Far East Discovery Holiday: 17 Nights

Set sail from Hong Kong on your 17-night Far East Discovery Holiday Cruise to:

Halong Bay, Vietnam
In the Bay of the Descending Dragon, mysterious landforms offer an ever-shifting panorama depending upon light and angle. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay's unique beauty is thankfully preserved for generations to come.

Sanya (Hainan), China
Sanya is the southernmost city on Hainan Island and boasts world class beaches in a tropical climate. Discover the beaches, shell museum and butterfly park on Yalong Bay; examine the culture's Buddhist influence in beautiful temples, parks, and the Guanyin Statue of Hainan, the third largest statue in the world; and fly to Xi'an to witness the incredible Terra Cotta Warriors.

Da Nang, Vietnam
Located on the South China Sea, Da Nang is a major port city and your gateway to the natural and ancient wonders of Vietnam. Gaze upon the five peaks of the Marble Mountains - long a source of inspiration for Vietnamese artisans; visit the palace and pavilions of Hue, the Imperial City of the Nguyen emperors; and explore the charming merchant town of Hoi An and nearby China Beach. Sample shore excursions: Artisans of De Nang; Rural Traditions; Imperial Hue.

Nha Trang, Vietnam
White sand beaches, turquoise waters, beachfront cafés. Nha Trang's days as an underappreciated treasure are over. Still very much intact since the 7th century are the venerated towers of the Cham Ponagar Temple complex.

Phu My, Vietnam
Whether you are on a wide boulevard admiring the French Colonial architectural influence, or in a bustling market haggling with a street vendor, you cannot escape the culture and history of this bustling city. Ho Chi Minh City is home to many colorful pagodas, cathedrals and palaces-including one of the city's oldest, Giac Lam Pagoda, dating from 1744. Sample shore excursions: Cambodia & Angkor Overland Adventure or Highlights of Ho Chi Minh City.

Sihanoukville, Cambodia
Known for its white sand beaches, warm Gulf of Thailand waters, and laid back atmosphere, Sihanoukville is a premiere beach lovers' destination. Built in the late 1950s, the town is much newer and more cosmopolitan than most Cambodian provincial cities. Spend the day exploring miles of unspoiled beaches or chose one and swim, snorkel or simply relax under a beach umbrella.

Laem Chabang (Bangkok), Thailand
Once a small Khmer trading center, Bangkok has grown into one of the world’s most populous and cosmopolitan cities. Bustling streets and markets stand side by side with serene golden temples and glitzy nightclubs. Explore the architectural marvel of the Grand Palace. Discover Bangkok's largest Buddha at Wat Pho and shop the spectacular Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.

Koh Samui, Thailand
Ko Samui is an island of towering coconut trees, brilliant sunshine and beautiful white sand beaches. Visit the Big Buddha, an important symbol for the locals. Witness the stunning waterfall, Na Muang. Journey to Coral Island and play at being Robinson Crusoe for the day. Or simply watch the world go by under the shade of a coconut palm. Sample shore excursions: Coral Island Calm; Jungle Eco Safari by 4-Wheel-Drive.

Singapore
The cultural crossroads of the world, where in the space of a few hours you can relax in a quaint Chinese teahouse, purchase a colorful sari in Little India and visit a Sultan mosque. Ponder it all on the verandah of the famous Raffles Hotel.

Set sail from Hong Kong on your 17-night Far East Discovery Holiday Cruise onboard Holland America Line’s Volendam. Your 18-day cruise visits 9 different ports of call including Halong Bay, Sanya, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu My, Sihanoukville, Laem Chabang (Bangkok), Koh Samui and Singapore.

• 17 Night Cruise
• Private ensuite
• TV for in-cabin entertainment
• Complimentary toiletries
• In cabin safe
• Most meals and entertainment onboard
• Latest release movies (in cabin and on big screen)
• Choice of Bars and Lounges

OTHER INFORMATION

ABOUT Holland America Line

Holland America invites you to depart the everyday and experience cruising the world, with award-winning service, world-class dining and creative itineraries to enchant you on your next cruise holiday.

With more than 135 years of experience, Holland America Line is recognised as the undisputed leader in the cruise industry's premium segment. With the introduction of the 1,918-passenger ms Noordam in early 2006 and the new Signature Class vessel; the 2,104 passenger ms Eurodam in June 2008; Holland America Line's fleet has grown to 14 ships, offering nearly 500 cruises from more than 25 home ports each year. Itineraries range from two to 108 days and visit all seven continents, including new Australia/New Zealand and Asia sailings, world voyages and popular sailings to several ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico and Europe.

Holland America Line's $525 million, fleetwide Signature of Excellence enhancements feature new programs and amenities including the Culinary Arts Centre presented by Food & Wine magazine - a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen where more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts will provide cooking demonstrations and classes. Features also include the Explorations Café powered by the New York Times, teens-only activity areas and all new cabin amenities highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush-top Mariner's Dream Beds.

Sports and Spa

Beauty Salon

• Sit back, relax, and bask in the cruise experience while being pampered to your heart's content.

Located on Deck 8 - Lido Deck

 

Fitness Centre

• Work out on the high seas in a state-of-the-art fitness centre complete with machines, free weights, cardio equipment and a personal training consultant. Afterwards, re-hydrate yourself at the juice bar. On offer are carrot, apple, pineapple or vegetable blends.

Located on Deck 8 - Lido Deck

 

Greenhouse Spa & Salon

• Features heavenly beauty and wellness rituals. Enjoy a facial, hot stone massage, steam in a thermal suite and have your hair and nails done for a special evening.

 

Located on Deck 8 - Lido Deck

 

Casino

Casino

• Spin the wheel, roll the dice, and make a date with Lady Luck in the lively casino.

Located on Deck 5 - Upper Promenade

 

Kids Club

Club HAL

• Dedicated youth facilities and activities for kids ages 3 to 12

Located on Deck 9 - Sports Deck

 

Bars and Lounges

Crow's Nest

• Offers sweeping 270° views during the day, and a hip, fashionable nightclub each evening.

Located on Deck 9 - Sports Deck

 

Explorer's Lounge

• Rich reds and gleaming brass -- these are the essential ingredients for the understated elegance of the Explorer's Lounge. This meeting place for friends old and new offers intimate seating for small gatherings.

Located on Deck 5 - Upper Promenade

 

Frans Hals Show Lounge

• Features talented vocalists, dancers, illusionists, comedians and variety acts

 

Located on Deck 4 - Promenade

 

Neptune Lounge

• At your service is the Neptune Lounges Concierge, exclusively available to Penthouse and Deluxe Verandah Suite guests. Relax here over breakfast pastries with your favourite newspaper, or gather for evening hors d'oeuvres and cocktails in this timeless, genteel setting.

Located on Deck 7 - Navigation Deck

 

Ocean Bar

• Warm wood tones and maritime motifs bring seasoned seafarers to the Ocean Bar.

Located on Deck 5 - Upper Promenade

 

Art Classes

Culinary Arts Centre

The state-of-the-art demonstration kitchen offering interactive gourmet cooking lessons taught by Master Chefs or culinary guests.

Located on Deck 4 - Promenade

 

Swimming

Lido Pool

• Warm days with light, salty breezes are made for lounging poolside with an icy beverage in one hand and an epic novel in the other. Does this count as doing something or doing nothing? You'll soon know...

Located on Deck 8 - Lido Deck

 

Volendam Photos

Volendam

Volendam

Large or Standard Inside Staterooms

Large Oceanview Staterooms

Verandah Suites

Deluxe Verandah Suites

Penthouse Verandah Suites

Large or Standard Inside Staterooms

Large Oceanview Staterooms

Verandah Suites

Deluxe Verandah Suites

Penthouse Verandah Suites

Rotterdam Dining Room

Pinnacle Grill

Lido Restaurant

Neptune Lounge

Lido Pool

Greenhouse Spa

Frans Hals Show Lounge

Fitness centre

Explorer's Lounge

Culinary Arts Centre

Crow's Nest

Club HAL

Casino

Beauty salon

TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR THIS CRUISE

Terms of booking on this website

Information disclaimer

The rates on this website are often heavily discounted. This is due to our negotiated rates and bulk buying power. On very rare occasions, a rate may be displayed incorrectly due to our, or the cruise operator's error. In such a case, if you make a reservation enquiry with us at a quoted rate that is incorrect, we will notify you of any price change and give you the option to proceed or cancel. We make every effort to keep information on our site up to date, but we cannot guarantee this website is free of errors or omissions and retain the right to update or change the information published at any time.

Liability

To the extent permitted by law we/the owners of this website will not be liable to you or to any third party (whether in contract, tort, or otherwise) for any direct, indirect or consequential loss or damage (including but not limited to any accident, injury, delay or loss of enjoyment) arising out of your reliance upon information contained on this website, including but not limited to your use (or inability to use) any products or services described or procured through this website. When making a reservation via this website or over the phone, we ask you to agree to the terms and conditions displayed. Your reservation and cruise holiday will be governed by the terms of the agreement and any other documentation or information provided to you before you depart. Our total liability to you in relation to your use of this website and the information contained on this website will not exceed the dollar amount of the deposit we have received from you in relation to your booking. Refunds will not be made for bookings cancelled due to inclement weather. We strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance. Your use of this website is governed by the laws of Victoria and the jurisdiction of the Victorian courts.

Booking information

To reserve a cabin(s), you must complete our reservations enquiry form which is easy to follow and secured with the latest encryption technology. Once we receive your enquiry, we will contact you via phone or email, to advise of availability and confirm the final price is correct. A booking is confirmed when you have been emailed a confirmation notice and at this stage the deposit is processed on your credit card or your bank deposit has been received. Your deposit then becomes subject to the cancellation policy of the cruise line and Cruise Republic. These are stated in the terms and conditions.

When your booking has been confirmed we will send  you your cruise booking number for the cruise line. Once you receive your confirmation, please check your details carefully and notify us immediately if there are any incorrect details, as it may not be possible to make changes at a later date without incurring a penalty. If you are booking via phone, please first make sure you have read the terms and conditions. Our reservations consultant will ask you if you have read the terms and agree to them before proceeding. The onus is always on the customer to ensure they make themselves fully aware of the terms displayed on our website.

Information disclosure

In booking on/via this website you acknowledge that we disclose your information to your selected Cruise Ship company/operator.

Amendments

Once you have paid a deposit against your cruise, any changes made to the booking will incur an amendment fee of $25 plus and applicable fees set you by the cruise line. Please see the Cruise Company's terms and conditions for cancellation and amendment policy.

Cancellations

Once a deposit is made towards your cruise holiday it is deemed that you have accepted our terms and conditions, so are subject to any cancellation fees. Bookings canceled after the deposit is paid,  will incur a cancellation fee of $200. Plus any additional cancellation fees set out by the cruise line. Please see the Cruise Company's terms and conditions for cancellation and amendment policy.

Payments

Payments towards your cruise holiday made by credit cards are subject to a transaction fee of 2.5%. Cruise Republic accept Visa and Mastercard Cards only. Payments made by bank deposit do not incur any transaction fees nor do payments made using the BPAY payment system.

Privacy

Privacy of your information is an absolute priority to us. When you book we request whether you are interested in receiving further offers from us. If you decline, we will not email you with such offers. We also always give you the opportunity to unsubscribe and opt out of receiving these emails. We treat your details as confidential and we NEVER disclose your information to third parties other than the supplier who is fulfilling your cruise holiday.

Holland America Line 2009 Terms & Conditions

Deposit

In order to reserve a cabin, the full deposit amount must be received prior to the expiry date and time of the option as shown. The amount includes a Holland America Line administration fee of A$110 per person. If a deposit (including any Cancellation Protection Plan if required) is not received by the due time / date, the booking will automatically cancel.

Finals

Final payment is due at 76, 91 or 121 days depending on destination/length of cruise. Refer to the below cancellation penalties to determine when final balance will be due. 

Fare changes

Once booked, your fare is only subject to any increased taxes, which will be added to the fare or to your on board account. Sometimes we will release special fares. These can be offered and withdrawn at any time. If you decide to change to one of these fares, you will need to cancel your existing booking and our cancellation policy will apply.

CPP (the Cancellation Protection Plan) allows you to cancel for any reason up to 24 hours prior to the cruise departure and receive a refund equal to 80% of the applicable cancellation fee. In addition Holland America Line assumes US$500 of liability for lost, damaged or delayed baggage subject to the limitations of the baggage policy. While CPP is optional it must be booked and paid for at the time of deposit, and is non-refundable. The CPP is not travel insurance and Holland America Line advises passengers  to seek additional travel insurance. The price of CPP varies between destinations and sailings. 

Cancellations

In the event of a cancellation Holland America Line will deduct A$110 per person administration fee paid with the deposit, from the final balance. Please note: This fee is charged regardless of whether or not CPP is purchased. In addition Holland America Line will apply the cancellation fees shown below for guests who cancel for any reason, including medical or family related reasons. Parameters for penalties vary dependant upon below categories

Non Refundable Fares:

Category 1 - 76 days* 
76 – 0 days prior to travel - 100% of Gross Fare 
* Applies to Alaska, Hawaii, Canada / New England, Caribbean & Mexico, Europe Cruises 11-30 days, excluding all Prinsendam European Cruises, Panama Canal. NB: Holidays sailings will fall into category 2

Category 2 - 91 days* 
90 – 0 days prior to travel - 100% of Gross Fare 
* Applies to South America; Australia / New Zealand; Australasia, Statendam Inca Cruise 27 days (including sectors), 
Prinsendam European Cruises, Rotterdam Pan-America & Panama Canal, all Holiday sailings

Category 3 - 121 days* 
120 – 0 days prior to travel - 100% of Gross Fare 
* Applies to Grand World Voyage and sectors, Panama Canal, Prinsendam Amazon Cruise 36 days (including sectors), Ryndam Hawaii Tahiti & Marquesas Islands, Maasdam Voyage of the Vikings including sectors

Refundable Fares:

Category 1 - 76 days* 
76 – 57 days prior to travel - Loss of deposit 
56 – 29 days prior to travel - 50% of Gross Fare 
28 – 16 days prior to travel - 75% of Gross Fare 
15 days or less prior to travel - 100% of Gross Fare 
* Applies to Alaska, Hawaii, Canada / New England, Caribbean & Mexico, Europe Cruises 11-30 days, excluding all Prinsendam European Cruises, Panama Canal. NB: Holidays sailings will fall into category 2

Category 2 - 91 days* 
90 – 64 days prior to travel - Loss of deposit 
63 – 43 days prior to travel - 50% of Gross Fare 
42 – 22 days prior to travel - 75% of Gross Fare 
21 days or less prior to travel - 100% of Gross Fare 
* Applies to South America; Australia / New Zealand; Australasia, Statendam Inca Cruise 27 days (including sectors), 
Prinsendam European Cruises, Rotterdam Pan-America & Panama Canal, all Holiday sailings 2

Category 3 - 121 days* 
120 – 91 days prior to travel - Loss of deposit 
90 – 76 days prior to travel - 60% of Gross Fare 
75 days or less prior to travel - 100% of Gross Fare 
* Applies to Grand World Voyage and sectors, Panama Canal, Prinsendam Amazon Cruise 36 days (including sectors), Ryndam Hawaii Tahiti & Marquesas Islands, Maasdam Voyage of the Vikings including sectors

NB: Cancellation fees apply to the entire cruise booking, including cruise fare, non-discountable amounts (NDA’s). Holland America Air Fare Supplement (if applicable), transfer services, pre/post cruise vacations and tour packages.

Please note: * For services included in your booking that are not provided by Holland America, additional cancellation fees may be incurred. *Travel Professionals may impose their own cancellation fees.

Amendments

For any amendments to your travel arrangements after the due date for final payment, a fee will be charged per person. Amendment fees are not charged for stateroom upgrades, unless travel documents need to be reissued.

Dining

There are 2 sittings for dinner. Dinner times are 5:45pm & 8:00pm. For Alaska cruises, dinner times are 5:30pm & 7:30pm. You may request any sitting time, table size and with whom you wish to sit. Dining times will be requested or waitlisted at the time of booking. Table numbers and sizes are on a request basis only with the final assignment to be managed by the Maitre d on board. On most sailings, Holland America has introduced a new innovative dining concept, ‘As You Wish Dining’. This is not available on World Cruises or segments. 

Documentation

Cruise documents are prepared in the USA and will be sent to you approximately 21 days prior to sailing. It is most important that all reservations be made in the full passport name of the passengers. If a name change is required after documents have been issued a fee of A$100 per person will be charged for a reissue. Holland America has introduced e-documents. 

Passports / Visas / Immunisations

Holland America Line do not provide advice regarding passports and/or visas. However all guests are required to carry a passport usually valid for 6 months after disembarking the ship, and any necessary visas. Please contact your nearest consulate for the most up to date information regarding visas. As to immunisations, please check with a travel medicine specialist or local health department for specific recommendations and/or requirements. We recommend the use ofwww.smartraveller.gov.au for advice in these areas.

Hotel Service Charges

(Gratuities) The Hotel Service Charge is paid entirely to the Holland America staff to recognise the efforts of all the crew in every aspect to ensure the cruise meet the highest standards. Currently the additional charge is US$11* per guest per day which is automatically add to each guest’s shipboard account. If the service exceeds or fails to meet the expectation, you can adjust this amount at the end of the cruise on settlement of the account. A 15%* service charge is automatically added to bar charges and dining room wine purchases. *Charges correct as of 4 November 2008, and are subject to change without prior notice.

Guarantee Staterooms

When booking a GUARANTEED (GUAR) stateroom, guests are guaranteed the best cabin available within the category booked. For example, passengers booking a guarantee oceanview stateroom are guaranteed a cabin with an ocean view. The cabin may be located on any passenger deck of the ship, but you will be guaranteed AT LEAST the category for which you paid, or the best available BETTER cabin on a better deck or higher category. You will receive your cabin assignment when you check in for your cruise. Please note that oceanview cabins may be obstructed.

Cruise Fares

Travelling with Holland America Line is one of the best vacation values around. The cruise fare includes accommodations aboard an elegant Holland America cruise ship, most meals and entertainment on board the ship. Not included, however, are items of a personal nature or optional programs or optional activities, such as alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, laundry and dry cleaning (some exceptions apply), shore excursions, ground transfers, medical, barber and beauty shop services. A modest service charge applies to meals at any specialty restaurant.

Check-In Procedures:

U.S. government security regulations require Holland America Line to submit certain guest information to law enforcement authorities in advance to departure. To meet this requirement, Holland America Line must have the necessary information in their records at least 2 hours before departure. If they do not have your information by this deadline, guests will be unable to sail. Guests are urged to complete the Online Check-in process before leaving home. Guests who wait to check in at the terminal will risk being unable to sail even if they arrive at the terminal before the vessel leaves. Guests will be responsible for all costs incurred to join the vessel at the next port.