SEATTLE – April 30, 2026 — Holland America Line has released full details of its 2028 Grand Voyages, confirming two extensive itineraries that will take guests across multiple continents, UNESCO sites and remote destinations. Both voyages depart from U.S. homeports in January 2028 and reflect years of guest feedback and demand for deeper, more immersive exploration.
The programme features a 129‑day Grand World Voyage aboard Volendam and a 90‑day Grand Australia & New Zealand Voyage aboard Zaandam. Holland America Line President Beth Bodensteiner unveiled the itineraries to guests currently sailing on the 2026 Grand World Voyage.
Two long‑form itineraries announced
The 129‑day Grand World Voyage departs roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale on 4 January 2028, visiting 45 ports in 26 countries and territories across six continents. The itinerary includes South America, Antarctica, the South Pacific, New Zealand, Australia, Asia, Africa and the Caribbean.
The 90‑day Grand Australia & New Zealand Voyage sails roundtrip from San Diego on 30 January 2028, calling at 41 ports in 12 countries and territories. The voyage focuses on the South Pacific, New Zealand and Australia, including seldom‑visited ports along Western Australia’s remote coastline.
Holland America Line President Beth Bodensteiner said: “What makes our Grand Voyage itineraries special is the opportunity to experience destinations more fully while visiting rare Mariners’ Collection ports exclusive to these cruises. In direct response to our guests, the 2028 Grand Voyages are anchored by truly unforgettable moments, from exploring Antarctica and crossing the globe on the Grand World Voyage to sailing past Null Island, where the Prime Meridian and the Equator meet at zero, and calling at legendary destinations like Easter Island and Bora Bora.”
Grand World Voyage highlights
The Volendam itinerary features a four‑day Antarctic Experience and scenic cruising through the Beagle Channel, Glacier Alley and the Chilean Fjords. Guests will also visit Easter Island and enjoy a sail‑past of Null Island at 0°N, 0°E.
Additional highlights include:
- Eight days across six ports in New Zealand
- Calls throughout French Polynesia
- A route through Australia, Indonesia, Singapore and Sri Lanka
- Rounding the Cape of Good Hope and sailing the West African coast
- 31 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Valparaíso, Komodo National Park and the Taj Mahal
- 16 Mariners’ Collection ports such as Walvis Bay, Réunion Island and Cape Verde
- Extended stays including 65 hours in Cape Town
- Two equator crossings
The voyage concludes with a transatlantic segment and a call at San Juan, Puerto Rico before returning to Fort Lauderdale.
Australia and Pacific‑focused voyage
The Zaandam itinerary begins with a westbound crossing via Hawaii and the South Pacific, including an International Date Line crossing en route to New Zealand. Ports include Auckland, Tauranga, Wellington, Milford Sound, Port Chalmers and Timaru, followed by calls in Hobart, Sydney, Cairns and Fremantle.
The return journey includes Melanesia, Fiji, Samoa and French Polynesia, with an extended evening stay in Bora Bora.
Key features include:
- 13 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Great Barrier Reef and Tongariro National Park
- Overnight calls in Hobart, Sydney, Cairns, Fremantle, Auckland and Papeete
- A roundtrip itinerary from San Diego with no international flights required
Shared highlights and onboard experience
Both Grand Voyages will call on Bora Bora — the first time Holland America Line has scheduled both itineraries to visit the destination in the same season. Operated by Volendam and Zaandam, the voyages benefit from small‑ship access to remote harbours and less‑frequented ports.
Onboard, guests can expect extended enrichment programming, regional entertainment, evolving menus inspired by the destinations visited and signature events such as gala evenings and the Captain’s Grand Voyage Dinner.
Source: Holland America Line official press release, 30 April 2026.
