Holland America’s first world voyage in three years reaches final port
Holland America Line’s 2023 Grand World Voyage concluded today at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 128 days after it departed from the port in January this year.
This is the first Grand World Voyage the cruise line has operated since 2020 and the 59th since its first world cruise departed aboard Statendam January 7, 1958.
During Zuiderdam’s journey around the world, the ship visited 57 ports in 30 countries on four continents and cruised 35,651 nautical miles (39,875 land miles).
Highlights included funds raised for Bernhard Nordkamp Centre in Namibia, Africa; blankets knitted by guests for Project Linus; and celebrating the company’s 150th Anniversary in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, with Holland America Line President Gus Antorcha.
“Like our guests, we have been eagerly anticipating the return of our Grand World Voyage, and the 2023 world cruise was an exceptional journey for not only the places we visited, but the memories made along the way,” said Antorcha.
“A world cruise is more than just a travel experience; it’s building a community of friends and family. And our guests generously gave their time and funds for some worthy causes during the journey, for which I extend gratitude on behalf of everyone at Holland America Line.”
Zuiderdam also took part in a number of social justice projects along the journey, including raising $10,000 for The Bernhard Nordkamp Centre in Namibia, and making 618 blankets for Project Linus throughout the sailing.
During the voyage, guests dressed to the nines for events that featured a Grand Masquerade, Derby Night, Casino Royale, Mardi Gras Night of Music and “Once Upon a Time.” More than a dozen casual, themed evenings around Lido pool included a glamp out, Burgers and Beer, Grand Fair, surprise party with the ship’s team members, Biergarten Festival, “Let Them Eat Cake” and “An Evening in France.”
Future Holland America Line Grand Voyages:
- 2023 Grand South America and Antarctic Voyage — 73 days. Departs Oct. 7, 2023, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale aboard Zaandam.
- 2023 Grand Africa Voyage — 73 days. Departs Oct. 10, 2023, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale aboard Zuiderdam.
- 2024 Grand World Voyage — 128 days. Departs Jan. 3, 2024, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale aboard Zuiderdam.
- 2024 Grand Australia and New Zealand Voyage — 94 days. Departs Jan. 3, 2024, roundtrip from San Diego aboard Volendam
- 2025 Grand World Voyage — 124 days. Departs Jan. 4, 2025, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale aboard Zuiderdam.
- 2025 Grand Voyage: Pole to Pole — 133 days. Departs Jan. 25, 2025, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale aboard Volendam.
Bookings for the 2025 Pole to Pole and Grand World Voyage officially open May 24, 2023. Travelers interested making a deposited Future Cruise Request to get priority booking confirmation prior to May 24 can call Holland America Line’s World Cruise Reservations Desk or a travel advisor.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Fort Lauderdale Gus Antorcha holland america MS ZuiderdamLatest News
Qantas 787 Dreamliner departs Sydney for Cyprus to bring home Aussies
We wish the flight crew and passengers a safe journey.
A Culinary Journey Through Southwest France
Let's face it - if you're going to France, you just have to enjoy all of the food and drink on offer.
Seafood Excellence winners launch new sea-to-plate menu onboard Luxe Island Seafood Cruise
The 2024-25 season of the ultimate seafood dining experience, Luxe Island Seafood Cruise at Rottnest Island, has a new sustainable seafood menu and is now open for booking. Owned by Sea West and operated by its brand Rottnest Cruises, the award-winning Luxe Island Seafood Cruise offers an indulgent day of cruising onboard a 69ft, three-level […]
Qantas offers flights from Cyprus to help get Australians home from Lebanon
Free flights on Qantas Boeing 787 out of Cyprus will bring home up to 440 Australians.
35 per cent base salary increase part of Virgin Australia pilots new enterprise agreement
Virgin Australia pilots have overwhelmingly voted in favour of a new enterprise agreement that delivers substantial improvements to their pay and working conditions, following 15 months of negotiations. The new agreement guarantees a 35 per cent base salary increase in the first year, followed by 3 per cent annual increases and includes industry-leading lifestyle and […]
Brisbane makes top 10 list of trending global destinations for 2025
Given this 'demand' is driven by Millennial and Gen Z travellers, this may change tomorrow - or today.
Emirates announces partnership with Etihad Clean Energy Development
Emirates is going solar... Even its planes can’t say no to a bit of fun in the sun!
Australia’s best & worst international airline food rankings: Who’s on top?
Now matter how often you fly, the foil wrapper is always lifted with anticipation, sometimes followed by indigestion.
Insure&Go warns Aussies of costly travel insurance mistakes as international travel surges
We wonder what other countries need to be warned about alcohol overconsumption clauses... The Irish may get a start!
Shipshape start to the South Australian 2024-25 cruise season
The food of Kangaroo Island, the wine of Clare Valley and wrapping their lips around pronouncing Fleurieu Peninsula.
PROFILE: Tony Wheeler, Lonely Planet founder and constant traveller
No doubt he's covered a few miles and has a few million frequent flyer points. Passports? He's probably had a few too.
Hotel, flight bookings spike as fans head to grand finals, aka Katy Perry and Kid Laroi concerts
Three-peat was pushing it, and four-peat would be just ridiculous. We are talking of the made-up word, not the stat.
Explora Journeys unveils marine photography exhibition by Prince Hussain Aga Khan aboard EXPLORA II
We'd be setting up a 'cameras for sale' stand outside the gallery because we're certain guests are going to be inspired!
Wendy Wu Tours unveils new Namibia Adventure tour
Wendy Wu is spreading her wings to the wilds of Africa, so our animal instincts predict amazing itins.
Air Vanuatu set to fly again after court decides to allow restructure
The news gives us hope that perhaps one of our recently defunct carriers may get a second life, albeit unlikely.
Riviera Travel River Cruises launches early bird sale for 2026
We hope there is a not a set of scales on these cruises, or a weight limit on the ships for that matter.
Qatar Airways expands to Canada with launch of Toronto flights
Qatar's going from strength to strength at the moment. The same can't be said for our progress in the gym...
ATIA wins big with federal inquiry into tourism and international education
We're generally used to hearing about the negatives coming out of a Federal inquiry, so this is a nice change of tune.
Silversea announces development of the southernmost hotel on earth
Staying at this hotel is going to be absolutely terrifying if you are a flat earther!
Auckland and Rotorua launch ‘2 Easy’ campaign to attract Aussies
As an Aussie, we do feel very seen by this campaign. Thank you New Zealand.
AmaWaterways unveils progress in Colombia ahead of 2025 Launch
That's cruising in Colombia with an O not a U. There is a significant difference.
My Cruises announces exclusive collaboration with Norwegian Cruise Line
NCL is churning out the news lately, we can't imagine how chaotic the office must be.
Why cycle tourism is wheelie booming!
It takes a very brave sort of person to wear cycle shorts and here at Travel Weekly we respect bravery.
Tauck, Disney Destinations and Washington DC release the industry Bucket List and Luxury Travel
If you need a big white gloved hand putting together a list of things to do before you die, this is Mickey Mouse!
Travel planning is not a box of cereal, say agents in response to ALDI portal launch
Good. Different. Agents aren't so sure buying an angle grinder and a holiday from the same place is such a good idea.
Guests as Phuket’s Trisara Resort set to experience two nights of culinary excellence
Don't let this white sandy beach fool you, there's serious foodie stuff happening at Trisara Resort this month.
OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort new general manager named
This place is as famous as Steve McGarrett, of Hawaii Five-0 fame, and almost as stylish as the original's hairdo!
Aussie agents live it up in South America with Chimu Adventures
If you missed out on this one, Chimu says there's more famils on the horizon... Happy selling!
WATCH: TTC Tour Brands European Rendezvous launch event with sales manager Mickey Mann
To be honest it would be criminal to have the name Mickey Mann and be a wallflower. Shine Mickey, shine.
New offerings at W Hollywood unveiled alongside a refresh and amenities upgrade
No trip to LA would be complete with a rooftop bar visit and star-spotting, and the W Hollywood ticks those boxes.
The EVE Hotel Sydney releases official design gallery
Got a penchant for fine design? We suggest an evening at the EVE!
Visit Qatar launches a new global campaign
As Qatar prepares to take 25% of Virgin, it's also bumping up it's tourism messaging. Coincidence? We think not...
WATCH: First plane lands on new Western Sydney Airport
If you weren't already across this news, we consider ourselves as bigger plane geeks than you!
Iconic ‘Spirit of Sydney’ artwork takes pride of place at ICC Sydney
International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), managed by ASM Global, has announced the addition of the monumental artwork ‘Spirit of Sydney’ by renowned Australian artist Frank Hodgkinson to its collection. Normally reserved for event attendees, members of the community were able to view the iconic ‘Spirit of Sydney’ mural at the venue’s art tours, guided […]
Australian Airport Association names Simon Westaway as CEO
With all the turbulence happening in the airport sector, it's fair to say that Westaway is not afraid of a challenge.
Sydney Airport announces Australia’s first flights to Beijing Daxing
If you want to go into space but can't afford it, just go for a trip to this spacey-looking airport.