Holland America’s 2027 Grand Voyages are here, and circumnavigating the globe is back
Holland America announced Wednesday the itineraries for its 2027 Grand Voyage sailings. These sailings, which last 70 or 129 days, are some of the most ambitious and expansive in cruising. They include dozens of port stops and exclusive experiences that you can't find on other Holland America itineraries.
What to expect on Holland America’s 2027 Grand Voyages
The 129-day Grand World Voyage kicks off in Fort Lauderdale on Jan. 5, 2027, and will fully circumnavigate the globe. This marks a change from the planned 2026 itinerary, which will cross the Pacific Ocean twice, to Australia and from Asia, but will not make a transatlantic crossing, pass through the Suez Canal or include ports in Europe. The itinerary will include a more in-depth exploration of Asia, including six ports in Japan.
Holland America’s 2025 Grand World Voyage was rerouted midvoyage to avoid the Red Sea, but it did include ports in the Mediterranean. These choices were driven by ongoing security concerns in the Middle East, specifically in and around the Red Sea. The full circumnavigation in 2027 is a return to Holland America’s previous approach to the Grand World Voyage — something its guests have been asking for.
The 70-day Grand Voyage sails from Fort Lauderdale on Jan. 3, 2027, and heads through the Panama Canal to South America’s west coast. The ship will sail to Chile and through the Drake Passage leading up to a four-day trip to Antarctica. Stops in Brazil and the Caribbean will follow before the ship sails back to Florida.
New destinations on Holland America’s 2027 Grand Voyage
The 129-day Grand World Voyage will sail on Volendam in 2027, while the 70-day Grand South. America and Antarctica Voyage will sail on Volendam. These are the same ships that will sail on these voyages in 2026, though with different itinerary configurations. Currently, the line is using Zuiderdam for its 2025 Grand World Voyage; Zuiderdam carries 1,916 passengers and is slightly larger than both Zaandam and Volendam (which each carry 1,432 passengers). The smaller-capacity ships will make it possible to see unique ports that cannot accommodate larger ships.
Some new port stops exclusive to the Grand World Voyage in 2027 are Jamestown, Saint Helena, and Georgetown, Ascension Island, both of which are in the South Atlantic Ocean and are difficult for visitors to reach. Commercial flights connecting Saint Helena to the African continent are infrequent and often limited to charters, and Ascension Island does not have a commercial airport.
Saint Helena is thought to have been uninhabited until the 1500s, and it's best known as the place where Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled after he surrendered to the British in 1815. After his death in 1821, his remains were buried there for 19 years before they were repatriated to France.
Holland America focuses heavily on cultural and historical themes like these in all parts of the world. The line is developing some of these educational themes in partnership with The History Channel, a program that Holland America announced in February 2025.
The mood on board the Grand World Voyage
These voyages, which sail round-trip from Fort Lauderdale, are popular among cruisers who can stay for the whole journey and essentially make the ships their homes. Passengers form friendships with fellow cruisers and even the crew members. Holland America intentionally schedules the crew members for these itineraries so passengers will see familiar faces from past Grand Voyages.
Passengers looking for a shorter trip can also book these cruises in segments, but the itineraries — and onboard activities — are designed for those who have the time to settle in.
With passengers on board for months for the Grand World Voyage, Holland America creates programming and experiences on the ship that are designed to keep things interesting and on theme. Destination-specific events are frequent.
For example, there was a pizza party by the pool while the ship was recently in port in Naples, Italy, on its 2025 Grand World Voyage; the party was complete with a DJ spinning Italian classics and individual pies courtesy of Seattle-based chef Ethan Stowell. Holiday celebrations — like an Easter event with chocolates crafted by Jacques Torres, a shipwide egg hunt and religious services for multiple denominations — are the norm.
Perks come to those who book early and often
To celebrate the announcement of the new itineraries, Holland America is offering some perks for those who reserve cabins early: up to $2,000 in onboard credit, a 3% discount for paying in full and free Wi-Fi. Those who book their flights through Flight Ease, Holland America’s airfare program, can earn a $500 flight credit as well as complimentary airport transfers to and from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). Other incentives for booking upgraded cabins include prepaid gratuities and laundry and dry cleaning services.
Taking one of these cruises also fast-tracks you to elite status in Holland America’s loyalty program. Cruising for a minimum of 70 days with the line entitles passengers to a 3-Star Mariner Society membership, which comes with a welcome lunch and cocktail, spa discounts, a special gift, and onboard credit. (The latter is contingent on when you book.)
Get to 200 cruising days — something that isn’t such a stretch if you consider the length of one Grand World Voyage — and you’ll earn 4-Star Mariner status. This qualifies guests for complimentary wine tasting, free laundry, priority check-in, and a host of other discounts and freebies.
Pricing for Holland America’s Grand World Voyage and Grand Voyage is expected to go live in May. As a comparison, the 2026 Grand World Voyage started at $29,999 for an inside cabin, and a 72-day Grand Voyage started at $17,279.
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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. (Partner offer)Pros
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- 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.
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- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 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. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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Intro Offer
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
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
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. (Partner offer)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.