Holland America Opens 2028 Canada & New England Cruises With More Montréal Calls

October 5, 2026 Team Contributor

What makes Montreal cruises special enough that many travellers add a few extra days before they board? Part of the appeal lies in soaking in a city with a distinctly European feel and the ease, especially for North American travelers, of immersing in the vibrant city colours without having to take a transatlantic flight.

Stroll down the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal, visit the Notre-Dame Basilica, and sample the city’s famous bagel and smoked meat culture. Then settle into one of the many cafés and restaurants that give Montreal its characteristic French-North American blend.

Holland America Line is giving Canadian cruise travellers another reason to look east in 2028, with a new season of Canada & New England cruises. The new sailing puts Montréal firmly at the centre of the itinerary.

The cruise line has opened bookings for its 2028 season, running from May through October aboard Volendam and Zuiderdam. Holland America says it will make more calls in Montréal than any other cruise line during the season.

The seven- to 14-day sailings will depart from Montréal, Québec City, Boston, New York and Fort Lauderdale, with a mix of one-way and round-trip itineraries through Atlantic Canada and New England.

For travellers looking for cruises from Montréal, the program includes several options ranging from shorter seven-day sailings to longer journeys that take in Newfoundland and the Maritimes.

More time in Québec and Atlantic Canada

The itineraries are designed to give passengers more time ashore, with select cruises featuring late-night calls in Charlottetown and Saint John, N.B., as well as overnight stays in Québec City.

Ports vary by sailing and can include Halifax, Sydney, Prince Edward Island, Saguenay, Baie-Comeau, Corner Brook, St. Anthony and St. John’s, Newfoundland, along with destinations in New England.

One longer option is a 10-day Québec & Newfoundland sailing departing Montréal on June 7, 2028. The route includes Québec City, Baie-Comeau and Havre-Saint-Pierre before heading to Newfoundland, with calls at Corner Brook, St. Anthony and St. John’s.

Another 11-day itinerary sails roundtrip from Montréal, combining Québec destinations with Prince Edward Island, Saint-Pierre and Miquelon and St. John’s.

For travellers researching Canada and New England cruises, the appeal is as much about the destinations as the ship. Holland America highlights access to five national parks and seven UNESCO World Heritage sites, along with opportunities to see whales in the Saguenay Fjord and Atlantic Canada and puffins along Newfoundland’s coast.

Zuiderdam makes its regional debut after major transformation

The 2028 season will also mark the Canada & New England debut of Zuiderdam following its Evolution transformation, described by Holland America as the largest investment in its 153-year history.

The refreshed ship will introduce several new features to the region, including Solo Verandah staterooms, new Bridgeview Suites with forward-facing views and the Grand Dutch Café.

The ship will make its Canada & New England debut on a 14-day sailing from Québec City to Fort Lauderdale departing Oct. 14, 2028. The itinerary includes Sept-Îles, Saguenay, Halifax, Sydney, Prince Edward Island, Boston and Norfolk.

A distinctly Canadian cruise experience

Holland America’s pitch for the region goes beyond scenic coastlines. The cruise line plans to bring local food, music and culture onboard, with Atlantic seafood, regional specialties and performances by musicians including Breton Thunder.

That fits the character of this part of the cruise map. A Holland America cruise through Atlantic Canada and New England offers something quite different from a traditional Caribbean sailing: historic cities, French-Canadian culture, working maritime communities and some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in eastern Canada.

For Canadians, there is another advantage. Several of the 2028 itineraries begin or end in Montréal or Québec City, making the cruise itself part of a broader Canadian holiday rather than simply a trip to a distant port.

Holland America’s limited-time Have It All Early Booking Bonus is also available on select 2028 Canada & New England sailings. The offer includes shore excursion credit, specialty dining, an Elite Beverage Package, Wi-Fi, prepaid Crew Appreciation and the line’s Best Price Guarantee, subject to availability and terms.

With bookings now open, the 2028 season gives travellers plenty of time to plan a cruise around Montréal, Québec City and Atlantic Canada. If you’re finding it tough to choose the right itinerary, cabin and travel arrangements, find an expert travel advisor near you who can make the planning process easier from start to finish.

About the Author