HAL updates 2026 Grand Voyage to avoid Red Sea passage
Holland America Line has updated its 2026 Grand World Voyage sailing aboard Volendam.
The refreshed voyage will now provide guests an opportunity to explore in East and Southeast Asia, Central America, destinations in the U.S. and a transit of the Panama Canal.
The new itinerary replaces a prior route through the Red Sea. Given the evolving situation in the region and in consultation with global security experts, Holland America has made the decision to reroute the planned voyage.
About the new itinerary
The changes will affect the last 54 days of the voyage — which, due to a crossing of the International Dateline, will increase from 132 to 133 days. The updated cruise will now visit 51 unique ports in 23 countries and territories, spanning five continents, concluding as planned on May 17, 2026, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
“We know immersive experiences in exciting destinations are always a main draw for those choosing a world cruise. The dozen ports we’ve added in Asia will bring that part of the world to life for our guests,” said Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer for Holland America Line. “From exploring the emerald waters of Halong Bay or snorkeling in Nha Trang to overnight stays in Hong Kong, Nagasaki and Tokyo, the deep exploration of the region provides guests the opportunity to take in the culture and natural beauty of Asia as part of their world cruise.”
New highlights
Following the originally planned overnight call in Singapore, Volendam will sail north to Vietnam, calling at Phu My (Ho Chi Minh City), Nha Trang and Halong Bay (Hanoi).
The ship will overnight in Hong Kong before continuing northeast to Kaohsiung and Keelung (Taipei), Taiwan.
Guests will enjoy six ports in Japan, including overnights in Nagasaki and Tokyo, before completing a transpacific crossing.
Volendam will call at Kodiak, Sitka and Ketchikan, Alaska, before sailing south along the Pacific Coast of the U.S. to Seattle, Washington, and San Diego, California. The voyage continues southeast to Manzanillo and Puerto Chiapas, Mexico, Acajutla, El Salvador, and finally overnights in Fuerte Amador (Panama City), Panama, before transiting the Panama Canal. The ship calls at Cartagena, Colombia, before sailing north to the journey’s conclusion in Fort Lauderdale.
Booking segments
For travellers seeking to make new bookings on the 2026 Grand World Voyage, starting cruise-only fares begin at $30,354 per person, inclusive of taxes and fees, based on double occupancy.
Beginning on Nov. 13, guests will be able to book 21- to 55-day segments featuring the new portion of the itinerary. Highlighted segments include:
- 55-day Singapore to Fort Lauderdale, departing March 24, 2026
- 21-day Singapore to Tokyo, departing March 24, 2026
- 34-day Tokyo to Fort Lauderdale, departing April 14, 2026
Visit hollandamerica.com for full details.
