Four new cruises offer unique and immersive travel experiences.
SEATTLE, WASH. – Holland America Line is unveiling four new “Legendary Voyages” including a rare roundtrip 45-day cruise from New York to the Mediterranean and a unique 28-day exploration of the South Pacific Islands. As travelers’ interest in longer cruises grows, these region-centric journeys, which will depart in 2025 and early 2026, give guests the opportunity to foster deeper connections and engage more intimately with the destinations visited.
Departing Oct. 7, 2025, the 45-Day “Ultimate Mediterranean & Atlantic Passage” Legendary Voyage aboard Volendam is a special sailing roundtrip from New York that spans the Med, inspired by a voyage operated by the line 100 years ago. Guests will visit 20 ports — many of which were visited in 1925 — in Portugal, Spain, U.K., Italy, Tunisia, Malta, Greece, Turkey and Egypt. Overnights include Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy; Istanbul, Turkey; and Alexandria (Cairo), Egypt. Guests will enjoy late departures from Gibraltar, U.K.; Barcelona, Spain; Istanbul and Alexandria.
“Based on the popularity of our 2024 Ultimate Mediterranean cruise, it’s clear that guests are eager for more in-depth exploration of the region,” said Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer for Holland America Line. “Being able to offer this cruise roundtrip from New York City in 2025 creates a rare opportunity for people in North America to enjoy the Med and our award-winning service without a long flight.”
For a one-of-a-kind island-hopping adventure, guests can embark Noordam Jan. 4, 2026, for the 28-day “Islands of the South Pacific” Legendary Voyage. This meticulously planned itinerary sails from Sydney, Australia, to Auckland, New Zealand, visiting 20 ports across seven countries. The ship will sail along the east coast of Australia, with four calls in Queensland and an opportunity to snorkel at the famed Great Barrier Reef. The ship then calls at the Conflict Islands en route to Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji and Tonga, before three calls in New Zealand.
“The South Pacific is home to some of the most popular ports for cruisers. We worked to create an itinerary like no other in this region, with multiple calls to islands that are less traveled and a must-see for anyone looking to experience all that the region has to offer at an unhurried pace,” said Paul Grigsby, Holland America Line’s vice president for deployment and itinerary planning.
Other Newly Announced 2025-2026 Legendary Voyages
Cruisers who like relaxing sea days combined with visits to some of the most beautiful islands in the world have two Legendary Voyages to choose from in 2025 and 2026:
- The 27-Day ‘South Pacific Crossing’ Legendary Voyage aboard Noordam departs Oct. 12, 2025, and sails from Seattle, Washington, to Sydney. The ship will traverse hemispheres with visits to nine ports across the Pacific Ocean, including four in the island nation of Fiji. An overnight and late departure from Honolulu, Hawaii, allow extra time for experiencing the city’s culture, cuisine and history.
- The 36-day ‘South Pacific Crossing’ Legendary Voyage aboard Noordam departs March 15, 2026. Sailing from Sydney to Seattle, the ship explores 17 ports throughout New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji, Tonga, Tahiti, the Cook Islands and Hawaii with overnight stays at Papeete, Tahiti; and Honolulu, along with late departures from Honolulu and Kona, Hawaii.
The four new Legendary Voyages join eight previously announced itineraries that are offered in 2025 and 2026.
Additional 2025-2026 Legendary Voyages
28-Day ‘Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice’ Legendary Voyage
- Departs June 8, 2025; sails roundtrip Seattle aboard Westerdam.
28-Day ‘Arctic Circle Crossing: Greenland and Iceland’ Legendary Voyage
- Departs June 29, 2025; sails roundtrip Rotterdam or June 28, 2025; roundtrip Dover aboard Nieuw Statendam.
25-Day ‘Canada, New England, Greenland and Iceland’ Legendary Voyage
- Departs July 12, 2025; sails roundtrip from Boston aboard Volendam.
35-Day ‘Voyage of the Vikings’ Legendary Voyage
- Departs July 19, 2025; sails roundtrip from Boston aboard Zuiderdam.
28-Day ‘Glaciers & Volcanoes: Alaska to Hawaii’ Legendary Voyage
- Departs Aug. 31, 2025; sails roundtrip Seattle aboard Westerdam.
56-Day ‘Tales of the South Pacific’ Legendary Voyage
- Departs Sept. 24, 2025; from Vancouver to San Diego aboard Zaandam.
30-Day ‘Amazon Explorer’ Legendary Voyage
- Departs Nov. 21, 2025; from New York to Fort Lauderdale aboard Volendam.
35-Day ‘Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas’ Legendary Voyage
- Departs Feb. 14, 2026; roundtrip San Diego aboard Nieuw Amsterdam.
What is a ‘Legendary Voyage’?
These lengthier cruises, which range from 25 to 59 days, combine the ceremony of Holland America Line’s Grand Voyages while focusing on a singular region. They visit some of the most interesting ports while offering guests extended exploration opportunities. Shipboard programming is specially curated to share insights into the history and culture of the destinations visited. Guests enjoy the “best of” Grand Voyages programming such as theme parties, memorable sailaways and classic cruise activities.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
