Holland America Adds 2026 Europe Cruises, Extends Season

Holland America Line has announced a six-week extension to its 2026 Europe season, unveiling four new cruises now available for booking, according to a recent press release.

The extended schedule offers travelers additional opportunities to explore destinations across the Mediterranean and Norway. One highlight is a voyage that crosses into the Arctic Circle, offering a chance to witness the Northern Lights. All new sailings will take place aboard the Nieuw Statendam.

“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.”

Among the newly available itineraries is an additional sailing of the 14-day Arctic Journey and Northern Lights with The History Channel cruise, departing November 7. This voyage includes stops in Ålesund, Trondheim, Tromsø, Alta, and Leknes, with an overnight in Alta—renowned as the "Northern Lights capital." The itinerary also features visits to Åndalsnes, Bergen, and Lerwick, Scotland, and includes a wake-up call service for guests hoping to catch the aurora borealis.

Also open for booking is the 14-day Mediterranean and Atlantic Treasures: Lisbon Overnight cruise, departing November 21. This voyage explores seven ports across Spain, Portugal, and Gibraltar, and features an overnight stay in Lisbon with optional tours to UNESCO-listed sites. It also marks Holland America Line’s first roundtrip Mediterranean sailing from Rotterdam in nearly a decade.

Other new options include the seven-day Norway with Nordfjord cruise and the 15-day Cultural Crossing with England and Normandy voyage, both designed to offer rich cultural and scenic experiences.