In a unique maritime event, two Holland America Line ships undertaking epic Grand Voyages, Zuiderdam and Volendam, met for a celebratory overnight stay in Barcelona, Spain, on April 24, 2025. This gathering marked the first time the cruise line has operated two Grand Voyages of over 120 days simultaneously, a milestone commemorated with carefully planned festivities.
The Zuiderdam, sailing its 124-day Grand World Voyage since January 4, and the Volendam, on its 133-day Grand Voyage: Pole to Pole since January 25, provided guests with a memorable joint experience. Festivities included a shared Spanish-themed afternoon tea aboard Zuiderdam, allowing passengers from both vessels to mingle. In the evening, matching regionally inspired dinners were served in the main dining rooms, showcasing local Spanish flavors. Afterward, guests enjoyed lively “dueling” deck parties on each ship’s aft pool deck.
Holland America Line President Beth Bodensteiner visited both ships during the Barcelona stopover, meeting with guests and crew members and offering a preview of the 2027 Grand World Voyage itinerary. She described the meetup as a “truly special moment” symbolizing the adventure and connection central to the line’s cruises, praising the crew for creating a “home away from home.”
The celebration culminated in a spectacular drone show visible from both ships. The aerial display highlighted iconic destinations already visited on their respective journeys, such as Antarctica, Brazil, Easter Island, Sydney, and Egypt. Ellen Bethel, a frequent Grand Voyage guest aboard Zuiderdam, lauded the 2025 voyage, emphasizing the enriching itinerary, exceptional crew, and the unique “cruise family” atmosphere that makes these extended journeys so special.
Experience the 2026 and 2027 Grand World Voyages
Holland America Line’s 2026 Grand World Voyage is open for booking. The 133-day world cruise aboard Volendam will explore 51 ports in 23 countries and territories, spanning five continents. Destination highlights include South America, scenic cruising in Antarctica, several South Pacific islands, New Zealand, Australia and an in-depth Asia experience before circling back to Alaska, Mexico and the Panama Canal. Guests will enjoy nine overnight calls in bucket-list cities, including Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Sydney, Australia; Singapore; Hong Kong, China; and Tokyo, Japan.
And as announced earlier in the week by Bodensteiner, guests will be able to go on a 129-day circumnavigation of the globe on the 2027 Grand World Voyage or a 70-day, region-specific in-depth exploration on the Grand South America & Antarctica Voyage. Each meticulously designed cruise contains bucket-list locations and rarely-called-at ports, as well as ample overnight and extended calls in sought-after destinations. Both voyages will be available for booking on May 14, 2025.
Making a Holland America Line Grand Voyage Grand
Every Grand Voyage is a memorable journey, elevated with special themed parties, a menu of global flavors and experiences only found on these extended cruises. Holland America Line has been refining the art of world cruising since 1958, ensuring that each journey is filled with gracious service, superior amenities and unexpected events.
In 2025, guests aboard the two Grand Voyages are being treated to visits by Chef Ethan Stowell and Chocolatier Jacques Torres who presented cooking shows and exclusive dinners. Themed evenings included Casino Royale, the Glamp Out and a Masquerade Ball. Polynesian Cultural Ambassadors came aboard in Papeete to offer enriching workshops and presentations on South Pacific culture, while guests learned how to make Singaporean Braised Pork Belly and South African Bobotie and milk tart from local chefs.
Early Booking Bonus Benefits
Guests who book the 2026 133-day Grand World Voyage by June 16, 2025, receive up to $2,000 USD in onboard credit per guest, a 3% pay-in-full discount, a free Wi-Fi Surf package and more. Additional perks for all guests who book early include a $500 USD air credit per person if booked through Flight Ease and complimentary roundtrip airport transfers to and from the Fort Lauderdale airport.
Additional extras include complimentary luggage delivery service to and from the Fort Lauderdale airport, prepaid crew appreciation and laundry and drycleaning service when booking certain stateroom categories. Terms and conditions apply.
For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.
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