Holland America Line opens bookings for Zuiderdam’s first Europe season after major transformation

International

The newly renovated ship will sail the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Iceland and Greenland following its return to service in spring 2028

Holland America Line has opened bookings for Zuiderdam’s first collection of European voyages following the ship’s extensive transformation under the Holland America Evolution programme. The ship will return to service on 2 April 2028, beginning the season in the Mediterranean before spending the summer sailing from Amsterdam to destinations across Northern Europe, Iceland and later Greenland.

The refurbishment is part of Holland America Evolution, the cruise line’s largest fleet investment in its 153-year history.

Mediterranean and Northern Europe in one season

Zuiderdam’s 2028 Europe programme begins with open-jaw itineraries linking Rome, Barcelona and Lisbon. Guests will visit destinations including Livorno, Portofino, Marseille, Valencia, Málaga, Cádiz, Gibraltar and Tangier before the ship heads north.

A 13-day Atlantic Europe voyage connects Lisbon with Amsterdam, calling at Porto, Bilbao, Bordeaux, Paris, London, Cork and Dublin before arriving in the Dutch capital.

Amsterdam becomes Zuiderdam’s summer homeport

From Amsterdam, Zuiderdam will operate a series of cruises throughout Northern Europe, including voyages to Norway’s famous fjords, the British Isles and Iceland.

Seven-day Norwegian Fjords itineraries feature ports such as Bergen, Oslo, Skjolden, Ålesund and Nordfjordeid, while longer cruises explore destinations including Trondheim, Scotland and Ireland.

The programme also includes several sailings between Amsterdam and Reykjavík, with calls at Icelandic ports including Akureyri, Ísafjörður, Seyðisfjörður, Grundarfjörður and Heimaey, as well as destinations in the Shetland and Faroe Islands.

Signature voyage continues to Greenland and Boston

One of the season’s highlights is the 21-day Cultural Crossing itinerary departing Amsterdam on 12 August 2028 for Boston.

The voyage includes ports throughout Iceland and Greenland, including Reykjavík, Akureyri, Ísafjörður, Qaqortoq and Nanortalik, before continuing through Atlantic Canada to New England.

New suites and upgraded onboard experience

Zuiderdam’s return marks the next phase of Holland America Evolution, a multi-year modernisation programme designed to bring many of the features found on the cruise line’s Pinnacle Class ships to more of the fleet.

Among the additions are purpose-built Solo Verandah staterooms, new forward-facing Bridgeview Suites, redesigned Vista Suites and a reimagined Pinnacle Suite. Guests will also enjoy refreshed accommodation throughout the ship and the addition of the Grand Dutch Café.

“There is something especially fitting about introducing a newly transformed Zuiderdam in Europe, a region we know exceptionally well and one that has been part of our story from the very beginning,” said Beth Bodensteiner, President of Holland America Line. “This season showcases the remarkable diversity of the continent, from the energy and history of the Mediterranean to the fjords and waterways of Northern Europe. After homeporting in the Netherlands, our historic home, Zuiderdam continues on to Iceland and Greenland, tracing routes sailed by generations of explorers and mariners. It’s a collection of voyages that celebrates our heritage and the next chapter of this ship.”