17-Day South Pacific Cruise with Holland America: An Insider's Guide to MS Maasdam
Embark on a captivating 17-day South Pacific cruise with Holland America aboard the MS Maasdam, blending adventure and relaxation seamlessly. Visiting 12 ports across Australia, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji, and New Zealand, this itinerary offers stunning scenery and enriching cultural experiences at every stop.
The MS Maasdam, a perfectly sized mid-range vessel, delivers exceptional cuisine, entertainment, and access to intimate ports. Here's your comprehensive guide to this extraordinary voyage, drawn from firsthand experience.
The Itinerary
Expertly balanced with sea days for unwinding and port calls for exploration, this 17-day itinerary strikes the perfect harmony between discovery and downtime.
Departing from Brisbane, Australia, the journey includes days at sea before arriving in Noumea and Tadine, New Caledonia; Luganville, Port Vila, and Mystery Island, Vanuatu; Lautoka, Savusavu, and Dravuni Island, Fiji; and Waitangi (Bay of Islands), Tauranga (Rotorua), and Auckland, New Zealand.
- Brisbane, Australia
- At Sea
- At Sea
- Noumea, New Caledonia
- Tadine, New Caledonia
- Luganville, Vanuatu
- Port Vila, Vanuatu
- Mystery Island, Vanuatu
- Lautoka, Fiji
- Savusavu, Fiji
- Dravuni Island, Fiji
- Waitangi (Bay of Islands), New Zealand
- Tauranga (Rotorua), New Zealand
- Auckland, New Zealand
The Ship
Measuring 719 feet with a capacity of 1,258 guests, the MS Maasdam excels at reaching secluded ports. Its intimate scale made navigation effortless, and the crew's thoughtful touches—like intricately folded towel animals—added delightful charm.
Explorations Central In-Depth Voyages
The MS Maasdam stands alone in Holland America's fleet as the dedicated ship for Explorations Central In-Depth Voyages. These immersive trips align with your passions, featuring multiple ports per region to delve deeply into local cultures.
Onboard, enjoy enriching lectures, hands-on workshops, and performances that illuminate the destinations.
The Cuisine
Holland America elevates dining with sophisticated fine options and delectable casual fare.
Lido Market
A vibrant buffet offering global classics, adventurous local dishes, sandwiches, salads, and indulgent desserts—ideal for dine-in or takeout.
Dive-In
Savor gourmet burgers and premium fries in this casual hotspot.
The Dining Room
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, featuring world-class chefs crafting staples, regional specialties, and vegetarian delights.
Pinnacle Grill
Premium steaks and seafood sourced from the Pacific Northwest, perfect for elevated lunches or dinners.
Canaletto
Authentic Italian favorites with house-made pasta daily, pleasing all ages.
Rudi’s Sel de Mer
An intimate French-Mediterranean seafood brasserie (available at Pinnacle Grill on Maasdam), blending classics and modern flair.
The Rooms
Luxury and comfort define Holland America's accommodations. My Ocean View stateroom offered breathtaking daily ocean vistas, complemented by plush beds and premium linens for restful nights.
Choices include Inside, Ocean View, Lanai, Vista Suite, and Neptune & Pinnacle Suites, each with tailored amenities.
Things to Do Aboard the MS Maasdam
Entertainment impressed with voyage-exclusive activities focused on cultural immersion and relaxation. Multiple pools and lounging areas abound, highlighted by the crew's creative towel animal displays.
Performances
High-caliber shows featuring regional drumming, dance, and vocals tied to our destinations.
Culinary Experiences
Guest chefs lead tastings, wine pairings, and demos showcasing regional food traditions.
Presentations & Workshops
Experts like naturalists, photographers, authors, and historians deliver insightful sessions.
Digital Workshops
Beginner-friendly classes on photo editing, videography, and digital management.
Greenhouse Spa & Salon
Rejuvenate with massages, facials, and thermal suites (additional fees apply).
Movies & BBC Earth Experiences
Extensive in-room movies plus BBC Earth films and concerts.
Fitness Center
State-of-the-art gym with solo workouts and group classes.
Plan Your South Pacific Adventure
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