MS AMSTERDAM - VANCOUVER TO LOS ANGELES

75 Night Grand Pacific and Far East Voyage ex Vancouver to Los Angeles aboard Amsterdam.

The ms Amsterdam is the third ship to bear the name of the Dutch capital in Holland America Line's over 135-year history. Built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy, the ms Amsterdam blends the verylatest in shipbuilding technology with the artistry, personalized touches and superior service that has made Holland America Line one of the highest-rated cruise lines in the world.

At the heart of the ms Amsterdam is the Planeto Astrolabium, a commissioned signature sculpture soaring in a three-story atrium. The stunning Astrolabe tracks constellations, the planets, world time and ship time. Dutch heritage and tradition is clearly displayed throughout the ship in original Art Deco pieces that once graced the Nieuw Amsterdam of 1938. For a contemporary touch, works of the noted maritime artist Stephen Card adorn public spaces.

Highlights of this cruise:

Vancouver
Galleries, boutiques, colorful public markets, restaurants of every ethnicity: this vital port city has them all. Visit vibrant Chinatown and Stanley Park, with its 1,000 acres of forests, gardens, lakes and lawns in the heart of the city.

Los Angeles
Nestled up in the hills is the Hollywood sign, marketing this city as the entertainment capital of the world. Stroll glamorous Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, take a drive to Malibu or soak up the beach scene on Venice's colorful boardwalk.

Hilo
On the lush side of the Big Island find world-class botanical gardens, macadamia-nut plantations and, of course, the molten lava flows of Kilauea, home of Pele, hotheaded goddess of fire.

Guam
Evidence of Guam's strategic value lies beneath it waters: sunken Spanish galleons and wrecks from two world wars. On land, watch for the taotaomonas: apparitions of Chamoru ancestors.

Kobe
This cosmopolitan port city is known for more than just its world-famous Kobe beef. Discover the boutiques and markets of the Motomashi and Kokashita districts, explore the Fashion Museum or venture out to the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge-the longest suspension bridge in the world. In the Kitano district, tour stately injikan, western-style Victorian and Gothic homes, or enjoy a glass of sake from one of Kobe's famed wineries.

Naha
Scene of one of the most bitter World War II battles in the Pacific, the isle of Okinawa is now known for its rolling green landscapes, tranquil fishing villages and temples dedicated to the gods of the sea.

Shanghai
Neon pulses, soaring skyscrapers pierce the sky, construction never stops in Shanghai's race to modernity. Still, you can feel the city's silk past in the peaceful Yu Gardens, its history as a financial powerhouse in the international banks along The Bund.

Hong Kong
Can any city in the world top Hong Kong's phenomenal energy? Judge for yourself as you ride the tram to the top of Victoria Peak, join the surge into countless markets and watch the hardworking world of Aberdeen's fishing junks.

Da Nang
Located on the South China Sea, Da Nang is a major port city and your gateway to the natural and ancient wonders of Vietnam. Gaze upon the five peaks of the Marble Mountains - long a source of inspiration for Vietnamese artisans; visit the palace and pavilions of Hue, the Imperial City of the Nguyen emperors; and explore the charming merchant town of Hoi An and nearby China Beach.

Singapore
The cultural crossroads of the world, where in the space of a few hours you can relax in a quaint Chinese teahouse, purchase a colorful sari in Little India and visit a Sultan mosque. Ponder it all on the verandah of the famous Raffles Hotel.

Manila
Called the Island of Gold during the latter half of the Ming Dynasty, the area that is now Manila has known Burneian, Spanish, British, American and Japanese rule. This long and diverse history is reflected in Manila's architecture and neighborhoods. Explore Binondo, Manila's Chinatown dating back to 1594, Intramuros, Asia's only medieval, European-style walled city, and the posh neighborhood of Malate.

Cebu
One the most developed provinces in the Philippines, Cebu is known for its rugged mountains, coastal plains and white sand beaches. Nearby, Olango Island has the largest number of migratory birds found in the country. Explore the Southwestern University Museum in Cebu City to learn about Cebuano art and culture. Wander the charming market town of Moalboal and snorkel or dive its pristine coral reef. Visit the nearby Philippine Taoist Temple or simply find a your own quiet stretch of beach.

Yap
Yap Island is one of the 134 islands and atolls of Micronesia. Only open to tourism for the past seventeen years, the old stone pathways lined with tropical plants and flowers remain intact alongside traditional thatched-roof villages, where women wear grass skirts and men wear thu'us, a type of loincloth. Yap is internationally recognized for its sport fishing and diving in particular for viewing the fascinating giant manta ray.

Away from the underwater world of the reefs, life is equally colorful. The Ethnic Art Institute of Micronesia is a non-profit organization and purveyor of indigenous Micronesian art. The institute also offers classes and demonstrations of a variety of bright, noisy and entertaining native dances. The lush greenery of Yap invites a stroll along ancient paths or a nap on its tranquil beaches. Discover your own corner of paradise on this gem of an island.

Rabaul
The East New Britain province of Papua New Guinea is lush and tropical. Mountain peaks and active volcanoes surround the town of Rabaul and Simpson Harbor. Built on an ancient volcanic crater, the harbor is one of the deepest in the region. For the same reason, some of most spectacular diving and snorkeling in the world can be found here. At Sub-Base, a shallow reef extends dramatically out from shore before dropping off into a crevasse rich with fish and other marine life.

Visit the Bung, or local market to sample incredible local produce. Soak in any number of local Hot Springs fueled by the wealth of volcanic activity, or explore well-preserved Japanese War Tunnels along Rabaul-Kokopo Road. Check out the East New Britain Historical and Cultural Center to view historic relics. Need a good workout? Climb one of the island's volcanoes or just grab a cool beverage in a local cafe and watch the billowing smoky peaks from afar.

Lautoka
Welcome to paradise - white sand, clear turquoise waters and 50 luxuriant acres of orchids at the late Raymond Burr' s Garden of the Sleeping Giant.

Bora Bora
Here is James Michener's "Bali Hai," with its shimmering blue lagoon. Wrap on a pareo, pay respects at the stone altar of Fa'anui Marae and abandon yourself to an idyllic motu for sunbathing and snorkeling.

Papeete
The intense colors of the Tahitian marketplace are as seductive now as they were for Gauguin. More bliss for the eyes fills the romantic Vaipahi Garden and the fern-lined sea caves of the Mara'a Grotto.

Moorea
Jagged needle-shaped mountains define the skyline. Below, fields of pineapple, vanilla and coffee carpet the land, while crystal-clear lagoons teem with parrot fish, purple anemone and lacy pink coral.

Nuku Hiva
Wild and untamed, born of volcanic fire, these isles are the ancient home of architect-builders who created great me'ae (ceremonial walls) - and today home to tattooists, sailors and sculptors. Step ashore to discover French Polynesia at its pristine, natural best.

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