DAY 1 - 20 Jan 2024
Time at Port: from 7 AM to 5 PM
Singapore, officially the Republic of Singapore, is an exotic yet easy-to-navigate cruise destination. Singapore has long been Asia's crown jewel, with a plethora of glitzy shopping malls, rooftop cocktail bars and fine dining opportunities. It's modern, classy and blessed with lots of sun for a day of exploring.
Things to do in Singapore:
Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay is a haven for nature lovers, located near the Marina Bay Waterfront in the heart of Singapore. Gardens by the Bay has hidden gems such as unique plantlife, calm gardens and unique spots to relax in, as well as its expansive conservatories.
Merlion Park
Merlion Park, named after the water-spouting Merlion statue, is an essential Singaporean landmark. The Merlion is Singapore's national symbol, with a lion's head and fish's body. The park is popular with tourists and locals alike, who come to take photos of the outstanding scenery, the famous statue and relax by the water.*
Mint Museum of Toys
The Mint museum houses a collection of the best toys from across many ages. Learn about its history and the significance of the museum to academics, artists and students on a guided tour. With so many toys to see, you'll be reliving your childhood in a wave of nostalgia.
Singapore Botanic Gardens
The Agri-Horticultural Society, in 1859, transformed plantation property into a massive botanical garden for recreational use. It has become a major element of Singapore throughout the years, to the point where it has been designated as the country's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. The National Orchid Garden is a highlight, as is the ample room for jogging dining or simply relaxing.
Nagasaki
DAY 22 - 10 Feb 2024
Time at Port: from 8 AM to 6 PM
Located on the island of Kyushu, Nagasaki has grown to become one of Japan's most attractive cities in spite of the nuclear attack in 1945 it is unfortunately famous for. Without a doubt, this tragedy in the city's history still bares its mark, with the Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park being must-see cultural stops during your visit. Nowadays though Nagasaki looks to the future, with charming streets just waiting to be explored.
Things to do in Nagasaki:
Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum
Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum is one of Japan's major tourist sites and is essential to comprehending Nagasaki's post-war life as well as the impact of atomic weapons. It provides a vivid look at the impact of the "Fat Man" atomic bomb that fell on Nagasaki 9th August 1945.
Nagasaki Peace Park
Nagasaki Peace Park, which was built to commemorate the atomic bombing of Nagasaki City in 1945, is a powerful reminder of the consequences of atomic weapons and stands as a icon for the longing of peace. The complex includes two parks and a museum dedicated to the souls lost in the blast.
Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium
180 penguins from nine distinct species call the Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium home. Here you'll be able to partake in the "Feed the Penguins" event and visit the Petting Zoo to meet them. Additionally, the "Experience Nature Zone" within the facility allows visitors to get up close and personal with some of the aquatic critters that reside in the area.
Shimizu (for Mt. Fuji)
DAY 28 - 16 Feb 2024
Time at Port: from 10 AM to 6 PM
Japan's tallest mountain at 3,776 metres high and nestled in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Mount Fuji is on everyone's bucket-list of Japan, whether that's to take in the view from the surrounding idyllic surrounding countryside, a Tokyo rooftop or your seat on the famous bullet train or even take up the challenging of hiking up yourself. Mount Fuji is an active volcano but last erupted in 1707, so you've got plenty of time to enjoy the hike, normally taking between 5-10 hours.
Tokyo / Yokohama, Kanagawa
DAY 29 - 17 Feb 2024
Time at Port: from 6:30 AM to 7 PM
Visitors to Tokyo have an almost endless array of shopping, entertainment, culture and food options to explore in a city where the past, present and future blend together like no other. The city's history can be found all around it, as well as other superb museums, historic temples and parks.
Things to do in Tokyo / Yokohama, Kanagawa:
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Shinjuku Gyoen was built on the foundations of Lord Naito's private residence. A mixture of a few different gardens, including French, English and Japanese, the park's varied and well-kept gardens are ideal for strolling around, photographing or even enjoying an afternoon picnic.
Edo-Tokyo Museum
The Edo-Tokyo Museum is a portal to the past with its exhibitions describing both visually and through historical text, the history of Edo (now known as Toyko). Here visitors can learn about and experience numerous aspects of Edo, such as people's daily lives, Edo Period architecture, cultural heritage, political climate and much more.
Senso-ji Temple
Sensoji Temple, Tokyo's oldest temple, houses a statue of the goddess of mercy, Kannon. Sensoji is a must-see location in Japan, surrounded by imposing gates, a five-storey pagoda and the vibrant market of Nakamise Dori.
Customer reviews for Westerdam
3.5
Based on 8 reviews
Cabin
3.5
Service
3.5
Excursions
3.5
Dining
3.5
Activities
3.5
Value for money
3.5
Entertainment
3.5
Have just returned from a the Alaska cruise on Hollander America.everything was excellent We really did appreciate the opportunity to attend mass every morning with a priest on board. Many thanks
Verified customer
1 cruise
12 Oct 2019
How many passengers? That's all i need to know. i was disappointed in the whinging reviews of the entertainment ~ who needs "Entertainment" when the whole of the Southern Oceans and Antarctic Seas are outside? I go on a ship to see what I can see; usually from the bridge wings.
Verified customer
1 cruise
16 May 2019
Good cruise although Holland America overcharge for their own excursions, many of which can be undertaken for a fraction of the cost on your own. Food and service on board good. It's a shame Holland America don't publish more information on their website about the ports to be visited to enable better planning in advance.
Verified customer
1 cruise
10 May 2019
The ship is okay - we had a brilliant holiday, the ship was not an important factor in our decision, it was determined by the itinerary, we went to Japan and Russia (Japanese maritime law states that only vessels which are registered in Japan can sail around Japan without spending time 'abroad'. We had a day in Vladivostok which was enjoyable. The main reason for taking this cruise was the fact that - apart from the Russian trip - we had the maximum time in Japan to enjoy the cherry blossom. We loved every minute of the holiday, we had excellent guides, the excursions were great and we came back with wonderful memories. What we liked about the ship: our cabin was well appointed, we had a balcony cabin but if you wantred to save money, you could have done without the balcony. We spent so much time off the ship, we did not make good use of the balcony. The Lincoln Center classical music group was outstanding, so was the BBKings Blues band, we were looking forward to these performances every day, the stuff that happened on the main stage was not to our taste, we thought it was awful. The food caters very much to American travellers, there is a lot of stuff that I would describe as: death on a plate, I had a lot of food ashore, the fish ashore was wonderful and I would have preferred some healthy options like poached fish. The staff were friendly and efficient, no complaints. The ship looks a bit dated in places, we liked the modern reception area here. The gym is fine. There is nothing remarkable about the ship, I can't think of any 'wow' factors - but as I said, we were not that worried about the ship, we went to see the cherry blossom.
All offers and prices are subject to change and availability at time of enquiry. Prices are based on two passengers sharing unless otherwise stated and are subject to the Tour Operator's terms and conditions. Cabin and Flight supplements may apply. Other supplements may apply in addition to the price shown above. Flight details, timings and routing may be subject to alteration. Other tour operator charges may also apply. Any Onboard Spending money or drinks package value shown will be per cabin, again based on two sharing.
Note: On 13 January 2018, new European legislation is being adopted in the UK which as result will mean that we may change our required method of payment at our discretion, irrespective of how any deposit or prior payment was made.
