(Matthew Dodd)
Holland America Line is set to sail one of its most ambitious Grand World Voyages in 2026. The meticulously planned 132-day cruise will span all seven continents, including a special four-day Antarctic Experience. Details were announced today by President Gus Antorcha to 2024 Grand World Voyage guests aboard Zuiderdam, which is currently sailing between Okinawa and Tokyo.
The Grand World Voyage will be aboard Volendam in 2026, providing guests with an intimate experience on one of the cruise line’s smaller ships, providing an exciting opportunity to cruise France’s Gironde Estuary and visit Bordeaux. The voyage will visit 47 ports across 39 countries on an east-to-west route, sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida — travelling as far south as Antarctica and north all the way up to Oslo, Norway.
“We asked thousands of past guests and travel advisors for their opinions about the perfect Grand World Voyage, so this may be one of our most thoroughly researched routes ever for a world cruise,” Antorcha told world cruise guests. “This itinerary includes destinations we know guests love, packed with memorable moments and overnight stays. We are purposefully visiting fewer ports to allow more time to explore the destinations we visit and to create a voyage that does not feel rushed.”
Starting today, travellers interested in the 2026 Grand World Voyage can call Holland America Line’s World Cruise Reservations Desk or their travel advisor to make a deposited Future Cruise Request. Guests with a deposited Future Cruise Request will get priority booking confirmation before officially opening to the public.
2026 Grand World Voyage Highlights —Volendam
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132-day voyage. Departs Jan. 4 2026, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale.
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Heads south along the East Coast of South America, crossing the equator and sails down to Antarctica. Makes way to Easter Island before traversing the islands of the South Pacific en route to Australia. Explores the Great Barrier Reef, Singapore and the Maldives, then calls at Alexandria, Egypt, for an overnight stay before meandering through the Mediterranean and northern Europe before an Atlantic Ocean crossing.
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47 total ports in 39 countries across seven continents.
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9 overnight calls: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Papeete, Tahiti; Sydney, Australia; Bali, Indonesia; Singapore; Malé, Maldives; Safaga (Luxor) and Alexandria (Cairo), Egypt; and Lisbon, Portugal.
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5 late-night departures: Bahia d’ Opunoha, French Polynesia; Colombo, Sri Lanka; Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy; Oslo, Norway; San Juan, Puerto Rico.
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Memorable Moments: Four-day Antarctic Experience, scenic cruising of Chilean fjords, a visit to Easter Island followed by scenic cruising Pitcairn Island, a call at Bordeaux paired with scenic cruising of Gironde Estuary.
Early Booking Bonus Benefits
For a limited time, guests who book the 132-day Grand World Voyage receive up to USD$2,000 in onboard credit per guest, and when paying in full, guests can receive a 3 per cent discount, Wi-Fi Surf package included and more.
Additional extras can 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. Once the voyage is live for purchase, full details will be available at hollandamerica.com.
A Grand Onboard Experience
On each Grand Voyage, Holland America Line ships provide gracious service, superior amenities and unexpected experiences. Guests can relax during leisurely days at sea, taking advantage of the extra time to participate in shipboard activities. Shipboard entertainment shines in the evening with local cultural performers and special guest headliners. Festive gala balls and dressy nights create memorable moments, along with a Captain’s Grand Voyage Dinner. Dining is elevated to a new level on each Grand Voyage with menus that change daily and are seldom repeated, featuring local ingredients and regional cuisine.
A Grand Onboard Experience
On each Grand Voyage, Holland America Line ships provide gracious service, superior amenities and unexpected experiences. Guests can relax during leisurely days at sea, taking advantage of the extra time to participate in shipboard activities. Shipboard entertainment shines in the evening with local cultural performers and special guest headliners. Festive gala balls and dressy nights create memorable moments, along with a Captain’s Grand Voyage Dinner. Dining is elevated to a new level on each Grand Voyage with menus that change daily and are seldom repeated, featuring local ingredients and regional cuisine.
