Due to "continued uncertainty" around access to ports in Asia, Holland America Line announced on 25APR it will reposition Westerdam to Australia and New Zealand in fall 2022 and cancel planned Asia voyages during that time.
The change impacts 11 sailings scheduled between 25SEP 2022 through 27FEB 2023.
“We’re sorry for the inconvenience for guests scheduled on these sailings, but we felt it was important to make this decision given the current uncertainties around access in the ports we visit in Asia,” said Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer of Holland America Line.
Depending on their original itinerary, guests will be automatically rebooked on comparable Asia voyages either later this season or next year, according to HAL. Impacted guests who wish to sail in Australia, New Zealand, South America and Asia from fall 2022 through spring 2023, including the new sailings on Westerdam, will receive a USD $200 onboard credit.
Westerdam will return to service 12JUN 2022 in Seattle, Washington, marking the completion of return to cruise operations for all Holland America Line ships following the cruising pause due to the pandemic.
Westerdam will sail seven-day “Alaskan Explorer” cruises round trip from its homeport in Seattle this summer, and is one of six ships cruising to Alaska for Holland America Line this season.
Following the Alaska season, Westerdam will redeploy to Australia and New Zealand, add Southeast Asia ports later in the winter, and then resume full Asia cruises in February 2023.
“With the reopening of cruising in Australia, we’re able to create some wonderful new itineraries exploring the urban excitement of Sydney, New Zealand’s wine country, and must-see destinations such as the Great Barrier Reef,” said Bodensteiner.
For more information, visit Holland America Line's web site.
