Holland America Line Celebrates Dual Grand Voyage Departures Across the United States, Connecting the US, Australia, and New Zealand

Published on January 7, 2026

A landmark moment in global cruise tourism has been marked as Holland America Line orchestrated the ceremonial departure of two extensive Grand Voyages from opposite coasts of the United States, underscoring the cruise line role in long-haul experiential travel. These sailings, carefully planned and richly detailed, have been positioned as a celebration of maritime heritage, cultural immersion, and slow travel across multiple continents. With one voyage departing from Florida and the other from California, a rare dual send-off has been achieved, reflecting the scale and ambition of modern world cruising.

The voyages have been designed to offer extended exploration across diverse regions, including South America, Antarctica, Asia, the South Pacific, Australia, and New Zealand, while maintaining a refined onboard atmosphere that aligns with the traditions of Holland America Line. The ships assigned to these itineraries, Volendam and Zaandam, have been prepared to host guests for journeys lasting several months, during which comfort, enrichment, and destination-focused programming have been emphasized.

Through curated culinary experiences, themed social events, and rare port calls, these voyages have been structured to appeal to travelers seeking depth rather than speed. The dual departures have also been positioned as a symbolic start to a new season of extended cruising, reinforcing the role of grand itineraries in the evolving global travel and tourism landscape.

Dual Departures From Opposite US Coasts

The send-off of the two Grand Voyages was conducted on January 4, 2026, from two strategically significant ports in the United States. From Fort Lauderdale in Florida, the 133-day Grand World Voyage was launched on a roundtrip itinerary. Simultaneously, from San Diego in California, the 93-day Grand Australia and New Zealand Voyage was set in motion, also as a roundtrip sailing.

This coordinated departure was highlighted as a rare operational achievement, as it allowed Holland America Line to showcase its presence on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. The approach was framed as a reflection of the company long-standing experience in managing complex, long-duration itineraries that span multiple oceans and hemispheres.

Onboard Welcome and Leadership Presence

Guests boarding both ships were formally welcomed by the respective ship captains, hotel general managers, and senior members of the onboard leadership teams. This structured welcome was intended to set the tone for the extended journeys ahead, emphasizing hospitality, continuity, and personal connection over the coming months.

The presence of senior officers at embarkation was described as an important ritual, reinforcing the sense of occasion associated with Grand Voyages. Attention was placed on ensuring that guests felt acknowledged and prepared for the unique rhythm of life at sea that accompanies voyages of such length.

Culinary and Cultural Enrichment at Sea

A significant focus of the Grand World Voyage aboard the Volendam has been placed on culinary and cultural enrichment. According to Holland America Line, the ship will host Culinary Ambassadors Chef Masaharu Morimoto, Chef Ethan Stowell, and Master Tea Blender and Art of Tea Founder Steve Schwartz.

Throughout the voyage, each ambassador has been scheduled to deliver signature experiences designed to deepen guest engagement. These experiences include private dinners, informal coffee chats, cooking demonstrations, and tea tastings. Such programming has been integrated into the broader enrichment schedule, ensuring that days at sea are filled with opportunities for learning and social interaction.

A Special Meeting in Australia

A notable highlight of both itineraries has been planned for March 7, when the two Grand Voyages are scheduled to meet in Sydney, Australia. This convergence has been positioned as a celebratory midpoint for both journeys, bringing together guests from the two ships in a shared destination.

During this meeting, Chocolatier Jaques Torres is set to host a Chocolate Teatime event. The occasion has been framed as a rare communal experience, reinforcing the sense of global connection that defines extended cruising and showcasing Australia as a key destination within international maritime tourism.

Themed Events and Social Experiences

Prior to departure, guests were informed about a series of themed events planned throughout the voyages. This advance notice allowed travelers to prepare attire and fully participate in the social calendar onboard.

Both ships have been scheduled to host a variety of formal and informal gatherings, including a Great Gatsby Night, a Masquerade Ball, a Casino Royale party, and a Glamp Out event complete with smores on the Lido deck. These events have been designed to break the long journey into memorable chapters, fostering community among guests while maintaining a sense of celebration.

Global Itinerary of the Volendam

The Grand World Voyage aboard the Volendam has been described as an expansive global journey, calling at 51 ports in 23 countries and territories across five continents. The itinerary has been structured as a clockwise route, beginning with a voyage down the coast of South America.

From there, the ship will continue toward Antarctica, offering guests exposure to one of the most remote regions on Earth. The journey will then proceed across the Pacific Ocean for an in-depth exploration of Asia, before returning via Alaska and transiting the Panama Canal en route back to Fort Lauderdale.

This itinerary has been positioned as a comprehensive world cruise experience, blending iconic destinations with less frequently visited ports, and reinforcing the educational and exploratory value of extended travel.

South Pacific Focus of the Zaandam

The Grand Australia and New Zealand Voyage aboard the Zaandam has been crafted as a deep exploration of the South Pacific region. Over 93 days, the ship will call at 42 ports, with a strong emphasis on destinations across Australia, New Zealand, and surrounding island nations.

Among the highlights of this itinerary is a rare visit to Bora Bora, a destination often associated with limited cruise access. The inclusion of such ports has been presented as a distinguishing feature, appealing to travelers seeking unique experiences within the Pacific travel sphere.

Looking Ahead to Future Grand Voyages

Holland America Line has also indicated that travelers interested in extended cruising will have further opportunities in 2027. Two additional Grand Voyages have been announced, including a 129-day Grand World Voyage and a 70-day Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage.

These future offerings have been positioned as a continuation of the company commitment to long-duration travel, catering to guests who value immersive itineraries and a slower pace of exploration. Through these plans, Holland America Line has reinforced its role as a key player in global cruise tourism connecting the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and beyond.

By blending heritage, enrichment, and expansive itineraries, the dual Grand Voyage departures have been framed as a significant moment for international travel, highlighting the enduring appeal of world cruising in the modern tourism landscape.