Holland America Opens 2028 Canada and New England Cruises
Zuiderdam’s Evolution refit will add Solo Verandah staterooms, bow-facing Bridgeview Suites and a Grand Dutch Cafe, alongside refreshed cabins and public areas.
Holland America Line opened bookings Oct. 1, 2026, for its May–October 2028 Canada and New England season aboard Volendam and Zuiderdam. The company says the schedule includes more Montreal calls than any competing cruise line.
The program currently has 27 sailings available to book, ranging from seven to 14 days, with longer Collectors’ Voyages also offered. It will bring Zuiderdam to the region for the first time following the ship’s Evolution refurbishment.
Holland America did not disclose its Montreal call total in the announcement. Across all operators, the port handled 61,727 passengers and crew during 42 cruise operations in 2025, compared with 65,136 passengers and crew across 41 operations in 2024.
Departures are scheduled from Montreal, Quebec City, Boston, New York and Fort Lauderdale. Some itineraries include overnight visits to Quebec City or late departures from Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, and Saint John, New Brunswick.
“One of the things guests love most about Canada & New England is that you can experience the feel of Europe without crossing the Atlantic,” said Paul Grigsby, Holland America Line’s vice president of revenue planning and deployment.
Onboard programming will include Atlantic seafood, regional dishes and performances by musicians such as Breton Thunder. Holland America says the itineraries provide access to five national parks and seven UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Itineraries stretch from Newfoundland to Florida
Both ships will operate weeklong cruises linking Boston with Montreal or Quebec City, as well as Boston round trips. Depending on the itinerary, calls include Halifax and Sydney in Nova Scotia, Portland in Maine, Prince Edward Island and Saint John.
Volendam’s 11-day Montreal round trips depart May 27 and Aug. 29. The Maritimes & New France itinerary combines Quebec City, Saguenay and Cap-aux-Meules with visits to Prince Edward Island, Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, and St. John’s.
Two 10-day Volendam routes include the Newfoundland ports of Corner Brook, St. Anthony and St. John’s, along with Halifax, Portland and Quebec City. The June 7 departure from Montreal to Boston also visits Baie-Comeau and Havre-Saint-Pierre in Quebec. The Aug. 19 sailing in the opposite direction includes Saguenay.
A nine-day Lighthouse & Harbors voyage leaves Montreal for New York aboard Volendam on Sept. 30. It visits Quebec City and Saguenay before continuing to Prince Edward Island, Sydney, Halifax and Portland.
The two 14-day departures connect Florida and Quebec: Volendam sails from Fort Lauderdale to Montreal on May 13, while Zuiderdam leaves Quebec City for Fort Lauderdale on Oct. 14. Both itineraries visit Norfolk, Boston, Halifax, Sydney, Prince Edward Island and Saguenay. The northbound cruise also calls at Portland and Quebec City; the southbound voyage includes Sept-Iles.
Zuiderdam arrives fresh from its Evolution refit
Delivered in 2002, Zuiderdam is among the six ships included in Holland America’s $500 million Evolution program. The company describes the initiative as the largest fleet investment in its 153-year history, bringing accommodations and other features inspired by its Pinnacle Class ships to existing vessels.
Zuiderdam’s additions will include Solo Verandah staterooms, Bridgeview Suites overlooking the bow and a Grand Dutch Cafe. Existing cabins and suites will be refreshed, public areas updated, and a new bandstand installed by the Lido pool for live music and events.
Oosterdam is scheduled to introduce the first Evolution upgrades in fall 2027. Zuiderdam will follow as the program’s second ship, with its refurbished sailings planned for spring 2028.
Early-booking package available on select cruises
Selected departures qualify for the limited-time Have It All Early Booking Bonus. The package combines credits for shore excursions and specialty dining with an Elite Beverage Package and premium Wi-Fi. It also includes prepaid Crew Appreciation and Holland America’s Best Price Guarantee. The announcement did not disclose starting cruise fares.
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