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USA Today
23-04-2025
- USA Today
Ready to leave the country for 129 days? These Holland America world cruises are calling.
Ready to leave the country for 129 days? These Holland America world cruises are calling. Show Caption Hide Caption How to find the best price, perks when booking a cruise Find the cruise that works for your budget with these tips. Problem Solved Holland America Line announced two new Grand Voyages for 2027, one to South America and Antarctica, and a world cruise. The Grand South America & Antarctica Voyage is a 70-day journey aboard the Zaandam, departing January 3, 2027. The 129-day Grand World Voyage will sail on the Volendam, starting January 5, 2027, visiting 28 countries across six continents. Two new Holland America Line cruises will take on months-long voyages to hard-to-reach places – and then back home to the U.S. The company revealed its 2027 Grand Voyages on Wednesday, including a 70-day Grand South America & Antarctica Voyage, and its 129-day Grand World Voyage to 28 countries in six continents. Both will sail round-trip from Fort Lauderdale. 'When you sail on one of our Grand Voyages we know you're looking for experiences you can't get anywhere else, and because of that we have carefully curated itineraries with unique ports of call,' the cruise line's president Beth Bodensteiner told guests aboard its 2025 Grand World Voyage on Zuiderdam on Wednesday. Here's what to know. When are Holland America's 2027 Grand Voyages? The Grand South America & Antarctica cruise will depart on Jan. 3, 2027, aboard the line's 1,432-guest Zaandam ship. The Grand World Voyage will follow two days later, on Jan. 5, 2027, aboard Volendam. The vessel has the same guest capacity. Where will the cruises go? ▶ Guests aboard Zaandam will transit the Panama Canal before traveling along the west coast of South America. 'This is something we're really excited about,' said Bodensteiner. 'It's one of the most in depth cruises to the region.'Passengers will enjoy scenic cruising in the Chilean fjords before crossing the infamous Drake Passage, a notoriously treacherous waterway between Argentina and Antarctica. Once they reach the White Continent, a four-day Antarctic Experience will follow. Guests can take in the sights, from icebergs to sea birds (though they will not disembark due to the ship's size; only ships carrying fewer than 500 passengers can take them on land). The ship will explore South America's east coast and the Caribbean on the way back. The 31-port itinerary includes five overnight stops, including in Montevideo, Uruguay; Buenos Aires; and Rio de Janeiro. ▶ The Grand World Voyage will also sail along South America's west coast and visit Easter Island, followed by the South Pacific and Australia. The cruise's 53-port itinerary also includes Singapore, Thailand and Sri Lanka, along with lesser-visited destinations like Georgetown on Ascension Island and Jamestown, St. Helena. 'St. Helena is best known for hosting Napoleon during his second and final exile; and the settlement in Georgetown formed when the British began to garrison the island as a precaution against Napoleon's presence,' the cruise line said in a news release. 'These two islands in the South Atlantic Ocean are nearly inaccessible, and to visit both in one journey is rare.' Africa, Europe and a transatlantic crossing round out the itinerary. Many ports on both cruises are exclusive to Grand Voyages. What are world cruises?: It's not a 'shoot-from-the-hip decision' How much do the cruises cost? Pricing information was not available before publication, but travelers can make Future Cruise Requests by calling the Holland America World Cruise Reservations line at 1-800-522-3399 or contacting their travel advisor. Contributing: Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@
Telegraph
04-02-2025
- Telegraph
Sail on the ultimate Arctic adventure with an epic voyage to Svalbard
Turning into Kongsfjorden in the awesome wilderness of Svalbard, guests on the Hurtigruten ship MS Trollfjord will brush the latitude line of 79 degrees – joining an exclusive band to travel this far north. The destination on this day is Ny-Ålesund, a former coal mine that has blossomed into an Arctic research station. It is where pioneer Roald Amundsen started expeditions to the North Pole. Relics of Ny-Ålesund's industrial past often stand in contrast to Svalbard's dramatic landscapes Credit : Andrea Klaussner Wandering around this hyper-remote community, there are plenty of echoes of its industrial past – as well as the world's most northerly post office. In contrast, the spectacular natural surroundings of Kongsfjorden – King's Fjord – are impeccably untouched. Formidable glaciers girdle stark mountains, flowing down to meet the sea where piratical skuas chase delicate terns. From out on deck you may spy small icebergs, seals, reindeer or an Arctic fox – and if you are very lucky a walrus, beluga whale or the ultimate symbol of Svalbard, the polar bear. While Svalbard is home to dramatic glaciers and stark mountains, its greatest icon is the polar bear Credit : Getty Ny-Ålseund is a port of call on Hurtigruten's mesmerising Svalbard Line, a cruise that also encompasses a great swathe of Norway's incredible coastline. This 15-day adventure, a round-trip from colourful Bergen, is part of Hurtigruten's premium Signature collection. Unlike this famous company's Original Voyages, where the ships double as a vital link between isolated communities, these are more leisurely cruises. An emphasis on exploration is afforded by several hours spent in each port, and a large dedicated Coastal Experience Team on board who can offer additional guidance. The Svalbard Line's 15-day Arctic adventure begins and ends in colourful Bergen Credit : Getty Guests can indulge in some exceptional optional excursions and activities in each destination. How about a spellbinding ride on the Golden Train from Åndalsnes, gliding past tumbling rivers to Europe's highest vertical mountain wall, Trollveggen? The next day you could be island-hopping on a local boat around the Træna archipelago, then getting close-up views of one of the world's most beautiful places, the Lofoten Islands, where traditional red fisherman's cabins are set against dramatic rock backdrops. Between those last two destinations, you'll cross the Arctic Circle with a treasured ceremony on deck – just part of the enlightening experience on board MS Trollfjord. The Hurtigruten MS Trollfjord sails through some of Norway's most beautiful waters Credit : Espen Mills Comfortable cabins and suites, along with panoramic lounges, are complemented by all-inclusive meals and drinks. There are no gimmicks – the accent is on enjoying the passing scenery in the long hours of sparkling daylight, enhanced by expert lectures, musical entertainment and culinary demonstrations. Indeed, the food is a big part of this journey, with fresh regional ingredients carefully prepared by talented chefs, a concept called Norway's Coastal Kitchen. You will actually sail past the fjords and meadows from which much of the ship's produce is sourced. MS Trollfjord has three elegant restaurants and a welcoming bar. Imagine starting an evening with a cocktail inspired by mythical Valhalla, then feasting on carpaccio of clipfish (dried cod) and rosemary-roasted lamb from a daily-changing menu. Bustling Tromsø, boasting a striking modern cathedral as well as classic wooden buildings, is the next port, then there's the chance to drive a quad bike to the breathtaking North Cape settlement atop soaring cliffs. Tromsø is just one of the exciting Arctic port stops on the Svalbard Line Credit : Getty Heading ever northwards into the vast Barents Sea, the rarely-seen Bear Island looms on the horizon. On a sail-past, you'll learn about its rich population of seabirds. Many of those arriving at Svalbard will feel this is the closest they will get to leaving the planet, so remote are the landscapes. Longyearbyen – the other port visited in this archipelago – will therefore come as a surprise. This cosmopolitan town of about 1,000 people boasts two excellent museums, restaurants and appealing little shops. One exciting activity is to take your seat on a wheeled sled behind a team of eager huskies. Longyearbyen is home to charming little shops as well as exciting outdoor activities Credit : Getty On the way back south, there are plenty more memories to be made. At Senja island – dubbed the Caribbean of the North – a safari can be enjoyed among the turquoise waters and white-sand beaches. Perhaps you will opt to discover how the Vikings built their dwellings at Tromsø, or kayak on crystal backwaters during another call at the Lofoten Islands. Just make sure to book these excursions, which come at an additional cost, in advance. With white-sand beaches and glistening landscapes, it's no surprise Senja island is known as the Caribbean of the North Credit : Getty If you're short of time, it's possible to sail half the Svalbard Line route, north or south, flying to or back from Longyearbyen. Whichever option you choose, you'll have experienced a natural beauty that can only be described as otherworldly. Experience authentic Norway With more than 130 years of experience in Norwegian coastal cruising, Hurtigruten Cruises delivers an unparalleled experience with fascinating excursions, breathtaking views, and locally sourced dishes that offer a true taste of Norway. Book your voyage today at and save up to 25 per cent on Original Voyages and up to 15 per cent on Signature Voyages for departures until April 2026. Book by 3 March 2025.
