Volendam Departs Fort Lauderdale on Grand World Voyage

The Volendam departed Fort Lauderdale on January 4, 2026, marking the start of Holland America Line’s Grand World Voyage.

The sailing featured a joint departure celebration, which also marked the launch of the cruise line’s Grand Australia and New Zealand Voyage aboard the Zaandam. Operating roundtrip from Port Everglades, the 133-night journey includes 51 ports of call across 23 countries and territories.

A major feature of the itinerary is scenic cruising in Antarctica. Overall, the voyage spans five continents, with a strong emphasis on South America, the Pacific region, and Asia. Notable highlights include multiple overnight stays in high-profile destinations such as Papeete, Bali, and Yokohama.

After leaving Florida, Volendam first called in French Guiana before reaching Brazil, where it is scheduled to visit ports including Belém, Recife, and Rio de Janeiro. Later in January, the ship is set to arrive in Argentina and Uruguay as it continues toward Antarctica and rounds Cape Horn.

Once in the Pacific, the itinerary includes calls in Chile before the ship sails onward to French Polynesia, Australia, and New Zealand. The voyage then continues through Southeast Asia and the Far East, with stops planned in Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Nagasaki.

Following a transpacific crossing, Volendam will visit ports in Alaska and along the U.S. West Coast before transiting the Panama Canal. The ship is also scheduled to call at ports in the Caribbean and Central America before completing the journey back in Fort Lauderdale on May 17, 2026.

Holland America Line noted that one of the standout moments of the voyage will be a rendezvous with the Zaandam in Sydney in early March.

To mark the two Grand Voyages, the cruise line plans to host a Chocolate Teatime event at the port, featuring chocolatier Jacques Torres.

After returning to Florida, Volendam will begin its summer deployment, offering cruises to Canada, New England, Iceland, and the Arctic.