This New Holland America Line Cruise Hits Every Bucket-List Port In One Trip
For the traveler who measures a vacation not by days, but by continents crossed, the "Grand Voyage" has always been the ultimate achievement. While most of the cruise industry is currently obsessed with building bigger, flashier megaships, Holland America Line is taking a different approach for 2028: leaning into the intimacy of its smaller vessels to reach corners of the map the giants simply can't touch.
The line just unveiled its 2028 itineraries, and the "need to know" for anyone planning a milestone trip is the brand's newfound obsession with Bora Bora. For the first time ever, Holland America is sending both its 129-day Grand World Voyage and its 90-day Grand Australia & New Zealand Voyage to the French Polynesian crown jewel in a single season. Because these trips sail on the Volendam and Zaandam-ships sized to navigate the narrow Teavanui Pass-guests can dock in the heart of the lagoon rather than anchored miles away.
"What makes our Grand Voyage itineraries special is the opportunity to experience destinations more fully while visiting rare Mariner Collection ports exclusive to these cruises," says Holland America Line president Beth Bodensteiner. This year, that means hitting "truly unforgettable moments," like a four-day Antarctic experience and a call at Easter Island.
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But perhaps the most interesting "bragging right" for 2028 is a sail-past of Null Island. Located in the Gulf of Guinea, this is the exact coordinate-0°N, 0°E-where the Prime Meridian meets the Equator. It's the world's most storied geographical intersection, and a rare milestone for those who have already "seen it all."
For travelers who want to skip the stress of international terminals, the 90-day Australia and New Zealand journey is a logistical win, departing roundtrip from San Diego. You can circumnavigate the South Pacific and explore the remote shores of Western Australia without ever stepping foot on a flight.
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While these voyages don't overnight in Bora Bora, they offer "an extended evening stay" that allows you to see the volcanic peak of Mount Otemanu long after the day-trippers have left. If you're ready to trade the daily grind for 129 days of gala balls and menus that never repeat, the booking window is officially open-and for those who commit by June 14, 2027, there are over $10,000 in credits and perks to make the long-haul journey feel like an even smarter move.
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This story was originally published April 30, 2026 at 1:00 PM.