Holland America Line Unveils 2027/28 Asia Cruise Season Featuring New Japanese Ports, Scenic Maizuru Bay, and Extended Overnight Stays in Top Destinations

Written By: Binoy Mehera

Binoy Mehera

A curious mind driven by a passion for storytelling, I find inspiration in uncovering hidden perspectives, exploring diverse experiences, and shaping ideas into narratives that leave an impact. With three years of experience in journalism and content creation, I have developed a strong instinct for identifying meaningful stories, blending research with creativity, and presenting information in a way that connects with readers. My storytelling journey is guided by a fascination for culture, travel, lifestyle, and the human experiences that define our world. I aim to create narratives that not only inform but also spark curiosity, evoke emotions, and offer audiences a deeper understanding of every story.

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October 16, 2025 9:31 PM

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Holland America Line (HAL) is raising the bar for Asian cruising with its 2027/28 season, offering travelers a rich blend of new destinations, extended overnight stays, and thoughtfully designed itineraries. Sailing aboard the Noordam from September 2027 through April 2028, the season spans Japan, South Korea, China, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam, blending cultural exploration with scenic marvels and off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Fresh Destinations in Japan

A standout feature of the season is the addition of three new Japanese ports: Hitachinaka, Nagoya, and Maizuru. Hitachinaka is celebrated for Seaside Park, where sweeping fields of seasonal flowers create a stunning backdrop for leisurely walks. Nagoya combines contemporary urban life with historic charm, featuring a reconstructed castle topped with iconic golden roof ornaments. Maizuru, a port city steeped in maritime history, now offers travelers a scenic cruise through Maizuru Bay, showcasing tranquil waters dotted with lush, verdant islands — a perfect spot for reflection and photography.

These new ports allow guests to experience Japan beyond the typical tourist routes, providing access to culturally rich and visually captivating locations that are often overlooked by larger vessels.

Extended Stays for Deeper Exploration

HAL’s 2027/28 Asia season emphasizes immersive travel with overnight stays in six premier cities: Halong Bay in Vietnam, Seoul in South Korea, Bangkok in Thailand, Manila in the Philippines, Osaka in Japan, and Shanghai in China. Longer stays give travelers more time to enjoy local dining, cultural performances, evening markets, and the unique nightlife of each city, making for a fuller and more authentic experience.

Diverse Itineraries Across Asia

The season features 15 curated itineraries, with most cruises departing from Tokyo (Yokohama) and additional embarkations from Singapore, Hong Kong, and Seattle. Cruise durations range from 13 to 15 days, offering a combination of bustling cities, scenic coastlines, and cultural treasures.

Among the most notable offerings are the 14-day “Circle Japan” voyages, which loop around the islands of Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. These itineraries visit up to ten Japanese ports along with stops in Sokcho, Busan, or Yeosu in South Korea. Select departures include late-night calls in cities such as Hiroshima, Osaka (for Kobe), and Hakodate, allowing travelers to enjoy the evening ambiance, illuminated landmarks, and local nightlife.

Other itineraries explore southern Japan or combine Japan with neighboring countries such as South Korea, China, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines, offering a multi-country adventure that captures the diverse culture and geography of Asia.

Scenic Trans-Pacific Voyages

HAL also offers North Pacific crossings for travelers seeking extended adventures. The 13-day westbound repositioning from Seattle to Tokyo in September 2027 calls at Ketchikan, Alaska, as well as Japanese ports Kushiro and Aomori. The 15-day eastbound voyage from Tokyo to Vancouver in April and May 2028 stops at Kushiro, Kodiak, Sitka, and Ketchikan in Alaska, along with Prince Rupert in British Columbia, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific and a unique combination of Asian and North American ports.

Smaller Ship, Unique Access

The Noordam, part of HAL’s Vista-class fleet, balances elegance with agility. Its size allows access to ports typically off-limits to larger cruise ships, including Jeju in South Korea and Boracay in the Philippines, providing guests with exclusive experiences in quieter, less-visited locations. These smaller ports offer intimate encounters with local culture, natural beauty, and history, giving travelers a deeper sense of discovery.

Immersive Cultural and Scenic Experiences

Throughout the season, travelers can explore a combination of cultural landmarks, local cuisines, and scenic vistas. From strolling through colorful gardens in Hitachinaka to discovering historic castles in Nagoya, sampling Bangkok’s street food, or cruising past the serene islands of Maizuru Bay, the itineraries encourage meaningful connections with each destination.

Conclusion

The 2027/28 Asia season aboard the Noordam is designed for travelers seeking immersive experiences, cultural richness, and scenic exploration. With new Japanese ports, extended overnight stays, and itineraries spanning multiple countries, this season combines comfort, adventure, and discovery. Guests can enjoy vibrant cities, serene bays, tropical islands, and historic landmarks, making each cruise a memorable journey through Asia’s most captivating destinations.

Whether it’s the tranquil waters of Maizuru Bay, the historic streets of Nagoya, or the bustling energy of Bangkok and Shanghai, Holland America Line’s new season offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the depth, diversity, and beauty of Asia.