81000+ bottles of wine will be poured onboard two of HAL-Holland America Line's ships, in celebration of what could possibly be the second-longest roundtrip ex-USA voyages departing on the same day from the same port.
Both HAL boats - ms Zuiderdam and ms Volendam - left Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale (Florida USA) on January 3rd on around-the-world itineraries that combine for 202 days, visiting 95 ports of call in 43 different countries before sailing back to Fort Lauderdale.
MS Zuiderdam embarked on a 128-day Grand World Voyage, marking HAL’s first world since the industry’s pause due to the COVID crisis. Overnight stays are scheduled in destinations in French Polynesia, Panama, South Africa, Australia, and Holland.
MS Volendam meanwhile embarked on the 74-day Grand South America & Antarctica Voyage, circumnavigating South America and completing a 4-day Antarctic Peninsula experience.
Other fun facts about the cruises include:
- Eggs used: 1,1 million
- Meals served: 0,9 million
- Cocktails served: 155000
- Specialty coffee drinks brewed: 35000
- Gallons of ice cream served: 29000
- Live performances: 2500
- Nautical miles sailed: 52000+ (enough to drive from Miami FL to Seattle WA and back 9 times).
Earlier this week, HAL unveiled new details about its 2024 Alaskan season, which includes a new 28-day Arctic Circle itinerary. The company recently provided a sneak peek at the 2024 European season, complete with new itineraries/homeports, longer sailings, and more Northern capitals.