Holland America Australia Cruises 2010

America is introducing new itineraries aboard the Volendam, including a new 34 day circumnavigation of Australia. The cruise will begin in Sydney and visit Melbourne, Adelaide, Albany, Exmouth, Darwin, Cairns, Whitsunday Island and Brisbane.

There will also be a new series of 14 day round trip cruises from Sydney to Australia & New Zealand. Beginning January 20th or February 28, 2010, the cruise will visit 6 ports: . The 14 day cruise starting January 6, 2010 ill include New Caledonia, Vanautu and Fiji. Fares for the 14 day cruises begin at $1,599 per person, double occupancy.

Collectors’ Voyages sail to the Great Barrier Reef and includes port-intensive visits in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific:For travelers who enjoy time aboard ship as well as the unique experiences that Down Under offers, Holland America Line provides the opportunity to explore Australia, New Zealand and the Fijian islands with four Collectors’ Voyages: a 28-day, Pacific Treasures and New Zealand, roundtrip Sydney, Australia, departs Jan. 6, 2010, with fares beginning at $3,599; a 48-day, New Zealand and Australia Circumnavigation, roundtrip Sydney, Australia, departs Feb. 28, 2010, with fares starting from $5,599; a 74-day, New Zealand, Australia and South Pacific cruise from Sydney, Australia, to Vancouver, B.C., departs Feb 28, 2010, with fares from $7,999; and a 60-day, Australia Circumnavigation and South Pacific sailing, from Sydney, Australia, to Vancouver, B.C., departs March 14, 2010, with fares from $6,599.

Australia Indian Pacific Train

The Indian Pacific is an epic journey that spans the continent of Australia and is one of the longest and greatest rail journeys on earth. It is an ocean to ocean adventure in a comfortable three day journey – a total of 2704 miles in 65 hours or just 24 hours from Sydney to Adelaide. Commence your journey in the harbor city of Sydney; travel through the spectacular Blue Mountains and over the treeless plains of the Nullarbor. This great train stops at Broken Hill, Adelaide and the Kalgoorlie for optional off-train sightseeing tours.

Itinerary: Sydney – Broken Hill – Adelaide – Cook – Kalgoorlie – Perth or vice versa.

                                                         
Features & Facilities

• An elegant twin or single sleeper cabin
• All dining in the beautifully decorated restaurant car
• All meals are prepared to perfection by dedicated chefs
• Relax in the lounge (wines and beverages are available for purchase) while enjoying Australia’s stunning landscapes

Gold Service

• Well appointed day and overnight sleeper accommodation
• Stylish restaurant car dining is included in the fare
• Freshly prepared, nutritious meals prepared by onboard chefs with waiter service
• Quality wines and beverages for purchase
• Lounge and bar car for relaxation, refreshment and video entertainment
• Newspapers and board games are also available
• Gold Service Reception – complimentary glass of champagne or orange juice
• Dedicated carriage steward service
• Complimentary ‘collector’ stickpin
• Detailed journey commentary played through the cabin sound system
• Complimentary toiletries kit
• Daily ‘On-Track’ newsletters delivered to each cabin
• Commemorative train certificate upon disembarking
• Complimentary on-board ‘Platform’ magazine
• Complimentary tea and coffee available from the Lounge 24 hours a day
• One double size ‘Deluxe Cabin’ featuring twin bed, lounge area and own bar / video (surcharge applies)

Australia on Sale

Spectacular Sydney
6 days / 5 nights from $1,197 air & land inclusive

Journey to Sydney – Australia’s oldest, largest and most diverse city. Spend 5 nights in this glamorous and multicultural metropolis. Enjoy a Sydney Harbour cruise, seeing the famous sights including the majestic Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Also climb to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge for the experience of a lifetime.

Your Travel Value Includes:

• Round-trip international air from Los Angeles to Sydney on V Australia
• 5 nights accommodation at the first class Travel Lodge Sydney – Standard Room
• Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb: The climb is Sydney’s number one “must do” adventure. This unbelievable 3-hour adventure takes you to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge for spectacular views and the experience of a lifetime.
• Harbour Highlights Cruise: This is a relaxing and enjoyable 1.5-hour cruise around Sydney Harbour. See magnificent homes, Harbour islands, landmarks, the city skyline, the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.
• Round-trip airport and hotel transfers
• All local taxes

Melbourne – The Center of the Universe
6 days / 5 nights from $1,229 air & land inclusive

Enjoy five nights in the sophisticated city of Melbourne. Take a city sightseeing tour and enjoy views that include a mix of ornate Victorian-era and cutting-edge contemporary-style architecture. Experience a delightful lunch on The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant, which cruises through the city while you enjoy fine dining and an array of Australian wines. You’ll have time to shop and explore or simply relax, taking strolls through this historical city’s leafy boulevards.

Your Travel Value Includes:

• Round trip international air from Los Angeles to Melbourne on V Australia
• 5 nights accommodation at the All Seasons Kingsgate Melbourne – Standard Room
• Enjoy a fabulous lunch experience aboard the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant. This glossy restaurant on wheels is the first traveling tramcar restaurant of its kind in the world and ensures a delightful innovative approach to dining. As you cruise the scenic streets of Melbourne, you can enjoy fine cuisine and drink the very best of Australian wines or make a selection from their fully stocked bar. The atmosphere is cozy, the service friendly and the decor is as inviting as the colonial period these trams reflect.
• Melbourne city sightseeing tour
• Round-trip airport and hotel transfers
• All local taxes

*Price is per person based on twin share. Includes round-trip transpacific air from Los Angeles to Brisbane, Los Angeles to Cairns, Los Angeles to Melbourne, Los Angeles and to Sydney all on V Australia. Must be ticketed by January 31, 2009. Brendan vacations. Valid for travel between March 1, 2009 and October 24, 2009. Certain black out dates may apply. Subject to seasonality and availability. Includes all fuel surcharges and carrier-imposed fees, but fare does not include up to $10 in September 11th Security Fees, $3 – $18 PFCs, and air taxes of up to $150 per person. Additional restrictions may apply. Call for details.

Australia Travel Specialists

Congratulations Cheryl Kennedy for completing the Aussie Specialist program through the Australia Tourist Board.

Cheryl has been a Travel Consultant for over 30 years, and is one of the top agents in the country with various travel companies.

Whether you are planning an escorted tour, cruise or perhaps a customized trip of Australia, Cheryl will be happy to assist you. You can reach her directly by calling toll free: 866-503-6423.    

Here are some facts about Australia:

Australia is the number one desired vacation destination for Americans and Canadians, and has been for the last 10 years

Demand for Australian vacations is on the rise, increasing 5% out of the USA and 10% out of Canada in 2004

In 2004, Sydney was again named the World’s Best City for the eighth year by Travel + Leisure readers.

The diversity of the country ensures that you are able to offer nearly every type of activity and landscape to suit any age group or budget.

Australia is an island continent – it has a wealth of flora and fauna that is totally unique. For example, the only place you will see a kangaroo in its natural habitat is Australia!

Australia is an all-year-round destination – you will always be able to find the sun!

By the time you enjoy your in-flight movies, your meals and a nap, you will be Down Under!

Australia is one of the safest holiday destinations in the world

Australia offers a wonderfully warm welcome to visitors – there is a great network of tourist facilities which really adds to the enjoyment of a holiday there and makes selling Australia an uncomplicated task.

No vaccinations are required for those travelling directly from North America.

Wine and dine – sample the exotic flavour of Australian cuisine from Barramundi to Balmain Bugs.

It is a common misconception that Australia is a young country, in reality Australia has 50,000 years of ancient culture.

Australia Vacation

Anticipating a rush on Downunder travel after this week’s release of the movie, Australia, Qantas Vacations is premiering an array of Outback-themed Vacations, including an “Outback Airpass” for $1,199 which includes international airfare, three domestic flights within the Outback and a savings of at least $400 per couple! Other tour operators are offering up to $500 off per couple.

Visit our Australia web site for a great selection of vacations, cruises & tour packages, including a special section of itineraries that visit the areas where Australia The Movie was filmed, or contact an agent for a customized trip. Book every kind of vacation including eco tours, rail tours, cruises, group & escorted tours, self drive, and luxury hotel & resort holidays in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific.

Watch the ”Australia” Movie Trailer: