One hundred and thirty-three days is a long time to be away. Long enough to cross five continents, call at 51 ports in 23 countries and settle into a way of life that feels more like a residence. It is the duration of Holland America’s Grand World Voyage, an itinerary that navigates a route from South America to Antarctica, across the Pacific to Asia and back via Alaska and the Panama Canal. For some passengers, it is the journey of a lifetime. But, alas, for most, it’s simply too long.
“We’re seeing the world in comfort and convenience and we only have to unpack once,” one guest tells me, enjoying the rhythm of life on board. “It’s a lifetime thing, a tick on the bucket list. We live as a resident community and welcome newcomers as visitors to our home at sea.”
Yet few people can leave the routine of home for four months. The more practical approach is to take a section of the voyage, something Holland America offers by allowing passengers to join for individual segments. And it is one that is gaining popularity, of stepping into a structure of a world cruise without committing to its entirety.
I joined for a taste of the Asian segment, aboard MS Volendam. The ship was already advanced on its itinerary, amidst established routines and loosely formed social circles. Did I feel an outsider? No. Life on board has a way of embracing new arrivals very quickly and within days certain spaces begin to feel familiar. A preferred bar, a particular table, a group of faces that reappear at different points in the day. There is little sense of exclusion as those travelling the long haul give a sense of continuity. I joined a ukulele group, the instrument loaned by the ship, and within an hour felt a long-time member of the band. Elsewhere, there were bridge players, mahjong games, enrichment lectures, dance classes or the option to sit and watch the horizon. One morning, I found myself in a calligraphy class. The subject was about precision and focus in mastering a skill practiced over centuries in this part of the world. We were sailing towards Japan, and it felt like an appropriate introduction to a culture.
Shore excursions extend that sense of immersion. In Vietnam, Halong Bay unfolded in shifting layers of mist and limestone, fishing communities drifting past as we moved quietly through the water on a traditional junk boat. Hong Kong delivered contrast with crowded street markets, views from Victoria Peak, the steady clang of the “ding ding” trams and an evening light display over Victoria Harbour from the ship’s deck. Taiwan offered a gentler pace. In Shifen, outside Taipei, I released a paper lantern into the sky with a written heartfelt wish before continuing to Taipei to watch the precise choreography of the changing of the guard at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. Such details make moments that stay with you.
Evenings onboard ranged from deck parties and barn dances to themed dinners and formal evenings with passengers arriving well briefed for everything from masquerade balls to even a Glamp Out. Packing is a skill in itself with social attire demanding formal dress and hiking boots, furs for Alaska, sun hats for Bali and wind-proof jackets for deck walks. For one formal evening, I borrowed a diamond ring for the captain’s dinner, a fleeting detail, but one that seemed in keeping with the setting. It was duly returned before the end of the evening! Early morning stretch provided the disciplined focus on fitness with peer support as motivation and relaxing treatments for me time. The retail area offered custom-blended lipstick to tailor-made gowns and suits by visiting tailors
Dining is always a key focus. Menus change creatively to reflect the regions visited, incorporating local ingredients where possible. Guest chefs and culinary ambassadors join for sections of the journey, offering demonstrations and tastings. It is a thoughtful extension of the destinations themselves. During my voyage, I enjoyed regional dishes such as Vietnamese Pepper-crusted Tuna, Northwestern Chinese Xinjiang Cumin Lamb andTaiwanese Oxtail Cakes sweet potato kimchi mash.
Taking a segment of a world cruise is likened to a story, arriving mid-way, finding your chapter and place and departing before it concluded. The rhythm is already set, days feel full and destination ports link the pause of sea days. For those constrained by time, this is a practical compromise. Seeing the world does not always require four months.
The MS Volendam is one of Holland America’s smaller classed ships and accommodates up to 1,432 guests in spacious cabins with a choice of restaurants, lounges, bars, a casino, theatres, library and a spa. Next year Holland America is sailing two Grand Voyages, with the option to embark on the 129-day Grand World Voyage or a 70-day Grand South America & Antarctica Voyage.
Find out more
To book your your next grand world voyage, or find out more information from our Silver Travel Advisors, call 0800 412 5678.
