From Worn Ship Drapes to New Passenger Beach Bag: Holland America Line Unveils New Grand World Voyage Totes with A Sustainable Twist

When guests embark on Holland America Line’s 2026 Grand Voyages, they’ll receive a special tote bag— a signature of the journey, now with an innovative twist. This year’s bags are crafted entirely from upcycled ship textiles, marking the successful completion of the cruise line’s first fabric circularity project, the first of its kind for the industry. The two-year initiative transforms retired soft goods into functional keepsakes, reducing landfill waste and turning sustainability into style.

The effort began during ship renovations, when fabrics such as drapery and bed runners were collected instead of discarded. Those materials were shipped to Turkey’s Andriali Mill, where they were broken down and spun into new yarn. From that yarn came the sleek, durable totes that guests on Volendam and Zandaam’s Grand Voyages will receive in January. Each bag features a QR code so guests can learn about its transformation story, creating a personal connection between travelers and the sustainability effort.

Approximately 30,000 yards of soft textiles were used towards the creation of the 4000 tote bags for 2026 Grand Voyage guests. The remaining textiles will also be used for 25,000 tote bags that will be ordered for upcoming Legendary Voyages.  

“These tote bags are a symbol of what’s possible when we rethink waste,” says My Nguyen, director of interior design for Holland America Line. “They started as stateroom fabrics and now represent a much bigger story—our commitment to circular design and reducing landfill impact across the fleet. Every bag reflects creativity, collaboration, and a shared responsibility for the planet, and we hope guests feel proud to carry that message with them.”

The project is part of a broader push toward circular design. Holland America Line recently launched Dansk: Re:Shape, which repurposes carpet waste into coasters, notebooks, and postcards for onboard gift shops—already diverting more than 1.5 tonnes of carpet from landfills. The cruise line is also piloting an Aluminium Furniture Circularity Project, aimed at recycling marine-grade aluminum from balcony and pool deck furniture, creating a business case for salvaging and reusing high-value materials.

For guests, these tote bags are more than functional—they’re a piece of cruise history, crafted from the very fabrics that once sailed the seas.

About Holland America Line’s Grand Voyages

A Grand Voyage is the ultimate cruise experience—an extended, all-inclusive journey designed for immersive exploration, destination-inspired programming, and a warm sense of community that transforms travel into a lifestyle. These itineraries span multiple continents and include overnight stays in marquee ports, offering guests authentic cultural experiences and world-class amenities aboard intimate, mid-sized ships. Grand Voyages offer destination-centric enrichment, culinary events hosted by renowned chefs, and a unique sense of camaraderie that makes every day at sea unforgettable.

• 2026 Grand World Voyage: Departing Fort Lauderdale on January 4, 2026, this epic 133-day journey aboard Volendam visits 24 countries across five continents, featuring highlights like scenic cruising in Antarctica, Komodo Island, and extensive exploration of Japan. Segments from 14 to 72 days are still available for booking.
• Departing San Diego on January 4, 2026, this 93-day roundtrip aboard Zaandam explores 44 ports across 10 countries, with highlights including island-hopping through the South Pacific, nearly circumnavigating Australia, visiting New Zealand, and a two-day Great Barrier Reef scenic cruising experience. Segments from 33 to 60 days are still available for booking.