The Ultimate Grand Voyage from Europe to Japan: Iceland, Greenland & Alaska

Your holiday begins as you fly from New Zealand to your destination.

Arriving in Amsterdam, settle into your hotel for an overnight stay. Canals lined with gabled townhouses, world-class museums and a relaxed cafe culture make this an inviting introduction to Europe ahead of your grand voyage.

Today you’ll transfer to the ship and embark the first of two Holland America Line vessels for this remarkable journey. Expect elegant public spaces, refined dining and attentive service as you settle into life on board.

Lerwick, capital of Shetland, greets you with rugged coastlines, colourful harbourfront buildings and a proud Norse heritage. Wander its narrow lanes or venture further afield to discover sheer cliffs and abundant birdlife.

Seyðisfjörður sits at the head of a narrow fjord framed by waterfalls and snow-streaked mountains. This charming Icelandic town, with its brightly painted timber buildings, offers a gentle introduction to Iceland’s sweeping landscapes.

Arriving in Akureyri, enjoy scenic cruising through Eyjafjörður, Iceland’s longest fjord. Northern Iceland’s capital blends a lively arts scene with striking natural surroundings, framed by mountains that plunge steeply into the water.

Húsavík, once a whaling hub, is now known for whale watching in the surrounding waters. This colourful coastal town also offers sweeping views across Skjalfandi Bay towards distant, snow-capped peaks.

Ísafjörður, the largest town in Iceland’s remote Westfjords, sits beneath towering cliffs at the edge of Isafjardardjup. Scenic cruising through this narrow fjord reveals some of Iceland’s most untouched wilderness.

Grundarfjordur is best known for the striking silhouette of Kirkjufell, one of Iceland’s most photographed mountains. This small fishing village offers a memorable glimpse of the country’s raw, elemental beauty.

Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital, combines colourful architecture with striking modern design and a backdrop of distant mountains. Explore its compact centre or venture further afield to Iceland’s rugged volcanic landscapes.

Few sailing experiences compare to scenic cruising through Prince Christian Sound, a narrow, glacier-carved channel along Greenland’s southern coast. Towering cliffs, calving glaciers and icebergs create a truly humbling spectacle.

Nanortalik, meaning “place of polar bears”, is a small Greenlandic settlement of colourful timber houses set against a backdrop of jagged peaks and drifting icebergs, a vivid introduction to this remote Arctic island.

Qaqortoq, southern Greenland’s largest town, is known for its brightly painted buildings, historic fountain square and imposing mountain backdrop. It offers a fascinating glimpse into traditional Greenlandic Inuit culture and Arctic life.

St. Anthony sits on the northern tip of Newfoundland, close to L’Anse aux Meadows, believed to be the first Viking settlement in North America. Expect rugged coastlines and icebergs drifting offshore.

St John’s, Newfoundland’s capital, is one of North America’s oldest cities, its steep streets lined with brightly coloured “jellybean” houses. A striking harbour setting adds further charm to its distinctive character.

Halifax, Nova Scotia’s historic capital, pairs a bustling waterfront with centuries of maritime heritage. Explore its hilltop citadel, wander the harbourfront boardwalk or delve into the city’s rich seafaring past.

Portland’s compact Old Port charms with cobbled streets, historic brick warehouses and a thriving food scene. This coastal Maine city offers a relaxed final taste of New England before Boston.

Disembark in Boston and transfer to the airport for your flight to Seattle. Arriving on the West Coast, check into your hotel for an overnight stay, ready to explore this vibrant Pacific Northwest city ahead of tomorrow’s embarkation.

Arriving in Seattle, transfer to embark your second Holland America Line ship. Cruise through the scenic waters of Puget Sound as your journey continues, this time bound for Alaska’s wilderness and beyond.

Sail through Stephen’s Passage before arriving in Juneau, Alaska’s capital, hemmed in by towering mountains and the vast Juneau Icefield. Expect spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife and a frontier atmosphere throughout your visit.

Scenic cruising through Endicott Arm brings you face to face with Dawes Glacier, its towering ice face calving into the fjord below. Keep watch for whales, seals and soaring eagles.

Sitka, once the capital of Russian Alaska, blends onion-domed architecture with dense rainforest and abundant wildlife. Totem poles and a rich Tlingit heritage add further depth to this historic port.

Ketchikan, Alaska’s southernmost city, is known for its excellent salmon fishing, colourful boardwalk district and the world’s largest collection of standing totem poles, set against a backdrop of dense rainforest.

Victoria, British Columbia’s elegant capital, charms with Victorian architecture, manicured gardens and a picturesque harbour. Afternoon tea and a leisurely stroll through the city’s historic streets make for a relaxed call.

Returning to Seattle, enjoy views of the city’s skyline and Puget Sound before continuing your voyage. Space Needle views and a thriving waterfront make this a fitting glimpse of the Pacific Northwest.

A further call at Ketchikan offers another chance to explore this colourful Alaskan port, from its boardwalk district to the surrounding temperate rainforest, before your voyage turns west towards Asia.

Kushiro, on the eastern coast of Hokkaido, is known for its expansive wetlands, fresh seafood and unspoilt natural scenery, offering a first welcome taste of Japan after days at sea.

Aomori, gateway to northern Honshu, is celebrated for its vibrant Nebuta Matsuri heritage, fresh apple orchards and sweeping views towards the surrounding mountains and the sheltered waters of Mutsu Bay.

Your holiday complete, today you’ll disembark your ship and head to the airport for your onward flight home.