Holland America fast-tracks Oosterdam makeover, adds five new cruises

Holland America Line is accelerating Oosterdam’s planned Evolution transformation, moving the ship’s refurbishment up by five weeks in response to strong demand for sailings aboard the reimagined vessel.

The earlier dry dock means Oosterdam will return to service on Oct. 31, 2027, and allows Holland America to introduce five additional post-transformation cruises across the Mediterranean, Atlantic and Caribbean.

As a result of the revised timeline, several previously scheduled voyages between Sept. 11 and Dec. 9, 2027, have been cancelled. Holland America is contacting affected guests and travel advisors directly with rebooking options. The refurbishment will take place in Marseille, France.

“We’re very happy with the unprecedented response we’ve received to Holland America Evolution, and we’re thrilled we can move up Oosterdam’s dry dock to meet guest demand,” said Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line, in a press release.

“Starting earlier allows us to create five additional cruises on the newly reimagined ship. Guests will have more opportunities to enjoy all of the enhancements coming to Oosterdam, from new stateroom and suite categories to the Grand Dutch Café and redesigned Ocean Bar. We’re excited to welcome guests aboard as Oosterdam begins this new chapter and to give them the opportunity to be among the first to experience her transformation.”

Holland America Evolution will introduce a range of updates to Oosterdam while retaining the service, itineraries and onboard atmosphere associated with the cruise line.

Oosterdam’s first sailing following the transformation will be a 10-day voyage from Civitavecchia (Rome) to Trieste, departing Oct. 31, 2027, with calls in Italy, Greece, Montenegro and Croatia.

Four more newly added itineraries will follow: an 11-day Mediterranean sailing from Trieste to Piraeus (Athens) on Nov. 10; a seven-day cruise from Piraeus to Barcelona on Nov. 21; a 13-day transatlantic crossing from Barcelona to Fort Lauderdale on Nov. 28; and an 11-day Caribbean cruise roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale beginning Dec. 11.

Guests who were booked on the previously scheduled inaugural post-Evolution sailing and first transatlantic voyage in December 2027 will have the option to transfer to the corresponding newly added cruises, allowing them to remain among the first to experience the transformed Oosterdam.

The five new voyages are scheduled to open for sale in early October.

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