Guests joining Holland America Line’s 2026 Grand Voyages will receive a special tote bag made of upcycled ship textiles.
According to a press release, the initiative marks the successful completion of the cruise line’s first fabric circularity project, which is said to be the first of its kind for the industry.
The two-year program transformed retired soft goods into functional keepsakes, reducing landfill waste and turning sustainability into style, Holland America said.
The effort began during ship renovations when fabrics such as drapery and bed runners were collected instead of discarded. Those materials were shipped to Turkey’s Andriali Mill, where they were broken down and spun into new yarn.
From that yarn came the durable totes that guests on Volendam and Zaandam’s Grand Voyages will receive in January.
Each bag features a QR code so guests can learn about its transformation story, creating a personal connection between travelers and the sustainability effort.
Approximately 30,000 yards of soft textiles were used toward the creation of the 4,000 tote bags for 2026 Grand Voyage guests.
The remaining textiles will also be used for 25,000 tote bags that will be ordered for Holland America’s upcoming Legendary Voyages.
“These tote bags are a symbol of what’s possible when we rethink waste,” said My Nguyen, director of interior design for Holland America Line.
“They started as stateroom fabrics and now represent a much bigger story—our commitment to circular design and reducing landfill impact across the fleet. Every bag reflects creativity, collaboration, and a shared responsibility for the planet, and we hope guests feel proud to carry that message with them.”
Holland America said that the project is part of a broader push toward circular design that also includes Dansk: Re:Shape, which repurposes carpet waste into coasters, notebooks and postcards for onboard gift shops. More than 1.5 tons of carpet have already been diverted from landfills, the company added.
The cruise line is also piloting an Aluminum Furniture Circularity Project aimed at recycling marine-grade aluminum from balcony and pool deck furniture, creating a business case for salvaging and reusing high-value materials.
