Summary: Holland America Line will deploy the larger, more luxurious Nieuw Amsterdam in place of the Oosterdam for its 2027–28 South America and Antarctica season, boosting capacity, adding more staterooms and suites, featuring signature dining venues, and introducing a four-day Antarctic Experience. Bookings open February 24.

Holland America Line has announced that the Nieuw Amsterdam will take over the line’s South America and Antarctica deployments for the 2027–28 season, replacing the Oosterdam. The change brings a larger ship with increased capacity and a broader selection of staterooms and suites, aimed at meeting rising demand for premium voyages to these regions.

More space and luxury onboard

The Nieuw Amsterdam is known for its elegant design and upgraded guest facilities. Its deployment is intended to deliver a more refined onboard experience through modern amenities, roomier accommodations and additional suite choices so passengers can tailor voyages to their travel preferences.

Signature dining and guest favourites

A highlight of the Nieuw Amsterdam’s roster will be the inclusion of popular dining venues, such as Tamarind and Morimoto by Sea. These outlets are celebrated for distinctive menus that blend international techniques with locally sourced ingredients, adding a culinary dimension to long voyages through South America and Antarctica.

Programming, excursions and enrichment

Beyond dining and accommodations, the Nieuw Amsterdam will offer a variety of onboard activities and shore programmes. Passengers can expect expert-led lectures, cultural experiences and guided excursions designed to enhance understanding of the regions visited and deepen connections with local landscapes and wildlife.

  • Ship change: Nieuw Amsterdam replaces Oosterdam for 2027–28 South America and Antarctica season
  • Capacity: Larger vessel with more staterooms and suite options
  • Dining: Guest-favourite venues Tamarind and Morimoto by Sea onboard
  • Programming: Expert lectures, cultural activities and guided shore excursions
Nieuw Amsterdam cruising near icy Antarctic waters and South American coastline, illustrating expanded itineraries
The Nieuw Amsterdam will offer expanded South America and Antarctica itineraries with upgraded dining and accommodation options

South America and Antarctica combined itineraries

The combined appeal of South America’s diverse cultures and landscapes with Antarctica’s pristine wilderness remains a major draw. Holland America Line says the Nieuw Amsterdam will allow more guests to experience destinations ranging from Patagonia to cities such as Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro while maintaining a high level of comfort and service.

Four-day Antarctic Experience

A standout feature in the 2027–28 program is a four-day Antarctic Experience included on select itineraries. This expedition-style segment gives passengers additional time to explore the Antarctic Peninsula—either by zodiac landings or by taking in panoramic views from deck—supported by guides with polar expertise.

The line has framed the Nieuw Amsterdam’s deployment as a response to growing interest in premium voyages to these regions, allowing more guests to travel in a refined setting without sacrificing access to remote natural environments.

Booking and demand

All sailings for the 2027–28 South America season, including the four-day Antarctic Experience, will be available for booking from February 24. Industry expectations are for strong demand given the increased capacity and the appeal of both longer cultural voyages and shorter Antarctic-focused expeditions.

So what? For travellers, the Nieuw Amsterdam deployment means more opportunities to secure premium berths on sought-after routes and to choose from a wider range of cabin categories and dining experiences. For the cruise industry, it signals continued investment in polar and South American offerings and a response to growing market interest in luxurious expedition-style travel.