Holland America’s 2026 Grand Voyages Now Features Upcycled Tote Bags, Advancing Eco-Friendly Practices

Published on December 9, 2025

Holland America Line is making a splash in the cruise industry with a unique sustainability initiative. Guests on its 2026 Grand Voyages will receive upcycled tote bags made from retired ship textiles. This project marks the completion of the company’s first fabric circularity effort, aimed at reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly practices. It shows how the cruise line is turning waste into stylish items, giving guests a functional keepsake that represents both creativity and environmental responsibility. This initiative is part of Holland America’s larger effort toward sustainability. It includes a range of eco-friendly projects designed to cut down on landfill waste while improving the guest experience. Passengers boarding the Volendam and Zaandam for the 2026 Grand Voyages will get a tote bag made from upcycled fabrics previously used on the ship, such as drapery and bed runners. The materials were collected during ship renovations instead of being thrown away, marking the start of this project.

Transforming Waste into Functional Keepsakes

The process began by collecting retired fabrics from various parts of the ship during renovations. These materials were then shipped to Turkey’s Andriali Mill, where they were carefully broken down and spun into new yarn. From this yarn, the upcycled tote bags were created. Each bag will feature a QR code, allowing guests to learn about the journey their tote bag took, from discarded textiles to functional accessories, creating a personal connection to the sustainability effort.

Approximately 30,000 yards of fabric have been used to create 4,000 tote bags for guests joining the 2026 Grand Voyages. The remaining textiles will be used to produce 25,000 more tote bags for future Legendary Voyages cruises. This project emphasizes the importance of circular design and the potential of reusing materials that would otherwise have ended up in landfills.

Circular Design and Broader Sustainability Efforts

This upcycling initiative is just one example of Holland America Line’s commitment to circular design. The company is also involved in the Dansk: Re:Shape project, which repurposes carpet waste into practical items such as coasters, notebooks, and postcards for sale in the ship’s gift shops. To date, more than 1.5 tons of carpet have been diverted from landfills through this project.

Additionally, the cruise line is piloting an Aluminum Furniture Circularity Project, aimed at recycling marine-grade aluminum from balcony and pool deck furniture. This project seeks to create a business case for salvaging and reusing high-value materials, further reinforcing the company’s dedication to sustainable practices in the cruise industry.

Enhancing the Guest Experience with Sustainability

The upcycled tote bags are just one example of how Holland America Line is integrating sustainability into its onboard offerings. The bags will not only be practical for guests but will also serve as a reminder of the cruise line’s commitment to sustainability. These thoughtful gifts are designed to enhance the guest experience, providing a tangible connection to the company’s sustainability efforts and contributing to the growing interest in eco-friendly travel experiences.

The QR code included with each tote bag offers guests the opportunity to engage with the sustainability story behind the product, creating a deeper connection with the brand’s initiatives. Guests can share their experiences, learn about the fabric circularity project, and even spread the word about the importance of sustainable travel.

A Model for the Future of Cruise Industry Sustainability

As the cruise industry continues to grow, the need for sustainable practices has never been more pressing. Holland America Line is setting an example for other companies in the industry with its commitment to reducing waste and promoting circular design. The upcycled tote bags initiative aligns with the broader trend of eco-tourism and responsible travel, where guests are encouraged to make environmentally conscious choices while enjoying their vacation.

With increasing consumer demand for eco-friendly products and a growing awareness of the environmental impact of tourism, initiatives like these will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the cruise industry. Holland America Line is demonstrating that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand, offering travelers a more mindful and responsible way to explore the world.

Conclusion: Upcycling and Sustainability in Luxury Cruises

Holland America Line is introducing upcycled tote bags for the 2026 Grand Voyages. This move shows a larger shift toward sustainable tourism in the cruise industry. This initiative, along with the company’s other sustainability projects, emphasizes the increasing importance of eco-friendly practices in hospitality. By turning waste into fashionable keepsakes, Holland America Line gives travelers a meaningful way to engage with sustainability. This contributes to a more responsible and mindful travel experience.