Nieuw Amsterdam scenic cruises are set to headline an ambitious 2027–2028 South America and Antarctica season that emphasizes longer itineraries and richer regional immersion. The newly announced deployment introduces more sailings than in previous years, all lasting 14 days or more and crafted to allow travelers to experience the continent at an unhurried pace. By beginning the season earlier, the cruise line opens additional opportunities for guests eager to journey deeper into remote landscapes, historic ports and culturally vibrant capitals across South America.
The program reflects a broader strategy centered on destination-driven travel. Rather than focusing solely on transportation between ports, the voyages are designed to weave scenic cruising days, extended port calls and curated onboard programming into one cohesive narrative of exploration. From glacier-carved channels to equatorial rainforests, each sailing builds a layered understanding of the region’s geography and heritage.
Debut in South America
A defining highlight of the season is the South America debut of Nieuw Amsterdam, which will sail in the region from October 2027 through March 2028 on journeys ranging up to 41 days. The ship replaces Oosterdam, bringing expanded stateroom options and updated culinary venues that enhance comfort on extended itineraries. This shift signals a renewed commitment to the continent, positioning the vessel as a central platform for immersive travel experiences.
According to company leadership, the expanded schedule and the addition of a new Legendary itinerary are meant to give travelers more ways to connect meaningfully with South America and Antarctica. Dan Rough, vice president of revenue management, has explained that these voyages aim to help guests engage with the region’s energy, history and natural grandeur, while onboard enrichment such as tango instruction and Spanish language classes reinforces that connection throughout the journey.
Ancient Pathways and Pacific Horizons
One of the season’s most ambitious offerings is a 26-day Inca Coast: Mexico & Latin America Legendary Voyage sailing from Vancouver to San Antonio (Santiago), Chile. This extended itinerary links North and South America along the Pacific coast, blending iconic ports with overnight stays in cities such as Manta and Callao. Travelers can cross the Equator, explore colonial-era districts and venture inland to Machu Picchu, the famed Andean citadel that continues to captivate historians and explorers alike.
The narrative of these sailings stretches beyond individual destinations. Guests trace the Pacific shoreline through California and Mexico before reaching Central America’s rainforest-fringed ports and Peru’s storied coast. Stargazing off northern Chile and sailing past dramatic desert landscapes add further texture, reinforcing the sense that these are not merely cruises but comprehensive continental journeys.
Nieuw Amsterdam Scenic Cruises at the Heart of the Season
In the middle of the deployment stands a collection of Nieuw Amsterdam scenic cruises that place dramatic landscapes at the forefront of the itinerary design. The South America and Antarctica program includes nine dedicated scenic cruising experiences. Among them is a four-day Antarctic Experience that carries guests into the White Continent’s icy realm, where towering icebergs and vast glacial fields dominate the horizon.
Elsewhere, the ship navigates through Glacier Alley, past the immense Pío XI Glacier and along the winding Beagle Channel. The Chilean Fjords reveal narrow passages edged by forested peaks and cascading waterfalls, offering a visual spectacle that rivals any shore excursion. These scenic segments are not incidental additions but central pillars of the itinerary, ensuring that the journey itself becomes a destination.
Beyond the Shoreline
While panoramic sailing is a signature element, the season also prioritizes in-depth land experiences. Overland adventures transport guests beyond port cities into the continent’s cultural and ecological heartlands. In Peru, travelers can walk among the stone terraces and temples of Machu Picchu, encountering the scale and sophistication of the Inca civilization firsthand. The opportunity to explore the site after extended time at sea creates a contrast that heightens its impact.
Further afield, a Galápagos Islands overland adventure introduces travelers to one of the world’s most biologically distinctive environments. Encounters with giant tortoises, marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies underscore the archipelago’s evolutionary importance. By pairing maritime travel with curated inland excursions, the season positions exploration as a multidimensional experience rather than a simple series of port calls.
A Broader South American Tapestry
Beyond the flagship voyages, the 2027–2028 schedule features a wide spectrum of extended itineraries. A 28-day Legendary Amazon Explorer sails deep into the rainforest, navigating upriver to Manaus and visiting riverside communities seldom accessed by large ships. Additional departures explore the Chilean Fjords and glaciers on 14- and 15-day pathways between Buenos Aires and San Antonio, while a 17-day Inca and Panama Canal Discovery voyage links Peru’s cultural landmarks with the engineering marvel of the canal.
For travelers seeking maximum immersion, 22-day South America and Antarctica sailings combine multiple highlights into a single journey. Collectors’ Voyages further extend the experience by linking back-to-back itineraries, minimizing repeated ports and expanding geographic reach. Across the board, duration becomes a defining feature, allowing guests to move beyond surface impressions and engage more deeply with each destination.
A Distinctive Onboard Experience
Throughout the season, the onboard atmosphere mirrors the regions visited. Culinary offerings draw inspiration from South American flavors, while enrichment programming delves into local music, language and history. Dining venues such as Tamarind and Morimoto by Sea complement destination-themed dishes, reinforcing a sense of place even while at sea.
This integrated approach reflects the philosophy of Holland America Line, which continues to position extended itineraries as a core strength. Comfort, attentive service and carefully curated programming remain consistent hallmarks, but the emphasis increasingly rests on connecting travelers to the landscapes and cultures beyond the ship.
Looking Ahead to 2028 As bookings open for the 2027–2028 season, Nieuw Amsterdam scenic cruises stand as a defining element of the expanded South America and Antarctica program. By combining glacier-framed passages, legendary archaeological sites and rainforest exploration within longer itineraries, the deployment offers a cohesive vision of immersive travel. In doing so, Nieuw Amsterdam scenic cruises not only introduce a new chapter in the ship’s deployment history but also reaffirm the growing appeal of extended voyages that prioritize depth, discovery and meaningful connection from the first mile at sea to the final horizon.