After leaving Fort Lauderdale in early January, the Volendam recently arrived in Brazil during its Grand Voyage to South America and Antarctica.
Operated by Holland America Line, the premium vessel is visiting a total of ten destinations in the country before heading north to the Caribbean.
Among the ports visited was Rio de Janeiro, which received the Volendam for an overnight call in late February. Other destinations that received the ship include Santos, Recife, Fortaleza and Belém.
One of the highlights of the 74-day itinerary, the Amazon River is also being visited by the ship during its Brazilian stint.
In addition to offering scenic cruising at the region, the Volendam is stopping at four destinations on the banks of the river: Santarém, Boca da Valéria, Manaus and Parintins.
Sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades, the ship’s Grand Voyage to South America and Antarctica includes a complete circumnavigation of the South American subcontinent, as well as a four-day cruising experience in Antarctica.
After leaving the United States on Jan. 3, the 61,214-ton vessel headed south to the Panama Canal before arriving in South America’s West Coast.
Continuing its way south, the ship visited Ecuador, Peru and Chile before heading to Antarctica.
The vessel then turned north after passing the Cape Horn, starting its way back to North America via Argentina, the Falkland Islands, Uruguay and Brazil.
Following its final leg in the Caribbean and Central America, the Grand Voyage is set to return to Florida on Mar. 18. On its way back to the United States, the Volendam is scheduled to visit French Guiana, Barbados, Puerto Rico and more.
In late 2023, Holland America Line is offering a similar itinerary onboard the Zaandam. Also sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, the vessel is set to offer a 73-night cruise to South America and Antarctica starting on Oct. 7.