Our group joined Holland America Line’s Noordam for part of a 14-night voyage from Auckland to Sydney, embarking partway through in Lyttelton, the port for Christchurch. From the moment we arrived, the experience felt organised and welcoming, with Holland America’s signature blend of tradition and comfort making it easy to settle in.

I stayed in a verandah cabin, which was impressively spacious and well designed for longer sailings. The layout included a comfortable sofa, a raised bed with valuable storage underneath, and plenty of room to move around. A standout feature was the bathtub, a genuine luxury after long days ashore and something that added to the overall sense of comfort.

As part of our group experience, we were welcomed with VIP touches, including a private Welcome Aboard cocktail party in the Crow’s Nest. With its panoramic forward views, it provided a relaxed and social introduction to the voyage. This was followed by a hosted specialty dinner at Pinnacle Grill, which was a highlight. The lobster bisque was rich and flavourful, the candied bacon lived up to its reputation, and the filet mignon was perfectly cooked, classic steakhouse dining done well.

Our first port of call was Timaru on New Zealand’s South Island. Holland America made it easy to explore, with complimentary shuttle buses into the town centre. Timaru is a charming stop, ideal for a gentle wander, browsing local shops or enjoying a quiet coffee before heading back on board. That evening, we visited Billboard Onboard on Deck 2, one of the ship’s most enjoyable social venues. This lively space hosts live music trivia with rotating themes, and our team managed to win a round, taking home the much-coveted purple Noordam tulip, a fun keepsake that many repeat guests enjoy collecting.

Dunedin was another highlight. I had packed for cooler weather, so arriving on a sunny 27-degree day was a welcome surprise. We were greeted by a bagpiper, reflecting the city’s Scottish heritage. I wandered through the University of Otago campus before visiting the Dunedin Botanic Gardens, a must for nature lovers. Before returning to the ship, I stopped at Speight’s Brewery, enjoying a relaxed beer and snack.

One of the most memorable experiences of the voyage was scenic cruising through Fiordland. Despite running slightly behind schedule due to weather, the captain kept guests well informed so no one missed the highlights. The misty, drizzly conditions added to the atmosphere, with waterfalls cascading down steep cliffs as we cruised through Dusky Sound, Doubtful Sound and Thompson Sound. I made the most of the experience with in-room dining, enjoying dinner on my balcony as the scenery passed by.

The following sea day was packed with activities. I started with morning bingo, including a small win, followed by an origami class. Lunch was a quick stop at Dive-In by the pool, where hot dogs and fries in the sunshine were a simple pleasure. Later, I joined a mixology class, learning how to make a Manhattan and Cosmopolitan and picking up a few new skills.

Holland America’s Dutch heritage was celebrated with the Touch of Orange evening, where guests are encouraged to wear orange. This coincided with the line’s signature bar hop, which was a highlight of the trip. Our group visited four venues, each offering a themed cocktail and interactive experience before finishing at the World Stage for the Orange Party atmosphere.

Entertainment throughout the voyage was consistently strong, with live music a particular highlight. The final night show, Curtain Up, stood out as a lively musical theatre journey from Broadway to London’s West End.

While Noordam is approaching 20 years of service, her 2019 refurbishment ensures she still feels fresh and well maintained. The rich timber finishes and classic styling create a warm and elegant atmosphere that reflects Holland America’s heritage while remaining comfortable and inviting.

From the comfort of the verandah cabin to the dramatic scenery of Fiordland, this voyage highlighted what Holland America does best. It offers a relaxed style of cruising, thoughtful onboard experiences and a strong sense of tradition that makes the journey feel special.

Travel was provided courtesy of Holland America Line.