SEATTLE — Holland America Line has announced it is extending its 2026 Europe season by six weeks, offering four additional cruises now open for booking.
Travellers will have more opportunities to explore the Mediterranean and Norway, including a chance to cross the Arctic Circle in search of the Northern Lights.
All newly added itineraries will sail aboard Nieuw Statendam, operating either roundtrip or one-way from Rotterdam, Holland America Line’s historic homeport and a key gateway to Europe.
“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.”
The expanded program includes an additional departure of the popular 14-Day Arctic Journey and Northern Lights with The HISTORY Channel cruise, departing Nov. 7, 2026. With heightened aurora activity forecasted for that year, more travellers are prioritizing opportunities to witness the phenomenon during their holidays. The itinerary combines Northern Lights viewing with a comprehensive exploration of Norway.
The ship will call at Ålesund and Trondheim before crossing the Arctic Circle to reach Tromsø, known as the “Capital of the Arctic” and a key hub for aurora hunters. Guests will enjoy an overnight stay in Alta – often referred to as the world’s Northern Lights capital – before visiting the remote port of Leknes (Lofoten). The voyage concludes with stops in Åndalsnes, Bergen and Lerwick, Scotland, before returning to Rotterdam. To maximise the chances of seeing the aurora, guests can sign up to receive wake-up calls whenever the Northern Lights are visible from the ship.
Also available for booking is the 14-Day Mediterranean and Atlantic Treasures: Lisbon Overnight cruise, departing Nov. 21, 2026. This itinerary features seven ports across Spain, Portugal and Gibraltar – including Cadiz (Seville), Malaga (Granada), Alicante, Cartagena (Murcia), Gibraltar and Leixoes – and an overnight stay in Lisbon. In Lisbon, guests can explore the city’s UNESCO World Heritage sites: Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery. This sailing marks Holland America Line’s first roundtrip Mediterranean voyage from Rotterdam in nearly a decade.
Travellers can also choose a 7-Day Norway with Nordfjordsailing or a 15-Day Cultural Crossing with England and Normandy.
Early Booking Bonuses Available
Guests who book these Europe extension cruises with the Have It All premium package will receive the standard amenities – shore excursions, specialty dining, a Signature Beverage Package, and Surf Wi-Fi – plus complimentary prepaid crew appreciation and upgrades to the Elite Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi.
In addition, Holland America Line’s Mariner Society loyalty members can take advantage of an Exclusive Early Booking Bonus, offering up to US$400 onboard credit per stateroom. Bookings must be made by July 9, 2025 to qualify.
For more information, go to hollandamerica.com.
