Holland America Sends Volendam and Zaandam on Grand Voyages
As demand for slow, immersive travel grows, Holland America is betting months-long voyages still build loyalty. It stands out as the industry leans toward shorter sailings.
Holland America Line sent two of its longest cruises of the year to sea on January 4, 2026, with Volendam departing Fort Lauderdale on a 133-night Grand World Voyage and Zaandam leaving San Diego on a 93-night Grand Australia and New Zealand Voyage.
The line said guests on each sailing were welcomed aboard by the ship’s captain, the hotel general manager, and members of the onboard leadership team. Michael Smith, Holland America Line’s senior vice president of guest experience and product development, tied the departures to the brand’s heritage, saying, “We’ve been sailing the globe for more than 150 years, and our Grand Voyages really showcase what makes the Holland America Line experience so special.”
Volendam’s world cruise: five continents and 51 destinations
Volendam’s roundtrip itinerary from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale is scheduled to span 133 nights (often described as a 133-day voyage), calling at 51 destinations across 23 countries and territories on five continents. Holland America’s routing groups major segments in South America, the Pacific, and Asia, with scenic cruising in Antarctica positioned as a marquee feature.
After sailing south from Florida, Volendam’s early routing includes French Guiana before beginning a series of Brazil calls that includes Belém, Recife, and Rio de Janeiro. Later in January, the ship is scheduled to reach Argentina and Uruguay en route to Antarctica and Cape Horn.
From the Pacific side of South America, the voyage continues to ports in Chile before heading into the South Pacific and onward to French Polynesia, Australia, and New Zealand. The ship then turns toward Southeast Asia and the Far East, with calls that include Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore, Hong Kong, Nagasaki, and Yokohama.
On the return toward North America, the itinerary includes Alaska and the U.S. West Coast before a Panama Canal transit and a final stretch of ports in the Caribbean and Central America. Volendam is scheduled to return to Fort Lauderdale on May 17, 2026.
Zaandam’s 93-night Australia and New Zealand itinerary
While Volendam sailed from Florida, Zaandam began a 93-night Grand Australia and New Zealand Voyage from San Diego on January 4. Holland America said the roundtrip sailing calls at 42 ports across the South Pacific region and includes a Bora Bora visit the company described as rare.
Shared calendar moments: a Sydney meet-up and “Chocolate Teatime”
Holland America scheduled the two ships to meet in Sydney on March 7. The company said chocolatier Jacques Torres will host a “Chocolate Teatime” in port to mark the occasion and celebrate both Grand Voyages.
Onboard programming: culinary hosts and themed evenings
For the Grand World Voyage, Holland America said Volendam will feature Culinary Ambassadors Chef Masaharu Morimoto and Chef Ethan Stowell, along with Master Tea Blender Steve Schwartz, founder of Art of Tea. The company said the lineup will lead signature activities such as private dinners, coffee chats, cooking demonstrations, and tea tastings.
Across the two extended itineraries, Holland America also planned costume-oriented theme nights and social events, including a Great Gatsby Night, a Masquerade Ball, a Casino Royale party, and a “Glamp Out” that includes s’mores on the Lido deck.
Recife call: more than 900 guests and a season outlook
As Volendam progressed through the South America portion of its world itinerary, the ship made a transit call in Recife, Brazil, on January 15, 2026. Recife Port said the visit brought more than 900 guests to the port and marked the first ship call of the year in Recife.
Recife Port Managing Director Paulo Nery said the ship’s arrival was met with a dedicated welcome that included frevo music, a crafts fair, and a local beverage tasting, and he linked the cruise season to broader tourism activity.
“We have so far welcomed more than 7,000 visitors this season, including passengers and crew members,” Nery said. “We still have ten ships scheduled to arrive in Pernambuco, and our expectation is to welcome over 20,000 visitors by the end of the season in April.” He added that the flow of ship calls supports the economy, tourism, job creation, and the state’s visibility.
Recife Port said the season runs through early April, with ten additional ships expected. The port has already received calls from brands including Silversea, Costa Cruises, Viking, and P&O Cruises, and it is preparing for additional visits that include AIDAmar, Phoenix Reisen’s Artania, and Seven Seas Splendor.
What’s next: Volendam’s remaining route and future extended itineraries
Volendam’s world voyage continues toward Antarctica and the Pacific, with the Sydney meet-up with Zaandam scheduled for March 7, before returning to Fort Lauderdale on May 17, 2026. Holland America also scheduled Volendam to begin a summer season afterward, with cruises planned for Canada and New England as well as Iceland, the Arctic, and related northern itineraries.
Looking beyond the current sailings, Holland America has also announced two extended options for 2027: a 129-day Grand World Voyage and a 70-day Grand South America & Antarctica Voyage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When did Holland America Line’s 2026 Grand Voyages depart?
Volendam and Zaandam both departed on January 4, 2026, with Volendam sailing from Fort Lauderdale and Zaandam sailing from San Diego.
How long is Volendam’s Grand World Voyage and when does it return?
Holland America scheduled the sailing for 133 nights, with Volendam due back in Fort Lauderdale on May 17, 2026.
What are some key highlights on Volendam’s itinerary?
Holland America highlighted scenic cruising in Antarctica, plus overnight stays in destinations that include Papeete, Bali, and Yokohama. The route also includes calls across South America, the South Pacific, and Asia, with ports listed by the company including Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore, Hong Kong, Nagasaki, and Yokohama.
What special event is planned when Volendam and Zaandam meet?
The ships are scheduled to meet in Sydney on March 7, where Holland America said chocolatier Jacques Torres will host a “Chocolate Teatime” in port.
What future Grand Voyages has Holland America announced for 2027?
The cruise line has announced a 129-day Grand World Voyage and a 70-day Grand South America & Antarctica Voyage for 2027.
