Holland America Line has adjusted the itinerary for its 2026 Grand World Voyage on the Volendam, extending the journey by one day due to changes in the latter part of the cruise. The 1,432-passenger ship will now sail for 133 days, departing from Fort Lauderdale on January 4, 2026, and returning on May 17, 2026.
The alteration was prompted by ongoing unrest in the Red Sea region. Consequently, Holland America has replaced planned visits to the Middle East and Europe with additional stops in Asia and Central America. This change means that the Volendam will cross the International Date Line twice during its voyage across the Pacific Ocean.
"When the vessel crosses the invisible IDL — which runs from the North Pole to the South Pole — for the first time heading west, it will skip a day," explained Holland America. "Then, on its way back to Fort Lauderdale to end the cruise, the ship will be heading east across the line, thereby repeating a day."