Holland America Line is set to redefine the entertainment experience on its Grand Voyages, starting with the 2025 Grand World Voyage and Grand Voyage: Pole to Pole. As the two cruises set sail in January 2025, guests will be treated to 15 new shows making their debut on both ships throughout these month-long globetrotting journeys.
Developed by acclaimed producer Blackburn International, each Grand Voyage will feature a cast of eight accomplished singers and dancers performing in 15 new productions. Each show will have a distinct theme, including tributes to pop and rock greats like Carole King, the Carpenters, Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, and more. With titles such as “The Sounds of Summer,” “Solid Gold,” and “Crossroads,” Holland America Line will offer a variety of performances throughout each cruise.
Bill Prince, vice president of entertainment for Holland America Line, said, “Holland America Line has never introduced this many shows at one time. The Grand Voyages are the longest itineraries we offer, and it’s important to keep the entertainment fresh for our returning guests. The new shows are a diverse collection of music genres to appeal to various tastes.”
A Grand Onboard Experience
The 15 new shows will join an already robust entertainment and enrichment program on the Grand Voyages. Comedians, headline entertainers, and performers sourced locally will mix with Holland America Line’s production shows and resident musicians, including a classical trio and dance band on both ships.
Guest chefs specialising in the cuisine of the region where the ship is sailing will join select segments of each Grand Voyage to share their culinary expertise. They will offer a live cooking demonstration for guests to participate in an informative “coffee chat.” Their cuisine will be featured at an exclusive, reservation-only dinner at Pinnacle Grill. The guest chefs’ signature appetisers and main dishes will also be highlighted on the Dining Room menu while they are on board.
Guests can expand their horizons with enriching activities on a Grand Voyage, including dance classes like ballroom or beginners’ ballet; arts and crafts classes that include watercolour painting, origami, and creative writing; pickleball lessons from the ship’s sports director; tai chi on deck, and more.
Dining is elevated on each Grand Voyage with menus that change daily and are seldom repeated, featuring local ingredients and regional cuisine. Select theme parties like the Masquerade have a matching dinner menu in the Dining Room to elevate the festivities. Brunch on sea days in the Dining Room is a grand affair, with an extensive roster of rotating menus featuring regionally focused dishes and tasting menus so guests can sample a variety of brunch favourites. Festive gala balls and dressy nights create memorable moments, along with a Captain’s Grand Voyage Dinner.
Grand Voyage Ships to Meet in Barcelona
In 2025, Zuiderdam will sail the 124-day Grand World Voyage roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The ship departs on 4 January 2025 and will circle the globe westwardly, visiting 49 ports in 30 countries across six continents. Volendam sails the 133-day Grand Voyage pole to pole and roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale. The ship departs Jan. 25 and follows a south-north-south route, down the coast of South America to Antarctica and then up to the Arctic, visiting 69 ports across five continents and 26 countries.
During the Grand Voyages, Zuiderdam and Volendam will rendezvous on April 24 in Barcelona, Spain. The historic meetup will be commemorated with a Catalan-themed dinner on each ship and parties on deck, and guest reunion opportunities will be available as the ships overnight in port.
Shorter Grand Voyage Segments Available for Booking
Segments on each Grand Voyage make taking a smaller portion of each itinerary possible. The Grand World Voyage has six segment options, and the Grand Voyage: Pole to Pole has seven segments for guests to choose from. Cruise fares for the entire 124-day Grand World Voyage begin at $27,354; segment fares start at $4,529. Cruise fares for the 133-day Grand Voyage: Pole to Pole start at $31,199; segment fares begin at $8,029. All fares are based on double occupancy rates and include port fees and taxes.
Grand Voyage Early Booking Bonus
Guests who book the full 133-day Grand Voyage: Pole-to-Pole or 124-day Grand World Voyage by 19 August 2024 receive onboard spending credits and amenities valued at up to $8,800 or $8,500 per person. New perks for all guests who book early feature a free Surf Wi-Fi package, a $500 air credit per person if booked through Flight Ease and free roundtrip airport transfers. Additional extras can include free luggage delivery service to and from the Fort Lauderdale airport, prepaid crew appreciation and laundry/dry cleaning service when booking specific stateroom categories.
Guests who book segments of either the Grand World Voyage or Grand Voyage: Pole to Pole by 19 August 2024 also receive perks with the Early Booking Bonus: an onboard credit up to $1,000 per stateroom, free Surf Wi-Fi package and free laundry/dry cleaning (when booking specific stateroom categories), as well as an additional discount for Mariners who have sailed on previous Grand Voyages.
Grand World Voyage Wins Wave Award
Solidifying Holland America Line’s position as a leader in world cruising, the cruise line recently won “Best World Cruise” at the 2024 TravelAge West Wave Awards. Selected by the publication’s editorial team and then voted on by travel advisors throughout the United States, the Wave Award win affirms Holland America Line’s commitment to crafting an immersive world cruise itinerary and delivering a memorable experience. This recognition underscores the exceptional value and unforgettable experiences that guests can expect on Holland America Line’s Grand Voyages.