Glacier Bay to Botany Bay.

Glacier Bay to Botany Bay.

Two great cruises unite Alaska and South Pacific

Cruise the wondrous wilds of Alaska, enjoy America’s great northern city of Seattle and then settle back and cruise all the way back to Australia via Hawaii and the Pacific Islands on Holland America Line’s renowned cruise ship ms Oosterdam.

A 27-night cruise south across the Pacific aboard ms Oosterdam forms a vital part of a fly-double-cruise holiday called ‘Glacier Bay to Botany Bay’. Arranged by Worldwide Cruise Centres (www.worldwidecruisecentres.com.au), it lasts over a month – 36 days in all – covering South Pacific highlights plus Alaska’s famous Inside Passage.

Worldwide Cruise Centres’ new offering begins with a flight from Sydney to Seattle and includes two cruises on two Holland America Line ships: ms Westerdam through Alaska’s Inside Passage and ms Oosterdam from Seattle to Sydney.

‘Glacier Bay to Botany Bay’ lasts 36 days and costs from A$5599 per person twin share. It’s valid for sale at that rate until 30 April 2013 or until sold out, whichever comes first. As a bonus, US$50 per twin cabin of free onboard credit is provided on ms Westerdam – and US$75 on ms Oosterdam.

The holiday starts with a flight from Sydney on 20 September 2013 to Seattle. A night’s accommodation at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel gives time to refresh before boarding ms Westerdam the following day.

A fabulous seven-night round-trip into Alaska’s Inside Passage takes you past dramatic fjords and forested islands. Despite the snow-capped mountains, the region’s mild, maritime climate makes it prime habitat for bald eagles, sea lions, porpoise and whales. Highlights include the historic town of Juneau at the foot of mountain peaks on the Gastineau Channel, the Russian-founded settlement of Sitka, the totem poles of Ketchikan and the gracious city of Victoria on Vancouver Island. Phenomenal Glacier Bay, where bears forage and 16 tidewater glaciers plunge into icy fjords, is a photographer’s dream.

Diversions aboard ms Westerdam include The Digital Workshop powered by Microsoft Windows, The Culinary Arts Centre, Greenhouse Spa & Salon, Vista Dining Room and the Vista Show Lounge. All shipboard entertainment and main meals (excluding specialty restaurants) are included in the price.
Disembarking, you’ve another night in a four-star hotel in Seattle. Perhaps visit the Space Needle or waterside Pike Place Market.

Next day, board ms Oosterdam, one of Holland America Line’s premium Vista-class ships. This cruise lasts a full 27 nights and your first port of call is Los Angeles, where you’ll have a day to explore. Next, Hawaii for three days, with the ship as your base. First you’ll visit laid-back Hilo on the Big Island, then a couple of days in Honolulu. Time to visit Waikiki Beach and enjoy Honolulu’s cosmopolitan buzz, great food and some of the best shopping in America.

The ship calls at lesser-known Pacific destinations as well. There’s a day Fiji’s remote island of Dravuni on the Great Astrolabe Reef, with a population of just 200 people, tall palms, crystal clear water and a white sand beach. You’ll visit Noumea, capital of New Caledonia (sip a Pernod; maybe practice your French) and Suva in Fiji.

Sample Samoa and its capital, Apia. Robert Louis Stevenson, author of ‘Treasure Island’, is buried near here and the town has dedicated a museum to him. A day in Pago Pago (pronounced pango pango, capital of American Samoa) allows you to compare the two Samoan cultures. You’ll also visit Port Vila in Vanuatu, New Caledonia’s Isle of Pines and Lifou in the Loyalty Island.

You’ve plenty of time to explore the ship and relax between ports of call. Officially christened by Princess Margriet of the Netherlands, ms Oosterdam offers The Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine Magazine; Greenhouse Spa & Salon; Vista Dining Room, Pinnacle Grill and Lido Restaurant; Explorations Café powered by The New York Times – plus talented vocalists, dancers, illusionists, comedians and variety acts in the Vista Show Lounge.

All shipboard main meals (excluding specialty restaurants) are included, as is most onboard entertainment.

Your final port of call is located on one of the most beautiful harbours in the world. It’s Sydney, where you’ll disembark at the end of a memorable 36 days.