HAL Creates Upcycled Tote Bags for 2026 Voyages

Guests sailing on Holland America Line’s 2026 Grand Voyages will receive a unique tote bag crafted from repurposed ship textiles.

In a press release, the company announced that the giveaway marks the completion of its first fabric circularity initiative, which Holland America describes as the first project of its kind in the cruise sector.

This two-year effort transformed retired onboard fabrics into practical mementos, cutting down on landfill waste while giving the materials a second life. The program began during ship refurbishments, when items such as drapery and bed runners were gathered instead of thrown away. These textiles were sent to Andriali Mill in Turkey, where they were processed, broken down and spun into fresh yarn.

That yarn was then used to produce durable tote bags that guests aboard the Volendam and Zaandam will receive in January during their Grand Voyages.

Each tote includes a QR code allowing guests to explore the story behind its creation, offering a deeper connection to the sustainability project.

Roughly 30,000 yards of soft materials were repurposed to produce the 4,000 tote bags for 2026 Grand Voyage passengers. Additional textiles are being used to create 25,000 more bags for future Legendary Voyages.

“These tote bags are a symbol of what’s possible when we rethink waste,” said My Nguyen, director of interior design for Holland America Line.

“They started as stateroom fabrics and now represent a much bigger story—our commitment to circular design and reducing landfill impact across the fleet. Every bag reflects creativity, collaboration, and a shared responsibility for the planet, and we hope guests feel proud to carry that message with them.”

Holland America said the initiative is part of a larger circular design strategy that includes the Dansk: Re:Shape program, which repurposes old carpet into coasters, notebooks and postcards sold in onboard shops. More than 1.5 tons of carpet have already been kept out of landfills through this effort.

The company is also testing an Aluminum Furniture Circularity Project, which recycles marine-grade aluminum from balcony and pool deck furniture to support reuse of high-value materials across the fleet.