Holland America Line unveiled its 2027–2028 Asia season, featuring cruises to some of the region’s most captivating destinations. The new season adds three new ports in Japan—Hitachinaka, Nagoya, and Maizuru—along with a new scenic experience in Maizuru Bay.
In addition, overnight stays will be offered in six top destinations, giving travelers the opportunity to connect more deeply and authentically with each place — whether it's exploring vibrant night markets, admiring iconic city lights, or enjoying unforgettable sunsets.
From September 2027 to April 2028, guests aboard the Noordam will be able to explore ports in Japan, South Korea, China, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam. The cruises will last 13 to 15 days, and the Noordam's ideal size allows access to exclusive ports that larger ships cannot visit, such as Jeju (South Korea) and Boracay (Philippines), offering a wider range of experiences throughout the region.
“Asia offers guests a wealth of natural wonders and remarkable cultural landmarks,” said Robert de Bruin, Holland America Line’s Director of Deployment and Itinerary Planning. “We know our passengers are looking for deeper exploration, so this season we’ve added new ports, increased calls at less-visited destinations, and extended stays at popular locations. These enhancements allow travelers to get the most out of their voyage and truly immerse themselves in the culture of each destination.”
New inaugural ports in Japan
On select itineraries, guests can discover Japan's newest ports, each with unique cultural and scenic experiences:
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Hitachinaka: home of the famous Seaside Park, celebrated for its spectacular seasonal flower displays.
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Nagoya: notable for its rebuilt castle adorned with golden shachi-hoko and its vibrant urban heritage.
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Maizuru: a historic port city with deep naval roots, complemented by a new scenic cruise around Maizuru Bay, where you can appreciate the contrasts between the green islands and the calm blue waters.
Guests will enjoy overnight stays in Halong Bay (Vietnam), Seoul (South Korea), Bangkok (Thailand), Manila (Philippines), Osaka (Japan), and Shanghai (China). These extended stays allow guests to make the most of each port of call—from watching sunsets over Halong Bay and visiting the historic San Agustin Church in Manila to admiring the neon lights of Shanghai—offering an authentic connection to each culture.
Guests can choose from 15 different itineraries, many departing from Tokyo, allowing them to add days in this metropolis before embarking. There will also be departures from Singapore, Hong Kong, and Seattle (USA), offering flexibility to accommodate various travel plans and facilitating connections to Asia's most dynamic cities.
Season highlights:
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14-day "Japan Circle": Four departures available, round trip from Tokyo (Yokohama). Explore the islands of Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu, with up to 10 Japanese ports and stops in South Korea (Sokcho, Busan, or Yeosu). Some include overnight stays in Hiroshima, Osaka (Kobe), and Hakodate.
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14-day "Southern Japan" tour: departing February 27, 2028, round trip from Tokyo. Includes eight ports in southern Japan, with an inaugural stop in Nagoya and an overnight stay in Osaka (Kobe), plus a visit to Busan.
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14 days “Japan, South Korea and China”: Departing October 24, 2027, from Tokyo to Hong Kong. Six Japanese ports, with an overnight stay in Hiroshima and almost two days in Shanghai.
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14 days “Discovering China and Japan” (nights in Shanghai and Osaka): departure on February 13, 2028, from Hong Kong to Tokyo.
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14-day “Discovery Japan and South Korea”: Departure March 12, 2028, from Tokyo to Yokohama. Includes five Japanese ports, one night in Osaka (Kobe) and three South Korean ports (including Jeju and one night in Incheon/Seoul).
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14-day “Discover the Far East” cruise: five departures between Hong Kong and Singapore, with stops in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand, including overnight stays in Halong Bay and Laem Chabang (Bangkok). A special departure on December 19, 2027, celebrates Christmas in the South China Sea and New Year's in Thailand.
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14 days “Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines”: departure on January 30, 2028, from Singapore to Hong Kong, with nights in Manila and Bangkok.
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13 or 15 days “North Pacific Crossing”:
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13 days: Departure on September 12, 2027, from Seattle to Tokyo, with stops in Ketchikan (Alaska), Kushiro and Aomori (Japan).
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15 days: departure on April 23, 2028, from Tokyo to Vancouver, with stops in Alaska (Kodiak, Sitka, Ketchikan) and Prince Rupert (Canada).
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Onboard the Noordam, travelers can savor the authentic flavors of Asia with Holland America Line's Destination Dining program. The culinary team creates menus inspired by each region, using local ingredients sourced directly from trusted suppliers. Guests can also enjoy two pop-up : Taste of Tamarind and Morimoto by Sea.
Holland America Line's curated excursions offer an in-depth look at the culture, history, and natural beauty of each destination. In Busan, travelers can visit cliffside temples and colorful art villages; in Kochi, they'll discover samurai-era castles and local markets; and in Da Nang, they can explore the ancient town of Hoi An, take a rickshaw through lively streets, or relax on My Khe Beach.
For a limited time, those who book Asia 2027–2028 cruises with the Have It All package will receive the usual perks—shore excursions, specialty dining, Signature Beverage Package, and Surf Wi-Fi—along with complimentary gratuities and a free upgrade to the Elite Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi. In addition, Mariner Society loyalty program members can earn one onboard credit per stateroom if they book by January 12, 2026.
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