Holland America Opens 2028 Canada and New England Bookings With the Most Montréal Calls

Holland America Line opened bookings on October 1 for its May through October 2028 Canada and New England season, and says it will make more cruise calls to Montréal than any other cruise line that year. This includes a whopping twenty-seven sailings run from 7 to 14 days aboard Volendam and Zuiderdam, with the post-Evolution Zuiderdam making its first appearance in the region. For Alaska cruisers looking for something different with the same big-scenery appeal but more European charm and urban exploration, the 2028 lineup adds late-night and overnight port stays for more time ashore.

Where the Season Sails

Departures leave from Montréal, Québec City, Boston, New York and Fort Lauderdale. Holland America Line says its mid-size ships can reach ports and waterways larger vessels cannot, and that it has five national parks and seven UNESCO World Heritage sites within reach across the season. 

Select itineraries include late-night calls in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, and Saint John, New Brunswick, plus overnight stays in Québec City. Alaska cruisers will recognize the appeal of a long evening in port.

The Itineraries

• 7-day Canada & New England - Volendam and Zuiderdam sail between Boston and Montréal, Boston and Québec City, or roundtrip from Boston, with ports that may include Prince Edward Island, Sydney, Halifax, Portland and Saint John.
• 10-day Québec & Newfoundland - Volendam, Montréal to Boston, June 7. Calls include Québec City, Baie-Comeau, Havre-Saint-Pierre, Corner Brook, St. Anthony, St. John's, Halifax and Portland.
• 10-day New France & Newfoundland - Volendam, Boston to Montréal, August 19, with the same Newfoundland ports in reverse.
• 11-day Maritimes & New France Circle - Volendam, roundtrip from Montréal, May 27 and August 29. Calls include Saguenay, Cap-aux-Meules, Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, and St. John's.
• 9-day Lighthouse & Harbors - Volendam, Montréal to New York, September 30.
• 14-day Atlantic & Colonial New England - Volendam, Fort Lauderdale to Montréal, May 13.
• 14-day Atlantic Coast & Québec - the post-Evolution Zuiderdam, Québec City to Fort Lauderdale, October 14, with calls in Sept-Îles, Saguenay, Halifax, Sydney, Prince Edward Island, Boston and Norfolk.

Zuiderdam Arrives After Its Evolution Refit

Zuiderdam is the first post-Evolution ship to sail in Canada and New England. The refit is part of the $500 million Evolution program, which Holland America Line calls its largest fleet investment in 153 years. The line's Zuiderdam announcement lists 32 Solo Verandah staterooms, two Bridgeview Suites with forward-facing views, 14 Vista Suites and the Grand Dutch Café, along with refreshed staterooms and public spaces. The ship carries 1,988 guests and returns to service in spring 2028, which makes the October Québec City to Fort Lauderdale crossing one of its first sailings in the region.

Volendam handles most of the longer itineraries. Onboard, the line promises regional seafood and local musicians such as Breton Thunder, so the cruise carries some of the destination with it.

Wildlife, Lighthouses and the Early Booking Bonus You'll Want To Ask Your Travel Advisor About!

Guests may spot beluga whales in the Saguenay Fjord, humpback, finback and minke whales across Atlantic Canada, and puffins along Newfoundland's coast. As you know, whale watching is a huge draw for Alaska sailings too so this is a great alternative for anyone looking to try something new - yet familiar - to what they love about sailing through the Pacific Northwest. Our guide to Canada and New England for Alaska cruise veterans covers how the two compare.

For a limited time, select 2028 sailings carry the Have It All Early Booking Bonus: shore excursion credit, specialty dining, an Elite Beverage Package, premium Wi-Fi, prepaid crew appreciation (see our tip calculator to help calculate how much you can save by having tips and gratuity included!) and the Best Price Guarantee. Availability is limited, and terms apply. Fall foliage on a September or October sailing is a different trip than a summer one, and a travel advisor can match the week to what you want to see. Heather Hills, senior cruise specialist at Flow Voyages, can help you book a cruise on any of these itineraries.