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25th Mar 2027 | 17 nights | Holland America Line | Westerdam
Why do we love this cruise holiday? Sailing with Holland America Line ensures a premium, journey with exceptional service, world-class amenities, and wonderful dining, all while exploring some of Japan's most iconic destinations. The trip begins with a 2-night stay in Tokyo, offering the chance to immerse yourself in the vibrant city before setting sail. Visiting Japan during the famous cherry blossom season* adds an extra layer of beauty to the experience, as you witness the breath taking sakura in full bloom. With flights included and the peace of mind of being ATOL protected, this bucket-list holiday promises not only a journey through spectacular landscapes but also a deeper connection to Japan's rich culture and natural beauty.
What's included?
Want to go all-inclusive? Ask our team about Have it All, the premium cruise package with Holland America Line.
*Cherry Blossom Season - Please note that the blooming of cherry blossoms is a natural occurrence and is subject to environmental conditions. While we make every effort to ensure the best possible viewing experience, the timing and abundance of blooms cannot be guaranteed.
Cruise Circle Collection packages adhere to our 7 point charter:
Today your holiday begins with your outbound flight to Tokyo.
Welcome to Japan! Check-in to your 4* hotel for a 2-night stay.
Tokyo is a city where tradition meets innovation in the most captivating way. From the peaceful temples and gardens to the vibrant streets full of neon lights and cutting-edge technology, there's something for everyone. Whether you're exploring historic districts, enjoying fresh sushi, or taking in the stunning skyscrapers, Tokyo is full of life, excitement, and endless surprises at every turn.
The Kanmon Straits, a narrow waterway separating Honshu and Kyushu, offers a fascinating cruise experience. With its historical significance, stunning views, and bustling port cities, it provides a glimpse into Japan's maritime heritage and modern life.
Toyama is a delightful city situated in the Hokuriku region of Japan, known for its blend of modernity and traditional charm. Visitors to Toyama can explore attractions like the historic Toyama Castle, stroll along the picturesque Matsukawa River, and discover the contemporary architecture of the Toyama Glass Art Museum. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate Toyama's proximity to the Northern Alps, where scenic hiking trails and stunning vistas await.
Sakata is a charming coastal city located in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan, renowned for its historical significance and natural beauty. This picturesque city is famous for its preserved merchant district, known as "Kyomachi-dori," where visitors can admire traditional Japanese architecture and shop for local crafts and specialties. Sakata is also surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including the beautiful Shonai coastline and the scenic Mogami River, offering opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and sightseeing.
Hakodate is a city of about 280,000, located on the southern tip of Japan's northernmost major island, Hokkaido. The city was Japan's first modern international trading port, opening in 1859. Today, it is known for its morning market, with more than 250 shops, including many selling local seafood. Hakodate is particularly famous as a squid-fishing port, and you can even find squid-ink ice cream cones here. In addition, you can see interesting evidence of outside influence around town, including houses that combine Japanese and Western elements, foreign churches, brick warehouses, a Trapistine convent, a star fort -- and even yoshoku, the Japanese take on Western food, including items like deep-fried hamburgers or omu rice, an omelet stuffed with ketchup-seasoned rice. Outside of the city are mountains and parks, including Shikotsu-Toya National Park, which has a lake, hot spring and smoking volcano.
Today your holiday comes to an end as you disembark the ship. At the scheduled time take your overnight flight back to the UK.
One of Holland America Line's Vista class cruise ships, Westerdam is sister to the Eurodam, Oosterdam, Zuiderdam and Noordam cruise ships. This cruise ship has been designed to appeal to young and active holidaymakers, as well as the traditional guests for cruise holidays. As a result of this, Westerdam has a wide range of public rooms, an excellent programme of entertainment and fantastic children's facilities for fun and exciting family holidays.
This is an extremely attractive cruise ship with plenty of outdoor space including a promenade deck, a jogging track and two outdoor swimming pools. Westerdam’s interiors are equally as impressive as its exteriors, with its three-deck high atrium and eclectic décor creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Westerdam received extensive enhancements as part of a $300 million brand initiative. New bar, entertainment and dining venues, plus completely reimagined suites debuted for the 2017 Europe season.
The programme of entertainment and activities during cruise holidays aboard Westerdam is fun, varied and appeals to a wide range of guests. The Vista Lounge is the cruise ship's 870-seat show lounge, which spans three decks. This brightly decorated venue features talented vocalists, dancers, illusionists, comedians and variety acts which help to make cruise holidays extra special.
Guests who wish to spend their evenings relaxing and unwinding can sip their favourite drink, mingle and meet new people in the cruise ship’s bars such as the Ocean Bar, the Piano Bar and the Sports Bar, whilst there's a more lively and exciting atmosphere in Westerdam's very own casino. Alternatively, spend evenings during cruise holidays dancing to your favourite songs at the fun Northern Lights nightclub.
Cruise holidays aboard a large cruise ship such as Holland America Line's Westerdam provide guests with a wide range of different dining options. The cruise ship's main dining room is the Vista Dining Room, an elegant and opulent venue. Guests have the choice of either open or fixed seating options for dinner, and live music provided each evening helps to make dining during cruise holidays extra special.
For special evenings during luxury cruise holidays or romantic breaks, the Pinnacle Grill is ideal. This restaurant serves delicious steaks and seafood on top-quality tableware in refined and intimate surroundings.
Canaletto, an authentic Italian restaurant offering a menu that celebrates spartire (Italian for "sharing"). Try Braised Chicken Cacciatore "al Forno," Branzino ai Ferri or a classic Italian pasta: spaghetti pomodoro or garlic shrimp-infused ravioli…
Dive in to a grilled burger on brioche or a Nathan’s Famous gourmet hot dog. For alfresco dining by the pool, Dive-In has it all, including lighter fare like our grilled chicken breast sandwich and vegetarian-friendly portabella mushroom stack.
Why not relax and enjoy casual meals at one of Westerdam’s informal eateries? The Lido Buffet offers a wide range of food and an informal setting which is perfect for family holidays.
Onboard Westerdam you can expect to find Interior, Ocean-view, Verandah, Signature Suites, Neptune Suites and Pinnacle Suites
You can be sure of staying in comfortable and relaxing accommodation during cruise holidays aboard Westerdam, regardless of the accommodation grade you choose. However, for truly luxurious cruise holidays Westerdam's suites are ideal, as they include access to the private Neptune Lounge, complimentary concierge services and private balconies.
All suites and staterooms aboard Westerdam have the following features as standard: private bathroom, vanity area, hairdryer, flat screen TV, DVD player, telephone and wardrobe and drawer space.
Easygoing yet inquisitive travellers who venture out during the day and delight in culinary experiences and live music during the evenings.
Adventure enthusiasts who yearn for a range of onboard attractions and non-stop nightlife...
Holland America Line cruisers typically average 50 years old or above and are evenly divided between retirees and those still employed. The demographic skews older on longer cruises, attracting more retired passengers. HAL passengers value travel experiences, and many boast a wealth of cruise expertise. They have a penchant for gourmet cuisine and are aficionados of music – two areas in which HAL takes pride. The majority hail from the United States and Canada, although around 20 percent of travellers come from international destinations, with the United Kingdom and Australia leading the pack. Throughout summer and holiday periods, the average age on board decreases as families, particularly multi-generational groups involving grandparents and grandchildren, embark on voyages. This trend is especially noticeable on the line's Alaska and Canada/New England routes.
During the day, there isn't a strict dress code, but for most evenings aboard a Holland America Line cruise, smart-casual attire is expected. Therefore, swimwear, flip-flops, shorts, and tank tops are not allowed in any of the restaurants. The cruise does hold formal evenings (the number depends on the duration of the voyage) known as Gala Nights, where formal attire is required. Typically, men wear suits and ties (or jackets without ties, particularly in the Caribbean), while women often choose cocktail dresses, gowns, or dressy trousers paired with elegant blouses.
It is a full-board cruise experience with a choice of dining venues and a wide range of entertainment venues. You can upgrade to the "Have it All" fare, which incorporates various amenities like drinks, shore excursions, speciality dining, and Wi-Fi, making the cruise experience more inclusive. However, some services or experiences can incur additional charges, like speciality dining options, spa treatments, shopping, and exclusive shore excursions.
Passengers on Holland America Line's ships appreciate the company's commitment to traditional cruise activities, such as afternoon tea and ballroom dancing. However, they also gravitate towards the newer options available. Specifically, the live music performances, such as BB King's Blues Club, Billboard Onboard, Rolling Stone Rock Room, and Lincoln Center Stage, attract a significant audience most evenings. Additionally, the culinary demonstrations by the line are usually packed, and culinary classes (including some specifically designed for children), wine tastings and blendings (available on select ships), and complimentary computer classes are in high demand. Equally favoured by many Holland America Line passengers is unwinding in the top-deck Crow's Nest. It's common to see people there engrossed in a book, solving a jigsaw puzzle, or playing cards or board games.
