Holland America Launches Its 2025/26 Close To Home Sailings

Holland America Line has launched its close-to-home season.
Some of the highlights include a meetup between Volendam and Zaandam.
Also on offer is a special Standby Program exclusive to HAL.

Holland America Line 2025/26 has launched its close-to-home season which includes a collection sailings like Grand Voyages and Culinary Ambassador sailings.

Alex Pikardt, Senior Director of Sales at Holland America Line said, “This season has already been incredibly successful, with sailings on our Noordam ship selling out early. Cruising continues to grow in popularity across the region, with travellers planning further ahead to ensure they don’t miss out.

“Our guests are now looking to embrace slower, more immersive journeys that allow them to truly connect with each destination, and Holland America Line’s mid-sized ships, Destination Dining™ program and industry-leading shore excursions provide the perfect environment for those experiences.”

Highlights of the 2025/26 Australia and New Zealand Season

“Australia and New Zealand” — 14 days, between Sydney and Auckland:
Departures in November, February and March.
Combination of ports in Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand:
- All cruises call at Melbourne, Australia; Hobart and/or Burnie, Tasmania; and Tauranga, Napier and Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand.
- Additional New Zealand ports include a combination of Picton, Wellington, Timaru, Lyttelton (Christchurch) and Waitangi.

“New Zealand Discovery” — 14 days, roundtrip from Sydney:
- Departs Dec. 7, 2025.
- All New Zealand Ports: Auckland, Waitangi, Tauranga, Gisborne, Napier, Wellington, Lyttelton (Christchurch) and Port Chalmers (Dunedin).

“South Australia Discovery Holiday” — 14 days, roundtrip from Sydney:
- Departs Dec. 21, 2025.
- Melbourne, Phillip Island, Eden, Adelaide and Penneshaw, Australia; Burnie, Port Arthur and Hobart (late departure), Tasmania.
  - All itineraries that visit New Zealand include scenic cruising in the stunning Milford Sound located within Fiordland National Park.
  - Holland America Line’s Global Fresh Fish Program brings native fresh fish and other local ingredients on board like New Zealand green lipped muscles, Tasmanian Atlantic salmon, Sydney rock oysters and Tasmanian meat pies.

Standby Program

For $129 per person per day for an Inside or Oceanview stateroom, or $199 for a Verandah, guests can join a waiting list for select sailings, with the option to remain on the list for a later cruise or receive a full refund if a spot doesn’t become available.

Ideal for travellers near departure ports or comfortable booking last-minute flights, the program offers a unique opportunity to experience Holland America Line’s stunning destinations aboard perfectly mid-sized ships at a significantly discounted rate.

Grand Meetup in Sydney

On March 7, 2026, Volendam and Zaandam will make a special double call in Sydney, bringing two Grand Voyages together. During the day, chocolatier Jacques Torres will host a “Chocolate Teatime” on Zaandam, giving guests the chance to connect with travellers from the other ship and share their stories.

A Taste of a Grand Voyage

Holland America Line is taking its 2026 Grand Voyages to the next level by featuring select culinary ambassadors on board. Guests will be able to enjoy unique experiences with Chef Masaharu Morimoto, Chef Ethan Stowell, and Master Tea Blender, Steve Schwartz.

For travellers with limited time, the Grand Voyages can be experienced in shorter segments, with 10 options on the Grand World Voyage ranging from 14 to 72 days, and two options on the Grand Australia and New Zealand Voyage lasting 33 or 60 days. These flexible segments give guests the opportunity to personalise their journey, and enjoy the signature Grand Voyage experiences at their own pace.

Culinary Ambassador segments:

Chef Masaharu Morimoto: Grand World Voyage, will be on the Sydney to Yokohama (Tokyo), Japan, segment that departs March 7, 2026. Morimoto will be cruising while the ship is in his native Japan, offering locally inspired culinary experiences.
Chef Ethan Stowell: Grand World Voyage, will be on for part of the Yokohama (Tokyo), to San Diego segment, embarking in Seattle.
Master Tea Blender and Art of Tea Founder and CEO Steve Schwartz: Grand World Voyage, will be on for a part of the Singapore to Yokohama (Tokyo) segment, departing March 24, 2026.
Chocolatier Jacques Torres: Grand Australia and New Zealand Voyage, will be on for a part of the Sydney to San Diego segment, departing March 6, 2026.

Zaandam offers two segments for the 93-day Grand Australia & New Zealand Voyage: