Two expansive voyages scheduled for 2028 will take travelers across six continents and into some of the most remote waters on Earth. The trips are designed for long-term exploration, with one journey lasting more than four months.
Holland America Line announced Thursday that it will deploy two of its smaller ships for these deep-exploration itineraries. The company said the routes were created based on years of feedback from travelers who want to see rare ports of call.
The first trip is a 129-day world cruise departing in January 2028. This voyage visits 26 countries and includes a specialized four-day experience in Antarctica.
Cruise line officials said the ship will sail south along the coast of South America before heading into the Antarctic region. The vessel will then travel through the Chilean Fjords and visit Easter Island.
The company said the ship will eventually cross the equator twice. During the trip, it will pass Null Island, the geographic point where the Prime Meridian and Equator meet at zero degrees.
The second voyage focuses on Australia and New Zealand over the course of 90 days. This itinerary departs from San Diego, which the company said allows travelers to avoid international flights before boarding.
Travelers on this route will visit 41 ports across two continents. The cruise line said the trip features rare access to the remote shores of Western Australia.
Both ships will stop at Bora Bora in the South Pacific. Cruise line officials said this marks the first time both of their major long-distance voyages will visit the island in a single season.
“What makes our Grand Voyage itineraries special is the opportunity to experience destinations more fully while visiting rare Mariners’ Collection ports exclusive to these cruises,” Holland America Line President Beth Bodensteiner said.
The voyages will take place on the Volendam and the Zaandam. The company said these ships are sized specifically to reach harbors that larger cruise ships cannot enter.
Dining options on the ships will change daily to reflect the local ingredients of the regions being visited. The company said menus are rarely repeated during the months-long journeys.
Entertainment on board will include regional cultural performers. The cruise line said guests will also attend formal events such as gala balls and a captain’s dinner.
The world cruise is scheduled to depart Jan. 4 from Fort Lauderdale. The Australia and New Zealand trip will leave Jan. 30 from San Diego.
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Travelers who book by June 2027 may be eligible for credits toward flights and onboard spending. The company said these benefits can total several thousand dollars per room.
What is Holland America Line?
Holland America Line has operated for more than 150 years. The company currently manages a fleet of 11 vessels that visit nearly 400 ports worldwide.
Bodensteiner said the 2028 routes were anchored by “truly unforgettable moments.” These include sailing past the intersection of the Prime Meridian and the Equator.
The world cruise will visit 31 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These locations include the Taj Mahal in India and Komodo National Park in Indonesia.
The Australia trip includes overnight stays in major cities such as Sydney and Auckland. This allows guests more time to explore the local culture after the sun sets.
The company said the smaller ship size is necessary for navigating the Teavanui Pass in Bora Bora. This allows guests to dock closer to the island’s famous lagoons.
Registration for the cruises is currently open through specialized reservation desks. The company said travelers can place deposits now to receive priority booking.
More information is available for travelers at hollandamerica.com.
