Holland America Line is expanding its European program with the introduction of year-round cruising, giving travellers the opportunity to experience the continent beyond the traditional summer season.
The cruise line will keep Nieuw Statendam in Europe throughout winter 2027–2028, offering a series of Mediterranean and Northern European voyages that showcase festive celebrations, Christmas markets, cultural traditions and quieter destinations.
The expanded deployment includes 12 cruises aboard Nieuw Statendam and two additional sailings on Zuiderdam, adding more than 70 extra port days compared with the previous season.
Holland America Line Vice President of Deployment and Itinerary Planning Paul Grigsby said Europe remained one of the cruise line’s most popular regions.
“Europe continues to be one of the most sought-after destinations for our guests, and as a cruise line with Dutch roots, it’s a region we know incredibly well,” Grigsby said.
“Expanding to year-round Europe allows us to showcase a completely different side of the destination – one that is quieter, more immersive and deeply seasonal. From the festive charm of Christmas markets to a cooler and more relaxed Mediterranean region, winter offers a more authentic way to experience Europe.”
Christmas markets take centre stage
The new season features a range of festive itineraries designed around Europe’s famous Christmas markets and winter traditions.
A 13-day Baltic & Scandinavian Christmas Markets voyage will sail roundtrip from Rotterdam or Dover, calling at Kiel, Tallinn and Copenhagen, with overnight stays in Helsinki and Stockholm.
Guests visiting Helsinki will also have the opportunity to travel into Lapland in the Arctic Circle, a destination widely regarded as the home of Santa Claus.
A second 15-day holiday sailing spans the Christmas season and includes overnight stays in Hamburg and Copenhagen, alongside visits to Aarhus and Norwegian destinations including Oslo, Bergen and Stavanger.
Mediterranean cruising with fewer crowds
Following the festive season, Nieuw Statendam will reposition to the Mediterranean where guests can explore some of Europe’s most popular destinations during a quieter time of year.
The winter and spring program includes itineraries visiting Spain, France, Italy, Greece and Turkey, with ports such as Valencia, Marseille, Livorno, Naples, Mykonos, Rhodes and Kusadasi featured throughout the season.
Many sailings include overnight calls and late departures, providing guests with more time to experience local culture, cuisine and attractions after dark.
Voyages range from seven to 15 days, while longer Collectors’ Voyages allow travellers to combine itineraries for journeys of up to 24 days.
Growing demand for off-season travel
The expansion reflects growing demand for off-season travel experiences, with travellers increasingly seeking fewer crowds, cooler weather and deeper destination immersion.
With extended stays, overnight calls and seasonal experiences, Holland America Line is positioning Europe as a year-round cruising destination for Australian travellers.
