Photo: Rotterdam VII. (Courtesy: Holland America Line)
Holland America Line is launching its 2026 European cruise season with an exciting array of new options across the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Canary Islands, and transatlantic voyages. This season features four ships offering cruises ranging from seven to 42 days.
Paul Grigsby, Holland America Line’s vice president of revenue planning and deployment, highlighted the expanded choices available to travellers. “We’ve designed itineraries from multiple homeports to let our guests explore more ports and countries than ever before. We’ve listened to their feedback and included highly requested destinations like Sicily and Portofino, plus, after a 15-year absence, we’re returning to St. Tropez,” he said.
For Northern Europe, the Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam will be based in Rotterdam, Netherlands. These ships will offer various itineraries, including seven-day cruises to Norway’s fjords, sailings from Reykjavik, Iceland to Rotterdam, and 14-day voyages exploring the Baltic and Scandinavian capitals. New stops will include Aberdeen in Scotland, Kalundborg in Denmark, Odda in Norway, and Portsmouth in England.
Celestial Cruises are a special highlight this season. They include:
- July 18, 2026: A 35-day “Voyage of the Vikings: Solar Eclipse” aboard the Zuiderdam, departing from Boston, Massachusetts.
- July 25, 2026: A 28-day “Scandinavian Solar Eclipse with Greenland and Scotland” on the Nieuw Statendam, roundtrip from Dover, England or Rotterdam.
- August 9, 2026: A 13-day “Mediterranean Solar Eclipse with Barcelona Overnight” on the Oosterdam, from Lisbon, Portugal to Piraeus (Athens), Greece.
- October 4, 2026: A 14-day “Arctic Journey and Northern Lights” on the Rotterdam, from Rotterdam to Amsterdam, Netherlands.
- October 17, 2026: Another 14-day “Arctic Journey and Northern Lights” on the Nieuw Statendam, roundtrip from Rotterdam.
- June 13, 2026: A 14-day “Arctic Circle Crossing: North Cape Solstice” on the Nieuw Statendam, roundtrip from Dover or Rotterdam.
These cruises will depart from 11 cities, including 12 overnight stops, and offer late-evening departures from 19 cities.
In the Canary Islands, the Nieuw Statendam will offer 13-day and 14-day “Canary Island Enchantment” cruises, departing on April 18 and October 3. Both itineraries include visits to Madeira, Portugal, and England, with options to depart from Dover in spring and fall.
Transatlantic voyages include:
- March and April 2026: 14-day crossings from Fort Lauderdale to Rotterdam on the Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam, and from Fort Lauderdale to Barcelona on the Oosterdam.
- October and November 2026: 14- and 15-day crossings from Fort Lauderdale via Rotterdam, Amsterdam, and Barcelona on the Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam, and Oosterdam.
Many of these cruises can be extended into Collector’s Voyages, offering up to 42 days of back-to-back sailings.
For a limited time, booking 2026 Europe cruises with the “Have It All” premium package will include shore excursions, specialty dining, a Signature Beverage Package, and Surf Wi-Fi. Additionally, there are free upgrades to the Elite Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi. Loyalty members booking by October 29, 2024, can also receive up to $400 onboard credit through the Exclusive Mariner Society Early Booking Bonus.
