Zaandam and Volendam Unite Grand Voyage Guests for Sydney Chocolate Tea

Holland America Line brought together guests sailing on two of its 2026 Grand Voyages when Zaandam and Volendam overlapped in Sydney, Australia, on March 7 for a joint Chocolate Afternoon Tea hosted aboard Zaandam. The ships rarely share ports during their long itineraries, and Holland America framed the gathering as a one-off moment for passengers spending months at sea on separate voyages.

"Moments like this are what make a Grand Voyage truly unforgettable. When guests sail with us for months at a time, they become a community," said Darren Lewis, hotel general manager aboard Zaandam. Holland America Line Culinary Ambassador Jacques Torres created the event’s menu, built around his signature chocolate creations.

Two long voyages that seldom overlap

The Sydney meetup came as both ships progressed through extended itineraries that place them in different regions for much of the season.

• Zaandam is sailing a 93-day Grand Voyage that departed on a roundtrip itinerary from San Diego in late January 2026, with destinations including Australia, New Zealand, and French Polynesia.
• Volendam is operating a 133-day Grand World Voyage that departed Fort Lauderdale on Jan. 4, 2026, and is scheduled to conclude in May 2026, returning to Fort Lauderdale.

Pitcairn Island call built around an onboard cultural exchange

During its world cruise, Volendam made a rare call at Pitcairn Island on day 46 of the 133-day itinerary. Pitcairn is the only inhabited island in a group of four volcanic islands and has 38 residents. The island sits about 1,350 miles east-southeast of Tahiti, a distance that underscores the logistical constraints for both residents and visiting ships.

Holland America considers it impractical for cruise guests to disembark at Pitcairn, so the visit was structured around an onboard exchange instead. A delegation of 28 island residents, including the mayor, came aboard Volendam to meet guests, discuss daily life in a small and isolated community, and offer handcrafted items made by local families.

Volendam also coordinated practical support for the island during the call. With supply ships reaching Pitcairn only about four times per year, fresh provisions can be limited, according to the information provided. Hotel General Manager Florin Dragomir coordinated a donation of fresh items including milk, meat, and eggs, working with Pitcairn’s leadership.

While guests remained onboard, a small group of Volendam team members was invited ashore to experience the destination directly and share what they saw with guests and crew back on the ship. Volendam Captain Rens van Eerten also marked the call with a plaque exchange with Pitcairn’s mayor, a traditional maritime gesture used to commemorate official visits.

Holland America did not include a separate statement specifically about the Pitcairn call beyond the operational details and the shipboard personnel involved.

Project Linus workshops continue aboard the Grand World Voyage

Volendam’s Grand World Voyage also includes onboard community work through Holland America Line’s partnership with the nonprofit Project Linus, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in December 2025. Passengers ranging from experienced knitters to beginners take part in workshops during the four-month journey, producing handmade blankets intended for children facing illness, trauma, or crisis.

Longtime passengers Marty and Gail Gottlieb of Jacksonville, Florida, have led the effort for more than seven world cruises. On this voyage, they arrived with nearly one million yards of yarn in more than 30 colors. Holland America said crew members also contribute to the workshops, and the line reported that 1,600 blankets have been produced over the last three Grand World Voyages, with completed donations set for delivery to Project Linus after the voyage ends in May 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What made the Chocolate Afternoon Tea in Sydney notable?

It brought together passengers, captains, and senior officers from both Zaandam and Volendam during their separate 2026 Grand Voyages. The tea was hosted aboard Zaandam on March 7 in Sydney, with a chocolate-focused menu created by Culinary Ambassador Jacques Torres.

Did guests go ashore at Pitcairn Island?

No. Holland America considers guest disembarkation impractical at Pitcairn, so the call was structured around an onboard cultural exchange with residents visiting the ship instead.

How many Pitcairn residents visited Volendam, and who led the group?

Twenty-eight residents came aboard Volendam, and the delegation included the island’s mayor.

What support did Volendam provide to Pitcairn during the call?

Hotel General Manager Florin Dragomir coordinated a donation of fresh provisions, including milk, meat, and eggs, in coordination with Pitcairn’s leadership.

What is Project Linus, and how many blankets has the program produced on recent world cruises?

Project Linus is a nonprofit that provides handmade blankets to children facing illness, trauma, or crisis. Holland America said passengers and crew have produced 1,600 blankets over the last three Grand World Voyages, with donations delivered after each voyage concludes, including the May 2026 end of Volendam’s current sailing.