HAL brings Westerdam back from Asia to Australia and New Zealand

Due to “ongoing uncertainty” regarding port access in Asia, Holland America Line announced two days ago that it would relocate Westerdam to Australia and New Zealand in the fall of 2022.

At the same time, the company also announced the cancellation of planned flights to Asia during this period.

This change will affect 11 flights scheduled between 25 September 2022 and 27 February 2023.

“We regret the concern that scheduled passengers on these cruises may cause, but we felt it was important to make this decision given the current uncertainties regarding access to the ports we visit in Asia,” said Beth Bodensteiner, Commercial Director of Holland America. .

According to the original itinerary, passengers will automatically be booked for similar trips to Asia later this season or next year, according to HAL.

Affected passengers who wish to sail in Australia, New Zealand, South America and Asia from fall 2022 to spring 2023, including new cruises in Westerdam, will receive a $200 onboard credit.

Westerdam will resume service on June 12, 2022 in Seattle

This resumption of service will mark the completion of the return to cruise operations for all Holland America Line ships since cruises were halted due to the pandemic.

Westerdam will be organizing round-trip Alaska Explorer cruises for seven days from the main port of Seattle this summer.

After the Alaskan season, Westerdam will be deployed to Australia and New Zealand, adding Southeast Asian ports later in the winter, then resuming full cruises in Asia in February 2023.

“With cruises reopening in Australia, we can create fantastic new itineraries to explore the urban excitement of Sydney, New Zealand’s wine country, and must-see destinations like the Great Barrier Reef,” added Beth Bodensteiner.