This cruise line just unveiled more buzzworthy monthlong voyages — including a rare Inside Passage route
Holland America will outdo itself again in 2026 with superlong itineraries, including twists on historic Alaska and Mediterranean sailings.
The line announced Wednesday even more epic itineraries for the 2026 cruise season, including voyages to the Mediterranean, the South Pacific, the Pacific Northwest, Alaska and Hawaii. Of these, one pays homage to a bygone Holland America itinerary; another will ply waterways rarely traveled by cruise ships.
All of the sailings are part of the line's Legendary Voyages itineraries, which range from 27 to 45 days and focus on a singular region. Additionally, they offer special onboard programming and activities that highlight the area's history and culture. (Looking for an even longer sailing? Try one of the line's Grand Voyages.)
Shorter iterations of these cruises were available in previous years — and many sold out quickly. The 2026 itineraries will feature ports and experiences not offered on past sailings.
Among the newly announced 2026 itineraries is the 28-night Legendary Arctic Circle Solstice voyage aboard the 1,924-passenger Noordam. The ship will depart Seattle on June 7 and visit 13 ports throughout British Columbia and Alaska.
This reenvisioned itinerary will include two full days of scenic cruising through the Inside Passage, ideal for spotting wildlife such as whales and seals. The ship will navigate the narrow channels of British Columbia, including Seymour Narrows, Johnstone Strait, Bella Bella and the Grenville Channel.
These routes were historically used by steamboats during the gold rush days of the 1800s. Over time, the routes lost their luster as vessels grew in size and could reach Alaska faster via the open ocean. Holland America will give guests a rare opportunity to sail this historic Inside Passage.
As the ship makes its way through the channels, it will hug the coastline along the Great Bear Rainforest, home to abundant wildlife. Cruisers might catch a glimpse of coastal gray wolves, Sitka deer and the rare cream-colored Kermode bear, or spirit bear, considered sacred by the Tsimshian people.
Long stays in port offer more time to explore the waterfalls and dramatic cliffs along Keystone Canyon in Valdez and Juneau's Mendenhall, Taku, Eagle and Herbert glaciers. Mountain-fringed Valdez sees few cruise ships, partly due to the time it takes to reach from Vancouver and other Alaska cruise hubs. Remote ports like Nome and Dutch Harbor are also on the itinerary.
Passengers will also cruise through the Bering Strait into the Arctic Ocean. Noordam will be positioned in the Bering Sea above the Arctic Circle for the summer solstice on June 21 — the longest day of the year, providing 24 hours of daylight.
Fares for the Legendary Arctic Circle Solstice sailing start at $5,499 per person for an inside cabin (based on double occupancy), including taxes and fees.
Holland America will also offer a reimagining of an epic transatlantic itinerary the line first sailed 100 years ago. The 45-night round-trip Ultimate Mediterranean and Atlantic Passage cruise will retrace a 1925 voyage on Rotterdam IV, one of Holland America's earliest ships. The 2026 sailing will be the third iteration of the historic itinerary; the first version debuted in 2024 and quickly sold out.
"Since recreating this voyage of the 1920s, it has become one of our most popular and fastest selling," said Paul Grigsby, Holland America Line's vice president of revenue planning and analytics. "There is simply no better way to explore this deeply the charm, delicious cuisine, and rich history of the Mediterranean while only unpacking your suitcase once."
The 1,432-passenger Volendam will sail round-trip from New York City on Oct. 8, 2026, and explore 21 ports across 12 countries. Highlights of the Ultimate Mediterranean and Atlantic Passage sailing include late-night calls at Gibraltar and Civitavecchia (Rome), plus overnights in Alexandria and Istanbul. Lingering longer in these renowned ports offers plenty of time to take in iconic landmarks, such as Egypt's pyramids of Giza and Istanbul's historic mosques and bazaars.
The schedule includes stops at Iraklion (the port for Crete) and Piraeus (the port for Athens) in Greece, as well as visits to Ashdod and Haifa in Israel and Kusadasi, Turkey, which is the gateway to the iconic ancient ruins of Ephesus.
Fares for the Ultimate Mediterranean and Atlantic Passage start at $7,574 per person (based on double occupancy) for an inside cabin, including taxes and fees.
Rounding out the list of extended Legendary Voyage offerings in 2026 is a 35-night Hawaii, Tahiti and Marquesas Islands sailing, departing in October, and a 27- and 28-night Legendary Glaciers and Volcanoes: Alaska to Hawaii itinerary, which sets sail in September. (The former sailing departs from Seattle and offers a second embarkation in Vancouver, British Columbia on day two of the cruise.)
If any of these voyages pique your interest, book sooner rather than later. These itineraries sell out quickly, especially the Ultimate Mediterranean cruise.
Plus, you can snag extra perks when you book early. For a limited time, when guests add a Have It All premium package (which includes shore excursions, specialty dining, a Signature Beverage Package and Surf Wi-Fi) to their Legendary Voyages booking, they'll also get free prepaid crew gratuities, plus free upgrades to the Elite Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
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- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.