MS Maasdam

Named for the Maas river in the Netherlands.  Maasdam is the fifth ship in Holland America Line's history to bear the name.  

Maasdam showcases the world at its most engaging, authentic and personal. Each voyage features fascinating lectures, interactive workshops, cultural performances and memorable shore excursions to explore your destination through the lens of photography, culture, nature and port-to-table culinary experiences. Maasdam’s size also gives her access to many new and off-the-beaten-path ports of call, allowing you to delve deeper into the places and cultures you visit. And being the only Holland America Line ship outfitted with nimble, inflatable Zodiacs, on select port calls you can go further in depth to explore nature, history, culture and more with these agile boats.

Our Australian odyssey begins in Sydney.  You might want to arrive a day or two early and spend some time in this fascinating city.  If you want a snapshot of Australia's appeal, look no further than Sydney: The idyllic lifestyle, friendly locals and drop-dead natural beauty of this approachable metropolis and its attractions explain why the country tops so many travelers' wish lists. But Sydney is more than just the embodiment of classic antipodean cool—the city is in a constant state of evolution. A list of what to do in Sydney might start with the white-hot nightlife, with its new cocktail bars and idiosyncratic mixology dens. Inventive restaurants helmed by high-caliber chefs are dishing up everything from posh pan-Asian to Argentine street food, while the famous dining temples that put Sydney on the gastronomic map are still going strong too.

The famed harbor is among the top sights—home to twin icons the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, it is the stepping-off point for some of the city's best cultural attractions and sightseeing. In one day you can sail around the harbor, get a behind-the-scenes tour of the opera house and climb the bridge, with time to spare for people-watching over a flat white at a waterfront café.

Speaking of water, when you plan what to do in Sydney, you will want to include the iconic beaches, where surfers, office workers and tourists alike converge on some of the most gorgeous shoreline scenery anywhere. Bondi, Bronte and Clovelly are all within easy reach of the Central Business District, as is Manly, a charming seaside town located a short ferry ride from Circular Quay. Beyond the city you'll discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the chance to encounter Australia's cuddliest wildlife—a perfect way to round out your envy-inducing Sydney photo collection.

Brisbane, Queensland’s capital, tucked between the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast, is often overlooked in favor of its stylish sister, Sydney, and its cultured cousin, Melbourne. But Brisbane, or "Brissy" for short, has recently come out of the shadows to show off its own variety of sun-drenched cool. Brisbane may be a contender for Australia’s hippest city, thanks to its clutch of crafty bars, eclectic restaurants and homegrown fashion. The city's subtropical climate brings joggers and cyclists to the banks of the Brisbane River year round; jacarandas and frangipani bloom in the spring. This is one of the country's fastest-expanding areas in terms of population and employment: People flock here for the affordable lifestyle, the booming economy and the laid-back attitude. When newcomers arrive, creativity follows, as evidenced by the museums and theaters of South Bank and the revived districts such as Fortitude Valley. Fortitude is a good word for Brisbane—a hardworking city on its way to fame and fortune.

Gladstone, Queensland, Australia has an industrial side, but there are plenty of appealing options for the savvy visitor, from impressive lookouts to nearby beaches and beautiful botanic gardens. But it's what’s around the Central Queensland city that will really excite you. This is the gateway to the southern reaches of the Great Barrier Reef, a section of the world-famous attraction that’s far less known and traversed than areas to its north. Here, away from the crowds, you’ll feel like an intrepid explorer, searching out coral cays, deepwater lagoons and secluded beaches. Snorkel with manta rays and turtles at Heron Island; bush walk in the Eurimbula National Park rain forest; float in the vast turquoise lagoon of Lady Musgrave Island. Captain Cook made his first landing in Queensland in 1770, and you can walk in his footsteps in what is now the coastal town of Seventeen Seventy. With so many options to choose from, this part of the country may well be one of Australia’s best-kept secrets.

Alotau, Papua New Guinea - The sprawling town of Alotau, spectacularly located on Papua New Guinea’s southeastern tip, is an ideal introduction to the relaxed charms of the region. The capital of Milne Bay Province, Alotau is also the main port for the 600 islands that encompass the area.

The buzzing harbor, just a short walk from town, is a hive of activity, with ships, boats and canoes transporting passengers and plying their trades. The town was the site of the 1942 Battle of Milne Bay, resulting in Japan's first defeat in the Pacific during World War II. Milne Bay was a major Allied base, and some of the war’s fiercest fighting took place in Papua New Guinea. Although there’s not much to see now, a fascinating Battle of Milne Bay tour combines historic war stories with locals’ tales of how modern warfare changed their world.

More broadly, Alotau is an excellent place to gain insight into Papua New Guinea's cultures and traditions; don’t miss the Cultural Festival excursion in which you’ll see everything from warrior dances to gospel choirs to traditional drumming. For even more local flavor, wander through Alotau Market with its mounds of betel nuts, which many islanders chew.
 

Kiriwina Island, Papua New Guinea - Located in Papua New Guinea’s Milne Bay Province, Kiriwina is the largest of the Trobriand Islands and home to the majority of their 12,000-strong indigenous population. The picturesque island is steeped in history and is famous to many as a site of U.S. occupation during World War II. In fact, various relics of the war, including the remains of an American plane, can still be seen on the island. But Kiriwina is home to far more than history. Here, you’ll find an idyllic traditional lifestyle, incredibly friendly locals and a fascinating social structure that’s based on matrilineal clans, with unique marriage and courtship rituals. Many aspects of life revolve around the cultivation and exchange of yams. There’s also mesmerizing scenery, from crystal-clear waters to jungle-covered cliffs. Hire a dugout canoe, hike to the burial caves, peruse exquisite carvings and explore the coral-filled offshore islands. Be sure to stop and watch a game of Trobriand cricket, an innovative spin on the game. Whatever you choose to do, it’s bound to be an eye-opening experience.

Kitava, Papua New Guinea - The islands in the Trobriand archipelago of Papua New Guinea are known for their white-sand beaches, stunning reef life, crystal-clear waters and welcoming locals. One of the main islands, Kitava is among the world’s most untouched, undeveloped spots on earth with an intact traditional culture. It's also known for its exceptionally healthy, non-Westernized diet, where yams are the core staple food along with fresh fish, papaya, guava and coconut. The yam is also the culture's touchstone staple and highest-value item, so be sure to visit the decorated yam houses where they are stored. Wander the makeshift beach market for one-of-a-kind gifts, from wood carvings to woven blankets, and be awed at the welcoming ceremonial dances. Across the channel lies the uninhabited sand atoll Nuratu Island, which has excellent diving and snorkeling just offshore, and blindingly white beaches that are even emptier than on Kitava. You’re incredibly lucky to experience this—so be sure to take the time to lie back on the sand and soak it all in. 

Conflict Islands (Panawal Group), Papua New Guinea - Papua New Guinea is quickly becoming a favorite destination for cruise passengers, and it’s easy to see why when you visit the Conflict Islands. Although the name might not sound inviting (don’t worry, they're named after a British naval ship, not a war), these 21 islands are like paradise on earth: Tropical islets encircle an enormous turquoise lagoon formed by the rim of a sunken volcano, with vibrant coral reefs and rainbow schools of fish below the water. Located about 160 kilometers (97 miles) east of Papua New Guinea in the Coral Sea, the island group is owned by Australian businessman and conservationist Ian Gowrie-Smith, who is dedicated to protecting the ecosystem of the islands (he has an eco-resort on one island; the rest are uninhabited). Just as Papua New Guinea is one of the wildest and most diverse places on the planet, the seas here offer some of the world’s most extensive biodiversity and coral reefs, making for unparalleled kayaking, diving and snorkeling. There are hundreds of coral species and thousands of species of fish and invertebrates such as the sea cucumber. If you ever get bored with watching manta rays float past, lie back on the white sand, look up at the palm trees blowing in warm trade winds or watch the sun set over the lagoon, and dream of owning your own chain of tropical islands.
 

Cairns, Australia - The gateway to Australia's Great Barrier Reef and the tropical north of the country, Cairns sits on the east coast of the Cape York Peninsula in northern Queensland. This laid-back city is popular with travelers who depart from here for days of sailing, diving, snorkeling and trekking through nearby parks—a celebrated launching pad especially for those who want to explore the reef, the Daintree Rain Forest and other attractions of this part of Queensland. And what better place to start one's adventure? The residents of Cairns are welcoming, the beach life fantastic and the climate consistently sunny and warm.

Wend your way due east of Cairns, and you'll find yourself on the Great Barrier Reef, the world's longest coral reef and also the world's largest living organism. Famously visible from outer space, it's often been described as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The Kuranda Scenic Railway is a different sort of wonder—an engineering marvel from the 19th century that passes through rain forests on UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites before reaching the village of Kuranda. Green Island, a 6,000-year-old coral cay, is an easy day trip from Cairns with opportunities to snorkel and swim; Port Douglas, an hour north of Cairns, is a favorite with visitors thanks to its top-notch restaurants, art galleries and boutiques. Finally, hop on a six-person cable car known as the Skyway Rainforest Cableway for a bird's-eye view of the stunning natural appeal of the region.
 

Townsville, Australia  - The Townsville region in North Queensland, Australia is a bustling and vibrant destination boasting diversity in landscape, lifestyle and experiences. Experience barra fishing in the Burdekin or Hinchinbrook, snorkeling fringing reefs around Magnetic Island, scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef, bird watching at the surrounding wetlands, skydiving The Strand in Townsville, or taking a wagon ride in Charters Towers. With reef, rainforest, outback and wetlands all within easy traveling distance of Townsville, Australia’s spectacular natural wonders await your exploration.

Airlie Beach, Queensland, Australia - Airlie Beach is the gateway to the Australia of your dreams. Although the Queensland town offers many antipodean delights such as palm-fringed beaches, a huge man-made lagoon and alfresco dining, there’s a great reason to head straight out of town: This is the jumping-off point for the magnificent Whitsundays, a group of 74 islands that are famous for their timeless natural beauty, white-sand beaches and crystal-clear water. Your options here are pretty much limitless—charter a boat and sail around the archipelago; snorkel or scuba dive the Great Barrier Reef; or snap the perfect selfie on sublime Whitehaven Beach, consistently named among the best beaches in the world. There are many other activities closer to shore—from kayaking to glass-bottom boat tours—as well as hiking through lowland tropical rain forest in Conway National Park, for those who want to keep their feet firmly on the ground. And if you’re simply looking to kick back with a drink in hand and enjoy the magnificent views, head to cosmopolitan Hamilton Island, the largest inhabited island of the Whitsundays, for its stylish restaurants and bars.

Moreton Island, Queensland, Australia

In 1770, Captain James Cook first arrived on Moreton Island, traditional home of the Ngugi tribe for 2,000 years. Today’s visitors enjoy sand tobogganing, diving, bird watching, parasailing and more.
 

For Pricing and Reservations, please click here!

We have a limited amount of cabins on hold for our group.  This is a popular cruise and is almost booked up.  To join our group you must contact us directly.

***Note:  All U. S. and Canadian citizens must carry a passport that is valid for six months beyond the duration of the cruise.
Please make sure that your passport is valid through June 3, 2020! ***

For more information please call:

 (540) 887-8491

Or e-mail:  lynette@travelingtroubadour.com
 

©2019 Traveling Troubadour, L. L. C.