Three Holland America Line ships are set to explore the lush landscapes and natural wonders of Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific in 2024-2025. From unspoiled islands to cosmopolitan cities, Westerdam will spend the season Down Under, while Koningsdam and Zaandam each offer a longer Legendary Voyage to the South Pacific and Hawaii.

In October 2024 Westerdam sails a westwardly South Pacific crossing, followed by the iconic Australia Circumnavigation. From December 2024 through March 2025, the ship offers a series of 14-day departures roundtrip from Sydney, Australia, or between Auckland, New Zealand, and Sydney. Zaandam's "Tales of the South Pacific" in September 2024 is from Vancouver, Canada, to San Diego, California, or roundtrip San Diego, while Koningsdam's "Hawaii, Tahiti and Marquesas" in February 2025 is roundtrip from San Diego.

"Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific are iconically beautiful locations, but they have so much more to offer which is why they remain high on the bucket list of travelers who are looking to see the world with the ease of a cruise," said Beth Bodensteiner, Holland America Line's chief commercial officer. "The Australia Circumnavigation itinerary is the most in-depth immersion a cruiser can have of the continent, and many of our Legendary Voyages make it possible to visit distant destinations from a North American homeport. These cruises are among some of the most notable we offer."

Legendary Voyages Linger Longer

Holland America Line's extended Legendary Voyages range from 25 to 59 days and combine the ceremony of a Grand Voyage with itineraries that feature a comprehensive collection of ports that enrich the experience in each destination. Most of Holland America Line's Legendary Voyages sail roundtrip or to/from a North American homeport, allowing travelers to see the world from their doorstep with a convenient domestic flight and easy embarkation.

Highlights of the Australia and New Zealand 2024-2025 Season

LEGENDARY: The 35-day "Australia Circumnavigation" departing Nov. 17, 2024, sails Roundtrip from Sydney. Westerdam visits 16 ports around the continent of Australia and includes scenic cruising in the Great Barrier Reef, as well as the remote Ribbon Reef and Far North Regions. Guests enjoy overnight calls at Freemantle (Perth), Australia, and Hobart, Tasmania, along with a late-night departure from Adelaide. Beyond Australia, the ship will call at Komodo Island.

From January through March 2025, Westerdam offers 14-day "Australia and New Zealand" cruises between Auckland and Sydney. The sailings include six ports around New Zealand and a call at Hobart. All itineraries include scenic cruising in Fiordland National Park, and select dates also include Milford Sound.

A special 14-day "New Zealand Holiday" cruise departing Dec. 22, 2024, is roundtrip from Sydney. Guests spend the holidays exploring six ports around New Zealand, including an overnight call at Wellington. The holiday itinerary also features scenic cruising in Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound.

Highlights of the South Pacific 2024-2025 Season

LEGENDARY: 51- or 56-day "Tales of the South Pacific" voyage aboard Zaandam. The 51-day itinerary is roundtrip from San Diego departing Sept. 30, 2024, while the 56-day cruise is from Vancouver to San Diego departing Sept. 25. The exploration takes a counterclockwise route around the South Pacific, with 20 calls in Hawaii, Kiribati, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Niue, Cook and Society Islands, Marquesas and Tahiti. Guests have extra time ashore with overnights at Honolulu, Hawaii, and Papeete, Tahiti, as well as late-night departures from Honolulu and Suva, Fiji.

Westerdam's 23-day "South Pacific Crossing" departing Oct. 24, 2024, is from Seattle, Washington, to Sydney. The Pacific Ocean crossing includes seven ports in Hawaii, New Caledonia, Fiji and American Samoa.

LEGENDARY: The 35-day "Hawaii, Tahiti and Marquesas" aboard Koningsdam departs Feb. 15, 2025, and is roundtrip from San Diego. The ship makes four calls in Hawaii and six additional island calls throughout the South Pacific. Overnights include Honolulu, Raiatea, Moorea and Papeete.

LEGENDARY: Westerdam's 29-day "South Pacific Crossing" departing March 30, 2025, is from Sydney to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Guests discover 12 ports in Hawaii, American Samoa, Fiji and New Caledonia. The itinerary offers an overnight at Honolulu, plus late-night departures from Lahaina and Kona, Hawaii; Suva; and Nouméa, New Caledonia.

Book Back-to-Back Cruises with a Collectors' Voyage

Ranging from 43 to 58 days, Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific Collectors' Voyages are perfect for avid explorers seeking a more extensive cruise experience. The voyages combine back-to-back, nonrepeating itineraries and represent the best per-day value for guests.

Have It All

For a limited time, when guests book select 2024-2025 Australia/New Zealand cruises with the Have It All premium package, the standard package amenities of shore excursions, specialty dining, a Signature Beverage Package and Surf Wi-Fi are included — plus the added perk of free prepaid Crew Appreciation, along with free upgrades to the Elite Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi. Terms and conditions apply. Visit hollandamerica.com for full details.

Beginning fares for 2025 Australia/New Zealand/South Pacific cruises range from $2,449 to $10,999 per person, double occupancy, depending on length. Taxes, fees and port expenses are additional.

For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.

Editors Note: Photos are available at https://www.cruiseimagelibrary.com/c/jebkog2x.

Find Holland America Line on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and the Holland America Blog. You can also access all social media outlets via the home page at hollandamerica.com.

About Holland America Line

Holland America Line, part of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL andNYSE:CUK), has been exploring the world for 150 years with expertly crafted itineraries, extraordinary service and genuine connections to each destination. Offering an ideal mid-sized ship experience, its fleet visits nearly 400 ports in 114 countries around the world and has shared the thrill of Alaska for 75 years — longer than any other cruise line. Holland America Line's 11 vessels feature a diverse range of enriching activities and amenities focused on destination immersion and personalized travel. The best live music at sea fills each evening at Music Walk, and dining venues feature exclusive selections from a Culinary Council of world-famous chefs.

Princess Cruises, the most iconic cruise line in the world, today revealed the name of its second, sensational Sphere Class cruise ship – Star Princess, which will sail an inaugural season of Mediterranean voyages when she debuts in August 2025.

Currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, Star Princess joins Sun Princess as the largest ships ever built for Princess at 175,500 tons and carrying 4,300 guests. The new ship is built on a platform that is distinctly different and unique to Princess, designed to simultaneously embrace the Princess heritage while celebrating the romance of the sea by offering more dynamic, outward views.

While 20 percent larger than any of the line's existing ships, Star Princess design retains the more intimate settings Princess is known for, with a number of new and incredibly ground-breaking spaces such as:

This second Sphere Class ship will also offer a number of spectacular features with an array of exciting new food and beverage concepts; a magnificent, expanded casino; a two-story Lotus Spa; and mesmerizing entertainment headlined by Cirque Éloize.

Guests also will love the expanded accommodations options with luxurious staterooms and suites, including the new Reserve and Signature Collections.

Star Princess also will showcase the exclusive Princess Medallion service that extends Princess' leadership position in delivering exceptional personalized experiences.

The new ship will be the second in the Princess fleet to be powered by LNG fuel technology and also is being built with the most advanced sustainable innovations available.

Star Princess debuts August 4, 2025, sailing a nine-day Inaugural Italy & Greece roundtrip voyage from Rome (Civitavecchia), featuring the destinations of Corfu, Kotor, Mykonos, Santorini and Naples (for Capri and Pompeii), followed by a variety of 9- and 10-day cruises sailing from Rome, Athens or Trieste (Venice) that visit idyllic coastal ports. Star Princess cruises go on sale with the larger Europe 2025 program release on June 1, 2023.

"There's much to be admired about Star Princess - her sleek, eye-catching design, spacious interiors, and of course, the remarkable views of the sea and sky, just like the features found on Sun Princess that have prompted cruise lovers to snap up inaugural year bookings," said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. "We've carefully designed these ships to feel familiar to our guests yet significantly advanced with lots of exceptional new and expanded experiences to embrace and explore."

Princess' first Star Princess ship initially launched in 1988 as Sitmar Fair Majesty. With the merger of Sitmar Cruises into Princess, she then entered service as Star Princess in 1989, and was christened by legendary actress and humanitarian Audrey Hepburn. The second Star Princess launched in 2002, as the third Grand-Class vessel playing an instrumental role in the evolution of the brand with popular offerings like Anytime Dining, the only dining program in the industry at the time to give guests freedom to dine where, when and with whom they wish.

Princess Cruises is The Love Boat, the world's most iconic cruise brand that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year in the most sought-after destinations on the largest ships that offer elite service personalization and simplicity customary of small, yacht-class ships. Well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences and boundless activities blend with exclusive Princess MedallionClass service to create meaningful connections and unforgettable moments in the most incredible settings in the world - the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc.

Football icon and Saudi Tourism Ambassador Lionel Messi has returned to Saudi for a second time, this time with his family, to experience the country's unique blend of old and new, cultural, and cosmopolitan. Messi's visit to Saudi was packed with exciting activities, with something for everyone in the family.

Saudi is the authentic home of Arabia, and a highlight of the trip was the Messi family's guided tour of Diriyah, the 300-year-old historical heart of the country, one of six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the birthplace of the First Saudi State. At-Turaif, a historic city on the outskirts of Riyadh, is one of the most historically significant and architecturally impressive mudbrick settlements in the world dating back to the 15th century.

Messi and his family immersed themselves in the history of this unique destination, taking in the Arabian Horse Museum after interacting with some magnificent purebred Arabian horses. Messi was also enchanted by his encounter with a white falcon that rested on his arm. Falcons are a much-coveted bird of prey and hunting with them has been an integral part of Bedouin history, for thousands of years.

During the visit, Messi's wife, Antonella Roccuzzo wore a traditional Saudi hama – a decorative headpiece historically worn by Saudi women from the Kingdom's Najdi region. The family enjoyed the opportunity to explore the history of Saudi and learn about the rich culture of Saudi and were charmed by the authenticity and architecture of At-Turaif and the beauty of the Arabian horses.

Before the visit to Diriyah, the Messi family had also enjoyed an authentic Saudi farm experience away from the buzz of the city. The family witnessed a palm weaving demonstration against the backdrop of majestic palm trees – a symbol of prosperity in Saudi. The Kingdom's palm trees produce over 1.5 million tonnes of dates annually – which are a central part of Saudi cuisine.

One of the highlights of their first day was feeding the indigenous Arabian gazelles that were close to extinction but are now part of an ambitious rewilding and preservation program that has seen the population grow exponentially. Earlier this year 650 Arabian Gazelles and 550 Sand Gazelles were released into the 12,400 square kilometers of the AlUla reserve also famous for reintroducing the Arabian Leopard into the wild.

On the second day of the trip, Messi and family experienced the modern metropolis that Riyadh has become, where ambitious plans aim to make the city one of the world's most vibrant and dynamic by 2030. Riyadh is widely considered one of tourism's last frontiers and is mesmerizingly unexpected with its bright city lights, music festivals, and range of cuisine from street food to Michelin-starred restaurants.

The jam-packed itinerary gave Messi and his family quality time together to take in the sights and sounds of VIA Riyadh and Boulevard Riyadh City, experiencing two of the city's ultra-modern entertainment and retail districts. VIA Riyadh is set to become one of the world's premier luxury destinations, featuring upscale fashion brands, celebrated international and homegrown restaurants, and seven private, themed cinemas.

The bright lights of Boulevard Riyadh City have also made their mark as one of the most popular visitor family experiences during Riyadh Season, the city's vibrant outdoor destination that welcomed more than 15 million visitors this year.

Whilst Saudi is known for its awe-inspiring desert, the Rub' Al Khali (Empty Quarter), the Kingdom has a diverse landscape that can be enjoyed year-round, from the UNESCO-listed oasis of Al-Ahsa, to the pristine coral reefs of Saudi's 1,700km long great Red Sea coast, which can be enjoyed by divers and cruise liners, and where the first of 16 luxury hotels will be opening later this year, as well as NEOM's Sindalah island. Saudi also offers the cool, green highlands of Asir where the locals holiday in the summer.

The warm Saudi welcome, known as Hafawa, makes it a perfect destination for families. Riyadh, home to around 8 million people, is also one of the Top 50 Safest Cities in the World according to the Economist Intelligence Unit, making it an ideal destination for families to explore and enjoy.

Visiting Saudi is now easier than ever before with more flights available from more countries across the world. eVisa applications through the easy-to-use online portal are available for international visitors from 49 eligible countries.

Saudi also announced the launch of a new stopover visa earlier this year. Free of charge and available to passengers traveling with SAUDIA and FlyNas, the visa is open to an even greater number of countries than the historic tourist eVisa and allows visitors to stay in the country for up to 96 hours.

Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), launched in June 2020, is responsible for marketing Saudi's tourism destinations worldwide and developing the destination's offering through programs, packages and business support. Its mandate includes developing the country's unique assets and destinations, hosting and participating in industry events, and promoting Saudi's destination brand locally and overseas. STA operates 16 representative offices around the world, serving 38 countries.

The beauty and storytelling of Colombia, the magnificent coastlines and historical sites in Eastern Canada's Maritime Provinces, plus an enhanced New Zealand itinerary packed with action and adventure welcome guests traveling with Adventures by Disney in 2024.

Headlining the new destinations is Colombia, whose people and cultures sparked the imaginations of Disney storytellers as they created the Walt Disney Animation Studios' Academy Award-winning film "Encanto." Now, the travel experts at Disney have curated a one-of-a-kind adventure filled with new discoveries and experiences inspired by the film, and families can go "set-jetting" on their dream trip and see the movie come to life.

"At Adventures by Disney we take families to destinations they want to visit around the globe and make it easy to immerse themselves in new places, cultures and experiences," said Nancy Schumacher, senior vice president and general manager of Adventures by Disney. "We are excited to include Colombia in our 2024 lineup, as this country has been an inspiration for Disney stories that are loved the world over. I'm proud of our team for thoughtfully crafting an authentic travel experience that celebrates this incredible destination."

Bookings open to the public on May 12, 2023. More information about Adventures by Disney, including the full line-up of itineraries in 2024, can be found at AdventuresbyDisney.com.

An All-New Adventure to Colombia: Bogota, the Coffee Region, Cocora Valley and Cartagena

On this new adventure, guests will be immersed in the diverse cultures and landscapes, get a true taste of the local cuisine, and discover the unique characteristics and beauty of this destination. The brilliant colors found in neighborhoods and architecture, the lush, green landscapes with towering wax palm trees and a kaleidoscope of butterflies, family recipes, traditional customs and music will surround guests as they embrace the splendor of the second most biodiverse country in the world through access and experiences as only Disney can provide.

From the moment "Encanto" directors Byron Howard and Jared Bush visited Colombia, they felt the immediate connection to the country and its people and knew it would be the home of the Madrigal family.

"Every Disney Animation film begins with research, and the trip we took to Colombia as we were developing 'Encanto' with Lin-Manuel Miranda immediately brought the story of this magical place and our wondrous Madrigal family to life," said Howard and Bush. "Colombia is a crossroads of Latin America, and what we learned about family, tradition, music, food and dance were central to the development of the film. Our hope was always that 'Encanto' could celebrate just some of the many different people and cultures we experienced in Colombia – we are thrilled and touched that so many people have felt seen by the Madrigals' story and now have this opportunity to experience its magic for themselves."

Highlights of this eight-day, seven-night itinerary include:

- Visiting the capital city of Bogota, where guests will embark on privately guided tours of the Paloquemao Market and Historic City Center.

- Enjoying Colombian coffee and visiting a coffee farm in the Coffee Region to see the process for growing and harvesting coffee beans. The nearby town of Salento is part of the inspiration for the setting of "Encanto," and the Cocora Valley features the tall, towering wax palms and butterflies as depicted in the film.

- Experiencing a hands-on arepa-making class, a traditional Latin American dish showcased in "Encanto" by Mirabel's mother Julieta.

- Playing the country's national sport of tejo, as seen in the film.

- Exploring the city of Cartagena, which inspired the film's colorful architecture and fabrics. Central to "Encanto" is the Afro-Caribbean influence, prominent in this city.

- Trekking the dry forest near Proyecto Titi, an organization dedicated to the preservation of the cotton-top tamarins, a project supported by the Disney Conservation Fund. It was Colombia's rich biodiversity that inspired the magical ability of the "Encanto" character Antonio, who has the power to communicate with animals.

- Snorkeling among the Rosario Islands, a collection of 27 islands home to more than 1,300 species of marine animals, vibrantly colored fish and plants.

Each travel party booked on the inaugural 2024 Adventures by Disney Colombia season will receive a signed lithograph of never-before-released artwork from Walt Disney Animation Studios. This piece of visual development artwork by "Encanto" Associate Production Designer Lorelay Bové set the early concept for the new door to Casa Madrigal that would be revealed at the end of the film – a symbol of the new miracle that Mirabel and her family create together through honesty and love. Bové's work includes such Walt Disney Animation Studios films as "The Princess and the Frog," "Tangled," "Zootopia," "Big Hero 6" and more.

Adventures by Disney is opening new doors, creating even more ways for families to discover a different kind of magic: the magic of the world around them.

For nearly 20 years, guests traveling with Adventures by Disney have explored some of the most sought-after places in the world, and the travel brand's global portfolio has expanded to now offering more than 40 guided-group adventures across all seven continents by land, by river cruise and by expedition voyage. Disney-trained Adventures Guides accompany every trip and bring the magic to life. Their masterful storytelling, in-depth knowledge of the places visited plus their attention to every detail ensures guests enjoy a hassle-free vacation and foster lasting connections with every destination. The authenticity and immersion in the places and cultures visited, plus insider access and activities, are at the heart of every Adventures by Disney vacation.