On each sea day, a ‘Coaching Session’ will be held every morning, followed by a Duplicate game in the afternoon. Additionally, on numerous port days, an afternoon mini-Duplicate game will be scheduled if we return to the ship on time. A partner is always provided, ensuring you can participate when a game is on.
DECK
PLANS
Launched in 2016, Koningsdam carries forward all the tradition, nautical heritage, and signature service and style for which Holland America Line is known—while raising the bar for 21st-century elegance. The 2,650-guest Koningsdam is the first of her class, ushering in a new era of Pinnacle-class cruising. At the heart of the ship, Koningsdam’s central atrium is pure visual drama. Soaring three decks high, the space is graced by an airy stainless-steel sculpture that evokes the feeling of a classical quartet, with strings, arches, and bows. Onboard activities abound, including wine-blending classes and private tastings. There are several restaurants to choose from other than the main dining room. Take a Pilates class, simply relax and unwind or rejuvenate at the Greenhouse Spa. In the evenings you may choose to attend entertainment in the main theatre (live shows, dancing, magic, music…etc). There are several other entertainment options including the new Lincoln Centre Stage, the Billboard venue and the popular B.B. King’s Blues Club which offers a more up-beat experience.
Gary is the author of six Bridge books, including one ‘Learn to Play Bridge’ ‘with 5-Card Majors’ that clinched the 2007 American Bridge Teachers’ Associations ‘Book of the Year. He also created the popular ‘FLASH CARDS’ (the Ultimate Guide by the Bridge Players Side). Gary conducts duplicates, teaches seminars, and arranges Bridge Holidays globally, with over 60 Cruise Holidays/Bridge Boot Camps to his credit. We are dedicated to making your journey a ‘trip of a lifetime. Our Bridge program is extensive yet laidback; you can play when you want to, with a partner guaranteed. Non-bridge playing Spouses/ partners are also welcome – as there’s a world of activities to discover and enjoy!
VIEW ITINERARYDAY 1 Monday 6 April 2026
Depart Australia/ New Orleans
Our holiday begins with a flight to New Orleans,
arriving the same day, as we cross the International
Date Line. On arrival in the early evening, we are
transferred to our hotel for check in.
DAY 2 Tuesday 7 April 2026
New Orleans
French settled and influenced, New Orleans is
one of the USA’s most exciting and interesting
cities, famous for its jazz, creativity, romance and
drama. We will enjoy a morning tour of the city with
a local guide that will include the key sights of the
French Quarter: Jackson Square, Royal Street,
French Market and Bourbon Street, as well the
surrounding Garden District, Audubon Park, the
Mississippi River and the commercial downtown.
This evening, you are invited to join our Welcome
Dinner aboard a paddle steamer cruising along the
Mississippi River.
DAY 3 Wednesday 8 April 2026
New Orleans
Today is a free day to experience New Orleans.
You may want to visit nearby ‘swamp country’. See
the moss-covered bayous and unique wildlife,
including alligators. Alternatively, visit a traditional
plantation to get a taste of what life was like in
days gone by.
DAY 4 Thursday 9 April 2026
Miami
Today we fly to Miami, Florida. On arrival, we
enjoy an orientation tour including the major
thoroughfare Ocean Drive, Freedom Tower and
several famous movie locations. Then we will visit
the residence of Pulitzer Prize winning author
Ernest Hemingway. The tour concludes with visits
to palm–lined beaches, downtown Miami, Coconut
Grove, Coral Gables and Little Havana, before we
check into our hotel.
DAY 5 Friday 10 April 2026
Embarkation
The morning is free. At midday we are transferred
to the cruise-terminal in Fort Lauderdale to
embark the Koningsdam for our 18 Day Panama
Canal Cruise.
DAY 6 Saturday 11 April 2026
At Sea
Our first day at sea and our first full day of Bridge!
Morning coaching followed by lunch, then an
afternoon of Duplicate Bridge.
DAY 7 Sunday 12 April 2026
At Sea
A full program of Bridge and/or a day to enjoy the
facilities of the ship.
DAY 8 Monday 13 April 2026
Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena is one of the most beautiful cities in
the world. We begin with a pleasant drive through
Boca Grande, the modern residential district in
Cartagena. We will visit the Convent of la Popa. Construction began in 1606 as a refuge for blacks.
Tranquil, peaceful, and bright with flowers, the
Convent provides striking views of the city and
the bay area. Our tour will continue through San
Felipe’s Fort which was built in the 1600s and used
to protect the city from invaders. Inside the fort is
the Old City, a real gem of colonial architecture,
packed with churches, monasteries, plazas
and palaces. Enjoy a relaxing stroll around this
spectacular walled colonial city with time to shop
and stop for lunch.
DAY 9 Tuesday 14 April 2026
Panama Canal
Today will be a highlight of the cruise as we sail
through the Panama Canal. It is a 77-kilometrelong
canal joining the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans
and is a key link for international maritime trade.
Built from 1904 to 1914, annual traffic has risen
from about 1,000 ships in the canal’s early days to
currently, more than 14,000 vessels. It has been
named one of the seven modern wonders of the
world by the American Society of Civil Engineers.
The canal consists of a series of 3 sets of locks:
The Gatun, Pedro Miguel and the Miraflores Locks.
A complete transit of the canal usually takes
between 9 and 10 hours. Watch from the deck as
we transverse this miracle of engineering.
DAY 10 Wednesday 15 April 2026
Fuerte Amador, Panama
Fuerte Amador is a man-made peninsula, located
at the Pacific Ocean entrance to the Panama
Canal. This mile long causeway was created
using rocks excavated from the Panama Canal to
connect four small islands and offers panoramic
views of nearby Panama City. Today, we will
enjoy a sightseeing tour of Panama City. Our first stop will be the Old Town with its colonial style
houses and cobblestone streets. In the afternoon
we visit the Miraflores locks, where ships transit
the Panama Canal and you’ll have the chance
to explore the Canal Museum to learn about its
history and construction.
DAY 11 Thursday 16 April 2026
At Sea
Today’s schedule includes a full day of Bridge.
Alternatively, you may choose to enjoy the facilities
of the ship.
DAY 12 Friday 17 April 2026
Puntarenas, Costa Rica
The Central Pacific’s largest city, Puntarenas sits
on a long, narrow peninsula in the Gulf of Nicoya.
It was discovered by Hennan Ponce de Leon in
1519. A boat ride on the River Tarcoles provides the
opportunity to view crocodiles, as well as local bird
and plant life. In the afternoon a ride on the Aerial
Tram provides the opportunity to view all levels of
the tropical transitional forest – from the ground to
the tree tops.
DAY 13 Saturday 18 April 2026
At Sea
A full program of Bridge and/or a day to enjoy the
facilities of the ship.
DAY 14 Sunday 19 April 2026
Acajutla, El Salvador
This morning, we arrive in Acajutla, the port for San
Salvador, the capital of El Salvador. El Boquerón
is an iconic volcano that looms over San Salvador.
Because it is considered an active volcano at rest,
people live in the hills leading right up to the edge
of the crater. San Salvador lacks colonial buildings
due to centuries of destruction from volcanoes. However, the reconstructed areas of San Salvador
feature wonderful architecture including the
imposing National Palace and the white-stucco
Metropolitan Cathedral, both of which flank the
popular gathering place – Plaza Barrios.
DAY 15 Monday 20 April 2026
Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala
A visit to the beautiful city of Antigua, a designated
UNESCO World Heritage site, starts our tour. The
historic city, approximately a 90-minute drive
from Puerto Quetzal, is home to several historical
landmarks that have been preserved from the
17th and 18th centuries, including the Palace of
the Captains-General and the Universidad de San
Carlos. This visit offers insight into Guatemala’s
colonial history.
DAY 16 Tuesday 21 April 2026
Puerto Chiapas, Mexico
Experience Mexico’s past and present as you
explore the ancient Mayan archaeological site
of Izapa. Founded around 1500 BC as a modest
village, Izapa rose to prominence in the region for
its cultivation of highly prized cacao, serving as a
nexus for various ancient Mesoamerican cultures.
We then enjoy a sightseeing tour of Tapachula,
whose history and heritage have been influenced
not only by the Mayans, Mestizos and Spaniards
but by German, Chinese, Japanese and French
immigrants as well. There may time for you to
explore the local artisan shops.
DAY 17 Wednesday 22 April 2026
At Sea
A full program of Bridge and/or a day to enjoy the
facilities of the ship.
DAY 18 Thursday 23 April 2026
Manzanillo, Mexico
Today we spend time in the beautiful region of
Colima beginning with a drive along the scenic
coast then inland to the capital city, Colima. We will
have a guided tour of the town followed by a visit to the ruins at La Campana. The low, pyramid-like
structures feature shaft tombs, ceramics, storm
drain systems, streets, an administrative and
religious centre with numerous monuments, and
even a ball court.
DAY 19 Friday 24 April 2026
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Puerto Vallarta is a city experiencing constant
growth and development, while at the same time
maintaining a provincial air. It was named after
Ignacio Vallarta a former governor of the region.
Our sightseeing tour takes us into the heart of
downtown Puerto Vallarta, for a stroll along the
Malecon (board walk) to see the many shops and
art galleries. Our visit includes a stop at Our Lady
of Guadalupe, situated in a beautiful plaza. Next,
we visit Los Arcos, for a stunning view of the bay
followed by a visit to a Tequila manufacturer,
where an expert will explain the process. If it is
your cup of tea – you can indulge in a tequila
tasting or enjoy the shops.
DAY 20 Saturday 25 April 2026
At Sea
A full program of Bridge and/or a day to enjoy the
facilities of the ship.
DAY 21 Sunday 26 April 2026
At Sea
A full program of Bridge and/or a day to enjoy the
facilities of the ship.
DAY 22 Monday 27 April 2026
Disembark/Departure
Our cruise comes to an end in San Diego, USA.
We disembark this morning and will enjoy a
sightseeing tour of San Diego before being
transferred to the airport, for our flights back
to Australia.
DAY 23 Tuesday 28 April 2026
In Flight
DAY 24 Wednesday 29 April 2026
Arrive Australia
Today we arrive in Australia and tour arrangements
conclude.
| Cabin | Cabin Category | Deck | Twin Fare | Single Fare | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L | Inside | 4,5,6,7,8 | $12,790 | $16,690 | $11,790 | $14,690 |
| K | Inside | 4,5,6,7,8,11 | $12,890 | $16,790 | $11,890 | $14,790 |
| J | Inside | 1,4,5,6,7,8 | $13,190 | $17,490 | $12,190 | $15,490 |
| I | Inside | 1,4,5,6,7,8 | $13,290 | $17,590 | $12,290 | $15,590 |
| F | Oceanview | 1 | $13,690 | $18,490 | $12,690 | $16,490 |
| E | Oceanview | 1,4 | $14,190 | $19,490 | $12,690 | $17,490 |
| D | Oceanview | 7,11 | $14,290 | $19,590 | $12,790 | $17,590 |
| C | Oceanview | 1 | $14,390 | $19,690 | $12,890 | $17,690 |
| VF | Oceanview | 4,8 | $14,490 | $19,990 | $13,490 | $17,990 |
| VE | Balcony | 7,8 | $14,590 | $20,190 | $13,590 | $18,190 |
| VD | Balcony | 5,6,7 | $14,990 | $21,190 | $13,790 | $19,190 |
| VC | Balcony | 5,6 | $15,090 | $21,390 | $13,890 | $19,390 |
| VB | Balcony | 4,11 | $15,190 | $21,590 | $13,990 | $19,590 |
| VA | Balcony | 6,7,8 | $15,290 | $21,690 | $14,090 | $19,690 |
| VQ | Balcony | 10 | $15,390 | $21,990 | $14,190 | $19,990 |
| B | Suite | 4,6 | $16,590 | $23,990 | $14,390 | $20,990 |
| A | Suite | 4,5,6,7 | $16,790 | $24,490 | $14,790 | $21,490 |
| AS | Suite | 4,7 | $16,990 | $24,990 | $14,990 | $21,990 |
| SY | Suite | 5 | $20,490 | $31,690 | $20,490 | $31,690 |
| Included Port and Handling charges | $1,708 | $2,348 | $1,708 | $2,348 | ||
| Included Cruise Gratuities | $387 | $387 | $387 | $387 | ||
| Included Air Taxes as at 1 March 2025 | $290 | $290 | $290 | $290 |
All cabins are subject to cabin availability. Please call 1800 630 343 for fares and information on other cabin categories.
You can stay longer in the USA for minimal extra cost. Please contact Travelrite on 1800 630 343 for more information.
Touring can involve a considerable amount of walking and stair climbing in the places visited and it is important that all tour participants have a level of physical fitness that allows them to take part in this activity without the need of assistance from others.
Tour Operator: Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ABN 64 005817 078) is the tour organiser. The MS Koningsdam is operated by Holland America and the fly/cruise arrangements are subject to the terms and conditions and general information detailed in the Holland America website www. hollandamerica.com.
Deposit and Payment: A non-refundable deposit of $1000 per passenger should be sent with a completed Travelrite International booking form that lists your requested cabin category. As soon as the booking is confirmed, (usually within 24 hours), a cruise confirmation advice will be posted to the client. The passenger must also complete Holland America cruise personaliser. Final payments are due to be paid to Travelrite International 90 days prior to the commencement of the fly/cruise. A 1.5% administration fee will be added to payments by credit card.
Cancellation Charges: * Cancellation conditions don’t apply for clients with future cruise/tour credits. Cruise/tour credits are non-refundable.
| Days prior to Departure | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|
| Over 90 days | loss of deposit |
| 90 - 61 days | 100% of full fare |
| Non appearance/no written notice | 100% of full fare |
Refunds:
The cruise is based on arrangements which do not allow for
any refunds in respect to sightseeing, accommodation, meals or other
services not utilised after the tour has commenced.
Travel Documents:
All passengers will require a valid passport. An
ESTA visa waiver is required for entrance into the USA. If you are not an
Australian passport holder check with Travelrite International for visa
requirements.
Travel Insurance:
Adequate travel insurance is highly recommended
to cover cruise members for the consequences of unforeseen events
during the cruise and for cancellation fees which could result from events
such as illness, accident, death etc.
Baggage:
Passengers qualify for a 23kg free baggage allowance on
flights to join or return from the cruise.
Minimum Tour Numbers:
The fly/cruise arrangements have been
made on the basis of a minimum number of passengers travelling. In the
event that less than the required number of passengers have confirmed
their booking 90 days from the date of departure, Travelrite International
reserves the right to cancel the tour, giving a full refund of monies paid,
or offer arrangements to proceed with the tour at a modified fare.
Tour Participation:
Children under 5 years of age are ineligible on coach & cruise tours. Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Passengers with disabilities are welcome on Travelrite & Cruise Offers tours provided they are accompanied by a companion capable of providing all necessary assistance, and do not require special assistance from Travelrite & Cruise Offers personnel. Travelrite and Cruise Offers reserves the right to refuse to carry anyone if it is felt the individual cannot cope with the requirements of coach & cruise tour travel and who may require services and facilities that Travelrite & Cruise Offers cannot guarantee will be available. You agree to not hold the Travelrite & Cruise Offers responsible for any decision made by any of them or any service provider to refuse to carry you, provide any facilities or accommodation to you or to provide any service to you.
Responsibilities: Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ATAS No. A10538) is the tour organiser. Travelrite International Pty Ltd, its agents, officers, affiliates, and/or suppliers of services pursuant to, or in connection with these fly/cruises, shall act only as agents in making arrangements for hotels, transportation, including transportation by ship, restaurants, or any other service and do not assume any liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, death, loss, accident or delay to person or property due to an act of negligence or a default of any hotel, carrier restaurant company or person rendering any services included in fly/cruises, or by act of God. Further, no responsibilities are accepted for any damage or delay due to sickness, pilferage, labour disputes, machinery break-down, quarantine, government restraints, weather, terrorism or other causes beyond their control. No responsibility is accepted for any additional expense, omission, delays, re-routing or acts of any government authority. Baggage is at owners’ risk throughout the fly/cruise. The passage contract between the carriers concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the purchasers of this fly/ cruise and/or the passengers. The right is reserved to withdraw any fly/cruise and/or make such changes in the fly/cruises as may be found desirable or necessary for the convenience of the parties and the proper carrying out of the fly/cruise. If the tour leader is unable to lead the tour due to unforeseen circumstances, for example illness, Travelrite International reserves the right to replace the tour leader. This contract shall be construed in accordance of the laws of the State of Victoria, Australia and any legal action must be undertaken in the State of Victoria. Attention is also directed to the terms and conditions of the Holland America fly/cruise passage contract with Holland America, detailed on the back of the Holland America reservation form. If you do not have a copy of this form please contact Travelrite International and we will send one to you.
Delays And Unforeseen Events:
You engage Travelrite International
to book this tour on your behalf and you acknowledge that Travelrite
International acts as your agent for the purpose of making contracts
between you and the various providers of accommodation, transportation
and other services that comprise the tour. Travelrite may without
reference to you provide or make available to you, or may as your agent engage any third party to provide or make available to you, any good or
service which Travelrite reasonably believes is necessary for your benefit
to maintain the tour itinerary, repatriate you or otherwise accommodate,
transport or sustain you in circumstances in which the tour itinerary fails
wholly or partly for any reason. You appoint Travelrite International your
attorney for this purpose. You agree to pay Travelrite any cost thereof
and you indemnify Travelrite in respect of any cost it incurs in this regard.
Travelrite advises you to obtain travel insurance generally including in
respect of the risk that any such good or service may become required.
How to Book: Bookings can be made by completing a booking form and sending it with a non-refundable deposit of $1000 per person to:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd
423 Whitehorse Road Balwyn, Victoria 3103
Further information can be obtained by telephoning
Toll Free: 1800 630 343
Cruise info – Email Nigel: nigel@travelrite.com.au
Bridge info – Email Gary: ezeriah78@gmail.com
About Travelrite International: Travelrite International Pty Ltd (A.B.N.64 005 817 078) is a well-established travel company which has been operating in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne for more than 40 years. It is fully IATA and ATAS accredited: A10538. As such, it directly represents the major airlines of the world and all major domestic and international tour and transport operators. Travelrite International has been operating special interest tours for 30 years, and now runs over 120 tours a year. Travelrite International Pty Ltd is a full member of the Australian Travel Industry Association – ATIA.
“This was my fourth Travelrite tour – the courtesy and attention to detail was outstanding from the travel consultant to the tour manager. It was too hard to choose a favourite sightseeing tour as all of them were interesting and the local guides good.”
“I thoroughly enjoyed the cruise and excursions. I met so many nice people and had great confidence in our Tour Manager.”
