Holland America Line Extends 2026 Europe Season with Northern Lights and Mediterranean Cruises

1 week ago 5

Holland America Line has just announced that it’s extending its 2026 Europe cruise season for a further six weeks, giving travelers more chances to discover iconic destinations in the Mediterranean and Norway. The expanded season will include four newly added voyages, including a unique opportunity to venture above the Arctic Circle for a chance to witness the awe-inspiring Northern Lights.

The additional cruises will be operated aboard the Nieuw Statendam, sailing either roundtrip or one-way from Rotterdam, the cruise line's historic home port. Rotterdam is considered one of Europe's most vibrant hubs, offering an ideal starting point for exploring the continent’s diverse landscapes and cultures.

"Cruises rooted in the culture and history of Europe are proving to be popular with our guests, and extending the season means more opportunities to enjoy our personalized service in the region," said Paul Grigsby, vice president of deployment for Holland America Line. "With 2026 projected to be a peak year for aurora activity, adding a Northern Lights cruise late in the year gives our guests a better opportunity to see this phenomenon with the aid of dark skies and little light pollution."

One of the standout cruises in this new expansion is the 14-day Arctic Journey and Northern Lights with The HISTORY Channel cruise, which departs on November 7, 2026. This voyage is designed to give passengers a rare opportunity to witness the Northern Lights, with 2026 predicted to be an especially active year for aurora viewing.

As part of this cruise, guests will travel north to stunning Norwegian destinations, such as Ålesund and Trondheim, before crossing the Arctic Circle and reaching Tromsø, known as the "Capital of the Arctic". The ship will then spend an overnight stop in Alta—often called the world’s Northern Lights capital—before visiting the remote island of Leknes in the Lofoten archipelago. Before returning to Rotterdam, passengers will also explore Åndalsnes, Bergen, and Lerwick, Scotland.

To enhance the Northern Lights experience, guests aboard this cruise can opt into a special service that provides a wake-up call whenever the aurora borealis is spotted.

In addition to the Arctic Journey, another exciting addition to the 2026 lineup is the 14-Day Mediterranean and Atlantic Treasures: Lisbon Overnight cruise, which departs November 21. This voyage will visit seven ports across Spain, Portugal and Gibraltar, including Cádiz (Seville), Málaga (Granada) and Lisbon, where guests will enjoy an overnight stay. This extended stop in the Portuguese capital offers an excellent opportunity for guests to visit the city’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery. This cruise marks the first time in nearly a decade that Holland America Line will offer a roundtrip Mediterranean itinerary from Rotterdam.

Other newly available itineraries include a 7-Day Norway with Nordfjord and a 15-Day Cultural Crossing with England and Normandy.

‘Have It All’ Early Booking Bonus

To sweeten the deal, Holland America Line is offering several booking perks. Travelers who reserve these European cruises with the "Have It All" premium package will receive a variety of complimentary amenities, including shore excursions, specialty dining, a Signature Beverage Package and premium Wi-Fi. For a limited time, the package also includes free prepaid crew appreciation and an upgrade to the Elite Beverage Package.

Holland America Line’s Mariner Society Loyalty members can also take advantage of an Exclusive Early Booking Bonus, offering up to $400 in onboard credit per stateroom. Bookings must be made by July 9, 2025, to secure these benefits.

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