Holland America Line has started accepting bookings for the newly transformed Zuiderdam’s inaugural European cruise itineraries, set to debut on April 2, 2028. The ship’s revitalization is part of the Holland America Evolution program, the largest fleet investment in the cruise line’s 153-year history.
Mediterranean Voyages Begin April 2028
The season opens with Zuiderdam operating Mediterranean itineraries connecting Rome, Barcelona, and Lisbon. These voyages feature calls at Livorno (serving Florence and Pisa), Marseille in Provence, Valencia, Málaga, Cádiz, Gibraltar, and Tangier, offering guests access to a range of southern European coastal and city destinations.
Atlantic Europe and Transition to Northern Europe
Following the Mediterranean sailings, Zuiderdam embarks on a 13-day Atlantic Europe
voyage from Lisbon to Amsterdam. This itinerary navigates Atlantic coast ports including Porto in Portugal and Bilbao in Spain, and extends northward with stops in Bordeaux, Paris, London, Cork, and Dublin, bridging Southern Europe with Northern Europe.
Northern Europe and Norwegian Fjords
During summer 2028, Zuiderdam will homeport in Amsterdam to embark on Northern European cruises. Norwegian Fjords itineraries will include port calls at Bergen, Oslo, Skjolden, Ålesund, and Nordfjordeid, highlighting fjords such as Sognefjord, Nordfjord, and Hardangerfjord. Longer sailings include a 10-day Norwegian Fjords & Landscapes itinerary and an 11-day Wild British Isles voyage calling at ports in Ireland and Scotland.
Iceland, Greenland, and North Atlantic Routes
Zuiderdam’s schedule features
multiple voyages between Amsterdam and Reykjavík, with stops in the Shetland Islands and Faroe Islands. Icelandic ports include Akureyri, Ísafjörður, Seyðisfjörður, Grundarfjörður, and Heimaey. The routes extend to Greenland, tracing historic maritime paths in the North Atlantic.
New Onboard Features and Accommodations
Zuiderdam’s transformation introduces new accommodation categories such as Solo Verandahs designed for solo travelers, forward-facing Bridgeview Suites, Vista Suites, and a reimagined Pinnacle Suite. The ship also welcomes the Grand Dutch Café, a new venue inspired by features from Holland America’s Pinnacle Class vessels, enhancing the onboard experience.
Holland America Line’s European Heritage and Fleet Modernization
Europe has been integral to Holland America Line’s history for over 150 years. The Evolution
program aims to upgrade ships across the fleet by introducing Pinnacle Class amenities. Zuiderdam’s European deployment underscores the region’s significance to the cruise line and its legacy.
Official Statement from Holland America Line
Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line, stated, “There is something especially fitting about introducing a newly transformed Zuiderdam in Europe, a region we know exceptionally well and one that has been part of our story from the very beginning.” She emphasized the season’s itineraries showcase the continent’s diversity, from Mediterranean cities to the fjords and waterways of Northern Europe.
