[podcast] Brisbane berthing debacle

After over 2 years of bans on most cruise ships and struggles to restore air capacity, the Port of Brisbane will now only accept one cruise ship at a time, with calls from Regent Seven Seas, Silversea (2), Viking (2), Oceania, Asuka and The World - and others now cancelled after having been booked in good faith. Let's hope that this mess can be corrected as soon as possible. Deep Waterfrontage in Australia is coveted and all should learn that cruise ships can successfully co-exist with landside developments - and indeed prosper as they do in other ports around the world. It is the only way forward and Governments must help facilitate this. The grab for our berths must stop. Click to listen! https://lnkd.in/gaeDah7Y

Westerdam calls in Sydney marking the return of Holland America Line to Australia

Itinerary highlights include 14-day Christmas Cruise from Auckland to Sydney

Holland America Line celebrates 150th anniversary in 2023, one of the longest operating travel companies in the world

 

Westerdam captured at Circular Quay on 7 November 2022

Holland America Line's Westerdam was the line's first ship to return to Sydney since the pandemic. It is Westerdam's first season in Australia and New Zealand waters.

Westerdam arrived in Sydney Harbour after her repositioning voyage from Vancouver and will be homeported in Sydney for her 2022-23 Australian and New Zealand wave season, during which she will sail four itineraries around Australia and New Zealand ranging from 13 to 15 days.

At 283 meters long and 32 meters wide, Westerdam can carry 1,964 guests in 984 staterooms, looked after by approximately 800 crew.

Westerdam arrived at on Monday 7 November at 11am, giving her passengers two days to head ashore and explore Sydney and environs, generating substantial spend and bolstering the State's tourism economy.

"Our sailings in Australia and New Zealand will ensure local cruisers will have a close-to-home travel experience which goes way beyond what you could find in any guidebook", Holland America Line VP Sales and Marketing Ryan Taibel said.

"Our programming brings the destination to life via immersive shore excursions, stimulating port talks and Port to Table cooking classes which make the most of the very best in local produce. There is no better way to explore our own backyard than with Holland America Line", Mr Taibel added.

Westerdam features some of the line's lauded entertainment venues such as B.B. King's Blues Club and Lincoln Center Stage, exemplary dining experiences including celebrated steakhouse, Pinnacle Grill, and Italian specialty restaurant, Canaletto.