Holland America Unveils Bora Bora Double-Header for 2028

Quick Summary

Bora Bora Focus: In a historic first, both Holland America Line’s 2028 Grand Voyages will visit the iconic South Pacific island of Bora Bora in a single season.

Global Odyssey: The 129-day Grand World Voyage departs Jan 4, 2028, visiting 45 ports across six continents, including Antarctica and Null Island.

Southern Deep-Dive: The 90-day Grand Australia & New Zealand Voyage begins Jan 30, 2028, exploring 41 ports with rare access to Western Australia.

Early Perks: Travelers can secure up to $10,700 in savings and onboard credits by booking before the June 2027 early incentive deadlines.

Holland America Line has raised the bar for ultra-long-haul cruising with the unveiling of its two flagship journeys for 2028. The upcoming season will mark a groundbreaking milestone: for the first time in the line’s history, both the Grand World Voyage and the Grand Australia & New Zealand Voyage will converge on the turquoise lagoons of Bora Bora. These itineraries are designed to offer unparalleled depth, utilizing smaller vessels like the Volendam and Zaandam to reach hidden gems that larger ships cannot access.

The 2028 Grand World Voyage: A 129-Day Circumnavigation

Setting sail on January 4, 2028, from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the Grand World Voyage is a sweeping 129-day adventure that visits 45 ports across six continents. This odyssey is not just about the destinations but the rare maritime milestones it achieves.

Guests will experience a full Antarctica immersion, navigating the Chilean Fjords and the Beagle Channel. A highlight for geography enthusiasts is the planned transit past Null Island (0°N, 0°E), the point where the Prime Meridian meets the Equator. The route also features 16 Mariners’ Collection ports, including rare stops like Walvis Bay in Namibia and Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean.

The Grand Australia & New Zealand Voyage: 90 Days of Discovery

For travelers focused on the Southern Hemisphere, the 90-day Grand Australia & New Zealand Voyage departs San Diego on January 30, 2028. This itinerary covers 41 ports in 12 countries, with a heavy emphasis on the rugged and seldom-visited coastline of Western Australia.

A core attraction of this journey is the inclusion of 13 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Great Barrier Reef and Tongariro National Park. The voyage also features overnight stays in major metropolitan hubs like Sydney, Hobart, and Auckland, providing travelers with ample time to explore these vibrant cities well past sunset.

Bora Bora: The Crown Jewel of the 2028 Season

The decision to include Bora Bora on both Grand Voyages is a strategic move that highlights the island's status as the ultimate South Pacific destination. Guests aboard the Zaandam will enjoy an extended evening stay in the lagoon, allowing for sunset views of the volcanic peak of Mount Otemanu.

During their visit, travelers can engage in authentic island experiences, including snorkeling with rays and sharks or exploring the Teavanui Pass in a traditional outrigger canoe. This double-header visit underscores Holland America Line’s commitment to providing its guests with access to the world’s most coveted tropical paradises.

Feature	Grand World Voyage	Grand Australia & NZ
Duration	129 Days	90 Days
Departure Date	Jan 4, 2028	Jan 30, 2028
Port Count	45 Ports	41 Ports
Early Booking Savings	Up to $10,700	Up to $8,500

What This Means for Travelers

The 2028 Grand Voyages represent a significant commitment to experiential tourism. By using smaller ships, Holland America ensures that the guest experience remains intimate, with personalized service and menus that evolve daily to reflect the local ingredients of the region.

For prospective guests, the early booking window is critical. Those who book the Grand World Voyage by June 14, 2027, can unlock massive benefits, including air credits, complimentary Wi-Fi, and significant onboard spending money. Given the rarity of a "double Bora Bora" season and the depth of the Australia itineraries, these voyages are expected to sell out well ahead of their 2028 departures.

FAQ: Holland America 2028 Grand Voyages

Why is the visit to Bora Bora significant?

2028 marks the first time Holland America Line has scheduled both of its primary Grand Voyages to visit Bora Bora in a single season, offering travelers on either route access to the "Jewel of the South Pacific."

What are the "Mariners’ Collection" ports?

These are 16 exclusive destinations—such as Walvis Bay, Reunion Island, and Cape Verde—that are rarely included on mainstream cruise itineraries, offering a more remote and authentic travel experience.

Which ships are being used for the 2028 Grand Voyages?

The voyages will be hosted aboard the Volendam and Zaandam. These intimate, smaller vessels are specifically chosen for their ability to navigate shallow lagoons and remote ports that are inaccessible to larger cruise ships.

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Disclaimer: Cruise itineraries, port access, and early booking benefits are subject to change based on maritime conditions and Holland America Line policies. Verify all specific sailing dates and savings offers directly with Holland America Line before booking.