
Imagine embarking on a journey that takes you to the most extreme points on the planet. The Holland America Pole to Pole Cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that spans 128 days, covering over 32,000 nautical miles.
This extraordinary voyage begins in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and ends in Amsterdam, Netherlands, offering a unique opportunity to explore the world's extremes in comfort and style. You'll have the chance to experience the midnight sun in the Arctic Circle and witness the Northern Lights in all their glory.
From the icy tundras of Alaska to the scorching deserts of Africa, this cruise will take you to the most remote and breathtaking destinations on Earth. With Holland America's exceptional service and amenities, you'll feel right at home as you travel to the world's extremities.
Additional reading: Holland America Alaska Ships
Volendam Sets Sail
The Volendam has departed Port Everglades to kick off Holland America Line's new Pole-to-Pole Grand Voyage.
This 133-night voyage is the longest cruise offered by Holland America this year, visiting 68 ports across five continents and 26 countries.
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The Volendam will sail to the Caribbean, South America, Africa, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Greenland, Canada, and the U.S. East Coast.
One of the highlights of the cruise is scenic cruising in Antarctica, as well as visits to the Amazon and a transit of the Panama Canal.
The ship will also reach the North Cape in Norway before returning to Fort Lauderdale in early July.
Some of the notable ports of call on the Volendam's itinerary include Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, Ushuaia in Argentina, Dakar in Senegal, Casablanca in Morocco, Barcelona in Spain, IJmuiden in the Netherlands, and Honningsvag in Norway.
The Volendam is a well-equipped ship, with a passenger capacity of 1,432 and a crew of 647.
Here are some key facts about the Volendam:
- Maiden Voyage: November, 1999
- Last Refurbished: 2019
- Registry: Netherlands
- Gross Tonnage: 61,214
- Beam: 106 ft (32.2 m)
- Maximum Speed: 23 knots
- Ship Length: 781 ft (238 m)
- Number of Decks: 10
- Number of Staterooms: 716
The Volendam will meet the Zuiderdam in Barcelona on April 24 for a joint overnight call, bringing the two Grand Voyages together for a celebration.
Grand Voyage Route
The Grand Voyage Route of the Holland America Pole to Pole cruise is quite the adventure. You'll be embarking on a 33-night journey, departing from Ijmuiden (Amsterdam) on May 5, 2025, and arriving in Ft. Lauderdale on June 7, 2025.
The route takes you through the Netherlands to the UK, visiting ports like Edinburgh and South Queensferry. You'll then head to Norway, stopping in Eidfjord, Trondheim, and Tromso. Next, you'll explore the Arctic Circle, visiting North Cape, Honningsvag, and other remote ports.
One of the highlights of the cruise is the time spent in Iceland, where you'll visit Reykjavik, Nanortalik, Qaqortoq, and Paamiut. You'll also get to experience the rugged beauty of Greenland and the Canadian Maritimes, with stops in St. Anthony, St. John's, and Halifax.
Here's a breakdown of the 40 land tours you can enjoy on this cruise:
- Day 1: Ijmuiden (Amsterdam)
- Day 2-3: At Sea
- Day 4: Edinburgh (South Queensferry)
- Day 5-6: At Sea
- Day 7: Eidfjord
- Day 8: Trondheim
- Day 9: Trondheimsfjord
- Day 10-11: At Sea
- Day 12: Tromso
- Day 13: North Cape (Honningsvag)
- Day 14: Honningsvag
- Day 15-16: At Sea
- Day 17: Djupivogur
- Day 18: Berufjordur
- Day 19: Akureyri
- Day 20: Eyafjordur
- Day 21: Isafjord
- Day 22: Reykjavik
- Day 23: Reykjavik
- Day 24-25: At Sea
- Day 26: Nanortalik
- Day 27: Qaqortoq
- Day 28: Paamiut
- Day 29: At Sea
- Day 30: St. Anthony
- Day 31: St. John's, Newfoundland
- Day 32: St. Pierre and Miquelon, NF
- Day 33: At Sea
- Day 34: Halifax (Nova Scotia)
- Day 35: Portland, ME
- Day 36: Boston
- Day 37-39: At Sea
- Day 40: Ft. Lauderdale
America Line
Holland America Line offers a range of amenities and services on their ships, including the Volendam. The ship has a gross tonnage of 61,214 and a maximum speed of 23 knots, making it a comfortable and efficient way to travel.

The Volendam has 716 staterooms, including 197 suites, and can accommodate up to 1,432 passengers. The ship also has a crew of 647, with a mix of international and Dutch officers.
Here are some key statistics about the Volendam:
- Gross Tonnage: 61,214
- Maximum Speed: 23 knots
- Ship Length: 781 ft (238 m)
- Passenger Capacity: 1,432
- Number of Crew: 647
America Line: Volendam
The Volendam is a Holland America Line ship that's been making waves in the travel industry. Its maiden voyage took place in November 1999.
Here are some key stats about the Volendam:
- Gross Tonnage: 61,214
- Beam: 106 ft (32.2 m)
- Maximum Speed: 23 knots
- Ship Length: 781 ft (238 m)
- Passenger Capacity: 1,432
- Number of Crew: 647
- Number of Decks: 10
- Number of Staterooms: 716
The Volendam is a popular choice for Holland America Line's Grand Voyages, including the Pole-to-Pole Grand Voyage. This epic 133-night voyage takes passengers to 68 ports across five continents and 26 countries.
Here's a breakdown of the Volendam's amenities:
- Dining / Restaurants: 6
- Elevators: 12
- Spa: Yes
- Bars / Lounges: 5
- Non Smoking Dining: Yes
- Fitness Center: Yes
- Number of Pools: 2
- Teen Club: Yes
- Kids Friendly: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
America Line Cruise Cost
The cost of an America Line cruise can vary depending on the type of voyage and stateroom category.
Pricing info for Holland America Line's Pole-to-Pole cruise is not yet available, but travelers can call 1-800-522-3399 or contact their travel advisor to make a deposited future cruise request.
Guests who book by June 3, 2024, can get perks like a free Surf Wi-Fi package, air credit, onboard credit, and more.
Broaden your view: Hamburg Amerika Line
Ship Information
As we explore the Holland America Pole to Pole cruise, let's take a closer look at the ship's layout. The Sports Deck is located on Deck 9, where you can expect to find a variety of recreational activities.
The Lido deck, situated on Deck 8, is a great spot to soak up the sun and enjoy some fresh air. You'll also find plenty of amenities and services on this deck.
The Navigation Deck, positioned on Deck 7, is where the ship's officers and crew keep watch and navigate the vessel. This is a restricted area, so you won't be able to access it.
The Verandah Deck, located on Deck 6, offers stunning views of the ocean and surrounding landscape. It's a perfect spot to relax and take in the scenery.
Here's a breakdown of the ship's decks:
- Deck 9: Sports Deck
- Deck 8: Lido deck
- Deck 7: Navigation Deck
- Deck 6: Verandah Deck
- Deck 5: Upper Promenade Deck
- Deck 4: Promenade Deck
- Deck 3: Lower Prom Deck
- Deck 2: Main Deck
- Deck 1: Dolphin Deck
The Upper Promenade Deck on Deck 5 provides a comfortable spot to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the ocean views.
Launch and Embarkation

The Holland America Pole to Pole cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that requires some planning. January 25, 2025, marks the start of this epic journey.
You'll embark on the Volendam ship, which will be your home for the next several months. The cruise will take you to incredible destinations around the world.
Embarkation will take place on January 25, 2025, so make sure to arrive at the port with plenty of time to spare. The cruise will conclude on June 7, 2025, bringing an end to your incredible adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average age of people on Holland America?
The average age of Holland America passengers is 55, making them slightly older than those on some other major cruise lines. If you're interested in learning more about Holland America's demographics, call 1-877-777-5621.
Sources
- https://cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/2025/01/volendam-sets-sail-on-holland-americas-pole-to-pole-grand-voyage/
- https://bvtravel.com/sailing/Holland-America-Line/Canada-and-New-England-with-Holland-America/1542873
- https://recommend.com/news-tools/a-first-for-holland-america-line-pole-to-pole-roundtrip-cruising/
- https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/cruises/2023/04/20/holland-america-grand-voyage-pole-pole-2025/11681622002/
- https://www.ttrweekly.com/site/2023/04/holland-america-launches-pole-to-pole-cruise/
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