

The December 19, 2027 cruise on the MS Westerdam departs from Sydney, Australia. On this 42 Night Australia Holiday: Coral Sea & Fiji (Sydney To Auckland) sailing, the ship will visit a total of 25 cruise port destinations, including its departure port. The MS Westerdam sets sail on Sunday, Dec 19th and returns on Sunday, Jan 30th.
MS Westerdam - December 19, 2027 - 42 Nights
| Day | Date | Port |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dec 18th | Sydney, Australia |
| 2 | Dec 19th | At Sea |
| 3 | Dec 21st | Phillip Island, Australia |
| 4 | Dec 22nd | Melbourne, Australia |
| 5 | Dec 18th | Melbourne, Australia |
| 6 | Dec 24th | Burnie, Tasmania, Australia |
| 7 | Dec 24th | At Sea |
| 8 | Dec 26th | Adelaide, Australia |
| 9 | Dec 27th | Penneshaw, Kangaroo Island, Australia |
| 10 | Dec 27th | At Sea |
| 11 | Dec 28th | At Sea |
| 12 | Dec 30th | Hobart, Tasmania, Australia |
| 13 | Dec 31st | Port Arthur, Tasmania, Australia |
| 14 | Dec 31st | At Sea |
| 15 | Jan 2nd | Eden, Australia |
| 16 | Jan 3rd | Newcastle, Australia |
| 17 | Jan 4th | Sydney, Australia |
| 18 | Jan 4th | At Sea |
| 19 | Jan 6th | Moreton Island, Queensland, Australia |
| 20 | Jan 6th | At Sea |
| 21 | Jan 8th | Townsville, Australia |
| 22 | Jan 9th | Cairns, Australia |
| 23 | Dec 18th | Cairns, Australia |
| 24 | Jan 10th | At Sea |
| 25 | Jan 12th | Alotau, Papua New Guinea |
| 26 | Jan 13th | Conflict Islands, Papua New Guinea |
| 27 | Jan 14th | Kiriwina Island, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea |
| 28 | Jan 14th | At Sea |
| 29 | Jan 16th | Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands |
| 30 | Jan 16th | At Sea |
| 31 | Jan 18th | Luganville, Vanuatu |
| 32 | Jan 19th | Port Vila, Efate, Vanuatu |
| 33 | Jan 20th | Mystery Island, Vanuatu |
| 34 | Jan 20th | At Sea |
| 35 | Jan 22nd | Lautoka, Fiji Islands |
| 36 | Dec 18th | Lautoka, Fiji Islands |
| 37 | Jan 24th | Suva, Fiji |
| 38 | Jan 24th | At Sea |
| 39 | Jan 26th | Nuku'alofa, Tonga Islands |
| 40 | Jan 26th | At Sea |
| 41 | Jan 27th | At Sea |
| 42 | Jan 29th | Waitangi, Bay Of Islands, New Zealand |
| 43 | Jan 30th | Auckland, New Zealand |
The MS Westerdam sails on December 19, 2027 for a 42 Night Australia Holiday: Coral Sea & Fiji (Sydney To Auckland). The ship will depart the port of Sydney, Australia at 4:00 PM and will return to the port of Auckland, New Zealand on Jan 30th at 6:00 AM. During the 43-day journey, the MS Westerdam will visit 24 additional ports and will spend 14 days at sea.
Based on my 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.

The MS Westerdam has a construction date of 2004 and a total size of 82,305 gross tons. The ship measures 936 feet (285 meters) in length. MS Westerdam is included in Holland America’s Vista Class Class. At full capacity, the MS Westerdam holds 2,764 passengers. That includes 1,964 cruise vacationers and 800 staff members. The MS Westerdam total number of staterooms is 982.
To see how this compares, click through to see MS Westerdam age and stats vs all Holland America ships. There you’ll find graphs showing length, capacity, tonnage and more for this ship vs all in the fleet.
To check out the ship from top to bottom, click here for MS Westerdam Deck Plans.
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. (126 words)
Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!
Phillip Island, Australia, offers docking at Cowes Port. Travelers explore the Penguin Parade and Koala Conservation Centre. Excursions visit Nobbies’ seal colonies. Local markets sell lamingtons. The peak season, December to March, brings warm weather for wildlife tours. Photography captures coastal cliffs and penguin marches. Dining onboard includes barramundi, an Australian fish. Souvenirs, like koala crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover island ecology. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance nature walks. Phillip Island’s wildlife charm offers a vibrant Australian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of unique animal encounters, scenic coastlines, and island beauty, making Phillip Island an engaging destination for exploring Australia’s natural wonders and coastal heritage.
Melbourne, Australia, offers docking at Station Pier. Travelers explore Federation Square and Royal Botanic Gardens. Excursions visit Yarra Valley wineries. Local markets sell meat pies. The peak season, December to February, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures urban skylines and Port Phillip vistas. Dining onboard includes lamingtons, an Australian favorite. Souvenirs, like Aboriginal crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Wurundjeri history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Melbourne’s urban charm offers a vibrant Australian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of cultural landmarks and scenic vineyards, making Melbourne an engaging destination for exploration. (126 words)
Melbourne, Australia, offers docking at Station Pier. Travelers explore Federation Square and Royal Botanic Gardens. Excursions visit Yarra Valley wineries. Local markets sell meat pies. The peak season, December to February, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures urban skylines and Port Phillip vistas. Dining onboard includes lamingtons, an Australian favorite. Souvenirs, like Aboriginal crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Wurundjeri history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Melbourne’s urban charm offers a vibrant Australian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of cultural landmarks and scenic vineyards, making Melbourne an engaging destination for exploration. (126 words)
Burnie, Tasmania, Australia, docks at Burnie Port, 1 kilometer from downtown, with shuttles for 10-minute rides. The city, population 20,000, features the Makers’ Workshop for paper-making demos. Travelers visit Fern Glade for platypus sightings. Local markets sell Tasmanian honey. Excursions to Cradle Mountain, 2 hours south, offer hikes. Peak season December to March; taxis 10-15 AUD. Dining includes scallops at harbor cafes. Souvenirs feature Huon pine crafts.
Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!
Adelaide, Australia, docks at Port Adelaide Passenger Terminal in Outer Harbor, 23 kilometers northwest of the city center. The upgraded facility offers welcome centers, souvenir shops, free Wi-Fi, ATMs, and toilets, with a 2-minute walk to the railway station. Trains reach downtown in 40 minutes for 3 AUD. Barossa Valley, 90 minutes north, tours wineries like Jacob's Creek for tastings of shiraz and semillon. Kangaroo Island, 45-minute ferry plus drive, reveals seal colonies at Seal Bay and koala spotting in eucalyptus groves. Cleland Wildlife Park, 30 minutes away, feeds kangaroos and views platypus in bushland enclosures. Rundle Mall, city heart 15 minutes by train, hosts street performers and arcades selling opals. Glenelg Beach, 20 minutes south, provides tramside promenades and fish-and-chips. Dining includes pie floaters at pub counters. Souvenirs feature Aboriginal dot paintings. Peak season November to March; metro cards cost 10 AUD daily. Buses connect to airport 35 minutes away.
Penneshaw, Kangaroo Island, Australia, offers docking at Penneshaw Port. Travelers explore Seal Bay’s sea lion colonies and Flinders Chase National Park. Excursions visit Remarkable Rocks. Local markets sell eucalyptus honey. The peak season, December to March, brings warm weather for wildlife tours. Photography captures rugged coastlines and kangaroo habitats. Dining onboard includes yabbies, an Australian favorite. Souvenirs, like koala crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Kangaroo Island’s ecology. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while sturdy shoes enhance park hikes. Penneshaw’s natural beauty offers a vibrant Australian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of wildlife, scenic landscapes, and island charm, making Penneshaw an engaging destination for exploring Kangaroo Island’s biodiversity and coastal allure.
Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!
Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!
Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, offers docking at Hobart Port. Travelers explore Salamanca Market and Mount Wellington. Excursions visit Port Arthur’s historic site. Local markets sell scallop pies. The peak season, December to February, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures colonial buildings and Tasman Sea vistas. Dining onboard includes Tasmanian salmon, an Australian favorite. Souvenirs, like Huon pine crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Palawa history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while sturdy shoes enhance mountain hikes. Hobart’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Australian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic sites and scenic lookouts, making Hobart an engaging destination. (126 words)
Port Arthur, Tasmania, Australia, offers docking at Port Arthur Port. Travelers explore the UNESCO-listed convict site and Isle of the Dead. Excursions visit Tasman Peninsula’s sea cliffs. Local markets sell Tasmanian honey. The peak season, December to March, brings warm weather for historic tours. Photography captures colonial ruins and coastal vistas. Dining onboard includes scallop pies, a Tasmanian favorite. Souvenirs, like Huon pine crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover convict history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance site walks. Port Arthur’s historic charm offers a vibrant Australian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of convict heritage, scenic coastlines, and natural beauty, making Port Arthur an engaging destination for exploring Tasmania’s history.
Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!
Eden, Australia, has docking at Eden Port. Travelers explore Twofold Bay’s whale-watching history. Excursions visit Ben Boyd National Park’s coastal trails. Local markets sell oysters. The peak season, December to March, brings warm weather. Photography captures turquoise bays. Dining onboard includes barramundi. Souvenirs, like whale prints, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Aboriginal history. Light clothing suits summer conditions. Eden’s serene coast offers a relaxed Australian stop.
Newcastle, Australia, offers docking at Newcastle Port. Travelers explore Fort Scratchley and Nobbys Beach. Excursions visit Hunter Valley’s wineries for tastings. Local markets sell meat pies. The peak season, December to March, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures harbor views and historic forts. Dining onboard includes barramundi, an Australian fish. Souvenirs, like wine glasses, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Newcastle’s coal history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance beach walks. Newcastle’s coastal and wine culture offers a vibrant Australian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic sites, scenic beaches, and vineyard experiences, making Newcastle an engaging destination for exploring New South Wales’ coastal and culinary heritage.
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. (126 words)
Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!
Moreton Island, Queensland, Australia, has no docking; ships anchor offshore with tenders to Tangalooma. Travelers snorkel the Tangalooma Wrecks and sandboard on desert dunes. Excursions include dolphin-feeding sessions at dusk. No facilities exist; provisions are ship-based. The peak season, September to April, brings warm weather for marine activities. Photography captures coral reefs and sandy landscapes. Dining onboard includes barramundi, an Australian fish. Souvenirs, like shell crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Moreton’s marine ecology. Light clothing and sun protection suit the subtropical climate, while snorkeling gear enhances reef exploration. Moreton Island’s pristine beauty offers a vibrant Australian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of adventure, wildlife encounters, and tropical beaches, making Moreton Island an ideal destination for those seeking an active and natural escape off Queensland’s coast.
Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!
Townsville, Australia, offers docking at Townsville Port. Travelers explore The Strand and Reef HQ Aquarium. Excursions visit Magnetic Island’s koala sanctuaries. Local markets sell lamingtons. The peak season, May to September, brings dry weather for coastal tours. Photography captures coral reefs and Coral Sea vistas. Dining onboard includes barramundi, an Australian favorite. Souvenirs, like opal crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Indigenous history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance reef exploration. Townsville’s coastal allure offers a vibrant Australian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of marine life and scenic beaches, making Townsville an engaging destination for exploration.
Cairns, Australia, docks at Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal, a 10-minute walk to the Esplanade, population 150,000. Travelers visit the Cairns Aquarium for reef species. Excursions to the Great Barrier Reef, 1 hour by boat, offer snorkeling. Kuranda, 30 minutes north, features rainforest cable cars. Local markets sell mangoes. Peak season June to October; taxis 10-15 AUD. Dining includes barramundi at waterfront cafes. Souvenirs feature opals.
Cairns, Australia, docks at Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal, a 10-minute walk to the Esplanade, population 150,000. Travelers visit the Cairns Aquarium for reef species. Excursions to the Great Barrier Reef, 1 hour by boat, offer snorkeling. Kuranda, 30 minutes north, features rainforest cable cars. Local markets sell mangoes. Peak season June to October; taxis 10-15 AUD. Dining includes barramundi at waterfront cafes. Souvenirs feature opals.
Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!
Alotau, Papua New Guinea, docks at the harbor terminal, steps from the town center on Milne Bay. The city, population 10,000, features the Alotau International Cultural Show in September with 20 tribes' dances. Travelers visit the Battle of Milne Bay site, a WWII memorial with interpretive panels. Excursions to Wagawaga, 15 minutes east, include dugout canoe rides and village stays. The Laloki Market sells clay pots. Peak season June to October; taxis 5-10 PGK. Dining includes kaukau (sweet potato) at stalls. Souvenirs feature bilum bags.
Conflict Islands, Papua New Guinea, anchors offshore with zodiacs to uninhabited atolls. Travelers snorkel coral reefs with clownfish. Kayaking explores lagoons. Local markets on nearby islands sell tapa cloth. No facilities; provisions from ship. Peak season May to October; wet season limits access. Photography captures turquoise waters. Dining limited to ship. Souvenirs include shell necklaces.
Kiriwina Island, Papua New Guinea, has no docking; ships anchor offshore with tenders to coral shores. Travelers explore Trobriand Islands’ cultural villages. Excursions visit yam festivals seasonally. Local markets sell carved wood. The peak season, May to October, brings dry weather. Photography captures tribal art and turquoise seas. Dining onboard includes mumu, a local dish. Souvenirs, like shell necklaces, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Trobriand culture. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate. Comfortable shoes enhance village walks. Kiriwina’s vibrant traditions offer a unique Papua New Guinea stop, blending culture with island beauty.
Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!
Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, has no docking; ships anchor offshore with zodiacs to Honiara. Travelers explore WWII relics like Bloody Ridge. Excursions visit Tenaru River’s battle sites. Local markets sell shell money. The peak season, May to October, brings dry weather. Photography captures jungle trails and Pacific shores. Dining onboard includes coconut fish curry. Souvenirs, like carved wood, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover WWII history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate. Sturdy shoes enhance hikes. Guadalcanal’s historic significance offers a compelling Solomon Islands stop, blending war history with tropical beauty.
Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!
Luganville, Vanuatu, has docking at Luganville Port. Travelers explore Million Dollar Point’s WWII relics. Excursions snorkel Champagne Beach’s reefs. Local markets sell kava. The peak season, May to October, brings dry weather. Photography captures coral reefs and jungle trails. Dining onboard includes laplap, a Vanuatu dish. Souvenirs, like shell necklaces, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Melanesian culture. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate. Snorkeling gear enhances reef exploration. Luganville’s tropical allure offers a vibrant Vanuatu stop, blending history with island beauty.
Port Vila, Efate, Vanuatu, offers docking at Port Vila Port. Travelers explore Mele Cascades and Iririki Island. Excursions include snorkeling at Hideaway Island. Local markets sell laplap. The peak season, September to March, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures waterfalls and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes coconut crab, a Ni-Vanuatu favorite. Souvenirs, like shell crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Melanesian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance reef exploration. Port Vila’s tropical charm offers a vibrant Vanuatu stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of natural waterfalls and marine adventures, making Port Vila an engaging destination for exploration. (126 words)
Mystery Island, Vanuatu, offers docking with tenders to shore. Travelers explore coral beaches and traditional villages. Excursions include snorkeling at coral reefs. Local markets sell laplap. The peak season, September to March, brings warm weather for island tours. Photography captures turquoise waters and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes coconut crab, a Ni-Vanuatu favorite. Souvenirs, like shell crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Melanesian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance reef exploration. Mystery Island’s tropical charm offers a vibrant Vanuatu stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of pristine beaches and marine adventures, making Mystery Island an engaging destination for exploration. (126 words)
Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!
Lautoka, Fiji, has docking at Lautoka Port. Travelers explore sugar cane fields and Nadi’s markets. Excursions visit Sabeto Hot Springs. Local markets sell kava. The peak season, May to October, brings dry weather. Photography captures coral reefs and tropical vistas. Dining onboard includes lovo, a Fijian earth-oven dish. Souvenirs, like tapa cloth, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Fijian culture. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate. Snorkeling gear enhances reef exploration. Lautoka’s tropical charm offers a vibrant Fijian stop, blending culture with island beauty.
Lautoka, Fiji, has docking at Lautoka Port. Travelers explore sugar cane fields and Nadi’s markets. Excursions visit Sabeto Hot Springs. Local markets sell kava. The peak season, May to October, brings dry weather. Photography captures coral reefs and tropical vistas. Dining onboard includes lovo, a Fijian earth-oven dish. Souvenirs, like tapa cloth, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Fijian culture. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate. Snorkeling gear enhances reef exploration. Lautoka’s tropical charm offers a vibrant Fijian stop, blending culture with island beauty.
Suva, Fiji, offers docking at Suva Port. Travelers explore Fiji Museum and Colo-i-Suva Forest Park. Excursions include snorkeling at Beqa Lagoon. Local markets sell kava. The peak season, May to October, brings dry weather for coastal tours. Photography captures colonial buildings and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes lovo, a Fijian favorite. Souvenirs, like tapa crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Polynesian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance reef exploration. Suva’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Fijian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic sites and tropical beauty, making Suva an engaging destination for exploring Fiji’s capital.
Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!
Nuku’alofa, Tonga, provides docking at Nuku’alofa Port. Travelers explore the Royal Palace and Talamahu Market. Excursions visit Ha’amonga ‘a Maui Trilithon, a Polynesian Stonehenge. Local markets sell kava. The peak season, May to October, brings dry weather for island tours. Photography captures royal landmarks and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes lu pulu, a Tongan dish. Souvenirs, like tapa cloth, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Polynesian monarchy history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance market walks. Nuku’alofa’s royal and cultural heritage offers a vibrant Tongan stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic sites, island markets, and Polynesian traditions, making Nuku’alofa an engaging destination for exploring Tonga’s rich culture and beauty.
Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!
Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!
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.
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. (126 words)