GREAT BARRIER REEF EXPLORER

Departures

From exciting cities to exotic islands you now have an opportunity to experience it all in one all encompassing journey. Imagine embarking in Sydney and then relaxing on board as you are carried to a host of fascinating ports. You’ll spend 3 days cruising along the Great Barrier Reef, an astonishing UNESCO World Heritage Site. Witness sunrise at Lizard Island, cruising marine-rich 'ribbons' of coral in the Ribbon Reef area and enjoy an overnight anchorage off Sherrard Island. Cruise Torres Strait and the Far North Region in the daylight hours, an opportunity most travellers do not experience.

All the while, you’ll enjoy the gracious service, fine cuisine and in depth entertainment of the world’s best value cruise line - Holland America Line. Enjoy the amenities and impeccable service of the ms Volendam, relax on deck with a good book and savour the sea air.

This is the experience of a lifetime!

Itinerary

Mar 9, Wed: Depart Canada*
* Members depart their homes late March 9 and the flight departs very early March 10th.

Mar 11, Fri: Arrive SYDNEY, Australia
Hotel

Mar 12, Sat: SYDNEY, Australia
Hotel

Mar 13, Sun: SYDNEY, Australia
Embark / Sail 6:00pm

Mar 14, Mon: AT SEA

Mar 15, Tue: BRISBANE, Australia
Arrive 6:00am / Sail 5:00pm

Mar 16, Wed: AT SEA

Mar 17, Thu: HAMILTON IS. (Whitsunday Is.)
Arrive 7:00am / Sail 2:00pm

Mar 18, Fri: CAIRNS, Australia
Arrive 8:00am / Sail 6:00pm

Mar 19, Sat: THE GREAT BARRIER REEF
Sunrise at Lizard Island, Ribbon
Reef Region, at anchor at Sherrard Island. Arrive 6:00pm

Mar 20, Sun: THE GREAT BARRIER REEF
Sherrard Island at anchor, Far North Region, Torres Strait, Sunset at Booby Island. Sail 5:00am

Mar 21, Mon: AT SEA

Mar 22, Tue: DARWIN, Australia
Arrive 9:00am / Sail 5:00pm

Mar 23, Wed: AT SEA

Mar 24, Thu: KOMODO ISLAND, Indonesia
Arrive 9:00am / Sail 6:00pm

Mar 25, Fri: BALI (Padang Bay)
Arrive 10:00am / Sail Midnight

Mar 26, Sat: AT SEA

Mar 27, Sun: JAVA (Semarang)
Arrive 6:00am / Sail 4:00pm

Mar 28, Mon: Tanjung Priok (Jakarta), Indonesia
Arrive 8:00am / Sail 5:00pm

Mar 29, Tue: AT SEA

Mar 30, Wed: SINGAPORE
Arrive 2:00pm / Overnight in port

Mar 31, Thu: SINGAPORE
Disembark 7:00am / HOME



SYDNEY STAY

This cruise includes 2 nights in Sydney. To allow you maximum freedom of choice, no tours are included. Excursions in Sydney can be arranged in advance with our help or on arrival through the hotel.

PORTS OF CALL

° First came the Aborigines, 50,000 years ago; then 759 British convicts, followed by a wave of military settlers known as the Rum Corps. The result: Sydney's bold, egalitarian charm. History, opera, opals and koalas!

° Once a harsh penal settlement, Brisbane is now Queensland's dynamic capital city. A blend of steel and glass defines the skyline, while riverside delights - botanical gardens, promenades, cafes and markets - mesmerize at eye level.

° One of the Whitsunday Islands in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island features coral reefs, sparkling beaches and clear blue-green waters. Take an excursion to view the wonders of the reef or visit the Koala Gallery Wildlife Experience.

° You may go 'troppo' in Cairns, where lush rain forests run all the way down to the sea and jewel-toned fishes and giant, coral-encrusted clams populate the Great Barrier Reef.

° Spend two glorious days exploring the edges of the reef, one of the world’s truly magnificent wonders. Highlights will include Torres Strait, Sherrard Island (overnight at anchor) and Ribbon Reef.

° Your chance to experience Kakadu National Park, a huge, pristine sweep of aboriginal land teeming with crocodiles, water buffalo, and the water-walking Jesus bird. Its delicate cave paintings date back an incredible 20,000 years.

° Komodo Island is most famous for its resident Komodo Dragons. This giant reptile often measures up to 11 feet in length and can weigh more than 300 pounds.

° An artful way of life abounds on Bali. Feast your eyes on silver and sculpture; take in the mesmerizing sounds of the gamelan and the electrifying flow of the Monkey Dance.

° Step back into the colonial days of the Dutch East India Company in Old Semerang. Or journey to Borobudur Temple, where ten massive stone terraces, each representing a different stage of enlightenment, are topped by the Great Stupa.

° Jakarta is Indonesia’s largest city and exotic capital. Visit The National Museum; explore Indonesian culture at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah; wander the streets of Old Town and learn about Dutch colonial architecture; tour the largest mosque in Southeast Asia and shop for treasures!

° The cultural crossroads of the world, where in the space of a few hours you can relax in a quaint Chinese teahouse, purchase a colorful sari in Little India and visit a Sultan mosque. Ponder it all at the famous Raffles Hotel.

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Above prices are per person based on sharing the stateroom category chosen and include all the applicable Inclusive Features. Prices are cruise only based joining at the hotel in Sydney and leaving at shipside in Singapore. See Deck Plan for full details on various categories available.

Single passengers can book to share on the cruise in categories ‘K’ (inside) or ‘E’ (outside) at special rates which include single rooms at hotels or pay a single supplement of 50% of the cruise only in any stateroom category, excluding suites. Many staterooms can accommodate 3 or 4 people. Bedding in all staterooms can be either twin beds or large queen bed.

Add an airfare to your selected cruise rate

Airfares include the current cost for flights, all related taxes and surcharges, insurance coverage, airport transfers in Sydney and Singapore, and airport transfers in Canada or equivalent value. Airfares are subject to change and will be confirmed prior to final payment. Flights are with Cathay Pacific Airlines.

Shore excursions are not included in your cruise cost, allowing you the freedom to choose from the cruise line’s optional tours or to make your own arrangements. Information is available online. This cruise will be escorted with a minimum of twenty paying members.

CT RATING ONE - this cruise is suitable for all passengers who meet our basic criteria for group travel.

Cruise price and deposit include a non-refundable fee ($332 to $461 per person, depending on overall trip cost) to cover comprehensive insurance. Our insurance is effective from the date of confirmation for all passengers under the age of 86 years at the time of travel and carries limitations on pre-existing medical conditions. Please discuss your insurance coverage prior to booking. Final payment will be due December 9, 2010.

Inclusive Features

To enroll on this tour simply complete our online enrollment form or alternatively complete the enrollment form found at the back of our brochure and return it with your deposit of $1500 per person to Craig Travel's office.