Volendam Summer Cruises 2025 Explore Canada and Arctic
Volendam’s 2025 summer season brings a mix of classic and rarely visited ports to Canada, New England, and beyond, answering growing interest in immersive regional and Arctic exploration.
Holland America Line’s Volendam kicked off its summer season in Canada and New England on June 21, 2025, after completing the inaugural Pole-to-Pole World Cruise. Joining sister vessel Zuiderdam in the region, Volendam now offers a blend of round-trip and open-jaw itineraries from Montreal and Boston. The seven- to 11-night cruises visit marquee ports such as Corner Brook, Halifax, Sydney, Charlottetown and Portland, along with less-frequented stops including Îles de la Madeleine, St. Pierre et Miquelon, and Eastport. These seasonal programs emphasize the distinctive cultural and scenic highlights of Atlantic Canada and New England while running through early October.
Summer Highlights and Regional Itineraries
The summer lineup for Volendam includes seven-, nine-, and 11-night cruises. These itineraries feature a mix of well-known and remote stops, including visits to Corner Brook, Havre St. Pierre, Baie Comeau, and Eastport, reflecting Holland America’s focus on authentic, lesser-visited ports. With a capacity for 1,440 guests, Volendam’s mid-sized design allows it to call at smaller harbors, providing travelers an intimate glimpse into local heritage, maritime culture, and rugged coastal landscapes.
Such itineraries cater to guests seeking both convenience and a deeper, more immersive experience as they explore the Gulf of St. Lawrence and surrounding regions.
25-Night Greenland and Iceland Legendary Voyage
A centerpiece of the summer season is the 25-night Legendary Voyage, which departed Boston in mid-July. This month-long itinerary features visits to 15 destinations across Canada, New England, Greenland, and Iceland. Highlights include calls at Red Bay and Saint Anthony in Greenland; Nanortalik and Qaqortoq also serve as key Arctic gateways. In Iceland, travelers will experience stops in Reykjavik, Isafjord, Akureyri, Djupivogur, and Húsavík. The voyage returns to Boston in early August, offering an immersive Arctic experience as part of Holland America’s Legendary Voyages series.
According to Holland America Line, “The itinerary is part of our Legendary Voyages program, which we describe as epic journeys that weave the ceremony and splendor of our Grand Voyages.” Onboard enrichment such as port-focused presentations, destination-themed events, and live string ensembles further enhance the immersive experience.
Extended Cruises and Future Deployments
After the 25-night voyage, Volendam continues with seven- to 11-night itineraries between Boston and Montreal through early October. Once the fall season concludes, the ship embarks on a 45-night Legendary Voyage roundtrip from New York City, venturing to destinations across Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece, Egypt, Turkey, Malta, Tunisia, and the United Kingdom. A subsequent 30-night journey from New York City to Fort Lauderdale includes Caribbean calls such as Curaçao and Aruba.
In December, Volendam repositions to Fort Lauderdale for Amazon and Caribbean sailings before beginning Holland America Line’s 2026 World Voyage. Departing from Port Everglades, the 133-night global odyssey will visit 48 ports in 25 countries across regions including South America, the South Pacific, Australia, Southeast Asia, the Far East, and Alaska. These voyages combine access to less-visited destinations with luxurious onboard programming, underscoring Holland America’s tradition of extensive and culturally rich cruise experiences.
Ship Details and Onboard Experience
Built in 1999, Volendam is designed to offer an elevated cruise experience over diverse itineraries. Its mid-sized layout facilitates calls at remote and picturesque harbors, particularly in Greenland and the Canadian Maritimes. A host of onboard enrichment programs, including destination-themed concerts, expert-led lectures, and interactive presentations, delve into the history, culture, flora, and fauna of each region, aligning with current trends favoring immersive, authentic travel.
As Volendam sails through Canada, New England, Greenland, Iceland, and onward to global destinations, its varied Legendary Voyages underscore Holland America Line’s dedication to offering diverse itineraries and deeper cultural exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Legendary Voyages program offered by Holland America?
Holland America describes Legendary Voyages as “epic journeys that weave the ceremony and splendor” of its Grand Voyages. These sailings often include rare destinations, longer port calls, and onboard enrichment such as string ensembles, themed presentations, and special port-focused events.
What destinations are included in the 25-night Greenland and Iceland cruise?
This itinerary links Canada and New England with ports in Greenland and Iceland. In Greenland, stops include Red Bay, Saint Anthony, Nanortalik, and Qaqortoq; in Iceland, key ports such as Reykjavik, Isafjord, Akureyri, Djupivogur, and Húsavík are featured, offering a blend of classic coastal and remote Arctic experiences.
What are the key features of the 2026 World Voyage?
The 133-night cruise departs from Port Everglades and visits 48 ports across 25 countries including destinations in South America, Australia, Southeast Asia, the Far East, and Alaska. Guests enjoy a wide array of cultural and natural highlights enhanced by onboard lectures and destination-themed events.
Which ports are featured on the seven- to 11-night cruises in Canada and New England?
Sailings call at popular destinations such as Corner Brook, Halifax, Sydney, Charlottetown, and Portland, along with ports like Havre St. Pierre, Baie Comeau, Îles de la Madeleine, St. Pierre et Miquelon, and Eastport. These itineraries run through early October between Montreal and Boston.
How large is Volendam and when was it built?
Volendam was built in 1999 and accommodates 1,440 guests. Its mid-sized design enables it to access smaller, less-frequented ports, ensuring a more intimate and immersive cruising experience.
As Holland America Line continues to expand its Legendary Voyages program, Volendam’s 2025–2026 sailings reflect the company’s commitment to varied itineraries, extended cruise options, and in-depth cultural exploration of both classic and remote travel destinations.
