Holland America Line Opens Bookings for 2028 Grand Voyages
Extended itineraries explore Antarctica, Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific and six continents
Seattle, Wash., May 20, 2026 — Holland America Line today opened bookings for its 2028 Grand Voyages, revealing extended itineraries aboard Volendam and Zaandam that span six continents and focus on marquee destinations, scenic cruising and longer stays. The 2028 Grand World Voyage and the 2028 Grand Australia & New Zealand Voyage feature carefully planned routing that supports in-depth exploration across Antarctica, the South Pacific, New Zealand, Australia and beyond.
“When we plan a Grand Voyage, we are looking closely at how each part of the itinerary connects and how much time guests will have in each region,” said Paul Grigsby, vice president of deployment and revenue planning for Holland America Line. “For 2028, the focus was on building routes that make sense from start to finish, with meaningful time in destinations like Antarctica, New Zealand and the South Pacific, paired with scenic passages that are integral to the journey.”
The 129-day 2028 Grand World Voyage circles the globe with a full Antarctic Experience and scenic cruising through South America’s most dramatic waterways, including the Chilean Fjords, Glacier Alley and Beagle Channel. Guests cross the equator twice and experience a sail past Null Island, where the prime meridian and equator intersect at 0°N, 0°E. The itinerary also includes a call at Easter Island and ports across six continents.
The 90-day 2028 Grand Australia & New Zealand Voyage offers a focused exploration of the South Pacific, New Zealand and Australia, combining overnight calls and multi-day stays with a measured pace at sea. Guests visit multiple destinations across both countries while allowing ample time for exploration ashore. Both Grand Voyages include a call at Bora Bora, making 2028 the first season in which Holland America Line’s two Grand Voyages visit the “Pearl of the Pacific.”
The 2028 Grand World Voyage departs Jan. 4, 2028, sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The 2028 Grand Australia & New Zealand Voyage departs Jan. 30, 2028, sailing roundtrip from San Diego, California.
2028 Grand World Voyage Highlights — Volendam
• 129‑day voyage sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, departing Jan. 4, 2028.
• Visits 45 ports in 26 countries and territories across six continents.
Travels through the Caribbean and South America en route to Antarctica, followed by scenic cruising in the Beagle Channel, Glacier Alley and the Chilean Fjords.
• Crosses the equator on the way to Easter Island, then continues through the South Pacific and French Polynesia, including Bora Bora.
• Spends eight days exploring six ports across New Zealand before continuing through Australia, Southeast Asia and Sri Lanka.
• Rounds the Cape of Good Hope and sails along Africa’s west coast before crossing the Atlantic Ocean back to Fort Lauderdale.
• Access to 31 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Valparaíso, Chile; Komodo National Park in Komodo Island; and the Taj Mahal in India.
• Memorable moments include a four-day Antarctic Experience, eight days in New Zealand, extended time in Cape Town, South Africa, two equator crossings and a sail past Null Island.
2028 Grand Australia & New Zealand Voyage Highlights — Zaandam
• 90‑day voyage sailing roundtrip from San Diego, departing Jan. 30, 2028.
• Calls at 41 ports in 12 countries and territories across two continents.
• Sails west through Hawaii and the South Pacific, crossing the International Date Line en route to New Zealand.
• Continues through Australia before returning via Melanesia, Fiji, Samoa and French Polynesia, with an extended stay in Bora Bora.
• Access to 13 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and New Zealand’s Tongariro National Park.
• Overnight calls in Hobart, Tasmania; Sydney, Cairns and Fremantle (Perth), Australia; Auckland, New Zealand; and Papeete, French Polynesia.
• Memorable moments include ports across New Zealand, extended evening time in Bora Bora and a roundtrip departure from San Diego without the need for international flights.
Immersive Overlands in Iconic Regions
For guests looking to check off even more bucket-list moments, select multi-day overland tours turn a port day into a true once-in-a-lifetime detour. On Volendam’s Grand World Voyage, guests can trade the ship for safari country, flying from Durban to Johannesburg, South Africa, for an overnight before continuing to Hoedspruit and on to Thornybush Game Lodge, a 5-star retreat in Big Five country adjacent to Kruger National Park, with dawn and dusk game drives in open vehicles plus time on foot with a qualified ranger. After days of unforgettable wildlife viewing and lodge life, guests fly on to Cape Town to rejoin the cruise.
On Zaandam’s Grand Australia & New Zealand Voyage, an overland from Fremantle dives into Western Australia’s Margaret River region, pairing the Busselton Jetty and its Underwater Observatory with Cape Naturaliste’s rugged coastline, vineyard tastings and an underground Lake Cave experience before returning to the ship.
A Shared Call in Bora Bora
Both 2028 Grand Voyages include a call at Bora Bora, where guests sail through the Teavanui Pass into the island’s lagoon, framed by white‑sand islets and Mount Otemanu. Zaandam’s extended stay allows guests time ashore into the evening for snorkeling, exploring the lagoon or simply spending additional time on land.
A Grand Onboard Experience
Each Grand Voyage features onboard programming designed to complement extended travel. Guests enjoy gracious service, enrichment presentations and destination‑inspired entertainment, along with special guest performers throughout the journey. Signature events include gala evenings, dressy nights and the Captain’s Grand Voyage Dinner. Dining evolves throughout the voyage with menus that change regularly and are rarely repeated, highlighting regional flavors and fresh ingredients.
Early Booking Bonus Benefits
Guests who book the 2028 Grand World Voyage by June 14, 2027, may receive up to $10,700 in early booking benefits per stateroom, including onboard credit, air credits when booked through Flight Ease, complimentary Wi‑Fi and additional savings. Guests booking the 2028 Grand Australia & New Zealand Voyage may receive early booking benefits valued up to $8,500. Terms and conditions apply.
For more information or to book a cruise, consult a travel advisor, call 1‑877‑SAIL HAL (877‑724‑5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.
For more information about Holland America Line’s shore excursions or to book a cruise, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.
“Ralph’s steady leadership, integrity and deep understanding of our industry have left a lasting mark on our business,” said Robert Morgenstern, senior vice president of Alaska operations. “We are grateful for his many contributions and wish him the very best in a well-earned retirement.”
Following Samuels’ retirement, Micaela Fowler has been promoted to vice president of government affairs. Fowler joined the organization a year ago as the director of southeast alaska government and community relations, after serving as Alaska’s Deputy Commissioner of Commerce where she oversaw various government functions and initiatives. Since joining the Alaska operations of Holland America Line and Princess, she has played an integral role on the government affairs team, guiding the business through strong policy expertise, collaborative leadership and the creation of valuable community relationships.
“Micaela has quickly become a trusted voice for Alaska and Yukon operations for Holland America and Princess,” said Morgenstern. “She is well positioned to build on the strong foundation Ralph established and to continue our strong partnership in the state of Alaska.”
About Holland America Line & Princess Cruises
Holland America Line maintains a deep and longstanding presence in Alaska as it approaches 80 years exploring The Great Land. In addition to cruise operations across the region, the company supports land-based experiences, including Holland America Denali Lodge at the doorstep of Denali National Park, Holland America Skagway Inn and the Holland America Dawson City Inn in the Yukon, with a major Denali Lodge expansion to be completed in 2027. Operating both at sea and on land, Holland America Line works closely with local communities, partners and government stakeholders to strengthen its long-term commitment to the region.
Princess Cruises owns and operates a portfolio of five lodges in Alaska, including Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge, Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge, and Copper Rover Princess Wilderness Lodge, along with rail services that connect guests from ship to shore. Princess partners with local communities and partners to support sustainable tourism.