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Holland America adds three new segments to 2012 Grand Asia and Australia voyage

Holland America Line has added three new segments to this autumn's ms Amsterdam’s 75-day Grand Asia & Australia Voyage.

Ranging from 20 to 30 days, the new segments set sail in October and November and span from China to California.

The full voyage departs Seattle on September 21 and explores the wonders of Asia, Western Australia and the South Pacific on a 75-day cruise. The new segments still offer comprehensive and intriguing voyages, just shorter.

Three new voyages of Amsterdam, above, offer exotic and intriguing destinations

“These segments are a great option for travellers who want an exotic cruise but don’t have the time to take the full voyage,” said Holland America executive vice president Richard Meadows.

“We already have several segments to choose from on this Grand Voyage, but the three new additions allow us to cater to our travellers with endless possibilities in terms of which countries they want to see in a shorter period of time.”

The first new segment is a 30-day voyage from Xingang (Beijing), China, to Sydney, Australia, departing October 12. Guests begin their voyage with an overnight call in Beijing where they can visit historic sites such as Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Great Wall and National Stadium/“Bird’s Nest” from the 2008 Olympics.

Three additional overnights in Shanghai, Hong Kong, China, and Singapore, provide guests with an in-depth experience and allow for time to take a tour, visit the sites, go shopping and indulge in local cuisine.

Additional highlights on this segment include calls in Vietnam, three ports in Indonesia - including Semarang with the impressive Borobudur Temple and Komodo Island, home to the infamous Komodo dragon - a call in Papua New Guinea and three calls in Australia.

The new 20-day segment from Hong Kong to Brisbane, Australia, departs October 21 following an overnight on Amsterdam alongside in the bustling Chinese city. This segment also calls in Vietnam, Semarang and Komodo, Indonesia, with an overnight in Singapore. Following calls in Darwin, Australia, and Papua New Guinea, the voyage concludes in Brisbane.

Guests looking to combine exciting port calls throughout Eastern Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific with leisurely days at sea can embark on the new 27-day segment sailing from Brisbane to San Diego on November 9. In addition to Eden, Australia, guests will have an overnight call in Sydney where they can visit the famed Opera House, climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge or go in search of a cuddly koala.

New Zealand is the ship’s next destination, with calls in Waitangi (Bay of Islands) and Auckland, the City of Sails. Amsterdam continues to sail across the Pacific Ocean with calls in Lautoka, Fiji; Apia, Samoa Island, and three ports in the Hawaiian Islands before arriving in San Diego. Guests will achieve two cruising milestones while on this segment: crossing the international dateline and crossing the equator.