HAL-Holland America Line has released details of its 2027–2028 Asian season.
The program introduces three new ports in Japan—Hitachinaka, Nagoya, and Maizuru—as well as a new scenic cruising experience through Maizuru Bay. The itineraries, operated by Noordam from September 2027 to April 2028, span 13 to 15 days and call at ports in Japan, South Korea, China, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Owing to the vessel’s moderate size, Noordam will be able to visit smaller, less frequented ports such as Jeju in South Korea and Boracay in the Philippines.
Robert de Bruin, Holland America Line’s Director of Deployment and Itinerary Planning, explained that the season was designed in response to guests’ growing interest in deeper exploration throughout Asia. He stated that the inclusion of new ports, increased visits to lesser-known destinations, and extended stays in major cities would allow for a more immersive experience and greater cultural engagement.
The 2027–2028 season will feature 6 overnight calls—at Halong Bay in Vietnam; Seoul in South Korea; Bangkok in Thailand; Manila in the Philippines; Osaka in Japan; and Shanghai in China—providing additional time for guests to experience local culture and landmarks.
The itineraries highlight Japan’s new ports of call. In Hitachinaka, travellers will be able to visit Seaside Park, known for its colourful seasonal flower fields. Nagoya offers a view of its reconstructed castle and historical architecture, while Maizuru—long associated with Japan’s naval tradition—will be complemented by a new scenic passage through Maizuru Bay, noted for its forested islets and calm waters.
Guests can select from 15 itineraries, many leaving roundtrip from Tokyo, with additional departures from Singapore, Hong Kong, and Seattle WA USA. The four “Circle Japan” voyages will encircle the islands of Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu, with calls at up to 10 Japanese ports and selected visits to South Korea.
Other sailings include the “Southern Japan” cruise in February 2028, the “Japan, South Korea and China” voyage in October 2027, and the “Far East Discovery” itineraries between Hong Kong and Singapore, which include festive sailings during Christmas and New Year. North Pacific crossings between Seattle and Tokyo, or between Tokyo and Vancouver, will also feature as part of the season.
MS Noordam's guests will experience HAl’s Destination Dining program, which highlights regional ingredients and culinary traditions. Menus will include dishes such as Japanese rockfish, Korean bibimbap, Thai mango sticky rice, Filipino chicken adobo, and Vietnamese spring rolls. Two special pop-up dining experiences—Taste of Tamarind and Morimoto by Sea—will also be offered on selected voyages.
HAL’s shore excursion program will provide curated opportunities to explore the cultural, historical, and natural aspects of each destination. These include visits to Busan’s cliffside temples, Kochi’s samurai-era sites, and Da Nang’s UNESCO-listed Hoi An, among others.
For early bookings, guests purchasing the Have It All premium package will receive a range of inclusions, such as shore excursions, specialty dining, a Signature Beverage Package, and Surf Wi-Fi, together with free prepaid crew appreciation and upgrades to the Elite Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi. Members of the Mariner Society loyalty program will be eligible for up to US$400 in onboard credit per stateroom if reservations are made by January 12th, 2026.