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Rotterdam and Westerdam to sail Hawaii and Tahiti explorations in 2011-2012

Two Holland America Line ships, Westerdam and Rotterdam, will be sailing 30-day "Circle Hawaii, Tahiti and Marquesas Islands" explorations in fall of 2011 and winter of 2012.

The three cruises, all round-trip from San Diego, California, will visit beautiful and picturesque islands throughout French Polynesia and the Aloha state.

Westerdam departs September 29, while Rotterdam also sails round trip from San Diego and departs January 4 and March 4, 2012.

ms Rotterdam: Picture courtesy of Holland America Line
“The South Pacific islands are known for their impressive landscape, crystalline waters, lush foliage and pristine beaches,” says HAL vice president Richard Meadows.  “Holland America Line gives our guests a full range of experiences, offering some of the best diving and snorkeling opportunities in the world as well as unique land excursions including tours to pearl farms and vanilla plantations.”

Guests sailing on the Westerdam will have two opportunities to extend their voyage and embark early for the coastal portion of the cruise. The ship departs Seattle, Washington, on September 24, making it a 35-day voyage, or September 25 from Vancouver making it 34 days.

During the voyages the ships will call at Hilo, Lahaina, Honolulu and Hawaii; Fanning Island, Kiribati; Rarotonga in the Cook Islands, and Raiatea, Bora Bora, Papeete, Moorea, Rangiroa and Nuku Hiva, French Polynesia.

Highlights of the journey include crossing the equator and international date line. Extended stays at Lahaina, Hilo and Honolulu allow for a more in-depth Hawaiian experience, while an overnight call at Papeete, Tahiti, affords guests time to explore the island’s French culture as well as learn more about painter Paul Gauguin.

When in port, guests can choose from a multitude of diverse shore excursions including Overland Adventures, off-the-beaten-track explorations, Signature Collection private-car touring and exclusive Medallion Collection excursions.