Holland America Line’s Westerdam marks cruisings return to Samoa
Holland America Line’s Westerdam will be the first cruise ship to return to Samoa since the pandemic today, with the visit also marking Westerdam’s maiden call to the port.
The call is being made as part of Westerdam’s repositioning voyage from Vancouver to Sydney where she will be homeported for part of the 2022-23 Australian and New Zealand wave season.
Westerdam will arrive in Samoa’s capital of Apia at 8am and depart at 5pm, giving her 1,964 passengers a full day to head ashore and explore the island, generating substantial spend and bolstering the nation’s tourism economy.
The Samoa Tourism Authority in conjunction with the Samoa Ports Authority, as well as port and excursion agents, are planning a warm Samoan welcome to mark Westerdam’s port call.
“Apia will be a popular port call for Westerdam’s guests because of its natural coastal beauty, and cultural and natural attractions,” Holland America Line VP sales and marketing Ryan Taibel said.
“Westerdam’s guests will enjoy a host of experiences that Apia and the wider region has to offer including the Museum of Samoa, and the Rober Louis Stevenson Museum, excursions to Lalomanu and Manu Sina beaches and, of course, local vanilla farms – all of which are adding invaluable tourism dollars to the local economy.”
Homeported out of Sydney from November 8, 2022, to January 3, 2023, Westerdam will sail seven itineraries around Australia and New Zealand ranging from 13 to 30 days. It will be Westedam’s first season in Australia and New Zealand, and the first time since 2016 Holland America Line has had two ships sailing simultaneously around the region.
Among Westerdam’s top hits includes B.B. King’s Blues Club and Lincoln Center Stage, its steakhouse, Pinnacle Grill, and Asian fusion restaurant, Tamarind, plus the World Stage for evening shows, and Gallery Bar which is one of Holland America Line’s newest cocktail destinations.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Apia holland america line Ryan Taibel samoa WesterdamLatest News
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