Holland America Expands 2027 Antarctica Capacity

Holland America Line is increasing capacity for its 2027-2028 South America and Antarctica season by deploying a larger ship to the region.

Beginning in fall 2027, Nieuw Amsterdam will replace Oosterdam on South America and Antarctica itineraries. The move adds more stateroom and suite inventory, along with expanded onboard dining options, including Tamarind and Morimoto by Sea. The 2027-2028 season will mark Nieuw Amsterdam’s first time sailing in the region.

All South America and Antarctica voyages aboard Nieuw Amsterdam are scheduled to open for booking on February 24. The expanded capacity comes as demand for polar and South American itineraries continues to rise, particularly among travelers seeking wildlife encounters, scenic cruising and culturally rich ports.

Guests and travel advisors with existing 2027-2028 South America bookings on Oosterdam will receive direct communication from the cruise line outlining any itinerary or accommodation changes resulting from the ship swap. Holland America said it will provide details to ensure a smooth transition for affected reservations.

According to Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line, the company’s South America and Antarctica cruises remain among its most popular offerings. She noted that demand for these voyages has grown steadily, prompting the decision to deploy Nieuw Amsterdam to the region.

The itineraries typically feature a mix of Antarctic scenic cruising and shore landings, along with calls in vibrant South American cities and visits to natural landmarks such as fjords, glaciers and remote coastal communities. Wildlife sightings can include penguins, seabirds and marine mammals, making the region a bucket-list destination for many travelers.

By introducing Nieuw Amsterdam, Holland America aims to enhance the overall guest experience with additional accommodation choices and specialty dining venues while maintaining its focus on immersive destination programming. The deployment reflects the cruise line’s broader strategy of aligning ship capacity with high-demand itineraries and reinforcing its position in the premium cruise segment for expedition-style voyages to South America and Antarctica.

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