Holland America Pulls Ship From Asia For 2022 Fall Season

Due to continued uncertainty around access to various ports in Asia, Holland America Line has announced that its ship Westerdam will no longer be sailing in the region this fall and winter as planned.

Instead, the vessel will be repositioned to Australia and New Zealand. The change impacts 11 cruises scheduled between September 25, 2022 through February 27, 2023.

In a statement, Chief Commercial Officer of Holland America Beth Bodensteiner said “We’re sorry for the inconvenience for guests scheduled on these sailings, but we felt it was important to make this decision given the current uncertainties around access in the ports we visit in Asia. We are contacting all impacted guests to help them rebook a cruise on one of our many worldwide sailing options, including the new Westerdam itineraries.”

MORE: Virgin Voyages Announces Name Of Fourth Cruise Ship

Depending on their original itinerary, guests will be automatically rebooked on comparable Asia voyages either later this season or next year. Impacted guests who want to sail in Australia, New Zealand, South America, and Asia from this fall through spring — including the new Westerdam sailings — will receive a $200 onboard credit.

Westerdam is scheduled to resume service June 12 in Seattle — marking the last Holland America ship to return to operations and bringing the full fleet back in service. From Seattle, the vessel will operate seven-night Alaskan Explorer voyages. It is one of six Holland America ships that will be sailing in Alaska this summer.

Following the Alaska season, Westerdam will head Down Under to operate voyages around Australia and New Zealand. This winter, the ship will add southeast Asia ports and then resume full Asia cruises in February.

The new itineraries will open for booking soon.

READ NEXT: Holland America Ship Resumes Cruises From Florida