Grand Voyage Meetup & Chocolate Afternoon Tea in Sydney
It’s rare that our two Grand Voyage ships cross paths, and something we love celebrating! On Saturday, March 7, 2026, Zaandam and Volendam met up in Sydney, Australia, and guests from both ships enjoyed a special Chocolate Afternoon Tea to commemorate the occasion.
Hosted aboard Zaandam, Culinary Ambassador Jacques Torres curated a menu of signature chocolate creations. Guests delighted in a delectable and elegant selection, including scones and finger sandwiches, as well as treats created by Torres for the event — chocolate madeleines, chocolate canelé de Bordeaux, Le Lion chocolate-dipped marshmallows and Gâteau de Voyage, paired with our Royal Dutch Tea Time Blend.
Wondering what it’s like to cruise around the world? Learn more about our Grand Voyages.
The community of world travelers makes this moment so meaningful. As Darren Lewis, Zaandam’s Hotel General Manager, said, “When guests sail with us for months at a time, they become a community. Seeing that community from two ships come together in Sydney to share stories, celebrate the journey, and enjoy a beautifully crafted afternoon tea was a powerful reminder of what makes Grand Voyages so special.”
What’s Next for the 2026 Grand Voyages
Volendam is currently sailing on the 133-day Grand World Voyage, heading to Asia before crossing the Pacific Ocean and transiting the Panama Canal to finish the journey in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Meanwhile, Zaandam will continue exploring Australia and New Zealand before sailing to French Polynesia and eventually completing its 93-day Grand Voyage in San Diego, California.
