Holland America Unveils 2027-28 South America, Antarctica Cruises

Holland America Line has released details of its 2027-2028 South America and Antarctica cruise season, outlining longer itineraries that can include visits to as many as six countries on a single voyage. The program runs from November 2027 through March 2028 and is scheduled to operate on two ships, Zuiderdam and Oosterdam.

Season schedule, ships, and departure options

Holland America said the season will feature cruises ranging from 14 to 31 days, with departures offered from multiple gateways depending on the itinerary. Embarkation ports listed for the program include Buenos Aires, Argentina; San Antonio (Santiago), Chile; and Fort Lauderdale and Miami in Florida.

The line also positioned several sailings as combinable “Collectors’ Voyages,” pairing back-to-back cruises into longer trips with few or no repeating ports.

Scenic cruising and Antarctica time built into the itineraries

Across the season, Holland America said the lineup includes nine scenic cruising opportunities. A headline element is a four-day Antarctic Experience on select voyages, alongside scenic passages in southern South America.

Named scenic cruising areas and waterways highlighted in the rollout include the Pio XI Glacier, Glacier Alley, the Beagle Channel, and the Chilean Fjords. Antarctica-focused sailings also incorporate the Drake Passage.

Key itineraries across the Amazon, Patagonia, Antarctica, and the Panama Canal

The two ships share the overall season, but Holland America’s itinerary mix varies by sailing and includes deep South America routes, canal transits, and longer collector combinations.

• Zuiderdam is scheduled to operate a 28-day Legendary Amazon Explorer sailing roundtrip from Miami, departing Feb. 5, 2028, including overnight stays in Manaus.
• That Amazon itinerary lists calls at Parintins, Alter do Chao, Santarem, and Boca da Valeria, and also includes Caribbean stops at Martinique, Barbados, and St. Lucia.
• Oosterdam is assigned a 14- to 15-day South America Pathways: Chilean Fjords & Glaciers itinerary between Buenos Aires and San Antonio (Santiago), featuring areas such as Glacier Alley and the Beagle Channel as well as a Cape Horn passage.
• For travelers combining South America with a canal transit, Oosterdam is also set to offer a 16-day Inca & Panama Canal Discovery: Lima Overnight itinerary, marketed with a Panama Canal transit and calls including Fuerte Amador (Panama City) and Callao (Lima).
• Antarctica is featured on a 22-day South America & Antarctica itinerary on Oosterdam sailing between Buenos Aires and San Antonio (Santiago), with Holland America describing four days devoted to Antarctica and port calls including Montevideo, Puerto Madryn, Ushuaia, and Port Stanley.

Overland add-ons to Machu Picchu and the Galapagos

In addition to onboard and port programming, Holland America is advertising optional overland experiences tied to major inland sites. Options highlighted for the season include an overland trip to Machu Picchu, framed by the line as a way to visit the historic Inca citadel during the cruise.

The company also listed a Galapagos Islands overland program. While the cruises themselves focus on South America and Antarctica, Holland America positioned these add-ons as extensions beyond the ship’s standard call pattern, with the Galapagos described as an opportunity to see wildlife such as giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, and marine iguanas.

Wildlife viewing and national park excursions cited in the rollout

Holland America said the sailings and excursions are designed around wildlife viewing both from the ship and on land, citing examples such as penguin colonies and pink river dolphins. The company also pointed to shore options tied to national parks and protected areas, including Machalilla National Park and Torres del Paine, as well as a canopy experience at Soberania National Park in Panama.

The line noted that specific availability can vary by itinerary and tour operation on the day of call.

What the itinerary team highlighted

Paul Grigsby, vice president of itinerary planning and deployment at Holland America Line, said the company built the program for travelers looking for less-common routings. “Our South America and Antarctica itineraries are designed for travelers who want to go beyond the ordinary,” Grigsby said.

He pointed to glacier viewing and time in Ushuaia among the moments featured in the season, and said the line aims to combine access to remote areas “with the comfort and personalized service” associated with the brand.

Promotions tied to early bookings

Holland America is attaching limited-time booking offers to the 2027-2028 South America and Antarctica sailings through promotions linked to its Have It All premium package. For qualifying bookings, the company said standard Have It All inclusions apply, including shore excursions, specialty dining, a Signature Beverage Package, and Surf Wi-Fi.

For the promotional period described by the line, the offer also adds free prepaid crew appreciation and includes upgrades to the Elite Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi. Holland America also listed an early booking benefit for Mariner Society loyalty members, with up to $400 in onboard credit per stateroom.

The first departures of the season are scheduled for November 2027, with sailings continuing into March 2028 on Zuiderdam and Oosterdam, including longer Collectors’ Voyages that extend time in the region by combining back-to-back itineraries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which ships are scheduled to operate Holland America’s 2027-2028 South America and Antarctica season?

Holland America listed two ships for the season: Zuiderdam and Oosterdam, operating voyages from November 2027 through March 2028.

How long are the 2027-2028 South America and Antarctica itineraries?

The line said the season ranges from 14 to 31 days, including longer Collectors’ Voyages created by combining back-to-back sailings with few or no repeating ports.

What embarkation ports are offered for the 2027-2028 program?

Embarkation options listed include Buenos Aires, Argentina; San Antonio (Santiago), Chile; and Fort Lauderdale and Miami in Florida, depending on the itinerary.

What is included in Holland America’s Have It All early booking promotion for this season?

Holland America said standard Have It All inclusions apply for qualifying bookings, including shore excursions, specialty dining, a Signature Beverage Package, and Surf Wi-Fi. For the promotional period described by the line, the offer also adds free prepaid crew appreciation, upgrades to the Elite Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi, and up to $400 in onboard credit per stateroom for Mariner Society members.