Holland America Line has begun accepting reservations for the first European voyages of its Zuiderdam ship following a major transformation under the Holland America Evolution program. The ship’s upgraded features will be unveiled on April 2, 2028, when Zuiderdam returns to service in the Mediterranean and later sails during summer 2028 from Amsterdam on itineraries covering Northern Europe and Iceland.
Mediterranean and Atlantic Europe Itineraries
Zuiderdam’s initial European sailings include open-jaw voyages connecting Rome, Barcelona, and Lisbon, providing access to prominent Mediterranean ports such as Livorno (serving Florence and Pisa), Marseille (Provence), Valencia, Málaga, Cádiz, Gibraltar, and Tangier. Additionally, a 13-day Atlantic Europe cruise runs
from Lisbon to Amsterdam, with stops at Porto, Bilbao, Bordeaux, Paris, London, Cork, and Dublin, tracing the Atlantic coastlines of Portugal, Spain, France, and reaching Ireland and the Netherlands.
Northern Europe and Iceland Routes
After arriving in Amsterdam, Zuiderdam will focus on Northern Europe during the summer season, offering Norwegian Fjords cruises calling at Bergen, Oslo, Skjolden, Ålesund, and Nordfjordeid. These itineraries navigate iconic fjords including Sognefjord, Nordfjord, and Hardangerfjord. Longer northern voyages include a 10-day Norwegian Fjords & Landscapes itinerary and an 11-day Wild British Isles cruise visiting Irish and Scottish ports. The ship will also operate routes between Amsterdam and Reykjavík, with port
calls in Icelandic destinations such as Akureyri, Ísafjörður, Seyðisfjörður, Grundarfjörður, and Heimaey, as well as stops in the Shetland and Faroe Islands.
Holland America Evolution Enhancements
Zuiderdam’s modernization under the multiyear Holland America Evolution initiative introduces accommodations tailored for diverse traveler needs, including Solo Verandahs designed for solo passengers, forward-facing Bridgeview Suites, Vista Suites, and a revamped Pinnacle Suite. The ship also features the Grand Dutch Café, bringing elements from the fleet’s Pinnacle Class vessels to enhance dining and onboard experiences. These upgrades aim to elevate the ship’s offerings while preserving its European heritage.
Company Statements and Fleet Context
Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line, noted the significance
of unveiling the transformed Zuiderdam in Europe, a key region in the company’s history. Holland America Line operates a fleet of 11 ships visiting nearly 400 ports in 114 countries, with over 150 years of European exploration and a 153-year corporate history. The Evolution program represents the largest investment in the fleet’s history, bringing Pinnacle Class features to additional vessels to advance the company’s premium cruising philosophy.
