Holland America Line Oceania: 28 nights from Sydney with Noordam
Jan 4, 2026

Brisbane

Embark on an exhilarating cruise from Brisbane, Australia, the vibrant capital of Queensland. With its subtropical climate and access to stunning natural wonders, Brisbane is an ideal departure point for exploring the Great Barrier Reef, Pacific Islands, and beyond. Prepare for a journey filled with sunshine, adventure, and breathtaking scenery, all starting from this dynamic river city.

Brisbane, the brilliant capital of Queensland in Australia, reveals itself as a dynamic and sunny city, full of opportunities to explore, relax and enjoy life in the open air. Embraced by the waters of the Brisbane River, this metropolis offers a perfect balance between nature and urbanization, art and green spaces, making it an ideal destination for every type of traveler. Cruises to Brisbane allow you to admire the city from a unique perspective, sailing along the river that is its vital artery and discovering hidden corners and memorable views.

The South Bank of Brisbane is the cultural heart of the city, where visitors and locals meet to stroll through the lush gardens, relax on the artificial beaches or explore the vast offer of museums and art galleries. The Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art host collections that range from contemporary Australian art to international art, offering stimuli and inspiration for art enthusiasts. No less important is Brisbane's culinary scene, which with its markets such as the Brisbane City Markets, celebrates local products and invites gastronomic tastings in a lively and welcoming atmosphere.

For lovers of adventure and nature, Brisbane does not disappoint. Mount Coot-tha, with its excursions and its belvedere, offers panoramic views of the city and the hinterland, while the nearby Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary allows close encounters with Australian fauna, from koalas to kangaroos. Brisbane is also a strategic starting point for exploring the natural wonders of Queensland, from the golden sand beaches of the Sunshine Coast to the lush Daintree Rainforest further north.

A cruise that touches Brisbane opens the doors to a world of discoveries, where the energy of the city merges with the tranquility of its green spaces and the blue of its sky. With its relaxed lifestyle, cultural richness and countless opportunities for adventure, Brisbane promises a travel experience rich in emotions, relaxation and unforgettable discoveries.

Townsville

Cairns

Cairns, located in the splendid region of Queensland in Australia, is a city that offers an incredible mix of natural, cultural and marine adventures. Known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the natural wonders of the world, Cairns attracts travelers from every corner of the planet. Cruises to Cairns represent a unique opportunity to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, allowing you to immerse yourself in the crystal clear waters and discover the marine biodiversity that characterises this unique ecosystem.

In addition to the coral reef, Cairns is the ideal starting point for visiting the Daintree Rainforest, another UNESCO site that boasts one of the oldest forests on theplanet. Here, visitors can venture on guided excursions, discovering the rich flora and fauna, including the cassowary, one of the largest and rarest birds in the world. The city itself offers a warm welcome, with a lively culinary scene that reflects the multicultural influences of the region and numerous craft markets where you can find works by local artists.

Cairns is not just nature and adventure; it is also a place to relax and enjoy life. The Esplanade, with its infinity pool on the waterfront, is the perfect place for an afternoon of relaxation, while the botanical gardens offer a peaceful refuge from city life. In the evening, the city comes alive with clubs and restaurants that offer the opportunity to savor local products, from kangaroo meat to fish caught in the coral reef.

Taking part in a cruise that includes Cairns in its itinerary means experiencing a rich and varied experience, which combines the discovery of world-famous natural wonders with the pleasure of immersing yourself in the lively and welcoming culture of Queensland. Cairns, with its sober style and relaxed atmosphere, promises an unforgettable stay, full of adventures, discoveries and moments of pure relaxation.

Alotau

Conflict Group

Kiriwina

Honiara

The city is located on the northwest coast of Guadalcanal Island at the mouth of the Mataniko River. The city was built to replace Tulagi as the capital at the end of the Second World War, on the outskirts of Henderson Field Airport which was destined to become the largest airport in the Oceanian country, then Honiara International Airport.

Honiara was officially proclaimed the capital of the Solomon Islands in 1952. The city has a port from which maritime connections depart for the other islands of the archipelago.

The city hosted all the matches of the 2012 OFC Nations Cup.

Luganville

Port Vila

Mystery Island

Lautoka

With a population of around 52,500, Lautoka is the second largest city in Fiji and is located on the west side of Viti Levu Island, the largest island in the Fiji archipelago.

Lautoka is a dynamic city where industrial activity, cultural wealth and natural beauty blend perfectly. The city takes its name from a battle cry meaning "spear strike". According to legend, when a discussion broke out between two local chiefs, while killing the other by piercing him in the chest, one shouted the words Lau-Toka which mean "spear strike" or "strike to win". The city is also known as the "sugar city" because of its famous sugar industry. The Lautoka sugar factory was founded in 1903, its importance grew over the years becoming one of the largest in the country and offering work to a large number of citizens.

In addition to sugar, the economy includes tourism, crafts and services. The city plays an important role as a port for both commercial and cruise ships. The importance of the port is linked to both trade and tourism. The port welcomes a lot of cruise ships, offering passengers the opportunity to explore the various historical sites of the city, reach the beautiful beaches and do some wild shopping.

Cruises departing from or stopping at Lautoka often include itineraries in Oceania and Polynesia. These cruises are a great way to enjoy the beauty and culture of this area, with Lautoka being a highlight for many travelers. Lautoka is a lively city with a mix of different cultures and ethnicities, reflecting the diverse demographic composition of Fiji.

Lautoka has a lively cultural scene with various festivals, markets, and events that celebrate the rich heritage and traditions of its people. If you want to sample the local cuisine, the Lautoka market is for you. It is a lively center where locals sell fresh produce, crafts, and other goods. Rugby and soccer play an important role in Lautoka's sporting culture. If you are a sports lover, Churchill Park is for you. It is a notable sports facility in Lautoka that hosts various local and international sporting events.

Suva

Dravuni Island

Neiafu

Nuku Alofa

Waitangi (Bay Of Islands)

Tauranga

Auckland

Auckland is the biggest city in New Zealand, which is located on the North Island. It got its start in 1840 and was named after George Eden, he was the first Earl of Auckland. Before Europeans showed up, the area was home to the Māori, New Zealand’s indigenous people. Key historical spots like Mount Eden and Maungakiekie are still super important to the Māori. The Māori have a bunch of myths and legends about Auckland. One such myth tells of a giant lizard, Taniwha, who supposedly lives in the Hauraki Gulf waters.

These tales are passed down through the generations and are a vital part of the local culture. Back in the 19th century, Auckland was a major port and trading center, which helped it grow fast. In 1865, the capital of New Zealand was moved to Wellington, but Auckland kept booming thanks to its strategic location and industrial potential. It’s called the "City of Sails'' because there are so many yachts in the Hauraki Gulf. Auckland has a bunch of museums and art galleries, like the Auckland Museum and the Auckland Art Gallery.

The city’s surrounded by gorgeous beaches, volcanic hills and dense forests. There are also several nature reserves and national parks nearby. Auckland’s cuisine is super diverse, reflecting its multicultural vibe. You’ll find restaurants serving Asian, European, Polynesian and Māori dishes. One of New Zealand’s national dishes is hangi, it’s a traditional Māori meal cooked in an earth oven. Meat and veggies are cooked in underground pits with hot stones, giving them a unique smoky flavor. Auckland is a major cruise hub for cruise tourism in the Pacific. The Port of Auckland sees a bunch of cruise ships heading out to the Pacific Islands, New Zealand’s coast and Australia. Popular cruise destinations include Vanuatu, Fiji and New Caledonia.

Cruises from Auckland offer not only luxury and relaxation on board but also a chance to see awesome landscapes and get a taste of New Zealand’s culture. Auckland is a city with a rich history, cultural diversity and stunning natural beauty, attracting tourists from all over the world with its cuisine, attractions and cruise opportunities.