VOLENDAM - GRAND PACIFIC & NEW ZEALAND

28 Night Cruise sailing from Sydney to Auckland aboard Volendam.

The beautiful garden theme of the ms Volendam is reflected in an artful floral motif throughout the ship's spacious public rooms and elegant staterooms. "Flowers" can be found in abundance in the forms of floral fabrics and tapestries, as well as huge vases of tropical floral arrangements and chrysanthemums.

In addition to fresh flowers throughout the ship, Holland America Line has drawn on its collection of incredible artwork to enhance the interior of the ship's public spaces. Everything from pre-Columbian fetishes and sculptures to Renaissance-era fountains imported from Italy are included in its hallway galleries. At the heart of the ship an elegant sculpture by Luciano Vistosi, inspired by the myriad of moods and colors of a kaleidoscope, greets visitors in a soaring three-story atrium.

Highlights of this cruise include:

Sydney
First came the Aborigines, 50,000 years ago; then 759 British convicts, followed by a wave of military settlers known as the Rum Corps. The result: Sydney's bold, egalitarian charm. History, opera, opals and koalas are all here.

Noumea
New Caledonia's lush beauty has earned it many names, including "The Island Closest to Paradise" and "The St. Tropez of the Pacific." The poincianas, or flame trees, will color the island with their bright red umbrellas when you visit.

Lugavnille
Located on Espiritu Santo Island, Luganville played an important role during World War II, providing a secure base for up to 100,000 US soldiers in 1942. Today, the island offers peaceful explorations of secluded beaches, small villages, and tropical forests. Explore the areas WWII relics; enjoy snorkeling or diving on pristine coral reefs; and soak up the local atmosphere at the busy Luganville Market, where villagers sell their fresh produce and colorful handcrafts.

Levuka
Situated on the southeast coast of the Fijian island of Ovalau, Levuka has an uncommonly rich history. Founded around 1820 by European settlers Levuka was the site of Fiji's first bank, post office, school, private members club, hospital, town hall, and municipal government. Levuka is also home to the South Pacific's first Masonic Temple and oldest hotel. Stroll along Levuka's picturesque Beach Street; explore nearby villages and islands; and enjoy world class beaches and snorkeling.

Melbourne
A genteel city of Victorian buildings, verdant parks and a vibrant multicultural heart full of galleries, restaurants, fashionable boutiques - no wonder Melbourne has been named the planet's most livable city.

Milford Sound
Nothing can prepare you for the majesty of Milford Sound, star of Fiordlands National Park. New vistas mesmerize at each turn - towering Mitre Peak, plunging waterfalls, bottlenose and dusky dolphins, fur seals, Fiordland crested penguins.

Dunedin
Dunedin's Scottish heritage is everywhere, evident in its statue of poet Robert Burns, in the work of its kilt makers and whisky distilleries and in its ornate Victorian train station. Aye, there's even a castle that emphasizes the kinship.

Picton
Set in the upper reaches of Queen Charlotte Sound, Picton is perfect in every way: climate, scenery, outdoor adventure. Gateway to the largest grape-growing and wine-producing region of New Zealand.

Napier
A city of vision, rebuilt in the striking, clean style of art deco after a devastating earthquake in 1931 and reinvented as a center for gourmet food and wines.

Tauranga
Site of fierce Maori wars, Tauranga today is a peaceful city in the heart of kiwifruit-growing country. Farther afield: Rotorua, with its spouting geysers and bubbling mud pools, the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves and nocturnal kiwi houses.

Auckland
Set between two sparkling harbors, the "City of Sails" boasts the greatest number of boats per capita of any city in the world. (One, Black Magic, won the 1995 America's Cup!) Here, too, are beautiful beaches, expansive parks, fascinating Polynesian culture.