Holland America Offers Unique Cruises

With so many back-to-back cruises -- whether in the Caribbean, along the Mexican Riviera or what has become more standard in Europe -- it’s good to see when cruise lines offer a one-of-a-kind option.

Two of Holland America’s best-known ships, the Rotterdam and Westerdam, have three unique cruises coming up next fall and winter. Both will sail 30-day voyages covering the Hawaiian, Tahitian and Marquesas islands.

The Westerdam’s voyage is at the end of September, while Rotterdam will sail two such cruises, in early January and in March 2012. All start in San Diego but, on the Westerdam, you’ll be able to board in Vancouver or Seattle. The voyages will stop 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.

The starting price for the 30-day cruise is $3,848 Cdn for an inside cabin, with balconies starting at $5,718. Norwegian Cruise Line is adding a fourth ship to Europe in spring of 2012. The Norwegian Spirit, sailing out of New Orleans, will offer 12-day Mediterranean cruises through most of the summer and fall of 2012, with nine-day Canary Island cruises in winter and spring.