After two-and-a-half-years Holland America Line is preparing to return to Japan for a series of cruises in early 2023 with the ms Westerdam.

The government of Japan announced on November 15 it is ready to start welcoming international cruise ships again to allow tourists to enjoy the wonders of cruising to the country's beautiful ports.

"We're grateful for the work that the Japanese authorities have done to allow for a return to cruising," said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. "Holland America Line's guests love longer voyages to unique parts of the world, and we'll be sailing to some incredible locations as our season in Japan and the rest of Asia begins."

Ms Westerdam is currently sailing in Australia and New Zealand, and will start the Asia season following a scheduled drydock in Singapore in January. Beginning February 3, the ship will start a series of Far East itineraries showcasing the diversity of countries visited while celebrating ancient histories that have been thousands of years in the making.

Sailing roundtrip from Yokohama, Japan, or Singapore, or between Yokohama and Singapore, cruises are 11 to 14 days and can be combined to form nonrepeating Collectors' Voyages. Countries explored include Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia. Five different itineraries are offered including "Indonesian Discovery," "Japan, Taiwan & The Philippines," "Japan Explorer," "Japan Discovery" and "Southern Japan." Overnight calls include Singapore; Kobe and Osaka, Japan; and Phuket, Thailand. The season concludes April 24 with a 14-day "North Pacific Crossing" from Yokohama to Seattle, Washington where Westerdam will homeport for its Alaska season.

As protocols for cruising in Asia are finalized, each departure will be added to HAL's Voyage Lookup tool, allowing guests to see any specific health protocols dureing their cruise.