Come with me on a virtual 14-day Holland America Noordam cruise from Australia to New Zealand. Travel aboard the Holland America Noordam ship cruising from Sydney Harbour and exiting in Auckland, New Zealand.
Holland America Noordam cruise versus flying to NZ
Recently, our family saw a cruise ship at a port in the Hawaiian Islands. We had never considered a cruise ship as a mode of transportation, but our son asked about taking a cruise from Australia. Australia was our next destination, followed by New Zealand.
The Holland America Noordam cruise ship was the only vessel leaving Australia for New Zealand then. Our original plan was to RV around Australia and cover as much ground as possible. However, booking a trip on the Holland America Noordam cruise ship would only give us three weeks in Australia, much less than the six weeks we had planned.
Are you booking a last-minute trip on Holland America Noordam?
If you’re booking a last-second trip on Holland America Noordam, you’ll want to book your voyage and excursions as soon as possible.
Best ways to book a voyage with Holland America Noordam:
- Call (877) 932-4259
- Book online at Holland America Noordam website
Quick Noordam booking tips to save money:
- Book the least expensive room on the lower levels (lower levels have less motion)
- Book a room with a window (this helped us with sea sickness, but might not for everyone)
- Avoid non-inclusive meals, gambling, drinks
At first, we shrugged off the idea of traveling to New Zealand via a Holland America Noordam cruise. However, the more we researched traveling from Australia to New Zealand by cruise ship, the more enticing it looked.
Top 10 reasons traveling Holland American Noordam cruise is best
We started reading Holland America Noordam reviews online and were impressed. Below are some reasons our family now considers traveling by Holland Noordam ship the best way to travel from Australia to New Zealand.
1. Holland America Noordam cruise was cheaper
Surprisingly, it was cheaper for us to take the Holland Noordam cruise from Australia to New Zealand than to fly to New Zealand and rent an RV or lodging.
Flying from Australia to New Zealand costs
Flying is the most popular and quickest way to travel from Sydney to Auckland. However, it’s only sometimes the cheapest option for a family. A one-way ticket for an economy-class flight can run around $200 to $250 per person, and some flights are even more expensive during peak travel periods. Estimated costs are in USD.
That could cost between $800 – $1,000 for a family of four. However, the cost could be significantly reduced if you purchase your tickets well in advance or take a red-eye flight. To find a cheap flight, check out our budget guide on our tips and advice page.
Car rental costs vs traveling by cruise
Car rental ($60) and fuel costs ($40) per day would total approximately $100.
Lodging at a budget hotel for a family of four would be about $100 per night minimum. Considering a 14-day itinerary, below are our estimated costs.
Food costs for a family of four are estimated at $100/day or $1,400 total. Considering a 14-day itinerary, below are our estimates.
- $200 to $250 per person
- $800 – $1,000 for a family of four
- $100 per day car/fuel costs
- Total: $5,000-$5,200
- $357-$371 per day (about 30% higher than cruising)
Holland America Noordam ship costs were less
The cost for an oceanfront room (the only room left on the ship when we booked) on the lowest level was $1,972 per room with double occupancy. Two rooms cost approximately $3,944 or $281 per day.
- $1,972 per room
- $3,944 for two rooms
- $281 per day
We rented two rooms for a family of four, but if we had to do it again we would have rented one. We were concerned one room would have been to small. While it would have been tight, each room offers a bunk bed that pulls down from the ceiling.
The sofa bed also allows a fourth person to sleep in one room. Therefore, one room is sufficient for four persons. Booking one room our costs would have shrunk 50% to approximately $2,000 total or $140 per day!
Read more travel tips and guides:
2. Holland America Noordam cruise liner simplifies travel
Traveling can often be more accessible than living at home. At home, you have dishes to clean, beds to make, clothes to wash, and a house to pick up. However, you do not have to worry about any of those chores when you’re on a 14-day Holland America Noordam cruise line from Australia to New Zealand. Instead, your purpose is to travel and have fun, as it should be.
Below are just some ways traveling on the Holland America Noordam boat is simpler
- With cruising you don’t have to make your bed if you don’t want to (free housekeeping)
- You can pay a nominal fee to have your laundry done for you
- No dishes to clean after you eat
- No shopping for clothes and food
- You don’t have to come up with ideas for meals
- You don’t have to pick up your house – in fact, your living quarters are always spotless
- Amenities such as spa, basketball, pickle ball, workout room, swimming are all available on-site, in one location – on the cruise ship
3. The amenities are all in one location
The above prices include food, entertainment, room cleanings, workout room, basketball courts, swimming, and accommodation onboard the ship. Remember that there may be additional costs for activities and excursions at the ports of call, as well as drinks and gratuities that must be included in the initial cost. Our family saved money by not drinking, gambling, and sticking with the all-inclusive meals.
There’s nowhere you can travel where you have all those amenities in one location, let alone all-inclusive. Granted, there are some items you would have to pay extra for, like a spa treatment. However, if you’re a savvy traveler, you’ll forgo the massage and save your money to travel to other places.
4. The food is consistent on a Holland America Noordam cruise
Several restaurants were on our 14-day Australia to New Zealand Holland America ship. Some restaurants were not included in our all-inclusive package. However, most were, and the food was excellent. Our family is healthier on the cruise ship than we would have traveling and living out of lodging.
From fresh salads to fish and fruits, the Noordam had plenty of healthy choices.
5. Hassle-Free traveling
Traveling from one country to another can be an exhausting and stressful experience. Still, choosing sailing on Holland America Noordam as your mode of transportation makes it surprisingly straightforward and relaxed.
Check-in is a breeze, and you only have to unpack once! Of course, there’s time for plenty of relaxation, and The Noordam’s staff is dedicated to making everything easy and enjoyable.
6. Unlimited entertainment options
One of the best things about sailing on the Holland America Noordam is the endless entertainment options available. You never have to worry about boredom during this 14-day trip. From Broadway-style shows to a casino, there is something for everyone.
The Noordam features many exceptional activities to ensure that even the most adventurous traveler will stay entertained. Make the most of your time on board by participating in cooking classes, culinary demonstrations, onboard workshops, art exhibitions, and more.
7. Unlimited comfort and luxury
Traveling through Australia and New Zealand can be exhausting, especially when hopping from place to place. However, when you sail on the Noordam, you will have the chance to experience the most luxurious amenities that cruise ships can offer.
The Noordam’s comfortable staterooms ensure you’ll always have a cozy place to relax, whereas the public areas provide ample space for leisure activities. The ship has top-quality restaurants, spas, and bars to keep you comfortable and refreshed throughout the trip.
8. Unbeatable views and scenery
If you want to experience the beauty of Australia and New Zealand in all its glory, there’s no better way to do it than by water. The Noordam takes you up close to spectacular landscapes and landmarks that cannot be seen by land.
With the ship’s wraparound teak decks and many verandas, you can enjoy panoramic views of both countries’ coastlines and experience the thrill of sailing through the Tasman Sea. The stunning scenery is sure to leave you in awe.
9. Holland America Noordam was educational
Traveling with two kids, we were impressed by how many educational activities were onboard. Geared chiefly to adult passengers, the Noordam ship had many fireside chats with various experts in their field each day.
These discussions included marine biologists discussing cruise lines and the ecosystem. In addition, the captain spoke about navigation. Lastly, the head chef debated the logistics of feeding thousands of people on one vessel.
We also listened to a talk about Australian aboriginals and endemic species of animals to Australia. Overall, it was a very educational and worldly experience.
10. You could work while you traveled
Particularly helpful for people working remotely, passengers could have wifi and work from a computer while traveling between destinations. This was a huge plus.
Think about it: if you’re in an RV traveling from Queenstown to Bluff, New Zealand, there’s no way you’ll be able to work remotely as much as on a cruise ship. On a cruise ship, all you have is time, some of which can be spent working if necessary.
Or, if you’re traveling on public transport in Sydney, Australia to get from Sydney to Port Stephens, you will only be able to get remote work done if you have a personal wifi device.
11. Holland America offers a lot adventures and excursions at port
Are you in search of adventure? Then, pack your bags and hop onto Holland America’s Noordam to explore the magnificent Australian and New Zealand coastlines. You will have the time of your life with endless thrilling activities onshore and onboard.
Here’s some of the excursions we did
Holland America cruise ship tips and advice from a recent passenger
Below are some tips and advice from a recent 14-day trip from Australia to New Zealand with the Holland America line.
Get the cheapest room with a view
The cheapest room with a view is on floor 1 on the ocean side with a window. The window with a sea view is a must to help you stay oriented. If you dislike water, you shouldn’t go on a cruise. You might have perfect weather, but that’s unlikely to happen all the time on a 14-day cruise from Australia to New Zealand, especially crossing the Tasman Sea.
About the MS Noordam
The MS Noordam ship is a Holland America Vista-class boat. (the MS on the name MS Noordam cruise ship stands for “motor ship”). This ship has generously spacious staterooms and dining options. Several dining rooms exist, from casual to fancy, including the Pinnacle Grill.
Unlike some other mid sized ships, the MS Noordam’s deck plans are color-coded by category stateroom. The deck floor is furnished with non-slip outdoor synthetic teak material.
TVs do not have DVD players but are optional since you stream movies in the room. The ship’s video camera showing the seas is on a channel which is neat to watch, and daily updates by the captain are given by the TV and intercom.
The MS Noordam is the same ship that travels to the last frontier (Alaska) during the summer months in the United States. Please look at our Alaska travel guide for things to do in the last frontier if you ever go.
HAL Noordam (Holland America Line) amenities:
- art gallery and auctions
- casino
- basketball court
- movie theatre
- piano bar
- spa
- pools and hot tubs
- family activities
- promenade deck
- pool area/lido deck
- culinary arts centre/Queen lounge with cooking demos
While our family wouldn’t typically choose some of these amenities, at least they are there for those who want them.
Are you considering taking a Holland America Noordam cruise?
If you’re considering taking a Noordam cruise, check out our Australia travel guide for more information about visiting the land down under. You can arrive early in Sydney (the departing port) like our family did, and travel to Port Stephens or do things in Sydney via public transportation.
You’ll end your trip in Auckland when you get to New Zealand by cruise ship. From there, you can stay long in NZ and head south towards Bluff, where you can go cage diving with great white sharks.
Consider a cruise with Holland America
Traveling is always exhilarating, but sometimes, the process of getting to your destination can put a damper on things. On the Holland America Noordam Australia to New Zealand 14-day cruise, everything from the stunning views to luxurious amenities and endless entertainment options is taken care of for you.
