Holland America Line Commits to Year-Round Cruising in Europe

For the first time in its history, Holland America Line is expanding to year-round European cruising.

HAL announced on Thursday that it will keep Nieuw Statendam in Europe year-round, sailing a dozen winter and early spring itineraries across Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. The move adds more than 70 additional European port day to HAL’s schedule and includes a heavy emphasis on overnight stays and less-crowded off-season exploration.

HAL will also deploy Zuiderdam for two additional winter voyages in the region.

The additions on Nieuq Statendam start in late 2027 with Christmas market sailings out of Rotterdam and Dover, featuring overnight stops in Stockholm, Helsinki, Hamburg, and Copenhagen. In January 2028, the ship moves south to offer a mix of 7- to 14-day Mediterranean and Canary Island itineraries—including overnights in Istanbul and Alexandria (Cairo)—which can be combined into back-to-back Collectors’ Voyages spanning up to 24 days.

The overnight in Alexandria will give guests 37 hours total onshore in the city.

Zuiderdam will sail a 14-day transatlantic crossing from Fort Lauderdale to Barcelona on Feb. 3, 2028, and will follow it up with a 9-day Western Mediterranean sailing from Barcelona to Rome, featuring stops in Valencia, Tangier, Cadiz, Malaga, Cagliari, and Naples.

According to Paul Grigsby, HAL’s vice president of deployment and itinerary planning, the year-round expansion allows the line to showcase a quieter, more authentic side of Europe.

“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,” he said.

Bookings for the 2027–2028 winter season are now open through travel advisor portals.