How MS Volendam's Year Is Structured
Rather than memorise specific sailings that change every year, it helps to understand the rhythm of MS Volendam's calendar. As one of Holland America Line's mid-size Rotterdam-class ships, she follows a fairly consistent annual pattern: warm-weather voyages over the northern winter, a long Grand World Voyage in the new year, transatlantic repositioning crossings, and a Canada & New England season in the autumn. Within that framework the ports and dates shift season to season.
| Season | Typical region | Style of voyage |
|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec-Jan) | Caribbean, Panama Canal & Central America | 7-21 day round-trips from Fort Lauderdale |
| New year (Jan-May) | Grand World Voyage | ~133 days, sold whole or in segments |
| Late spring | Transatlantic crossings | Repositioning between the Americas and Europe |
| Autumn (Sep-Oct) | Canada & New England | 7-14 day sailings from Boston / Montreal |
The Grand World Voyage: MS Volendam's Flagship
An Annual ~133-Day World Cruise
Each new year MS Volendam sets off on a Grand World Voyage of roughly 133 days from Fort Lauderdale - the centrepiece of her calendar and one of the longest cruises Holland America Line operates. These voyages are sold either as the complete world cruise or in shorter "Grand Voyage" segments of three to eight weeks, so you can join for a single ocean or continent.
The 2025 edition was an ambitious "Pole to Pole" itinerary running from Antarctica towards the Arctic. For 2026, security concerns in the Red Sea led Holland America Line to redraw the route around Asia, the Pacific and the Americas instead of the Suez Canal - the detailed example below. A new Grand World Voyage is typically announced 12-18 months ahead, so check the line's site for the current year's routing.
Autumn & Winter: Canada, New England & the Caribbean
After the world voyage and a transatlantic crossing, MS Volendam typically spends the autumn on Canada & New England sailings from Boston and Montreal - the season that lines up with peak fall foliage - before heading south to the Caribbean and Panama Canal for the winter.
Canada & New England (Autumn)
From: Montreal to Boston (or reverse)
Duration: 7-14 days
Season: September-October
Ports: Quebec City, Charlottetown, Sydney, Halifax, Bar Harbor, Portland
Highlights:
- Fall foliage along the St. Lawrence at its peak
- UNESCO-listed Old Quebec, often with an overnight stay
- Fresh lobster in the Maritime provinces
- Acadia National Park from Bar Harbor
- Historic lighthouses and fishing villages
Caribbean & Panama Canal (Winter)
From: Fort Lauderdale
Duration: 7-21 days
Season: November-January
Ports: Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, San Juan, Cartagena, Panama Canal, Costa Rica
Highlights:
- Holland America's private Bahamas island, Half Moon Cay
- Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean loops
- Partial and full Panama Canal transits
- Warm-weather sailings before the Grand World Voyage departs
Worked Example: The 2026 Grand World Voyage
MS Volendam Grand World Voyage 2026 - Revised Itinerary
The 2026 edition is a useful example of how these world cruises take shape. Because of security concerns in the Red Sea region, Holland America Line redrew the 2026 Grand World Voyage, dropping the Suez Canal transit and European ports in favour of an extensive loop through Asia, the Pacific and the Americas. The result was still a full 133-day world cruise - a good illustration of the scope, and of how flexible these routes have to be.
Duration
133 days
January 4 - May 17, 2026
Ports
51 ports
23 countries
Starting Price
From $30,354
per person
New Routing Highlights:
- Extended Asia: Vietnam (Phu My, Nha Trang, Halong Bay), extensive Japan coverage with 6 ports including overnight stays in Nagasaki and Tokyo
- Alaska Addition: Kodiak, Sitka, Ketchikan - bringing Alaska's wilderness to the world voyage
- US West Coast: Seattle and San Diego now included
- Central America: Manzanillo, Puerto Chiapas (Mexico), Acajutla (El Salvador)
- Panama Canal: Full transit with overnight in Panama City
- Singapore: Extended overnight stay as Asian hub
Segment Options (21-55 days):
- 55-day Singapore to Fort Lauderdale (March 24 - May 17, 2026)
- 42-day transpacific crossing with Japan and Alaska
- 35-day South America and Antarctica expedition
- 28-day Australia and South Pacific islands
Special Theme Cruises
Culinary Arts Cruises
Join celebrity chefs and culinary experts for exclusive cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, and gourmet dining experiences. These special departures feature enhanced menus and hands-on cooking classes in the Culinary Arts Center.
Where to find them: Offered on select Caribbean, world-voyage and Canada/New England departures each year.
Special Features: Guest chef dinners, market tours in ports, wine pairing seminars
Music Theme Cruises
Experience world-class performances featuring jazz, classical, and contemporary artists. Holland America's exclusive partnerships with Lincoln Center Stage, B.B. King's Blues Club, and Billboard Onboard create unforgettable musical journeys.
Where to find them: Jazz, classical and blues-themed sailings appear across the year on selected departures.
Included: Daily performances, meet & greets, music workshops
Holiday Cruises
Celebrate the holidays at sea with festive decorations, special menus, and seasonal entertainment. From Christmas markets in European ports to New Year's Eve fireworks at sea, these cruises create magical holiday memories.
Typical festive departures:
- Late Dec: Christmas Caribbean
- Dec-Jan: New Year's Celebration at sea
- Holiday Grand Voyage segments over the festive period
Special Activities: Gingerbread house making, carol services, NYE gala
Booking Information
How to Book Your MS Volendam Cruise
Booking your dream cruise aboard MS Volendam is easy through multiple channels. Holland America Line offers various incentives for early booking, group travel, and repeat guests through their Mariner Society loyalty program.
Booking Options:
- Direct Booking: Holland America Line website or call center
- Travel Agents: Authorized HAL travel partners worldwide
- Group Bookings: Special rates for 10+ staterooms
- Charter Options: Full ship charters for special events
Booking Benefits:
- Early Booking Bonus: Up to $500 onboard credit
- Free Upgrades: Subject to availability
- Flexible Cancellation: Updated policies for peace of mind
- Have It All Package: Beverage, WiFi, gratuities, and excursions
Call Holland America: 1-877-932-4259 (US & Canada)