Holland America Line opened bookings for its 2028 Canada and New England cruise season. The schedule features extended evening port calls right here in Saint John.

Extended Stays Boost Local Business

The 2028 season runs from May through October. Ships will sail itineraries ranging from seven to fourteen days. Select voyages include extended evening calls in Saint John and Charlottetown. If you run a business uptown, you will see more evening foot traffic. Passengers will have extra time to eat at local restaurants, shop at boutiques, and experience the city after dark.

The cruise line will deploy two ships for these routes. Passengers will sail aboard the Volendam and the Zuiderdam. Guests on the Zuiderdam will experience the ship following its recent Evolution transformation.

Immersive Maritime Culture

Holland America focuses heavily on the local experience. The company brings regional culture directly onto the ships. Passengers will enjoy performances by regional musicians like Breton Thunder and eat local dishes before they even step off the boat.

Paul Grigsby serves as the vice president of revenue planning and deployment for Holland America Line. He notes that the region provides a unique appeal for travelers.

“One of the things guests love most about Canada & New England is that you can experience the feel of Europe without crossing the Atlantic,” Grigsby said. “From the French influence of Montréal and Québec City to the maritime traditions of Atlantic Canada, the region offers an extraordinary mix of culture, history and natural beauty. We also bring those destinations to life on board through local entertainment, regional dining experiences and destination focused programming, so the journey is just as immersive as the places we visit.”

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the 2028 Holland America cruise season begin?

The season runs from May through October 2028.

Which ships will visit Saint John?

The Volendam and the newly upgraded Zuiderdam will sail the Canada and New England routes.

What makes the Saint John stop special in 2028?

Holland America scheduled extended evening calls in Saint John. This allows passengers extra time to experience the city and spend money at local businesses during the evening.