Holland America's Zaandam is set to discover the Hawaiian Island chain in 2010 with Circle Hawaii itineraries that offer guests relaxing days at sea and islands to explore. The 1,432-passenger ship will sail five 14-day roundtrip San Diego, Calif., cruises and one 15-day voyage from Vancouver, British Colombia, to San Diego. The sailings are from October through December. Scheduled between two stretches of sea days are back-to-back calls at Hawaii, Oahu, Kauai and Maui — plus a call at Ensenada, Mexico — before the ship returns to San Diego. Included in theHawaii cruise roster is a holiday sailing departing Dec. 19.
Departing Sundays from San Diego, guests will have several days at sea before arriving at Hawaii. During this time, they can enjoy a day at the Greenhouse Spa, visit the Culinary Arts Center for a hands-on cooking class or attend a Digital Workshop powered by Windows to learn how to share memorable photos taken on the voyage. The Speaker Series offers insights into upcoming ports and includes destination-related topics such as Polynesian music and dance traditions. The first port call is to Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii where guests can visit one of Hawaii's best-known landmarks — Kilauea Volcano. Other highlights include botanical gardens and the Akaka Falls. As Zaandam makes it way to Honolulu, the state capital, guests can enjoy an evening at the Polynesian Cultural Center or whale watching, a traditional Hawaiian luau, a stroll down Waikiki beach or surfing. Guests also can visit the USS Arizona Memorial from World War II.
On route to Nawiliwili, Kauai, guests can get spectacular views as Zaandam sails along the island’s Na Pali Coast. Upon reaching Nawiliwili they can visit Waimea Canyon (the Grand Canyon of the Pacific) or get an aerial view of the island on a helicopter tour. They can book a zipline tour through the forest canopy for a unique perspective of the island’s inspiring natural setting. At Lahaina, Maui, guests can explore the beaches and a volcano, or spend the day shopping at chic boutiques and galleries.Those sailing on the 15-day voyage departing Oct. 2 have an added call at Kona, once known as the playground of Hawaii's royalty. Kona is synonymous with the famous coffee that grows on the slopes of dormant Hualalai volcano. Another highlight of this longer voyage is an evening scenic cruise past the Kilauea volcano. Cruise fares begin at $1,608.85 CAD per person for the 15-day voyage. For a cruise brochure or for more information on Holland America's Linesrand Voyages, call Toll Free 1-866-653-4055 or e-mail travelinfo@delsoltravel.ca or http://www.delsoltravel.ca/.
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Muriel MacRae, owner of Del Sol Travel and Del Sol Destination Weddings, is a travel consultant who specializes in destination weddings and romantic getaways to tropical areas. Located in Calgary, Alberta, she plans destination weddings for couples in and around the Calgary area and throughout North America. For more information about planning your destination wedding or romantic getaway, please contact her at travelinfo@delsoltravel.ca