HAL-Holland America Line prolongs its 2026 European cruise season

HAL-Holland America Line has confirmed a 6-week extension to its 2026 European cruise schedule, accompanied by the release of 4 additional itineraries now open for booking. The extension broadens access to northern and southern European regions, with particular emphasis on the Norwegian coast and the western Mediterranean.

All newly introduced voyages will be operated aboard ms Nieuw Statendam, sailing roundtrip or one-way from Rotterdam, the line’s historic homeport and a principal embarkation hub for European cruising.

Included in the extension is an additional sailing of the 14-day Arctic Circle and Northern Lights with The HISTORY Channel voyage, scheduled to depart November 7, 2026. The itinerary navigates northward from Rotterdam, with calls at Alesund and Trondheim, and proceeds across the Arctic Circle en route to Tromso — recognized as a key base for Arctic expeditions. The voyage includes an overnight in Alta, commonly referred to as the “Northern Lights capital,” and a visit to Leknes in the Lofoten Islands. The return course includes calls at Andalsnes, Bergen, and Lerwick (Shetland Islands), before concluding in Rotterdam. The sailing is scheduled during a period anticipated to feature heightened auroral activity. Onboard protocols will include optional Northern Lights wake-up alerts.

Also released is the 14-day Mediterranean and Atlantic Treasures: Lisbon Overnight, departing November 21, 2026. This roundtrip voyage from Rotterdam includes calls at Cadiz (Seville), Malaga (Granada), Alicante, Cartagena (Murcia), Gibraltar, and Leixoes. An overnight port stay in Lisbon provides access to UNESCO World Heritage sites including Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery. This itinerary represents Holland America Line’s first roundtrip Mediterranean voyage from Rotterdam in nearly a decade.

Additional itineraries now open for booking include the 7-day Norway with Nordfjord cruise, and the 15-day Cultural Crossing with England and Normandy.

For a limited time, guests booking these extension cruises with the Have It All premium fare will receive standard inclusions such as shore excursions, specialty dining, Signature Beverage Package, and Surf Wi-Fi, in addition to complimentary crew appreciation, upgraded to the Elite Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi.

Eligible Mariner Society loyalty program members may also benefit from the Exclusive Mariner Society Early Booking Bonus, offering up to US$400 onboard credit per stateroom. This incentive is available for bookings made by July 9, 2025.