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Nieuw Amsterdam to Lead Holland America Line’s 2027–28 South America and Antarctica Season

Nieuw Amsterdam to Lead Holland America Line’s 2027–28 South America and Antarctica Season

James Miller, GetTransfer.com
by 
James Miller, GetTransfer.com
4 minutes read
News
March 06, 2026

Season logistics and fleet deployment at a glance

Nieuw Amsterdam will operate voyages ranging from 14 to 41 days during Holland America Line’s 2027–2028 South America and Antarctica season, with sailings scheduled from October 2027 through March 2028. The season opens earlier than in recent years, enabling more embarkations, longer port calls, and an increased number of scenic cruising days such as Glacier Alley and the Beagle Channel.

Ship features and passenger capacity

Replacing Oosterdam in the region, Nieuw Amsterdam adds extra capacity across staterooms and suites and brings signature dining venues like Tamarind and Morimoto by Sea. Onboard programming emphasizes destination connection through expert talks and curated shore excursions—important considerations for travelers arranging port transfers, luggage handling, and pre- or post-cruise airport pickups.

Key itineraries and operational details

ShipDurationRoute HighlightsTypical Departure
Nieuw Amsterdam26 daysVancouver → San Antonio (Santiago); Machu Picchu, Quito, LimaOct 7, 2027
Zuiderdam28 daysFort Lauderdale roundtrip; Amazon River overnight in ManausJan 6, 2028
Nieuw Amsterdam22 daysBuenos Aires → San Antonio (Santiago); 4 days in AntarcticaMultiple

Scenic cruising and shore options

The season includes nine dedicated scenic cruising experiences, from a four-day Antarctic segment past the Pío XI Glacier to multi-day transits of the Chilean Fjords. Overland extensions and wildlife-focused calls include Machu Picchu and the Galápagos Islands—details that affect timing for airport transfers, intercity logistics, and local cab or private vehicle bookings.

Itinerary highlights

  • 26-Day Inca Coast: Vancouver to San Antonio (Santiago) with overnight stays in Manta (Quito) and Callao (Lima).
  • 28-Day Legendary Amazon Explorer on Zuiderdam, including Manaus overnight and river exploration.
  • 14–15 Day Chilean Fjords & Glaciers with Glacier Alley, Cape Horn, and the Pío XI Glacier.
  • 22-Day South America & Antarctica with four days in Antarctica and multiple Argentine and Chilean ports.

Booking packages, loyalty perks and practical transfer tips

For a limited time, guests booking with the Have It All premium package receive bundled amenities—shore excursions, specialty dining, beverage packages, Wi‑Fi—and occasional upgrades. Mariner Society members may access up to $400 onboard credit per stateroom. When planning, factor in exact arrival times, port check-in windows, and how shore excursions link to ferry or tender schedules; these details determine the right type of transfer (private car, shared shuttle, or taxi) to book in advance.

Practical transfer checklist

  • Confirm cruise embarkation and disembarkation times and port location.
  • Book airport-to-port transfers with adequate buffer for customs and luggage.
  • Choose vehicle type based on group size—private sedan, 6-seater, or minivan.
  • Verify driver license, vehicle details, and exact fare before pickup.

How this affects taxi and transfer planning

Extended voyages and regional repositionings mean many travelers will need coordinated ground logistics—airport pickup, overnight hotel transfers, and intercity rides between excursion start points. Booking transfers early helps lock in fixed prices, secure the right seat and luggage space, and avoid last-minute fare surges or missed connections.

Highlights of this season include longer scenic-days in Antarctica, extended Amazon explorations, and the introduction of Nieuw Amsterdam to South American waters; however, no single itinerary will replace the value of seeing a destination firsthand. Even the best reviews and most honest feedback can’t truly compare to personal experience. On GetTransfer, you can hire a car with driver from verified providers at reasonable prices. This empowers you to make the most informed decision without unnecessary expenses or disappointments. For your next trip, consider the convenience and reliability of GetTransfer. Book your Ride GetTransfer.com

In summary, Holland America Line’s 2027–28 South America and Antarctica season centers on longer sailings and diversified routes, led by Nieuw Amsterdam. The program emphasizes scenic cruising, overland extensions to icons like Machu Picchu and the Galápagos, and enhanced onboard amenities. For travelers focused on airport transfers, city connections, exact pickup times, and vehicle choices—whether a taxi, private car, or larger seater—early planning reduces fare surprises and ensures the best service. GetTransfer.com supports this travel rhythm by offering transparent vehicle details, driver ratings, fixed prices, and the option to choose the exact car model and driver ahead of time, making it easier to book transfers to the port or airport and get to your destination on time with confidence.

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