MS Westerdam itinerary map for December 22, 2024 (14 nights)
MS Westerdam itinerary map for December 22, 2024 (14 nights)
14 nights · 11 ports
Round-trip · Sydney, Australia
Holland AmericaMS Westerdam

MS Westerdam
December 22, 2024

14-Night New Zealand Holiday aboard MS Westerdam · Departing December 22, 2024 from the Port of Sydney, Australia.

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This 14-night cruise aboard the MS Westerdam departs from Sydney, Australia on Sunday, December 22, 2024 and returns on Sunday, Jan 5th. December weather across this route averages 83°/44°F.

The itinerary safety score for this sailing is 8.6 out of 10, averaged across 11 ports.

Cruise Length
14
Night Cruise
Departure Port
Sydney
Australia
Port Stops
11
Sea Days
4

Cruise Price - MS Westerdam December 22, 2024

MS Westerdam · December 22, 2024

The graph below tracks historic price of the MS Westerdam cruise ship departing December 22, 2024. The most recent price for this sailing starts at $2,169 ($155 per night) for an Inside Cabin. Compared to the average price of $1,704 ($122 per night), this represents a recent increase of 27%.

🛏️
Inside
$2,169
🌊
Oceanview
$2,319
🌅
Balcony
$3,159
👑
Suite
$4,989

Price History – MS Westerdam December 22, 2024

inside cabin
MS Westerdam
December 22, 2024
$2,169
27% vs avg: $1,704

Prices change often and may differ at checkout. Click to see the latest available price.

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Cruise Itinerary Map - 14 Night New Zealand Holiday (Sydney Roundtrip)

MS Westerdam · December 22, 2024

The MS Westerdam sails on December 22, 2024 for a 14 Night New Zealand Holiday (Sydney Roundtrip). The ship will depart the port of Sydney, Australia at 5:30 PM and will return to the port of Sydney, Australia on Jan 5th at 6:00 AM. During the 16-day journey, the MS Westerdam will visit 10 additional ports and will spend 4 days at sea.

Cruise itinerary route

14 Night New Zealand Holiday (Sydney Roundtrip)

  • DEC22
    Sydney, Australia
    Sydney, Australia
    A: — - D: 5:30 PM
  • DEC23
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • DEC24
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • DEC22
    Cruise Fjordland National Park
    Cruise Fjordland National Park
    A: — - D: —
  • DEC25
    Cruise Milford Sound
    Cruise Milford Sound
    A: 6:00 AM - D: 7:00 AM
  • DEC26
    Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand
    Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand
    A: 7:00 AM - D: 5:00 PM
  • DEC27
    Lyttleton (christchurch), New Zealand
    Lyttleton (christchurch), New Zealand
    A: 7:00 AM - D: 4:00 PM
  • DEC28
    Picton, New Zealand
    Picton, New Zealand
    A: 7:00 AM - D: 4:00 PM
  • DEC29
    Napier, New Zealand
    Napier, New Zealand
    A: 8:00 AM - D: 6:00 PM
  • DEC30
    Gisborne, New Zealand
    Gisborne, New Zealand
    A: 7:00 AM - D: 4:00 PM
  • DEC31
    Tauranga, New Zealand
    Tauranga, New Zealand
    A: 7:00 AM - D: 4:00 PM
  • JAN01
    Auckland, New Zealand
    Auckland, New Zealand
    A: 7:00 AM - D: 4:00 PM
  • JAN02
    Waitangi, Bay Of Islands, New Zealand
    Waitangi, Bay Of Islands, New Zealand
    A: 6:00 AM - D: 1:00 PM
  • JAN03
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • JAN04
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • JAN05
    Sydney, Australia
    Sydney, Australia
    A: 6:00 AM - D: —
Loading map...

MS Westerdam Cruise Ports

December 22, 2024 · 14 Night New Zealand Holiday (Sydney Roundtrip)

Sydney, Australia — Day 1 of MS Westerdam December 22, 2024 cruise
Day 1•Sunday, Dec 22

Sydney, Australia

Arrival: —•Departure: 5:30 PM

Sydney, Australia, offers docking at Circular Quay. Travelers explore Sydney Opera House and Bondi Beach. Excursions visit Blue Mountains. Local markets sell meat pies. The peak season, December to February, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures iconic landmarks and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes lamingtons, an Australian favorite. Souvenirs, like opal crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Aboriginal history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Sydney’s urban charm offers a vibrant Australian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of cultural landmarks and scenic coasts, making Sydney an engaging destination for exploration.

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link
Day 2 at sea — MS Westerdam December 22, 2024 itinerary
Day 2•Monday, Dec 23

At Sea

Arrival: 11:00 PM•Departure: 10:59 PM

Day at sea aboard the MS Westerdam — featuring Canaletto, Library, Explorers Lounge & Photo Shop.

Day 3 at sea — MS Westerdam December 22, 2024 itinerary
Day 3•Tuesday, Dec 24

At Sea

Arrival: 11:00 PM•Departure: 10:59 PM

Day at sea aboard the MS Westerdam — featuring Canaletto, Library, Explorers Lounge & Photo Shop.

Cruise Fjordland National Park — Day 4 of MS Westerdam December 22, 2024 cruise
Day 4•Sunday, Dec 22

Cruise Fjordland National Park

Arrival: —•Departure: —

Fiordland National Park, New Zealand, offers no docking; ships cruise Milford Sound within the park. Travelers observe Mitre Peak and Stirling Falls from deck. Zodiacs spot bottlenose dolphins. No facilities; provisions from ship. Peak season December to March; rain frequent. Photography captures sheer cliffs and rainbows. Dining onboard includes green-lipped mussels. Souvenirs, like sound postcards, in ship shops. Briefings stress ecosystem protection. Kayaking explores Hall Arm. Rain gear essential for wet climate. UNESCO-listed Fiordland’s dramatic fjords and wildlife provide immersive nature experiences in this temperate rainforest paradise.

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link
Cruise Milford Sound — Day 4 of MS Westerdam December 22, 2024 cruise
Day 4•Wednesday, Dec 25

Cruise Milford Sound

Arrival: 6:00 AM•Departure: 7:00 AM

Milford Sound, a UNESCO World Heritage fjord in New Zealand’s Fiordland, has no docking; ships cruise its serene waters. Travelers spot fur seals lounging on rocks and Fiordland crested penguins diving. Zodiacs approach Stirling Falls, surrounded by towering cliffs. No facilities are present; provisions come from the ship. The peak season, December to March, brings frequent rain. Photography captures Mitre Peak’s reflection in calm waters. Dining onboard features green-lipped mussels. Souvenirs, like fjord postcards, are sold in ship shops. Briefings stress ecosystem protection. Kayaking explores quiet coves, revealing marine life. Rain gear is essential for the wet climate. Milford Sound’s dramatic cliffs and waterfalls create a breathtaking natural spectacle, drawing nature lovers to its pristine wilderness.

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link
Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand — Day 5 of MS Westerdam December 22, 2024 cruise
Day 5•Thursday, Dec 26

Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand

Arrival: 7:00 AM•Departure: 5:00 PM

Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand, offers docking at Port Chalmers. Travelers explore Larnach Castle and Otago Peninsula. Excursions include wildlife tours for albatross. Local markets sell hokey pokey. The peak season, December to February, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Gothic castles and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes whitebait fritters, a Kiwi favorite. Souvenirs, like paua crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Maori history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while sturdy shoes enhance peninsula hikes. Port Chalmers’ cultural charm offers a vibrant New Zealand stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic castles and scenic wildlife, making Port Chalmers an engaging destination.

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link
Lyttleton (christchurch), New Zealand — Day 6 of MS Westerdam December 22, 2024 cruise
Day 6•Friday, Dec 27

Lyttleton (christchurch), New Zealand

Arrival: 7:00 AM•Departure: 4:00 PM

Lyttelton, New Zealand, offers docking at Lyttelton Port, a gateway to Christchurch. Travelers explore the vibrant Christchurch Botanic Gardens and transitional Cardboard Cathedral. Excursions venture to Akaroa’s French-inspired village for dolphin-watching tours. Local markets sell pavlova, a Kiwi dessert. The peak season, December to March, brings warm weather ideal for sightseeing. Photography captures harbor views and the Southern Alps’ dramatic backdrop. Dining onboard features lamb roast, a New Zealand favorite. Souvenirs, like jade pendants, are available in ship shops. Briefings highlight Maori culture and colonial history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city and coastal walks. Lyttelton’s proximity to Christchurch provides a vibrant blend of urban culture and natural beauty, making it a captivating stop for cruise travelers seeking New Zealand’s unique heritage and scenic splendor.

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link
Picton, New Zealand — Day 7 of MS Westerdam December 22, 2024 cruise
Day 7•Saturday, Dec 28

Picton, New Zealand

Arrival: 7:00 AM•Departure: 4:00 PM

Picton, New Zealand, offers docking at Picton Port. Travelers explore Marlborough Sounds and Queen Charlotte Track. Excursions include wine-tasting in Blenheim. Local markets sell whitebait fritters. The peak season, December to February, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures fjord-like sounds and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes lamb, a Kiwi favorite. Souvenirs, like paua crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Maori history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while sturdy shoes enhance track hikes. Picton’s coastal charm offers a vibrant New Zealand stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of scenic waterways and wine regions, making Picton an engaging destination for exploration.

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link
Napier, New Zealand — Day 8 of MS Westerdam December 22, 2024 cruise
Day 8•Sunday, Dec 29

Napier, New Zealand

Arrival: 8:00 AM•Departure: 6:00 PM

Napier, New Zealand, offers docking at Napier Port. Travelers explore Art Deco District and Hawke’s Bay wineries. Excursions visit Cape Kidnappers’ gannets. Local markets sell pavlova. The peak season, December to February, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Art Deco buildings and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes lamb, a Kiwi favorite. Souvenirs, like Maori crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Ngāti Kahungunu history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Napier’s cultural charm offers a vibrant New Zealand stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of architectural heritage and scenic vineyards, making Napier an engaging destination.

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link
Gisborne, New Zealand — Day 9 of MS Westerdam December 22, 2024 cruise
Day 9•Monday, Dec 30

Gisborne, New Zealand

Arrival: 7:00 AM•Departure: 4:00 PM

Gisborne, New Zealand, offers docking at Gisborne Port. Travelers explore East Cape’s beaches and Maori cultural sites. Excursions visit Tairawhiti Museum’s Maori artifacts. Local markets sell manuka honey. The peak season, December to March, brings warm weather. Photography captures coastal cliffs and sunrise views. Dining onboard includes hangi, a Maori dish. Souvenirs, like jade carvings, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Maori heritage. Light clothing suits the temperate climate. Sturdy shoes enhance coastal walks. Gisborne’s cultural richness and scenic coast provide a vibrant New Zealand stop, immersing travelers in its Maori traditions.

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link
Tauranga, New Zealand — Day 10 of MS Westerdam December 22, 2024 cruise
Day 10•Tuesday, Dec 31

Tauranga, New Zealand

Arrival: 7:00 AM•Departure: 4:00 PM

Tauranga, New Zealand, offers docking at Tauranga Port. Travelers explore Mount Maunganui and Rotorua’s geothermal sites. Excursions include Maori cultural tours. Local markets sell pavlova. The peak season, December to February, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures geysers and Bay of Plenty vistas. Dining onboard includes lamb, a Kiwi favorite. Souvenirs, like jade crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Maori history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while sturdy shoes enhance geothermal hikes. Tauranga’s cultural charm offers a vibrant New Zealand stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of natural wonders and indigenous heritage, making Tauranga an engaging destination.

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link
Auckland, New Zealand — Day 11 of MS Westerdam December 22, 2024 cruise
Day 11•Wednesday, Jan 1

Auckland, New Zealand

Arrival: 7:00 AM•Departure: 4:00 PM

Auckland, New Zealand, offers docking at Auckland Port. Travelers explore Sky Tower and Waiheke Island. Excursions include Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Local markets sell pavlova. The peak season, December to February, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures urban harbors and Hauraki Gulf vistas. Dining onboard includes lamb, a Kiwi favorite. Souvenirs, like Maori crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Maori history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Auckland’s urban charm offers a vibrant New Zealand stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of modern landmarks and scenic islands, making Auckland an engaging destination.

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link
Waitangi, Bay Of Islands, New Zealand — Day 12 of MS Westerdam December 22, 2024 cruise
Day 12•Thursday, Jan 2

Waitangi, Bay Of Islands, New Zealand

Arrival: 6:00 AM•Departure: 1:00 PM

Waitangi, Bay of Islands, New Zealand, offers docking at Waitangi Port. Travelers explore Treaty Grounds and Paihia’s beaches. Excursions include dolphin-watching tours. Local markets sell pavlova. The peak season, December to February, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures historic sites and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes hangi, a Maori favorite. Souvenirs, like jade crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Maori history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while water shoes enhance beach exploration. Waitangi’s cultural charm offers a vibrant New Zealand stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic treaties and scenic bays, making Waitangi an engaging destination for exploring New Zealand’s north.

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link
Day 13 at sea — MS Westerdam December 22, 2024 itinerary
Day 13•Friday, Jan 3

At Sea

Arrival: 11:00 PM•Departure: 10:59 PM

Day at sea aboard the MS Westerdam — featuring Canaletto, Library, Explorers Lounge & Photo Shop.

Day 14 at sea — MS Westerdam December 22, 2024 itinerary
Day 14•Saturday, Jan 4

At Sea

Arrival: 11:00 PM•Departure: 10:59 PM

Day at sea aboard the MS Westerdam — featuring Canaletto, Library, Explorers Lounge & Photo Shop.

Sydney, Australia — Day 15 of MS Westerdam December 22, 2024 cruise
Day 15•Sunday, Jan 5

Sydney, Australia

Arrival: 6:00 AM•Departure: —

Returning to Sydney, Australia — see Day 1 above for port info.

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link

Weather Forecast

MS Westerdam - December 22, 2024 Weather Forecast

Average monthly weather for your cruise ports

Sydney, Australia

⛅

December

Typical Weather

100°F

Average High

57°F

Average Low

Rainfall

0.09in

Daily average

2.8 in monthly total

MS Westerdam Shore Excursions

Explore the most popular excursion options at each port.

From beach breaks and snorkeling to local food tours and cultural landmarks, these shore excursions help you make the most of every stop. Browse by port below to compare top-rated options and plan your day before you board.

See all Sydney Shore Tours

Itinerary Safety Score

Based on comprehensive research of cruise port safety information, including recent crime reports, travel advisories, Global Peace Index rankings, and specific port security concerns, we've created a "safety score" for each cruise port stop. The overall rating below represents a combined score for your specific cruise itinerary.

Itinerary Safety Rank
86 / 100
safer than 86% of all cruises
86
8
/ 10
Sydney, Australia
Sydney
Travelers should remain vigilant against petty theft in tourist areas and nightlife districts while enjoying the overall safety of Sydney.
10
/ 10
Cruise Fjordland National Park
Fjordland Park
Travelers can safely enjoy the stunning beauty of Fjordland National Park from their cruise ship, prioritizing passenger safety.
10
/ 10
Cruise Milford Sound
Milford Sound
Travelers can safely enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Milford Sound from the stability of their cruise ship, ensuring a secure experience.
9
/ 10
Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand
Port Chalmers
Port Chalmers offers a safe environment for cruise travelers with low crime rates and well-maintained facilities for exploration.
8
/ 10
Lyttleton (christchurch), New Zealand
Lyttleton
Lyttleton is a safe cruise port with low crime rates, but travelers should stay aware of their surroundings and potential natural hazards.
9
/ 10
Picton, New Zealand
Picton
Picton is a safe cruise port with low crime rates, but travelers should prioritize road safety and remain vigilant about environmental hazards.
9
/ 10
Napier, New Zealand
Napier
Napier, New Zealand, offers travelers a safe experience with a low crime rate and well-maintained infrastructure for exploration.
8
/ 10
Gisborne, New Zealand
Gisborne
Gisborne is a safe cruise port with low crime rates, allowing travelers to explore the area confidently and enjoy its welcoming atmosphere.
9
/ 10
Tauranga, New Zealand
Tauranga
Tauranga, New Zealand, offers a low-crime environment and well-developed facilities, ensuring a safe experience for cruise travelers.
8
/ 10
Auckland, New Zealand
Auckland
Auckland offers a generally safe environment for cruise travelers, but visitors should remain vigilant against petty crime in tourist areas.
9
/ 10
Waitangi, Bay Of Islands, New Zealand
Waitangi
Waitangi is a safe cruise destination with low crime rates, well-maintained facilities, and a welcoming atmosphere for travelers.

Cruise Ship

MS Westerdam

⚓ Tonnage

82,305

vs avg 84,029

🛠️ Year Built

2,004

vs avg 2,008

📏 Length (ft)

936

vs avg 922

👥 Passenger Count

1,964

vs avg 2,157

The MS Westerdam has a construction date of 2004 and a total size of 82,305 gross tons. The ship measures 936 feet in length. MS Westerdam is included in Holland America’s Vista Class class. At full capacity, the MS Westerdam holds 1,964 passengers. That includes 1,164 cruise vacationers and 800 staff members. The MS Westerdam total number of staterooms is 982.

Click above for more MS Westerdam stats, tips, imagery, and more.

  • 📊Size comparison chart against other ships
  • 🍸Bars, restaurants, and venue highlights
  • 🛠️Renovation and dry-dock schedule
  • ❓FAQ's about MS Westerdam

Also of interest:

MS Westerdam Deck PlansMS Westerdam Cabin SearchMS Westerdam Health Score

Other MS Westerdam Sailings

Same ship, different dates

← Previous sailing

Dec 8, 2024

14-Night 14 Night Australia Circumnavigation (Fremantle To Sydney)

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MS Westerdam schedule

Full itinerary calendar

Next sailing →

Jan 5, 2025

14-Night 14 Night Australia & New Zealand (Sydney To Auckland)

MS Westerdam December 22, 2024 FAQ

What's the cheapest cabin on the MS Westerdam December 22, 2024 cruise?▾

Live pricing is not currently available for this sailing. Sign up for price-drop alerts above to be notified when fares appear.

What's the weather like on the MS Westerdam December 22, 2024 route?▾

Across the ports visited on this 14-night route, December averages 83°F highs and 44°F lows. See the per-port weather forecast section above for daily detail.

How safe is the December 22, 2024 MS Westerdam itinerary?▾

This itinerary scores 8.6 out of 10 on the Gangwaze Itinerary Safety Score, averaged across 11 ports. We weight current travel advisories, recent crime data, and Global Peace Index signals — see the Safety Score section above for the full per-port breakdown.

When does the MS Westerdam sail and return on this itinerary?▾

The MS Westerdam departs Sydney, Australia on Sunday, December 22, 2024 at 5:30 PM and returns on Sunday, Jan 5th, 2025 at 6:00 AM. Total duration: 14 nights.

Who is the cruise director for the MS Westerdam sailing on December 22, 2024?▾

Cruise director assignment for this sail date is not currently confirmed in our records.

Can I track price drops for this MS Westerdam itinerary?▾

Yes — use the price tracking opt-in on this page to get an email when cabin prices drop for this exact sailing. We snapshot fares daily.

Researched and assembled by Gangwaze Cruise Editorial using daily-refreshed itinerary, pricing, weather, and safety data.

Last Updated: May 21, 2026