Zuiderdam Sets Sail on Holland America’s Voyage of the Vikings

Posted on 27 July, 2026 by Spacejunkie2

Zuiderdam Sets Sail on Holland America’s Voyage of the Vikings

The Zuiderdam sailed from Boston recently to kick off Holland America Line’s 35-night “Voyage of the Vikings.”

The 2002-built ship is now scheduled to visit destinations in Canada, New England, Greenland, Iceland, the United Kingdom and Scandinavia before returning to its homeport in North America.

As part of Holland America’s Legendary Voyages program, the cruise is highlighted by an overnight call to Rotterdam in the Netherlands, as well as stops in off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Among the lesser-visited ports welcoming the Zuiderdam are Red Bay in Canada, Paamiut in Greenland, Husavik in Iceland and Douglas in the Isle of Man.

After visits to a total of 20 destinations, the 82,305-ton ship is scheduled to return to Boston, ending the Legendary Voyage on August 20, 2026.

Following the cruise, the Zuiderdam is scheduled to spend the remainder of the summer season offering itineraries in Canada and New England.

With cruises sailing between Boston and Quebec City, the deployment runs through late October, when the ship is scheduled to reposition to Florida.

Before the end of the year, the vessel offers a series of seven- to 10-night cruises to the Caribbean departing from PortMiami.

In early 2027, the ship repositions to the West Coast for cruises to the Mexican Riviera and Baja Peninsula regions.

Holland America recently confirmed that the Zuiderdam will be the second ship to undergo a refurbishment as part of the company’s Evolution refit program.

Following the Oosterdam, the Vista-class ship will introduce new and updated features, including a series of solo staterooms with balconies.

The 1,900-passenger ship will also welcome a Grand Dutch Café, a coffee shop inspired by the European café culture that first debuted on Pinnacle-class ships.

Described as the largest fleet investment in the company’s 153-year history, the Evolution program will also include refits for four additional vessels: the Westerdam, the Noordam, the Eurodam and the Nieuw Amsterdam.

HX Marks 130 Years Since First Polar Expedition

Posted on 9 July, 2026 by Spacejunkie2

HX Marks 130 Years Since First Polar Expedition

HX is celebrating the 130th anniversary of its first expedition voyage on July 8, 2026.

On that date in 1896, steamship DS Lofoten sailed from Hammerfest to Svalbard. It was a time when the Arctic North was barely mapped and guests landed on the icefields of Bjørnøya.

To mark the occasion, CEO Gebhard Rainer thanked the cruise line’s guests in an anniversary video message, wishing the company another 130 years of successful exploration.

“From those beginnings to today’s purpose-built expedition ships, one thing has remained constant: a passion for real exploration, led by those who know these places best,” the company said in a statement.

“This anniversary celebrates 130 years of changing the way people see the world. And while we’re proud of where we’ve been, our greatest discoveries still lie ahead.”

130 years later, the company is still sailing polar waters, bringing guests to the same glaciers that captivated the first explorers in a more sustainable manner – using Roald Amundsen, the world’s first hybrid battery-powered expedition ship.

In celebration of the anniversary, guests can select one of two offers: up to 25 percent off all-inclusive expeditions, with discounts varying by destination, or a free suite upgrade.

Balmoral Back in Newcastle for Four-Month Sailing Program

Posted on 25 February, 2026 by Spacejunkie2

Balmoral Back in Newcastle for Four-Month Sailing Program

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Balmoral has started a four-month sailing program from Newcastle’s Port of Tyne.

Between February and September 2026,17 cruises will be departing from the city, with durations ranging from one‑night sailings to 14‑night explorations.

The program includes Northern Lights voyages in Arctic Norway, cruising through Norway’ s fjords, and sailings to the Baltic, Scandinavia and Iceland.

“We’re delighted to welcome our guests from the North East back on board Balmoral as she begins her programme of sailings from Newcastle,” said Doug Glenwright, guest experience director at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.

“This programme offers an inspiring collection of sailings – from the chance to seek out the Northern Lights in Arctic Norway to exploring Europe’s riverside cities.”

According to the company, the first cruise of the season departed Newcastle on February 21, taking guests on a 10-night “In Search of the Northern Lights” voyage.

The Balmoral has been updated and now eatures a new rotating Colors & Tastes menu and an exclusive Chef’s Table experience.

Additionally, a refreshed entertainment program, delivered in partnership with RWS, will be rolled out from February, featuring updated daytime activities and new evening theater productions launching from mid-2026.

Sailings from Newcastle include:

In Search of the Northern Lights

This 10-night cruise departs from Newcastle on March 23, 2026, with prices starting from £1,599 per person.

Guests can experience the Arctic winter, seek out the Northern Lights in Arctic Norway, and discover Arctic culture and landscapes, from fjords to Sami traditions.

European Cities & Scenic Rivers

This 14-night cruise departs from Newcastle on April 2, 2026. Prices start from £2,099 per person.

Travelers can explore riverside cities and European waterways, including France and Portugal’s rivers and historic cities, such as Bordeaux and Lisbon, and enjoy local culture, fine wine regions and landscapes.

Exploring Iceland in Nine Nights

This nine-night cruise departs from Newcastle on May 5, 2026. Prices start from £1,699 per person.

Iceland’s mountains, geysers, and waterfalls can be discovered by going hiking and bathing in hot springs, paired with whale watching.

Norwegian Fjords in Five Nights

This five‑night cruise departs from Newcastle on August 28, 2026, with prices starting from £999 per person.

Guests can take in Norway’s landscapes from the ship, or go kayaking, or hiking in Briksdal National Park. They can also discover the geology and the Ice Age legacy at Kjenndalen glacier.

Depending on the sailing, guests who book before March 11, 2026, can get onboard spend in the amounts ranging from £25 to £150.