HAL-Holland America Line has moved the planned Holland America Evolution transformation of Oosterdam forward by 5 weeks in response to strong demand for cruises aboard the reimagined vessel. Following the earlier dry dock, the ship will return to service with its first post-refurbishment voyage departing on October 31, 2027.
The revised schedule has enabled the cruise line to add 5 additional voyages aboard the transformed Oosterdam, covering the Mediterranean, Atlantic and Caribbean. The refurbishment will take place in Marseille, France.
To accommodate the earlier dry dock, several previously scheduled voyages between September 11th and December 9th, 2027, have been canceled. Holland America Line is contacting affected passengers and travel advisors directly with rebooking options.
Holland America Line President Beth Bodensteiner said the strong response to the Evolution programme had prompted the company to bring forward Oosterdam’s dry dock. She explained that the revised timing would allow the cruise line to add five voyages and provide more guests with an opportunity to experience the ship’s new accommodation categories, Grand Dutch Café and redesigned Ocean Bar.
Holland America Evolution combines new onboard features with the service standards, destination-focused itineraries and atmosphere associated with the cruise line.
Following its refurbishment, Oosterdam will operate a 10-day inaugural post-Evolution voyage from Civitavecchia (Rome) to Trieste, departing October 31st, 2027. The itinerary will visit destinations in Italy, Greece, Montenegro and Croatia.
The ship will then operate an 11-day Mediterranean cruise from Trieste to Piraeus, Greece, departing November 10, followed by a 7-day Mediterranean voyage from Piraeus to Barcelona on November 21st. A 13-day Transatlantic Crossing from Barcelona to Fort Lauderdale will depart on November 28th, followed by an 11-day roundtrip Caribbean itinerary from Fort Lauderdale beginning December 11th.
The new sailings will provide early opportunities to experience Oosterdam following its Evolution transformation across several cruising regions.
Passengers booked on the previously scheduled inaugural and first Transatlantic cruises in December 2027 will have the option to transfer to the corresponding new voyages and retain their opportunity to be among the first guests aboard the refurbished vessel. The new itineraries are scheduled to open for sale in early October.