Holland America's ship the Volendam offers a one way, 42 night trip from Seattle to Sydney every fall. The itinerary includes four Hawaiian ports, stops in Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu, two ports in Caledonia, nine ports in New Zealand, and Tasmania. The Volendam was totally refurbished in 2005 and is mid-sized by cruise ship standards with a passenger capacity of 1,400. For a sailing of this length, a mini-suite with veranda is a worthwhile upgrade.
Holland America Cruise Line
300 Elliott Ave. West
Seattle, WA 98119
877-932-4259
hollandamerica.com
The Oriana, from British-based P&O Cruises, offers 22- and 24-day winter sailings from San Francisco to Sydney and Brisbane. The itinerary consists of three ports in Hawaii, Samoa and three ports in New Zealand. The mid-sized Oriana was built in 2005 and carries 1,800 passengers. The decor is art deco with teak decks and a specialty restaurant with a world-renowned chef.
P&O Cruises
Carnival House
100 Harbour Parade
Southampton
SO15 1ST
001-0845 678 00 14
pocruises.com
Cunard Cruise Line's Queen Elizabeth will embark from Los Angeles on a 23-night sailing to Australia in early 2011. The itinerary includes two ports in Hawaii, two in Samoa and three in New Zealand. This new ship releases in the fall of 2010 and will have a passenger capacity of over 2000. The Queen Elizabeth will feature a world of art deco luxury and 85 percent of the ship's cabins will have an ocean view. This sailing will be the ship's first trip to Australia.
Cunard Cruise Line
CarnivalUk Group
5 Gainsford Street,
London SE1 2NE.
800-7cunard or 800-728-6273
cunard.co.uk
