Name: 28-Day China & Japan Far East Discovery
Brand: Holland America Line
Rating: 4.1 (7 reviews)

Holland America Line

Holland America Line, which has been sailing for 150 years, visits 400 ports in 114 countries every year. Dutch heritage shines through in some of the $4million-worth of artwork to be seen onboard, complimenting the luxurious cruise experience.

Live music remains HAL's forte, with venues including the Rolling Stone Rock room and BB King's Blues Club. For foodies, a wide range of restaurants serve the finest of fayre.

Cruise Itinerary

Day 1

Seattle, Washington

Day 2

Vancouver, British Columbia

Vancouver's allure as a cruise hub lies in its jaw-dropping natural landscape and handy position on Canada's west coast. Framed by snow-capped mountains and sparkling waters, the city's scenic harbor welcomes ships from around the world. Cruise enthusiasts are drawn to Vancouver for its seamless embarkation process and the opportunity to explore this cosmopolitan city before setting sail. With its blend of urban sophistication and outdoor adventures, Vancouver captivates visitors with its dynamic culture and picturesque surroundings, making it a must-visit destination for North American experiences.

Day 3

Day 4

Ketchikan, Alaska

The area's history is steeped in the traditions of Alaska's indigenous Tlingit people and the thriving fishing and logging industries that shaped its development. Originally known as "Kitschk-hin," meaning "thundering wings of an eagle" in the Tlingit language, Ketchikan was a vital Tlingit settlement long before European settlers arrived. With the discovery of gold in nearby creeks, Ketchikan boomed during the late 19th century Gold Rush, attracting prospectors and entrepreneurs. Timber soon became the primary industry, and Ketchikan earned the title of the "Salmon Capital of the World" due to its bustling fish canneries. Today, Ketchikan's rich history is preserved in its historic buildings, totem poles, and vibrant cultural traditions.

Day 5

Sitka, Alaska

Sitka is a hidden gem among cruise destinations, offering a unique blend of Tlingit culture, Russian history, and breathtaking natural beauty. This picturesque town, located on Baranof Island along the Pacific Ocean, captivates visitors with its blend of cultures visible in the onion domes of St. Michael's Cathedral and the traditional Tlingit totem poles scattered throughout the area. Sitka's natural surroundings are equally impressive, featuring volcanic Mount Edgecumbe and abundant wildlife that includes sea otters, bears, and eagles. With fewer tourists compared to other Alaskan ports, Sitka provides a more serene and intimate experience, making it a truly undiscovered treasure for cruise travelers.

Day 6

Day 7

College Fjord, Alaska

Day 8

Kodiak, Alaska

Day 9

Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage's history is a tale of resilience and adaptation in the Alaskan wilderness. Established in 1914 as a construction camp for the Alaska Railroad, Anchorage quickly evolved into a bustling city. Its strategic location made it a vital transportation hub during World War II and later for the booming oil industry. Anchorage weathered earthquakes, economic fluctuations, and rapid growth, emerging as Alaska's largest city and cultural center. Today, traces of its past remain in historic sites like the Alaska Native Heritage Center and the Alaska Railroad Depot, blending with modern amenities to create a dynamic urban landscape.

Days 10-11

At sea

Day 12

Dutch Harbor, Alaska

Days 13-17

At sea

Day 18

Lihue, Kauai Island, Hawaii

Known as the "Garden Isle," Kauai's lush landscapes and sacred sites preserve ancient traditions and stories. Its remote beauty has inspired artists and explorers for centuries, contributing to Hawaii's cultural identity and global recognition. Kauai's preservation efforts highlight its importance as a cultural and environmental treasure, reminding visitors of the island's enduring significance to both the past and present of the United States.

Days 19-20

Honolulu, Hawaii

Honolulu stands as the vibrant beating heart of Hawaii, pulsating with a rich tapestry of culture, history, and culinary delights. As the state capital and largest city, Honolulu serves as the cultural epicenter of Hawaii, blending the traditions of its native Hawaiian roots with influences from Asia, Europe, and America. Throughout the year, Honolulu hosts a myriad of cultural events that showcase its diverse heritage. From the colorful festivities of the annual Aloha Festivals to the mesmerizing performances of hula and traditional Hawaiian music at the Merrie Monarch Festival, visitors are immersed in the spirit of aloha. The city's historic sites, including Iolani Palace and Pearl Harbor, offer poignant reminders of Hawaii's storied past, from ancient Hawaiian kingdoms to the pivotal events of World War II.

Day 21

Kahului-Maui, Hawaii

Maui's cultural heritage weaves a captivating narrative of Polynesian tradition and island hospitality, enriching the experience for cruise visitors. From the rhythmic chants of ancient hula to the vibrant colors of local art, every aspect of Maui's culture reflects a deep connection to the land and sea. Explore historic sites like Lahaina, once a bustling whaling port, now a charming town filled with galleries and museums. Indulge in authentic Hawaiian cuisine, savoring flavors passed down through generations. The island's cultural richness enhances every shore excursion, offering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Maui's timeless allure and welcoming spirit.

Day 22

Hilo, Hawaii

Days 23-28

At sea

Day 29

Seattle, Washington

Day 1

Seattle, Washington

Day 2

Vancouver, British Columbia

Day 3

Vancouver, British Columbia

Day 4

Ketchikan, Alaska

Day 5

Sitka, Alaska

Day 6

Sitka, Alaska

Day 7

College Fjord, Alaska

Day 8

Kodiak, Alaska

Day 9

Anchorage, Alaska

Days 10-11 At sea

At sea

Day 12

Dutch Harbor, Alaska

Days 13-17 At sea

At sea

Day 18

Lihue, Kauai Island, Hawaii

Days 19-20

Honolulu, Hawaii

Day 21

Kahului-Maui, Hawaii

Day 22

Hilo, Hawaii

Days 23-28 At sea

At sea

Day 29

Seattle, Washington

1927

Passengers

820

Crew

2006

Launched

2019

Last refit

82897t

Tonnage

285m

Length

32m

Width

24kts

Speed

Decks

USD

Currency

Noordam

Named for the Northern compass point, Noordam dazzles with museum-quality art and lavish staterooms. Guests of this Vista Class cruise ship will have their pick of onboard activities.

All Prices

Customer reviews

Reviews

It had it all

New Zealand was a beautiful destination and Holland America made it a seemless holiday with great food, service and amenities.

Holland America Line Noordam

Reviews

Everything is extra

We didn't opt for the 'Have it all' package as we don't drink much and thought it expensive, especially for a 38 day trans-Pacific cruise! But by the time you added up the cost of drinks, coffees, shore excursion discounts, speciality dining nights, wifi and gratuities that would have come with the package perhaps it was a false economy? All of these were stupidly expensive. Gratuities for our cabin for the cruise was over $1000, added to our bill without prior knowledge (steep considering 18% gratuities was added to every drinks bill). There were so many things that were charged extra throughout the ship. Yoga and spinning classes at $20, bridge visits, galley visits (over $100! I remember them being free), craft classes, several items on the menu every night as extras! People joked that they'd charge for toilet paper if they could. The cruise ended up being so much more expensive than. Buyer beware.

Holland America Line Noordam

Reviews

A fabulous cruise

We went on the Koningsdam after our tour of Canada. The ship was beautiful and we saw so much wildlife life. It was absolutely fantastic

Holland America Line Koningsdam

Reviews

False advertisement and no customer service

Booked a cruise with HA, thinking they offer nice excusions. At the time of the booking they all seemed available. Day after booking I have discovered there is literally none left, besides basic walking city tours for over 100 USD! In short, I cannot even spend my onshore excusions credit with them. I have written so many emails and called so many times trying to find a solution, but they dont return any answer.. My phone bill is probably over 500 USD after one month of this now. I simply hate HA at this point of time. On top of it, they website is super buggy - hundreds of error messages, you cannot check out, you see things as available which are not, and and and... And they also advertise wrong prices - e.g. Have it all package for 55 USD a day, and when you try to check out it magically becomes 65 USD a day.

Holland America Line Nieuw Statendam

Reviews

2024-01-14 12:05:45

A wonderful way to see Indonesia and Malaysia from Singapore. This was a special time, especially the tours on the many ports of call. Quite naturally one compares it with the best of my many previous cruises, and that`s when improvements spring to mind. What was missing was the daytime activities and evening entertainments to stimulate the senses. Regular Holland America cruisers, of which there are many, insist that classical music and educational speakers were the norm before covid. If the latter had been in evidence, then a great cruise could have been an amazing one. Our tours were expensive, and although some tour guides were exceptional, sadly some were very poor. Holland America does not ask for feedback, so presumably no opportunity to reward the best whilst eliminating the seriously bad. Thank you Holland America, and in particular the majority of the service staff, who went out of their way to ensure our well being.

Holland America Line Westerdam

Reviews

2023-09-07 05:43:53

We are regular cruisers and this was the worst experience ever. Waste of time and money. Total cheats. We took the cruise from Sydney to New Zealand and back for 15 days. The arrival back to Sydney was delayed and as a result, we missed our flight. We were told to submit all papers to Holland America who would reimburse our change of travel, hotel stay, and food it is going to be 1 year and we have had no response from the cruise line despite several reminders. We received a notification saying it is covid and we will get the response in 4-6 weeks' time. When the whole world is back to normal Holland America is still hiding behind covid. What a shame. Worse cruise line ever and cheats on top of that. No decency to send a reply either agreeing to pay or not. It is because of them that we unnecessarily spent USD 700/-. Please do not use this cruise liner. There are other professional cruise liners who treat their customers well and reply to their queries. There is nothing nice about this cruise line.

Holland America Line Rotterdam

Reviews

2023-06-18 07:11:20

Unfortunately, although the quality of food was good, it always arrived cold. The fitness facilities were woefully inadequate whereas the gambling facilities were the opposite. The entertainment facilities were also inadequate and very loud. The quality of the entertainment was variable. Most of the staff were very courteous yet we found the lady on the restaurant booking desk rude and condescending. There were queues lasting hours to embark but disembarkation was very smooth. There were also large queues for reception and some reception staff were not particularly helpful. The shops were mainly jewellery based so not much in the way of souvenirs aboard. The destinations were very good especially Glacier bay.

Holland America Line Koningsdam

Reviews