Holland America Line has announced its 2027-2028 Asia season, highlighting the opening of three new ports in Japan—Hitachinaka, Nagoya, and Maizuru—and the inclusion of a scenic cruising experience in Maizuru Bay. These changes aim to offer passengers immersion and authenticity, allowing for longer stays and cultural connections during the voyage.

New Ports and Extended Routes

The season, running from September 2027 to April 2028 aboard Noordam, includes 13- to 15-day itineraries visiting destinations in Japan, South Korea, China, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Noordam’s size allows access to less-frequented ports such as Jeju (South Korea) and Boracay (Philippines). The itineraries provide unique experiences, with departures from Tokyo, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Seattle.

The debut Japanese ports offer distinctive attractions:

• Hitachinaka: famous for Seaside Park and its striking seasonal floral displays.
• Nagoya: notable for its reconstructed castle and urban heritage.
• Maizuru: a port city with naval history, complemented by a scenic cruise through the bay, observing green islets and calm waters.

To learn more about Asian ports like Jeju, Nagoya and Tokyo, we recommend you read our series of articles about our experience in a cruise through South Korea and Japan.

Overnight Stays and Cultural Connection

Among the highlights are overnight stays in six major destinations: Halong Bay (Vietnam), Seoul (South Korea), Bangkok (Thailand), Manila (Philippines), Osaka (Japan), and Shanghai (China). These stops extend available time to explore night markets, urban landscapes, and iconic attractions.

Featured Itineraries

• 14-Day Circle Japan: four departures from Tokyo or Yokohama touring Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, and South Korean ports.
• 14-Day Southern Japan: from Tokyo, includes the inaugural call at Nagoya and an overnight in Osaka.
• 14-Day Japan, South Korea & China: Tokyo to Hong Kong, passing through Hiroshima and Shanghai.
• 14-Day China & Japan Discovery: Hong Kong to Tokyo, with overnights in Shanghai and Osaka.
• 14-Day Japan & South Korea Discovery: Tokyo to Yokohama, with overnights in Osaka and Incheon (Seoul).
• 14-Day Far East Discovery: between Hong Kong and Singapore, visiting Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand.
• 14-Day Thailand, Malaysia & Philippines: Singapore to Hong Kong, with overnights in Manila and Bangkok.
• 13- or 15-Day Transpacific Crossings: from Seattle to Tokyo or from Tokyo to Canada, including stops in Alaska and Japan.

Cuisine and Shore Excursions

The Destination Dining program allows passengers to enjoy local flavors, with regionally inspired menus and ingredients from local suppliers. Dishes include sushi, Korean bibimbap, Thai mango sticky rice, Filipino adobo, and signature desserts like matcha lava cake.

Excursions at each port highlight local heritage and culture: from cliffside temples and samurai castles to urban markets and historic beaches.

Bonuses and Reservations

Passengers booking with premium packages will receive benefits such as shore excursions, specialty dining, exclusive beverages, Wi-Fi, and prepaid gratuities. Mariner Society members have access to promotional credits for early booking. Reservations are now open through Holland America Line’s official channels.

The new Asia season reaffirms the cruise line’s commitment to providing cultural immersion and authenticity in every itinerary, incorporating new routes and opportunities to explore the region’s richness and diversity.