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CRUISE NEWS B M & T ••• September/October 2026 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 39 BOOKINGS OPEN FOR ZUIDERDAM'S FIRST EUROPE VOYAGES FOLLOWING HOLLAND AMERICA EVOLUTION Cruises on newly renovated ship showcase nearly every side of Europe, from the sun-soaked Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines to Norway's fjords, Iceland and more Holland America Line has opened bookings for Zuiderdam's first collection of voyages following the ship's transformation through Holland America Evolution, the cruise line's largest fleet investment in its 153-year history. The ship's enhancements will debut April 2, 2028, as Zuiderdam returns to service in the Mediterranean before spending the summer sailing from Amsterdam on voyages throughout Northern Europe and Iceland. From the vibrant cities and coastal cultures of Southern Europe to Norway's famed fjords and Iceland's dramatic landscapes, the cruises showcase the breadth of a region Holland America Line has been exploring for more than 150 years. After beginning the season in the Mediterranean, Zuiderdam will spend much of the summer sailing from Amsterdam, offering guests access to some of Northern Europe's most icon- ic destinations while connecting to the cruise line's Dutch heritage. "There is something especially fitting about intro- ducing a newly transformed Zuiderdam in Europe, a region we know exceptionally well and one that has been part of our story from the very beginning," said Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line. "This season showcases the remarkable diversity of the continent, from the energy and history of the Mediterranean to the fjords and waterways of Northern Europe. After homeporting in the Netherlands, our historic home, Zuiderdam continues on to Iceland and Greenland, tracing routes sailed by generations of explorers and mariners. It's a collection of voyages that celebrates our heritage and the next chapter of this ship." Zuiderdam's return to service will mark the next phase of Holland America Evolution, a multiyear mod- ernization designed to bring the best of the fleet's Pinnacle Class to more ships along with new venues. While exploring Europe aboard the newly transformed Zuiderdam, guests will enjoy a range of enhancements designed to elevate the journey. New accommodations include purpose-built Solo Verandahs for solo travel- ers, forward-facing Bridgeview Suites, Vista Suites and a reimagined Pinnacle Suite. Refreshed accommoda- tions throughout the ship and the addition of Grand Dutch Café bring some of the most popular features from Holland America Line's Pinnacle Class ships to Zuiderdam, creating an onboard experience that is as memorable as the destination. More exciting additions to the ship will be announced in the coming months. Zuiderdam Across Europe As Zuiderdam emerges from her Evolution trans- formation, the ship will spend spring and summer 2028 exploring nearly every corner of Europe. The season begins in the Mediterranean with open-jaw voyages connecting Rome, Barcelona and Lisbon, allowing guests to experience some of the region's most celebrated cities and coastal destinations. Ports of call include Livorno for Florence and Pisa,