After an extensive transformation, Holland America Line‘s Zuiderdam will return to service in spring 2028 as the first Vista-class ship to undergo the line’s ambitious Holland America Evolution modernization program. The refreshed vessel will debut with Mediterranean cruises before spending the summer sailing from Amsterdam to Northern Europe, the Norwegian Fjords, Iceland and Greenland.
A New Chapter for Zuiderdam in Europe
Zuiderdam will re-enter service on April 2, 2028, beginning a season in the Mediterranean before repositioning to Amsterdam for a series of Northern Europe itineraries. The deployment reflects Holland America Line’s long-standing connection with Europe, a region the company has been exploring for more than 150 years and one that remains closely linked to its Dutch heritage.
According to Holland America Line President Beth Bodensteiner, Europe is the ideal setting to introduce the newly transformed ship. Guests will be able to experience the continent’s remarkable diversity, from historic Mediterranean ports and vibrant coastal cities to Norway’s dramatic fjords, Iceland’s volcanic landscapes and the remote beauty of Greenland.
Holland America Evolution Brings New Features Onboard
The Holland America Evolution program introduces many of the most popular features found on the line’s Pinnacle-class ships to its Vista-class fleet.
On board Zuiderdam, guests will find brand-new Solo Verandah staterooms designed for solo travellers, new Bridgeview Suites, refreshed Vista Suites and a completely redesigned Pinnacle Suite. The ship will also feature renovated accommodations throughout and the addition of the popular Grand Dutch Café, offering one of the signature venues found on Holland America Line’s newest ships.
The cruise line has confirmed that additional enhancements will be revealed in the months ahead.
Cruises Across Europe’s Most Iconic Destinations
The season begins with cruises linking Rome, Barcelona and Lisbon, calling at destinations including Livorno (gateway to Florence and Pisa), Portofino, Marseille, Valencia, Málaga, Cádiz, Gibraltar and Tangier.
Zuiderdam then sails north on a 13-day Atlantic Europe voyage from Lisbon to Amsterdam, visiting Porto, Bilbao, Bordeaux, Paris, London, Cork and Dublin before arriving in the Dutch capital.
Throughout the summer, Amsterdam becomes the ship’s homeport for a range of Norwegian Fjords cruises, with calls at Bergen, Oslo, Skjolden, Ålesund, Eidfjord and Nordfjordeid. These itineraries include scenic cruising through some of Norway’s best-known fjords, including Sognefjord, Hardangerfjord and Nordfjord.
Longer itineraries also explore the British Isles, while several voyages between Amsterdam and Reykjavík showcase Iceland’s spectacular scenery alongside visits to the Shetland Islands and the Faroe Islands. Highlights include Akureyri, Ísafjörður, Seyðisfjörður, Grundarfjörður and Heimaey.
Signature Voyage to Greenland and Boston
One of the highlights of the 2028 season is a 21-day voyage departing Amsterdam on August 12, 2028. Sailing via Iceland and Greenland to Boston, the itinerary includes calls at Reykjavík, Akureyri, Qaqortoq and Nanortalik before continuing through Atlantic Canada and New England.
With its extensive modernization and a diverse collection of European itineraries, Zuiderdam is set to begin an exciting new chapter, combining Holland America Line’s rich maritime heritage with an enhanced onboard experience for cruises across some of Europe’s most spectacular destinations.
Pictures courtesy of Holland America Line
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