Published on: September 2, 2009

Holland America Line’s Zaandam is set to discover the Hawaiian Island chain in 2010 with Circle Hawaii itineraries that offer guests relaxing days at sea and islands to explore. The 1,432-passenger ship will sail five 14-day roundtrip San Diego, Calif., cruises and one 15-day voyage from Vancouver, British Colombia, to San Diego. The sailings are from October through December. Scheduled between two stretches of sea days are back-to-back calls at Hawaii, Oahu, Kauai and Maui — plus a call at Ensenada, Mexico — before the ship returns to San Diego. Included in the Hawaii cruise roster is a holiday sailing departing Dec. 19.

Departing Sundays from San Diego, guests will have several days at sea before arriving at Hawaii. During this time, they can enjoy a day at the Greenhouse Spa, visit the Culinary Arts Center for a hands-on cooking class or attend a Digital Workshop powered by Windows to learn how to share memorable photos taken on the voyage. The Speaker Series offers insights into upcoming ports and includes destination-related topics such as Polynesian music and dance traditions. The first port call is to Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii where guests can visit one of Hawaii’s best-known landmarks — Kilauea Volcano. Other highlights include botanical gardens and the Akaka Falls. As Zaandam makes it way to Honolulu, the state capital, guests can enjoy an evening at the Polynesian Cultural Center or whale watching, a traditional Hawaiian luau, a stroll down Waikiki beach or surfing. Guests also can visit the USS Arizona Memorial from World War II.

On route to Nawiliwili, Kauai, guests can get spectacular views as Zaandam sails along the island’s Na Pali Coast. Upon reaching Nawiliwili they can visit Waimea Canyon (the Grand Canyon of the Pacific) or get an aerial view of the island on a helicopter tour. They can book a zipline tour through the forest canopy for a unique perspective of the island’s inspiring natural setting. At Lahaina, Maui, guests can explore the beaches and a volcano, or spend the day shopping at chic boutiques and galleries.Those sailing on the 15-day voyage departing Oct. 2 have an added call at Kona, once known as the playground of Hawaii's royalty. Kona is synonymous with the famous coffee that grows on the slopes of dormant Hualalai volcano. Another highlight of this longer voyage is an evening scenic cruise past the Kilauea volcano. Cruise fares begin at $1,499 per person for the full 14-day Circle Hawaii and $1,699 per person for the 15-day voyage.

Fri Aug 21 2009, by Travel Trade Staff

Promoting relaxation and well-being, three Holland America Line packages have been introduced to provide guests with more ways to customize their cruise vacation. The Well-Being Package, Suite Amenities Package and Suite Elite Package feature select combinations for fitness, luxury and revitalization.

"As the needs and expectations of our guests continue to diversify, we, in turn, continue to vary our offerings that entertain, educate and energize," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest services. "These packages further enhance luxury cruising for our guests that are wanting an exclusive and personal experience."

Well-Being Package

The Well-Being Package promotes rejuvenation through the Greenhouse Spa and fitness center. One fitness session is included which guests can choose from a class schedule while onboard. Guests select either a fifty minute facial or massage treatment from a collection comprised of a La Therapie Facial, an Elemis Aromapure Facial and a Swedish or an Elemis Deep Tissue Massage.

Guests will also enjoy an advanced revitalization treatment with an Alpha Capsule session which combines dry-heat sauna, vibratory massage and soothing aromatherapy. Unlimited access to the hydro pool and thermal suite is added with a souvenir monogrammed bathrobe for each guest. At a preferred time, a platter of sliced fresh fruit is delivered daily. The Well-Being package starts at $299 per person on seven-day sailings.

Suite Amenities Package

The Suite Amenities Package offers special suite-like services for guests booked in staterooms other than suites. Either high tea or cold canapés are delivered to each stateroom daily as well as complimentary laundry and pressing through the length of a sailing. Guests also enjoy an Explorations Café coffee card for ten drinks and a daily DVD selection from the video library with hot popcorn. For an evening of fine dining, a dinner for two is provided at the Pinnacle Grill restaurant.

Fresh flowers, pillows à la carte and a beverage set-up with two bottles of wine and two bottles of liquor are prepared along with two souvenir monogrammed bathrobes in each stateroom. Special disembarkation including luggage pick-up and departure at leisure is offered with access to a disembarkation lounge with refreshments. The Suite Amenities Package starts at $285 per person on sailings up to 10 days.

Suite Elite Package

Exclusive to suite guests, the Suite Elite Package pampers guests even more with additional amenities for a deluxe cruise experience. An initial beverage set-up of two bottles of wine and two bottles of liquor are placed in each stateroom. A Culinary Arts Center cooking class is included along with a session of premium wine tasting and a dinner to share in the Pinnacle Grill.

For relaxation, unlimited access to the hydro pool and thermal suite is offered on all sailings. An internet card of 100 minutes, an Explorations Café coffee card for ten drinks, daily turndown truffles and a deluxe flower arrangement complete this package. The Suite Elite Package starts at $429 per person on sailings up to 10 days.

For additional information, visit www.hollandamerica.com.