Published on
November 7, 2025
Holland America Line’s 2025/26 Close-to-Home season is set to deliver an extraordinary cruise experience, taking travelers on a journey through some of the world’s most iconic destinations, including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and beyond. With a selection of unique Grand Voyages, guests can explore scenic routes, immerse themselves in local cultures, and indulge in exceptional culinary adventures. Whether you’re seeking breathtaking coastal views, exclusive culinary encounters with renowned chefs, or the chance to visit iconic global destinations, this season offers something for every traveler. Holland America Line’s mid-sized ships, personalized itineraries, and unmatched onboard experiences ensure that every voyage is not just a cruise, but a transformative travel experience.
Highlights of the 2025/26 Australia and New Zealand Season
The 2025/26 season features several remarkable itineraries, taking guests to scenic destinations across Australia and New Zealand. These cruises offer a mix of culture, adventure, and natural beauty, showcasing the region’s rich diversity.
- Australia and New Zealand – 14-day cruise between Sydney and Auckland:
- Departures in November, February, and March.
- Ports of call include Melbourne, Australia; Hobart and/or Burnie, Tasmania; and Tauranga, Napier, and Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand.
- Additional New Zealand ports include Picton, Wellington, Timaru, Lyttelton (Christchurch), and Waitangi.
- New Zealand Discovery – 14-day roundtrip from Sydney:
- Departs December 7, 2025.
- All New Zealand ports: Auckland, Waitangi, Tauranga, Gisborne, Napier, Wellington, Lyttelton (Christchurch), and Port Chalmers (Dunedin).
- South Australia Discovery Holiday – 14-day roundtrip from Sydney:
- Departs December 21, 2025.
- Ports of call include Melbourne, Phillip Island, Eden, Adelaide, and Penneshaw in Australia, as well as Burnie, Port Arthur, and Hobart (late departure) in Tasmania.
Every itinerary visiting New Zealand includes scenic cruising through the breathtaking Milford Sound within Fiordland National Park, allowing guests to fully experience the area’s stunning landscapes.
Gastronomic Delights with Holland America Line’s Global Fresh Fish Program
As part of the cruise experience, guests will indulge in some of the finest fresh ingredients sourced directly from the region, including New Zealand green-lipped mussels, Tasmanian Atlantic salmon, Sydney rock oysters, and Tasmanian meat pies, as part of the Global Fresh Fish Program.
Standby Program for Last-Minute Travelers
For those flexible with their travel plans, the Standby Program offers a unique opportunity to book a cruise at a discounted rate. For $129 per person per day for an Inside or Oceanview stateroom, or $199 for a Verandah, travelers can join a waiting list for select sailings. If a spot becomes available, they can secure their place or receive a full refund if no spots open up. This program is perfect for travelers who are near departure ports or those who enjoy spontaneous travel planning.
Grand Meetup in Sydney
On March 7, 2026, the Volendam and Zaandam ships will meet in Sydney for a special double call, bringing together two Grand Voyages. On this day, guests can enjoy a “Chocolate Teatime” hosted by a renowned chocolatier, offering a chance to mingle with travelers from the other ship and share experiences.
Exclusive Culinary Ambassador Segments
Holland America Line’s Grand Voyages for 2026 will feature select culinary ambassadors, elevating the cruise experience with special on-board culinary events. These ambassadors will host exclusive experiences, allowing guests to connect with the masters behind the dishes.
- Chef Masaharu Morimoto: Aboard the Grand World Voyage segment from Sydney to Yokohama (Tokyo), Japan, departing March 7, 2026. Morimoto will offer guests a taste of his signature culinary creations inspired by Japanese flavors.
- Chef Ethan Stowell: Aboard the Grand World Voyage segment from Yokohama (Tokyo) to San Diego, departing from Seattle. Stowell will bring his culinary expertise to the high seas.
- Master Tea Blender Steve Schwartz: Aboard the Grand World Voyage segment from Singapore to Yokohama (Tokyo), departing March 24, 2026. Schwartz will host tea-focused events and share his knowledge of tea blending.
- Chocolatier Jacques Torres: Aboard the Grand Australia and New Zealand Voyage from Sydney to San Diego, departing March 6, 2026. Torres will bring his expertise in chocolate to the cruise experience.
Grand Australia & New Zealand Voyage Segments
Zaandam offers two segments of the 93-day Grand Australia & New Zealand Voyage:
- 60-Day Segment: San Diego to Sydney, departing January 4, 2026.
- 33-Day Segment: Sydney to San Diego, departing March 6, 2026.
These shorter segments provide an excellent opportunity for guests to experience the Grand Voyage experience, tailored to fit different schedules, while still enjoying the signature highlights of the journey.
Holland America Line’s 2025/26 Close-to-Home season offers unforgettable Grand Voyages to Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and other iconic global destinations, featuring scenic routes, exclusive culinary adventures, and immersive travel experiences that connect guests with the heart of each destination.
Holland America Line’s 2025/26 close-to-home season promises to deliver unforgettable journeys, featuring stunning destinations, immersive cultural experiences, and world-class culinary offerings. Whether traveling for a quick getaway or embarking on a grand voyage, guests will find the perfect escape aboard Holland America Line’s mid-sized ships.
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