Holland America Line’s Europe Cruising is Going Year-Round

The European travel season is getting longer both on land and water, as travellers are choosing to beat the heat and the crowds – and maybe pay a little less – for off-peak travel.

The latest company to embrace the trend is Holland America Line, which is introducing year-round cruising in Europewith an extended 2027-2028 season sailing through winter. 

With Nieuw Statendam remaining in Europe year-round, the cruise line is offering more opportunities than ever to experience the region beyond traditional summer travel.  

The expanded season includes a dozen cruises aboard Nieuw Statendam across the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. The new itineraries add more than 70 additional port days year-over-year, giving guests more time in port along with extended stays. The deployment also includes two additional voyages aboard Zuiderdam, further expanding options for guests exploring Europe during the winter season. 

“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,” said Paul Grigsby, VP of deployment and itinerary planning. “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.” 

The expanded season is anchored by a lineup of winter and early spring itineraries that showcase Europe at a different pace, with access to seasonal experiences, regional traditions and a greater mix of destinations across the region. 

From Christmas market cruises in Northern Europe to an expanded Mediterranean program with more overnights and late-night stays, HAL says the deployment offers deeper, more immersive ways to explore throughout the year. 

Christmas Market Cruises Bring Holiday Traditions to Life 

Nieuw Statendam’s holiday sailings are designed to immerse guests in Europe at one of its most atmospheric times of year, when city squares glow with lights, markets fill with local artisans and the pace of travel invites deeper exploration. With overnights and extended stays, guests have the time to experience the traditions, cuisine and rhythms that define the season. 

A 13-day Baltic and Scandinavian Christmas Markets: Stockholm cruise sails roundtrip from Rotterdam or Dover, calling at Kiel, the gateway to Hamburg’s well-known Christmas markets, as well as Tallinn and Copenhagen. Overnight stays in Helsinki and Stockholm give guests time to explore festive city centers after dark, when markets and cultural traditions are in full swing. The Helsinki call also offers access to Lapland in the Arctic Circle, referred to by many as the home of Santa Claus. 

A second 15-day holiday sailing spans the Christmas season, featuring overnights in Hamburg and Copenhagen. The itinerary also includes a call to Aarhus and scenic cruising of the Elbe River, along with exploration of southern Norway.  

Mediterranean Voyages Explore a Less-Crowded Europe 

Beyond the holiday season, Nieuw Statendam’s winter and early spring sailings shift south to the Mediterranean, where guests can experience the region at a slower pace. With mild temperatures and a rich mix of seasonal experiences, destinations feel local and approachable, offering a fresh perspective on some of Europe’s most-visited cities.  

The itineraries span the Western and Eastern Mediterranean as well as the Canary Islands, connecting cultural capitals and coastal towns across Spain, France, Italy and Greece. 

With a mix of seven- to 14-day voyages, guests can choose shorter, region-focused sailings or combine itineraries for a more expansive journey. Longer Collectors’ Voyages span up to 24 days and can also be sailed back-to-back, allowing guests to experience a broader mix of the region.