• Pioneering Circularity Project: Holland America Line successfully completed the industry’s first fabric circularity project, turning retired ship textiles into new passenger totes.
• Upcycled Materials: The 2026 Grand Voyage tote bags are made entirely from upcycled soft goods, such as drapery and bed runners, collected during ship renovations.
• Scale and Scope: The initiative diverted approximately 30,000 yards of textiles to create 4,000 bags for the 2026 Grand Voyages, with plans for 25,000 more for upcoming Legendary Voyages.
• Broader Sustainability Strategy: The textile project is part of a larger push toward circular design, which includes repurposing carpet waste and piloting the recycling of marine-grade aluminum furniture.

Holland America Line is elevating its commitment to environmental stewardship with the launch of new Grand World Voyage tote bags that embody a pioneering approach to circular design within the cruise industry. For guests embarking on the 2026 Grand Voyages, the traditional welcome tote is now a meaningful keepsake, crafted entirely from textiles upcycled from the company’s own ships. This initiative represents the successful culmination of a two-year fabric circularity project, the first of its magnitude for any cruise line, which effectively transforms retired soft goods into beautiful, functional accessories.

The process is a masterclass in waste reduction and creative collaboration. Instead of sending materials like stateroom drapery and bed runners to a landfill during ship renovations, Holland America Line meticulously collected them. These soft goods were then shipped to the Andriali Mill in Turkey, where they were broken down, meticulously spun into fresh yarn, and ultimately woven into the durable totes. Approximately 30,000 yards of textiles were diverted to create the 4,000 bags intended for the 2026 Grand Voyage guests aboard the Volendam and Zaandam. An additional 25,000 bags are planned for upcoming Legendary Voyages, demonstrating the significant scale of the program.

My Nguyen, director of interior design, highlighted the significance of the project, stating that the bags symbolize the potential unlocked when waste is fundamentally rethought. They carry a story of innovation, representing the cruise line’s dedication to fleet-wide circular design. To enhance this connection, each tote features a QR code allowing guests to trace the object’s transformation journey. This textile program is one part of a wider sustainability strategy, which also includes the Dansk: Re:Shape project, which repurposes carpet waste, and a pilot program focused on recycling marine-grade aluminum from deck furniture. For travelers, these totes are not just convenient accessories; they are a stylish piece of sailing history and a tangible commitment to a more sustainable planet.