Holland America Line has officially opened bookings for its 2028 Canada and New England cruise season, running from May through October aboard the Volendam and Zuiderdam. For UK travellers drawn to dramatic coastlines, colonial history and rich maritime heritage, this region offers a compelling alternative to a traditional European sailing — all without crossing the Atlantic to reach a European-style escape, albeit from the other direction.

Season Overview

Cruises range from seven to fourteen days, departing from Montréal, Québec City, Boston, New York and Fort Lauderdale, with extended Collectors' Voyages also available for travellers wanting to combine multiple itineraries into one longer journey.

Paul Grigsby, Holland America's vice president of revenue planning and deployment, said one of the things guests love most about the Canada and New England region is that it delivers a European feel without an Atlantic crossing. He pointed to the French influence found in Montréal and Québec City, alongside the maritime traditions of Atlantic Canada, as creating an exceptional blend of culture, history and natural scenery. He added that the brand brings these destinations to life onboard too, through local entertainment, regional dining and destination-focused programming, so the journey feels as immersive as the ports themselves.

Holland America notes that this season features more calls to Montréal than any other cruise line, reinforcing its position as a specialist in the region.

A Milestone for the Fleet

The 2028 season also marks the regional debut of the post-Evolution Zuiderdam, following her refurbishment as part of Holland America's Evolution programme — the largest fleet-wide renewal in the line's 153-year history. Zuiderdam is the second of six ships set to undergo the upgrade.

Itinerary Highlights

Seven-Day Canada & New England Sailing throughout the season aboard Volendam and Zuiderdam, between Boston and Montréal, Boston and Québec City, or roundtrip from Boston. Ports may include Prince Edward Island, Sydney and Halifax (Nova Scotia), Portland (Maine), Québec City, Montréal and Saint John (New Brunswick).

Nine-Day Lighthouse & Harbors of Canada & New England Aboard Volendam, sailing Montréal to New York, departing 30 September 2028. Calls include Québec City and Saguenay, Prince Edward Island, Sydney, Halifax and Portland.

10-Day Canada & New England: Québec & Newfoundland Aboard Volendam, sailing Montréal to Boston, departing 7 June 2028. Calls include Québec City, Baie-Comeau, Havre-Saint-Pierre, Corner Brook, St. Anthony, St. John's, Halifax and Portland.

10-Day Canada & New England: New France & Newfoundland Aboard Volendam, sailing Boston to Montréal, departing 19 August 2028. Calls include Portland, Halifax, St. John's, St. Anthony, Corner Brook, Québec City and Saguenay.

11-Day Canada & New England Circle: Maritimes & New France Roundtrip from Montréal aboard Volendam, departing 27 May and 29 August 2028. Calls include Québec City, Saguenay, Cap-aux-Meules, Prince Edward Island, Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, and St. John's.

14-Day Canada & New England: Atlantic & Colonial New England Aboard Volendam, sailing Fort Lauderdale to Montréal, departing 13 May 2028. Calls include Norfolk (Virginia), Boston, Portland, Halifax, Sydney, Prince Edward Island, Québec City and Saguenay.

14-Day Canada & New England: Atlantic Coast & Québec Aboard the post-Evolution Zuiderdam, sailing Québec City to Fort Lauderdale, departing 14 October 2028. Calls include Sept-Îles, Saguenay, Halifax, Sydney, Prince Edward Island, Boston and Norfolk.

Why Book This Cruise from the UK

With autumn sailings timed around New England's famous fall foliage, and summer departures offering long daylight hours across the Maritimes, the 2028 season offers UK travellers flexibility to choose between warm-weather exploring or a crisp, colourful autumn voyage. Itinerary lengths from seven to fourteen days also make it easy to tailor the trip to the time you have available, whether as a standalone holiday or combined with a few days in Montréal, Québec City or Boston beforehand.

Interested in exploring Canada and New England by sea? Get in touch with our cruise specialists to find the right Holland America itinerary, cabin category and travel dates for your 2028 holiday.

Source: Cruise Industry News