Holland America Line Unveils Epic 2028 Grand Voyages to Bora Bora and Antarctica

Quick Summary

• Holland America Line has officially launched two massive Grand Voyages for 2028, operated by the intimately sized ships Volendam and Zaandam.
• The 129-day Grand World Voyage will circumnavigate the globe across six continents, featuring a highly coveted full Antarctic experience.
• The 90-day Grand Australia & New Zealand Voyage dives deep into the South Pacific, offering rare access to Western Australia and numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• In a massive first for the cruise line, both of these epic 2028 voyages will feature highly exclusive, extended stops in the iconic lagoons of Bora Bora.

Holland America Line is completely redefining the scope of luxury global exploration with the highly anticipated announcement of two massive 2028 Grand Voyages. Offering travelers the choice between a spectacular 129-day global circumnavigation and a deeply immersive 90-day adventure through Australia and the South Pacific, these itineraries are purposefully designed to access the most coveted, remote corners of the planet.

Operating on the cruise line's more intimately sized vessels—the Volendam and Zaandam—these ships are engineered to navigate into rare, smaller ports that massive modern mega-ships simply cannot reach, offering a highly exclusive travel experience.

The 129-Day Grand World Voyage: Six Continents and Antarctica

Departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on January 4, 2028, the Grand World Voyage is an absolute behemoth of an itinerary. Over 129 days, guests will circumnavigate the entire globe, stopping at 45 distinct ports across six continents.

The crown jewel of this massive journey is a full, breathtaking Antarctic experience. Travelers will sail through the dramatic Chilean Fjords, Glacier Alley, and the infamous Beagle Channel. Furthermore, the ship will navigate past rare geographical landmarks, including Easter Island and "Null Island"—the exact, isolated oceanic point where the Prime Meridian and Equator converge.

Beyond the ice, the itinerary secures exclusive access to 16 rare "Mariners’ Collection" ports—including Walvis Bay in Namibia and Reunion Island—before finishing with an extended multi-day exploration of New Zealand and a scenic transatlantic crossing back to Florida.

Key Facts & Highlights

• 129-Day Grand World Voyage: Departs Jan 4, 2028, hitting 45 ports across six continents, including Antarctica.
• 90-Day Grand Australia & New Zealand Voyage: Departs Jan 30, 2028, featuring 41 ports, 13 UNESCO sites, and rare access to Western Australia.
• The Ships: Intimate vessels (Volendam and Zaandam) designed to access small, exclusive ports.
• Bora Bora: For the first time ever, both Grand Voyages will visit the iconic South Pacific island in the same season.

The 90-Day Grand Australia & New Zealand Voyage

For travelers looking to completely immerse themselves in the Southern Hemisphere, the Grand Australia & New Zealand Voyage departs from San Diego, California, on January 30, 2028.

Over 90 days, the ship will visit 41 ports across 12 countries. This massive deep dive features incredibly rare access to the isolated, pristine shores of Western Australia. Guests will explore 13 UNESCO World Heritage Sites—including the Great Barrier Reef and New Zealand’s Tongariro National Park—and enjoy luxury overnight stays in major vibrant cities like Sydney, Auckland, and Fremantle.

The Jewel of the Itinerary: Unprecedented Access to Bora Bora

In a groundbreaking maritime move, Holland America Line is routing both of its 2028 Grand Voyages directly through the crystal-clear waters of Bora Bora. This marks the absolute first time in the cruise line's 150-year history that both flagship Grand Voyages will visit the "crown jewel of the South Pacific" in a single season.

Guests will navigate the stunning Teavanui Pass before entering a massive lagoon framed by the towering volcanic peak of Mount Otemanu. With extended evening stays built into the itineraries, travelers will have ample time to snorkel with reef sharks, explore in traditional outrigger canoes, and watch the legendary South Pacific sunset from the water.

Elevated Onboard Luxury and Early Booking Perks

To match the incredible caliber of these itineraries, Holland America is pulling out all the stops onboard. Guests will experience continuously evolving daily menus highlighting highly localized, regional ingredients from the exact ports they are visiting.

For travelers ready to commit to the adventure of a lifetime, Holland America is heavily incentivizing early reservations. Guests who book the 129-day Grand World Voyage by June 14, 2027, can secure up to $10,700 in luxury benefits, including massive onboard spending credits, complimentary Wi-Fi, and airfare credits.

Conclusion

The unveiling of Holland America Line's 2028 Grand Voyages proves that the demand for massive, once-in-a-lifetime global exploration is stronger than ever. By combining the intimate luxury of the Volendam and Zaandam with unprecedented access to remote locations like Antarctica and Bora Bora, these carefully curated itineraries are set to be the absolute pinnacle of luxury cruising in 2028.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What ships are sailing the 2028 Grand Voyages? The 129-day Grand World Voyage will be sailed by the Volendam, while the 90-day Grand Australia & New Zealand Voyage will be operated by the Zaandam.

When do these massive 2028 voyages depart? The Grand World Voyage departs Fort Lauderdale on January 4, 2028. The Grand Australia & New Zealand Voyage departs San Diego on January 30, 2028.

Does the Grand World Voyage actually go to Antarctica? Yes. The 129-day itinerary includes a full Antarctic scenic cruising experience, navigating through the Chilean Fjords, Glacier Alley, and the Beagle Channel.

What is the early booking deadline for the best perks? Travelers must book the Grand World Voyage by June 14, 2027, to receive the maximum tier of early booking benefits, which total up to $10,700 in value.