Ready to leave the country for 129 days? These Holland America world cruises are calling.
Show Caption
Hide Caption
How to find the best price, perks when booking a cruise
Find the cruise that works for your budget with these tips.
Problem Solved
Holland America Line announced two new Grand Voyages for 2027, one to South America and Antarctica, and a world cruise.
The Grand South America & Antarctica Voyage is a 70-day journey aboard the Zaandam, departing January 3, 2027.
The 129-day Grand World Voyage will sail on the Volendam, starting January 5, 2027, visiting 28 countries across six continents.
Two new Holland America Line cruises will take on months-long voyages to hard-to-reach places – and then back home to the U.S.
The company revealed its 2027 Grand Voyages on Wednesday, including a 70-day Grand South America & Antarctica Voyage, and its 129-day Grand World Voyage to 28 countries in six continents. Both will sail round-trip from Fort Lauderdale.
'When you sail on one of our Grand Voyages we know you're looking for experiences you can't get anywhere else, and because of that we have carefully curated itineraries with unique ports of call,' the cruise line's president Beth Bodensteiner told guests aboard its 2025 Grand World Voyage on Zuiderdam on Wednesday.
Here's what to know.
When are Holland America's 2027 Grand Voyages?
The Grand South America & Antarctica cruise will depart on Jan. 3, 2027, aboard the line's 1,432-guest Zaandam ship.
The Grand World Voyage will follow two days later, on Jan. 5, 2027, aboard Volendam. The vessel has the same guest capacity.
Where will the cruises go?
▶ Guests aboard Zaandam will transit the Panama Canal before traveling along the west coast of South America. 'This is something we're really excited about,' said Bodensteiner. 'It's one of the most in depth cruises to the region.'Passengers will enjoy scenic cruising in the Chilean fjords before crossing the infamous Drake Passage, a notoriously treacherous waterway between Argentina and Antarctica.
Once they reach the White Continent, a four-day Antarctic Experience will follow. Guests can take in the sights, from icebergs to sea birds (though they will not disembark due to the ship's size; only ships carrying fewer than 500 passengers can take them on land).
The ship will explore South America's east coast and the Caribbean on the way back. The 31-port itinerary includes five overnight stops, including in Montevideo, Uruguay; Buenos Aires; and Rio de Janeiro.
▶ The Grand World Voyage will also sail along South America's west coast and visit Easter Island, followed by the South Pacific and Australia. The cruise's 53-port itinerary also includes Singapore, Thailand and Sri Lanka, along with lesser-visited destinations like Georgetown on Ascension Island and Jamestown, St. Helena.
'St. Helena is best known for hosting Napoleon during his second and final exile; and the settlement in Georgetown formed when the British began to garrison the island as a precaution against Napoleon's presence,' the cruise line said in a news release. 'These two islands in the South Atlantic Ocean are nearly inaccessible, and to visit both in one journey is rare.'
Africa, Europe and a transatlantic crossing round out the itinerary. Many ports on both cruises are exclusive to Grand Voyages.
What are world cruises?: It's not a 'shoot-from-the-hip decision'
How much do the cruises cost?
Pricing information was not available before publication, but travelers can make Future Cruise Requests by calling the Holland America World Cruise Reservations line at 1-800-522-3399 or contacting their travel advisor.
Contributing: Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY
Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@usatoday.com.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Travel Weekly
14 hours ago
- Travel Weekly
Holland America plans an entertainment refresh
Holland America Line is refreshing onboard entertainment with classical music performances, a more visible cruise director and a show on the first night that serves as a preview of entertainment throughout the voyage. Photo Credit: Norwegian Cruise Line Cover story: A new era of cruise entertainment Lines are deploying technology to elevate shows and creating immersive experiences. Continue Reading The preview show, "Welcome Aboard," is expected to be on all ships by next summer. A string duo or trio called Vivace will perform classical music pieces on all itineraries, and guests may also encounter surprise cabaret performances in locations like the Crow's Nest, Lido Pool and Ocean Bar. Each itinerary will feature additional musical performances inspired by the destinations, such as mariachi music in Mexico. A new live band, The Dam Band, will accompany shows on the World Stage. The entertainment refresh also includes enhanced engagement with guests. By the end of the year, Holland America is promising "more visible and dynamic" cruise directors across the fleet at events such as themed parties and cooking demonstrations, and it will also expand its onboard activities crew, which leads such events. HAL is also bringing back travel guide talks and Q&A sessions about ports.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Chasing the midnight sun: Why Nordkapp is Europe's cool secret
NORDKAPP, Norway — The calendar says it's the day of the summer solstice. The map tells us we're in a country known as the 'land of the midnight sun.' Yet the weather at this remote clifftop 300 miles above the Arctic Circle that marks continental Europe's northernmost point is anything but summerlike. And the midnight sun seems to be taking an afternoon nap with no chance of awakening, blocked by a thick layer of clouds. Instead, a light drizzle and blistering wind off the Arctic Sea make temperatures in the mid-30s feel far colder. If this is summer, what must winter be like? Welcome to difficult-to-reach Nordkapp (North Cape), a magnificent – albeit somewhat extreme – antidote for travelers looking to escape the summer heat back home while visiting a majestic landmark that has been challenging explorers, royalty and tourists for centuries. How to book an epic Arctic or Antarctica cruise without overspending Scenic Norway fjord cruise on Holland America The visit to Nordkapp was my most anticipated excursion during a two-week cruise in northern Europe on the 2,666-passenger Holland America Nieuw Statendam. The cruise started and ended in Dover, England, a city 80 miles southeast of London known for its iconic white cliffs overlooking the English Channel. After a stop in Rotterdam, Netherlands, to see the famous 18th-century windmills at Kinderdijk – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – we set sail for northern Norway, where the Nieuw Statendam stopped in five ports. Three of our Norwegian stops were above the Arctic Circle, which meant we had around-the-clock daylight for several days. We ended the cruise with three port stops in Scotland, including the remote Shetland Islands, before sailing back to England. Norway's fjords are going green. It could impact your next cruise. Not many cruise ships come to the northernmost part of mainland Norway. The gateway port to Nordkapp is a town of about 2,200 residents called Honningsvag, which is actually about as close to the North Pole (1,314 miles) as it is to Norway's capital city of Oslo. The only patch of land between Nordkapp and the North Pole is the lightly populated archipelago of Svalbard, which is also under Norway's domain. In Honningsvag, several buses waited to take many of the ship's passengers on a 45-minute drive to the cape. Along the way, we passed scores of Norwegian reindeer grazing in the Arctic tundra. Expeditions aren't your typical vacation : 'What a privilege it is to see these places' What is Nordkapp famous for? Nordkapp was named by an English sea captain who sailed past the cape in 1553 while searching for the Northwest Passage. The site started to develop as a tourist attraction when Norway's King Oscar II visited in 1873. A battle was fought in the waters off the Cape during World War II; the British navy sank a German warship. A large statue of a globe was erected at the site in 1978, which has become the symbol of Nordkapp and an obligatory photo op for the many tourists who visit in the summer. The globe is perched on a flat clifftop 1,007 feet above where the frigid waters of the Arctic and Atlantic oceans converge. Fortunately, we had been warned about Nordkapp's chilly weather and came prepared with four layers of clothes, hats and gloves. We had heeded the advice of the Nieuw Statendam's cruise director, Karlijn Verpalen, who repeatedly reminded us of an old Norwegian saying: 'There is no such thing as bad weather. Just bad clothes.' There is a place to scamper inside to escape the biting winds at Nordkapp – a visitor center with a coffee shop, theater, small museum and continental Europe's northernmost post office. A souvenir shops sells shirts, mugs and fridge magnets emblazoned with Nordkapp's latitude – 71°10'21'. While Nordkapp markets itself as continental Europe's northernmost point, technically that distinction belongs to Cape Nordkinn on Norway's mainland. Nordkapp is several miles farther north of Cape Nordkinn but is on an island – Mageroya – connected to the mainland by a road that passes through an undersea tunnel. Either way, Nordkapp can rightly claim the distinction of being Europe's northernmost point accessible by car. After departing Honningsvag that evening, the Nieuw Statendam sailed by Nordkapp for one final look at the cape as we headed 200 miles southwest to our next Arctic port-of-call – Tromso – where the weather was sunny and 20 degrees warmer. Norway's fjords are going green: It could impact your next cruise. Tromso is famous for the northern lights Tromso, surrounded by the snow-capped Lyngen Alps, has a population of about 80,000 and is a popular place for winter visitors who come to see the northern lights. We took a stroll down the Storgata, the city's main pedestrian street, past shops, cafes, the northernmost McDonald's in the world and stands selling reindeer hotdogs. Some of the locals were celebrating a cherished Norwegian tradition called utepils, referring to the act of enjoying the first beer outdoors with friends under the sun after a long winter. Our third and final Arctic port stop, the remote Lofoten Islands, are 30 miles west of mainland Norway. Home to about 24,000 people, the archipelago consists of 80 islands, only a few of which are inhabited. From our tender port near the town of Leknes, we took a one-hour bus ride to the picturesque fishing village of Henningsvaer. Along the way, we crossed several bridges, taking us from island to island while we gazed at snow-capped mountain peaks towering over glacial fjords. With only 500 residents, Henningsvaer has an economy built on cod and – more recently – tourism. The Vikings had a significant presence on the Lofoten Islands about 1,000 years ago. We visited the Lofotr Viking Museum in the small village of Borg and toured a reconstruction of a 272-foot-long Viking longhouse, the largest ever found. Our shore excursion in the Lofotens is one of a growing number of 26 tours that Holland America offers in partnership with the History Channel, created to take a deep dive into a location's historical significance. The Nieuw Statendam first set sail in 2018. It is virtually identical to its two sister ships in Holland America's Pinnacle Class – the Rotterdam and Koningsdam. Our sailing was close to capacity with 2,578 passengers onboard, about 40 percent of whom were Americans. There was also a large contingent of Dutch passengers. As for the day we visited Nordkapp, out of curiosity, I checked the weather back in Phoenix. The high was 108. The cape was more than 70 degrees colder, not counting the wind chill factor. While I watched fellow tourists take selfies by the globe statue on the Arctic clifftop, I thought about the heat in Phoenix. A 35-degree day with a stiff wind in late June started to feel much more bearable, even quite invigorating. Scenic Norway fjord cruise on Holland America Holland America Line: Visit Norway: VisitScotland: The reporter on this story received access to this sailing from Holland America. The Arizona Republic and USA TODAY retain editorial control. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Most scenic Norway cruise: This Holland America sailing is a contender
Forbes
2 days ago
- Forbes
How To See The Best Of Trondheim On A Norway Cruise
These colorful buildings lining the river are a highlight of Trondheim's Bakklandet neighborhood. David Nikel Tucked between forested hills and a winding river, Trondheim might not be the most obvious stop on a Norway cruise, but that's exactly what makes it special. This former Viking capital is home to Norway's grandest cathedral, a thriving café culture and quiet cobbled streets where locals cycle to work year-round. Compact and walkable, it offers just enough history, charm and character to fill a rewarding day ashore, with fewer of the crowds you'll find in some Norwegian cruise destinations. Although not a constant fixture on cruise itineraries like Bergen or Ålesund, Trondheim still sees a steady flow of ships, especially on voyages heading north toward the Arctic. It serves as a cultural and geographical midpoint, with lines such as Silversea, Holland America, MSC Cruises, Ambassador Cruise Line, and AIDA making regular appearances throughout the cruise season. Whether you're planning to join a ship excursion or venture out independently, here's how to make the most of a cruise stop in Trondheim. Where Ships Dock In Trondheim Most cruise ships dock at Kai 68 in the Brattøra district, just a 10-minute walk from the city center. While some cruise lines provide shuttle buses, the walk is straightforward and manageable for most visitors. MSC 'Preziosa' cruise ship docked in Trondheim, Norway. David Nikel The route is clearly signposted and passes Rockheim, Norway's national museum of popular music, housed in a striking modern building. A pedestrian bridge crosses the railway tracks near Trondheim Central Station. It's steep, but there's an elevator for those who need it. On busy days, when multiple ships are in port, overflow vessels may be directed to an alternate pier in the Ila district, roughly a 25-minute walk from the city center. In this case, shuttle buses are often provided, though public buses also run nearby. If walking, take Hospitalsgata and Dronningens gate for a quieter, more picturesque route. Travelers arriving on the Norwegian coastal voyage with Hurtigruten or Havila will dock at the designated coastal terminal, separate from the main cruise pier. From there, it's roughly a 15-20-minute walk to the central area. Must-See Trondheim Highlights Your first stop should be Nidaros Cathedral, Norway's national shrine. Built over the burial site of Saint Olav, the Viking king who brought Christianity to Norway, it has been a site of pilgrimage for nearly a thousand years. If time and mobility allow, venture down to the atmospheric crypt to see a collection of medieval gravestones and climb the narrow spiral staircase to the tower for sweeping views over the city. The striking west front of Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, Norway. David Nikel Just next door, the Archbishop's Palace houses a well-curated museum showcasing Norway's royal regalia and archaeological finds from the cathedral's past. If history is your thing, a combination ticket covering all these attractions is both convenient and excellent value. From here, it's a short walk to Bakklandet, the city's prettiest neighborhood. Cross the red-painted Old Town Bridge to enter a photogenic district of colorful wooden houses, many of which are home to cozy cafés. Just watch out for cyclists. Excursions Or Independent Exploration? Trondheim is one of the easiest Norwegian ports to explore on your own, but excursions may appeal if you're looking to dig deeper. Some tours take guests to Kristiansten Fortress for panoramic views and often incorporate Trondheim's hidden Second World War history. Others venture outside the city to Sverresborg, an open-air folk museum that recreates rural Norwegian life with historic buildings relocated from across the region. At approximately $45, the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus is expensive, yet it's likely a cheaper option than a sightseeing tour of the city arranged by your cruise line. It only has four stops but they are spaced out, so plan your tour carefully to ensure you don't face a long wait or a long walk. Another alternative to consider is walking into the city to visit Nidaros Cathedral, then taking the tram up to the city forest. On the way, you'll get wonderful views across the city plus a taste of the Norwegian outdoors lifestyle. If the weather is nice, take a picnic lunch to enjoy by the lake. Know Before You Go To Trondheim The weather in Trondheim can be unpredictable, even in summer. Bring a light waterproof jacket and comfortable walking shoes. Credit cards are accepted everywhere, and tap-to-pay is standard. English is widely spoken. One place you can't pay by card is on the bus or tram, where only cash is accepted, albeit with limited to no change. That's because virtually all Norwegians use a physical travel card or the AtB app, available in English, to buy and display tickets. If you have cell coverage available, the app is by far the easiest and cheapest way to buy tickets. If not, consider buying a day pass in advance from Narvesen or 7-Eleven outlets throughout the city. If your time in Trondheim is limited, prioritize the cathedral, Bakklandet, and a stroll along the Nidelva river. With a little planning, even a short port stop can offer a memorable glimpse into one of Norway's most livable cities. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes How To Spend A Weekend In Trondheim, Norway By David Nikel Forbes How To Plan A Norwegian Fjords Cruise In 2025 By David Nikel Forbes Avoid These 10 Rookie Mistakes On Your First Cruise By David Nikel
