Holland America Line to Take Over P&O Cruises’ Arcadia in 2029
Built by Fincantieri in Marghera in 2005, Arcadia was originally ordered by Holland America before being reassigned to Cunard and then P&O Cruises ahead of launch.
Holland America Line will take over P&O Cruises’ Arcadia in 2029, expanding its fleet from 11 ships to 12 and adding capacity for more than 2,000 guests. Announced on Oct. 6, 2026, the transfer includes an overhaul through the Holland America Evolution fleet renewal program.
Arcadia shares its Vista Class design with Holland America’s Oosterdam, Noordam, Westerdam and Zuiderdam. The line expects the additional ship to give it more flexibility in planning its global deployments.
Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line, cited strong guest demand. “It supports our near-term growth while fitting alongside the company’s broader approach to modernization and future fleet expansion, including the thoughtful consideration of newbuilds,” she said. Rotterdam, which debuted in 2021, remains the line’s most recent new ship.
The move is part of a transfer of two ships among three Carnival Corporation brands. P&O will receive Cunard’s 3,000-passenger Queen Anne after that vessel completes its 2028-29 World Voyage. Following a refit and renaming, Queen Anne is scheduled to begin P&O service in May 2029. Published sailings on both vessels before their respective handovers remain scheduled to operate without changes.
Refit scope remains undecided
Evolution began as a multiyear investment exceeding $500 million for six Vista and Signature Class ships, including Nieuw Amsterdam and Eurodam. The program adds dining venues and accommodation while introducing selected features from Holland America’s Pinnacle Class ships.
The first completed upgrades are scheduled to debut aboard Oosterdam in fall 2027, with Zuiderdam following in April 2028. Their announced changes include Bridgeview Suites and Solo Verandah cabins designed for single travelers, alongside the Grand Dutch Cafe and a renovated Ocean Bar.
Holland America has not confirmed which of those features Arcadia will receive. Decisions on its venues are expected over the next several months, and the line has yet to announce routes or itineraries for the vessel.
A name change is also likely. Holland America said it expects to follow its tradition of Dutch ship names, with further information due closer to the vessel’s entry into service. The line has not detailed how its family-booking policy will apply to Arcadia.
From Holland America order to P&O farewell
Fincantieri built the 83,781-gross-ton Arcadia at Marghera, Italy, in 2005. Currently based in Southampton, the ship accommodates up to 2,094 passengers and carries approximately 866 crew.
Holland America originally ordered the vessel in 2000 as its fifth Vista Class ship. During construction it was reassigned to Cunard, where it was intended to become Queen Victoria, before a further change sent it to P&O ahead of launch. It entered service there as an adults-only vessel.
Paul Ludlow, president of Carnival UK, P&O Cruises and Cunard, said Arcadia “has been a much-loved part of P&O Cruises for more than two decades.” He welcomed its continued operation within Carnival Corporation following the farewell season.
That season includes a 16-night Atlantic islands cruise departing Dec. 21, 2028, with a New Year’s Eve call at Madeira, followed by a 126-night World Cruise departing Jan. 6, 2029. P&O’s final voyage aboard the ship will be a 22-night Central Mediterranean sailing leaving July 30 and ending Aug. 21. Drydock work and rebranding will precede its Holland America debut later that year.
Pre-registration for P&O’s winter 2028-29 collection, which includes Arcadia’s farewell sailings, runs from Oct. 13 through Oct. 19, 2026. General sales open Oct. 21.
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