Holland America Line has announced a six-week extension of its 2026 Europe season. The four cruises that are part of this expansion are open for booking with immediate effect. Guests will have more opportunities to explore the Mediterranean and Norway – including a chance to see the Northern Lights on a cruise that passes the Arctic Circle.
“Cruises rooted in the culture and history of Europe are proving popular with our guests, and extending the season means more opportunities to enjoy our personal service,” said Paul Grigsby, vice president of deployment for Holland America Line. “Since 2026 is expected to be a peak year for Northern Lights activity, adding a Northern Lights cruise late in the year gives our guests a better chance of seeing this phenomenon also due to the dark nights and little light pollution.”
An Arctic adventure with Northern Lights
Bookable now as part of the expansion is an additional departure from the coveted 14-day Arctic Journey and Northern Lights with The HISTORY Channel cruise, departing on November 7. Because 2026 will be a very active period for the Northern Lights, according to experts, a growing number of travelers plan to prioritize this during their vacation. This cruise offers ample opportunity to experience this special phenomenon and at the same time explore Norway extensively.
The ship sails north, calling at Ålesund and Trondheim and crossing the Arctic Circle before reaching Tromsø. This destination is known as the “Capital of the Arctic” and is the base camp for many Northern Lights hunters. The ship then spends a night in Alta – often referred to as the world’s capital of the Northern Lights – before sailing to the hard-to-reach Leknes (Lofoten). Before Nieuw Statendam returns to Rotterdam, it will also visit Åndalsnes, Bergen and Lerwick, Scotland.
Guests can sign up for a wake-up call from the ship so they don’t miss the Northern Lights as soon as they start.
Cruise to the Mediterranean Sea from Rotterdam
Also bookable is the 14-day Mediterranean & Atlantic Treasures: Lisbon Overnight, departing on November 21. This cruise visits seven ports in Spain, Portugal, and Gibraltar: Cadiz (Seville), Malaga (Granada), Alicante, Cartagena (Murcia), Gibraltar, and Leixoes — and includes an overnight stay in Lisbon, allowing guests to immerse themselves even more in the destination. In Lisbon, guests can book excursions to the city’s two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery. The trip is also special because Holland America Line is exploring the Mediterranean Sea from Rotterdam for the first time in nearly 10 years
In addition to these two cruises, guests can also choose from a 7-day Norwegian Fjords with Nordfjord or a 15-day Cultural Crossing with England & Normandy.
Guests can also take advantage of Holland America Line’s exclusive Mariner Society Early Bird Bonus. Mariner Society loyalty members will receive up to $400 onboard credit per stateroom once these cruises are available for booking. To be eligible for the Mariner Society Early Bird Bonus, travel must be booked by July 9, 2025.
For bookings and more information
For those dreaming of a cruise to the Mediterranean or Norway, Holland America Line offers a wide range of options. Visit the website or contact a travel agent to reserve a room on board. Hollandamerica.com
Cruising in Europe
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