Holland America’s Antarctic Cruise from Florida in 2025
Holland America Line is redefining Antarctic exploration with a new and unique cruise departure. For the first time, travelers can embark on an Antarctic journey from Florida, bypassing the usual South American starting points.
Scheduled to set sail on January 25, 2025, this 47-night voyage will be aboard the 1,432-passenger Volendam, as part of its longer Pole-to-Pole world cruise. This innovative itinerary offers a convenient departure from Fort Lauderdale, eliminating the need for international flights typically required for Antarctic cruises.
The journey will commence with a series of port stops including Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, Santa Marta in Colombia, and Puerto Limon in Costa Rica. The ship will also traverse the Panama Canal before embarking on a three-week exploration of Central and South America, featuring additional stops in Panama, Ecuador, and Chile.
Following this, the Volendam will navigate the Strait of Magellan and cross the Drake Passage to reach Antarctica. Passengers will experience four days of cruising around the Antarctic coastline, though there will be no landings on the continent.
After exploring Antarctica, the itinerary continues with visits to the Falkland Islands and Puerto Madryn in Argentina, offering a diverse range of experiences.
Holland America’s 2025 Grand Voyage: Pole to Pole offers seven segment options ranging from 20 to 100 days. Guests can choose itineraries that span from Fort Lauderdale to Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires to Barcelona, Amsterdam to Fort Lauderdale, and other routes that cater to varying schedules and interests.
This unique approach provides travelers with an accessible and exciting way to experience the wonders of Antarctica without the hassle of additional international travel.