemplified by the beautiful harbor and the opera house of Sydney. Melbourne’s penguins, botanical gardens, market, wine, and wildlife, and the irresistible Tasmanian devils of Hobart are found in the other three ports of call. The Aussies are among the friendliest folks in the world. Keep your eyes open for those kangaroos.

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Picture sailing through the majestic Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park, the charming waterfront of Wellington, paddling through the glowworm caves of Rotorua, a Christchurch sheep farm visit, and a Wellington Lord of the Rings experience as your backdrop for New Zealand. Count on the Kiwis to welcome guests warmly.

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Beginning in Sydney and ending in Auckland allows for options to extend your travel pre or post cruise.

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Make it easy on yourself. Skip the driving on the left side of the road, the stack of maps, and the confusing hotel reservations- we have it handled for you! Jump on board now to be a part of this dream.

OPTIONAL SPECIAL OFFERING expiring October 31, 2025

Have It All Early Package

  • Crew gratuities

  • Dinner at one special restaurant

  • 2 shore excursions ($200 per guest)

  • Elite beverage package (soda, specialty coffees, wine, beer, cocktails, soda package (drinks up to $15) including service

  • Premium wi-fi package upgrade

$840 per person (all guests in room must on the package)

HOLLAND AMERICA LINE AND THE NOORDAM
It is always a pleasure to sail with Holland America. Their Noordam is lovely blend of classic, and contemporary filled with museum quality 19th century artworks. Expect understated elegance without ziplines or waterslides. It’s delightful crew of 800 serves only a maximum of 1924 passengers. This is a medium size vessel that allows for pleasant interactions between passengers and makes the disembarkations and embarkations flow more easily than a ship the size of a New York skyscraper. There are many nooks and quiet crannies for individuals or small gatherings.

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Holland America is launching an entertainment evolution with more live music, revitalized shows, and an enhanced onboard team. It will be fun to see the transformations. Reporting has been positive.

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The elegant dining room has 2 formal nights to bring out your party clothes. Two other specialty restaurants onboard (Canaletto and Pinnacle Grill with fees), in addition to the Lido Bar, Dive In, Sea View Bar, Explorer’s Café, Gallery Bar, Ocean Bar, and Lido Market round out the food choices. Vegetarian options are included on the dining room menus. Treat yourself to the HAL traditional tea served daily. It is a meal by itself. There is no shortage of fantastic food options.

INCLUDED

  • 14 day cruise with meals

  • Pre-travel orientation by Zoom

  • Fully escorted by Marcia Miller

 

EXCLUDED

  • International airfare

  • Insurance

  • Transfers

  • Gratuities (unless added to package)

  • Personal items​

$4049

15days

Ocean view $3079 per person double occupancy

Veranda $4049 per person double occupancy

Call for other categories or single and triple rates. May be available upon request

FEB 28-MAR 14, 2027

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ITINERARY

 

February 28
Board in Sydney to sail at 6:30PM. 

March 1
Get your sea legs with a day at sea to acquaint yourself with the Noordam’s pools and pickleball courts. You have time for the spa, sea views from the Crow’s Nest, or a walk on the Promenade Deck.
March 2
Melbourne is a city of beautiful gardens, wildlife, and wines. But one of the perennial favorites is the Parade of the Fairy Penguins. Here is your chance to see penguins without having to wear a parka!

March 3
Another day at sea, as we sail toward Tasmania, means a chance to read your book, play cards, or try your hand in the casino.

March 4
Yes, Tasmanian devils are a real thing, and where better to see on than our stop in Hobart. Try sea kayaking or enjoy a local winery. There is plenty from which to choose.
March 5-6
Days at sea are often underrated. They offer precious time to feel the sea breeze on your face, sleep in, use the hot tub, or attend a lecture.  
March 7
Cruising Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park are heralded as two of the world’s top travel destinations. The pristine environs and stunning vistas are unbeatable. Rudyard Kipling dubbed the sound as the eighth wonder of the world.

March 8
Port Chalmers (Dunedin) may surprise you when you find it was founded by Scottish settlers in 1848. It is a bit of Edinburgh in the southern hemisphere.
March 9
Timaru is an excellent port from which to explore the magic of Maori culture including their treasured rock art. The ancient history of Zealandia is on display in the fascinating fossils revealing the whales, penguins, and sharks, that once lived there.

March 10
Lyttleton (Christchurch) is the largest city on the South Island. It is a favorite stop for many. It does a stellar job of integrating old and new. Remember it experienced a major earthquake in 2011. Check out the Cardboard Cathedral along with the beautiful botanical gardens.
March 11
Wellington’s location at the bottom of the North Island offers a notably beautiful natural harbor. It is the capital of New Zealand. The unpredictable weather gave it the appropriate nickname of Windy Welly.

March 12

Napier had a destructive earthquake followed by fires, in 1931. When rebuilding, they embraced Art Deco – in the style of the times. Today, its architecture is celebrated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

March 13
Tauranga (Rotorua) has an Art Deco area that is worth a visit, along with the gin distillery. Or will the glow worm caves, and hot springs call you.

March 14
We reach the time to say goodbye from Aukland. You may wish to extend your stay for a few more days. 

DETAILS

A $350 deposit confirms your space. Final payment due November 16, 2026. All payments are nonrefundable. Itinerary subject to change without notice. Special dietary requirements must be disclosed at least 60 days in advance of sailing. All guests are bound to the terms and conditions set forth by Holland American Line as shown on line.

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