Holland America Line's Two Grand Voyages Rendezvous for an Overnight Visit Filled with Spectacular Celebrations

Drone show and ‘dueling’ parties highlight Grand Meetup in Barcelona 

Seattle, Wash., April 25, 2025 — Guests aboard Holland America Line’s Grand World Voyage and Grand Voyage: Pole to Pole had an unforgettable meetup in Barcelona, Spain, April 24 when Zuiderdam and Volendam visited overnight together. This is the first time that Holland America Line is simultaneously offering two Grand Voyages of more than 120 days, and to help celebrate this milestone the cruise line planned special festivities involving both ships to commemorate the perfectly planned dual visit, including joint Spanish-themed afternoon tea, locally inspired dinners, dueling deck parties and a dramatic drone show.

Zuiderdam currently is sailing its 124-day Grand World Voyage, which departed Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Jan. 4, 2025, while Volendam is on its 133-day Grand Voyage: Pole to Pole, which set sail from Fort Lauderdale Jan. 25. While in Barcelona, Holland America Line President Beth Bodensteiner visited both ships, spending extended time with world cruise guests to preview 2027 Grand World Voyage details.

“Having our two Grand Voyage ships meet in Barcelona was a truly special moment, symbolizing the spirit of adventure and connection that defines our cruises,” said Bodensteiner. “I enjoyed visiting both ships, meeting with guests and team members, and revealing the itinerary for our 2027 Grand World Voyage. Our crew has once again delivered on creating a home away from home for our valued Grand guests.”

In addition to the visit from Bodensteiner, a special afternoon tea was offered aboard Zuiderdam, which hosted guests from both ships so they could meet and mingle. In the evening, the ships’ main dining rooms featured matching menus of regionally inspired dishes and drinks to showcase local flavors, including white asparagus cream soup, fresh salmon with chanterelle mushrooms, surf and turf with saffron risotto, Catalana creme flan, tarta de queso San Sebastian, and cold brew carajillo. Following dinner, guests headed out onto the aft pool deck for dueling shipboard parties with music, complimentary drinks and culinary bites.

The night was capped off with a beautiful drone show in full view of both ships. The show highlighted some of the unique destinations that guests experienced so far on their voyages, including penguins in Antarctica, Carnival dancers in Brazil, the Moai statues on Easter Island, the Sydney Opera House and the pyramids of Egypt. 

“I have been a regular on the Grand Voyages for many years, and the 2025 GWV has not disappointed. The itinerary has been exciting and enriching, the staff and crew are a ‘cut above’ and the special onboard activity options are endless,” said Ellen Bethel, a President’s Club member and a Zuiderdam guest on the Grand World Voyage. “I eagerly anticipate coming on board each year to reunite with my ‘cruise family’ friends, meet new people and catch up with beloved world cruise staff and crew. I’ve taken nearly 60 cruises, with many being Grand Voyages, and I can truly say that nothing compares with the extra touches, planning and ambiance that make longer voyages truly exceptional. It has become a way of life for me!”

Experience the 2026 and 2027 Grand World Voyages
Holland America Line’s 2026 Grand World Voyage is open for booking. The 133-day world cruise aboard Volendam will explore 51 ports in 23 countries and territories, spanning five continents. Destination highlights include South America, scenic cruising in Antarctica, several South Pacific islands, New Zealand, Australia and an in-depth Asia experience before circling back to Alaska, Mexico and the Panama Canal. Guests will enjoy nine overnight calls in bucket-list cities, including Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Sydney, Australia; Singapore; Hong Kong, China; and Tokyo, Japan.

And as announced earlier in the week by Bodensteiner, guests will be able to go on a 129-day circumnavigation of the globe on the 2027 Grand World Voyage or a 70-day, region-specific in-depth exploration on the Grand South America & Antarctica Voyage. Each meticulously designed cruise contains bucket-list locations and rarely-called-at ports, as well as ample overnight and extended calls in sought-after destinations. Both voyages will be available for booking on May 14, 2025.

Making a Holland America Line Grand Voyage Grand
Every Grand Voyage is a memorable journey, elevated with special themed parties, a menu of global flavors and experiences only found on these extended cruises. Holland America Line has been refining the art of world cruising since 1958, ensuring that each journey is filled with gracious service, superior amenities and unexpected events.

In 2025, guests aboard the two Grand Voyages are being treated to visits by Chef Ethan Stowell and Chocolatier Jacques Torres who presented cooking shows and exclusive dinners. Themed evenings included Casino Royale, the Glamp Out and a Masquerade Ball. Polynesian Cultural Ambassadors came aboard in Papeete to offer enriching workshops and presentations on South Pacific culture, while guests learned how to make Singaporean Braised Pork Belly and South African Bobotie and milk tart from local chefs.

Early Booking Bonus Benefits
Guests who book the 2026 133-day Grand World Voyage by June 16, 2025, receive up to $2,000 USD in onboard credit per guest, a 3% pay-in-full discount, a free Wi-Fi Surf package and more. Additional perks for all guests who book early include a $500 USD air credit per person if booked through Flight Ease and complimentary roundtrip airport transfers to and from the Fort Lauderdale airport.

Additional extras include complimentary luggage delivery service to and from the Fort Lauderdale airport, prepaid crew appreciation and laundry and drycleaning service when booking certain stateroom categories. Terms and conditions apply.