Holland America Expands Their 2026 Europe Cruises and adds a Northern Lights Voyage

Holland America adds late 2026 cruises, offering a rare Arctic Circle Northern Lights experience.

Holland America Line has revealed that it will be extending its 2026 Europe cruise season by an additional six weeks, providing passengers with additional opportunities to see well-known locations in Norway and the Mediterranean. Four new trips will be added to the season one of which is a special chance to fly over the Arctic Circle and see the breathtaking Northern lights.

The Nieuw Statendam will be used for the extra trips which will depart from Rotterdam, the cruise line's traditional home port, either one-way or round-trip. One of Europe's liveliest cities, Rotterdam is a great place to start your exploration of the continent's many cultures and landscapes.

Paul Grigsby, vice president of deployment for Holland America Line, noted that cruises immersed in European culture and history is resonating with guests. The organization can provide additional opportunities for guests to enjoy its individualized service in the area by prolonging the sailing season.

The 14-day Arctic Journey and Northern Lights with The HISTORY Channel voyage, which sets sail on November 7, 2026, is one of the most notable cruises in this new extension. Given that 2026 is expected to be a very active year for aurora viewing, this trip seeks to provide tourists with a unique chance to experience the Northern Lights.

Before crossing the Arctic Circle and arriving in Tromsø, dubbed the "Capital of the Arctic," guests on this voyage will journey north to breathtaking Norwegian locations including Ålesund and Trondheim. After spending the night in Alta, which is frequently referred to as the capital of the Northern Lights, the ship will go to the isolated island of Leknes in the Lofoten archipelago. Passengers will also make stops in Scotland at Åndalsnes, Bergen, and Lerwick before heading back to Rotterdam.