It was announced that Holland America Line had officially opened reservations for its highly anticipated 2027 Grand Voyages after a successful pre-sale. The two voyages—the 129-day Grand World Voyage and the 70-day Grand South America & Antarctica Voyage—were both scheduled to depart in January 2027. These itineraries promised travelers exclusive access to rare ports and extended overnight stays, paired with the elevated onboard experience for which Holland America Line’s Grand Voyages are renowned.

The 129-day Grand World Voyage was to be sailed aboard the Volendam, while the Zaandam would carry guests on the 70-day Grand South America & Antarctica Voyage. The cruise line emphasized that these voyages included overnight stays in destinations such as Bordeaux, which is only accessible to smaller ships like Volendam, along with multi-night calls in bustling cities like Cape Town and Buenos Aires.

Unique Destinations and Extended Stays Enhance Traveler Experience

Travelers choosing the Grand World Voyage could expect overnight or multi-night calls at seven ports including Bordeaux in France and Copenhagen in Denmark. The itinerary also featured several late-night calls, notably Malé, the capital of the Maldives, allowing guests to enjoy these destinations with more time to explore than usual cruise stopovers permit.

Passengers aboard the Grand South America & Antarctica Voyage on Zaandam would find overnight or extended calls at five destinations, including Callao (Lima), Peru—the gateway to Machu Picchu—along with Montevideo, Uruguay, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. These longer port visits provided an opportunity for deeper cultural immersion and exploration.

Overland Tours Add Depth to the Cruise Experience

To further enrich the travel experience, Holland America Line offered multi-day overland tours for guests eager to add bucket-list adventures. One such option on the Grand World Voyage was a seven-day tour departing from Phuket, Thailand, heading to India to visit the Taj Mahal, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, before rejoining the ship in Malé.

Both voyages included a four-day Galapagos Islands overland tour, allowing guests to explore pristine natural environments and observe unique wildlife such as giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, Sally Lightfoot crabs, marine iguanas, and frigatebirds, deepening their connection with these extraordinary islands.

Highlights of the 2027 Grand World Voyage on Volendam

The Grand World Voyage was scheduled for 129 days, departing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on January 5, 2027. The route headed south along South America’s west coast, crossed the equator, and stopped at Easter Island. It then continued through South Pacific islands to Australia, with visits to Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka. The ship would navigate around the Cape of Good Hope, visit islands like St. Helena and Ascension, and sail along Africa’s west coast before returning to Europe for overnight stops in Bordeaux and Copenhagen, concluding with a transatlantic crossing.

This itinerary covered 53 ports in 28 countries across six continents and featured seven overnight stays in Copenhagen, Bordeaux, Cape Town (South Africa), Bali (Indonesia), Sydney (Australia), Papeete (French Polynesia), and Callao (Lima). Guests would have access to 81 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Taj Mahal, Westminster Abbey, Mont-Saint-Michel, and the Great Barrier Reef.

Memorable experiences included visits to historic Jamestown on St. Helena and Georgetown on Ascension Island, a stop in Bora Bora—known as the “Pearl of the South Pacific”—and scenic cruising along the Gironde estuary during the overnight in Bordeaux.

Highlights of the 2027 Grand South America & Antarctica Voyage on Zaandam

The 70-day Grand South America & Antarctica Voyage was slated to depart roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale on January 3, 2027. The itinerary included transiting the Panama Canal, crossing the equator, and sailing along South America’s west coast with stops in the Cayman Islands, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, and Argentina. The cruise featured scenic cruising through Chile’s fjords and glaciers, a crossing of the Drake Passage, and a four-day Antarctic scenic cruise.

Returning north along South America’s east coast, the ship would visit the Falkland Islands, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, and French Guiana before a Caribbean segment back to Fort Lauderdale. This voyage included 31 ports in 13 countries across two continents, with five overnight stays in Fuerte Amador (Panama City), Callao (Lima), Montevideo, Buenos Aires, and Rio de Janeiro.

Guests would have access to 28 UNESCO sites, such as Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands. Highlights included an overnight call at Montevideo, a visit to Isla Robinson Crusoe, and spectacular scenic cruising in destinations like the Pio XI Glacier and Beagle Channel.

Early Booking Benefits and Onboard Experience

Guests who booked early could receive up to $2,000 in onboard credit per person, a 3% discount for full payment, a complimentary Wi-Fi Surf package, and more. Additional offers included a $500 air credit if booked through Flight Ease, complimentary roundtrip transfers between Fort Lauderdale airport and the ship, and extras like luggage delivery, prepaid crew appreciation, and laundry services for certain stateroom categories.

Holland America Line promised that guests would enjoy gracious service, superior amenities, and unique experiences. Leisurely days at sea would feature enriching activities, evening entertainment by local cultural performers and guest artists, gala balls, dressy nights, and the Captain’s Grand Voyage Dinner. Dining was described as elevated with menus that change daily, featuring regional ingredients and flavors to immerse guests in the local culinary heritage.

The post Holland America Line’s 2027 Grand Voyages: The Ultimate Adventure Across Six Continents with Unforgettable UNESCO Heritage Sites appeared first on Travel And Tour World.