Holland America Line transformed old ship drapes and bed runners into tote bags for passengers on its 2026 Grand Voyages, completing what the cruise line calls the industry’s first fabric circularity project.
30,000 Yards of Ship Textiles Upcycled
The two-year project collected fabrics during ship renovations that would have been discarded. Holland America shipped approximately 30,000 yards of textiles to Andriali Mill in Turkey, where they were broken down and spun into new yarn for 4,000 tote bags.
Passengers on Volendam’s 133-day Grand World Voyage and Zaandam’s 93-day Pacific Grand Voyage departing in January 2026 will receive the bags. Each includes a QR code explaining the upcycling process. Holland America plans to use remaining textiles for 25,000 additional bags for 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.”
Part of Broader Sustainability Push
The tote bag project is part of Holland America’s circular design initiative. The cruise line recently launched a program which repurposes carpet waste into coasters, notebooks, and postcards sold in onboard gift shops. That program has diverted over 1.5 tonnes of carpet from landfills.
Holland America is also piloting an aluminum furniture circularity project to recycle marine-grade aluminum from balcony and pool deck furniture.
Grand Voyages Still Available
The 2026 Grand World Voyage departs Fort Lauderdale January 4 on Volendam for 133 days, visiting 24 countries across five continents including Antarctica, Komodo Island, and Japan. Segments from 14 to 72 days remain available.
Zaandam’s Pacific Grand Voyage departs San Diego January 4 for 93 days roundtrip, visiting 44 ports across 10 countries including South Pacific islands, Australia, New Zealand, and two days of Great Barrier Reef scenic cruising. Segments from 33 to 60 days remain available.
