Embark on a Holland America Legendary Voyage. Credit: HAL

What are Legendary Voyages? A look into Holland America Line’s new class of cruise

Author: Daniel Edward

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If you always leave your cruise wanting more, then a Legendary Cruise is the answer to your wishes. These region-spanning itineraries set out on extended sailings for more time exploring the world

Holland America Line is famous for its longer voyages. The cruise line has been crossing the Atlantic since 1873 and circumnavigating the world with a dedicated annual world cruise for over 60 years.

Legendary Voyages take the ceremony and splendour of Grand Voyages and remasters that for immersive, destination-driven 25-to-59-day itineraries.

These sweeping journeys span a whole region, giving the ultimate range of destinations and a holistic perspective. You’ll be joined by a rotating roster of expert guides, who deliver insightful presentations on days at sea, and the resident shore excursion team plans a varied spread of tours to further delight and enhance your appreciation of UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Legendary Voyages make up some of Holland America Line’s fastest-selling itineraries, including the monumental Voyage of the Vikings (round-trip across the north Atlantic from Boston) and the thrilling Glaciers & Volcanoes voyage, which whisks you from the cool waters of Alaska to the surf spectacles of Hawaii.

'Hang Loose' in Hawaii with HAL. Credit: HAL

What makes a cruise ‘Legendary’?
Holland America Line’s Legendary Voyages really pack a punch. They take a whole region and curate it into an enthralling itinerary that balances must-see destinations with hidden gems that most cruises miss.

Plus, onboard the spread of special themed parties, dinners featuring locally sourced ingredients and dishes, and culturally inspired entertainment adds to the overall experience.

Featuring more overnight stays in port than a regular cruise, Legendary Voyages offer extended time to really get to know landmark destinations including Reykjavik, Anchorage, Yokohama, Honolulu, and Tahiti.

Iceland's diminutive yet dramatic capital, Reykjavik, rewards a visit. Credit: Shutterstock

Dozens of Legendary Voyages now released
Joining the exciting line-up of Legendary Voyages setting sail this year, Holland America Line has released 14 further voyages in 2025 and 2026.

Legendary Voyages are available on all classes of ship, so there’s an ideal ship for you, whether you like traditional small ships with just over 1,000 passengers (Volendam and Zaandam), spacious mid-size ships with roughly 2000 passengers (Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Westerdam, and Zuiderdam), or Holland America Line’s largest and most modern Pinnacle class, with 2,700 passengers (Nieuw Statendam).

The sailings also cover a diverse range of regions, with the option to deep dive into Alaskan heritage at the summer solstice onboard Westerdam, venture up the inspirational Amazon river with Volendam, cross the Pacific via French Polynesia and other gorgeous South Pacific islands onboard Noordam, or even visit the extreme and remote fjords of Greenland and Iceland on Zuiderdam’s fabled Voyage of the Vikings.

Search for the best cruises with HAL

Search for the best cruises with HAL

Exciting news for Zaandam’s ‘Tales of the South Pacific’ Legendary Voyage
This year, Zaandam will set sail from San Diego on a 51-day Legendary Voyage round-trip to the South Pacific.

The almost-two-month sailing has just announced the exciting addition of Bora Bora to the already dreamy itinerary. Very few ships have the opportunity to visit this gem of French Polynesia as the island seeks to limit the number of visitors to sustainable levels, so this is a big bonus for guests sailing on this two-month cruise.

In addition to seven beautiful ports in French Polynesia – home of black pearls and gorgeous beaches – this voyage also calls in Hawaii, Fiji, Kiribati, American Samoa, Tonga, and the Cook Islands.

A rare overnight stay in the Fijian capital, Suva, also presents the chance to venture out on extended tours, such as an enthralling longboat tour through Fiji’s tropical rainforest.

Staterooms are still available if the coral-fringed islands of the South Pacific have you dreaming of sailing across the equator this September.

HAL's Legendary Voyages offer unforgettable experiences. Credit: HAL
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