Holland America Line will expand its presence in Northern Europe with a third ship in 2027, sailing to Scandinavia, Greenland, the Baltic States, and the British Isles. Starting in 2027, the Zuiderdam will join the Nieuw Statendam and the Rotterdam.
While the Oosterdam will remain the ship for Mediterranean cruises, the Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam will continue to be based in Rotterdam (Netherlands), and the Zuiderdam will sail from Amsterdam. Both the Zuiderdam and Rotterdam will also offer departures from Reykjavik (Iceland); and the Nieuw Statendam will return to Dover (England) in 2027, with alternative itineraries for those wishing to travel round-trip from the UK.
“Northern Europe is extremely popular with our guests, thanks to its ports of call and stunning scenery. As a cruise line with roots in European heritage, we are uniquely positioned to offer them one-of-a-kind explorations with an onboard experience that reflects the region,” said Paul Grigsby, Vice President of Itinerary Planning and Deployment for Holland America Line.
Holland America Line surveys of both current and prospective guests show that nearly half of those surveyed consider Northern Europe (including Iceland and Greenland) to be one of the most appealing cruise destinations. Furthermore, a majority of guests indicate a particular interest in fjord cruising. As a “fjord authority,” Holland America Line has crafted a 2027 season packed with opportunities for scenic cruising in the Norwegian and Icelandic fjords, including Europe’s longest and deepest fjord: the Sognefjord.
Northern Europe
During each cruise, the “Northern Europe” experience continues both onboard and ashore, with locally sourced regional delicacies. In addition, while sailing through Europe, guests can sample some of Europe’s finest cocktails, created exclusively for Holland America Line by award-winning Dutch bartender Tess Posthumus.
Guests will also be able to learn more about each destination through onboard “Up Close” presentations and port talks, as well as enjoy live and local entertainment, such as in Warnemünde, where they can listen to a traditional German music band.
Highlights:
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Sailings from April to December aboard the Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam and Zuiderdam, with itineraries of seven to 21 days.
- Longer itineraries, such as a 14-day “Wild British Isles: Ireland + Cliffs of Moher” cruise with The HISTORY Channel, to explore the British Isles, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Scotland.
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Fourteen-day itineraries to the Baltic and Scandinavian capitals during the summer and autumn, with overnight stays or late-night stays in ports such as Copenhagen (Denmark), Tallinn (Estonia), and Kiel (Germany). A special Oktoberfest version includes an overnight stop in Warnemünde (Berlin) to experience the festivities.
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The popular “Voyage of the Vikings” returns in 2027: a 35-day round trip from Boston aboard the Volendam, with overnight stops in Dublin, Halifax and Reykjavik.
Mediterranean
Guests can choose from 14 itineraries of between seven and 11 days aboard the Oosterdam, or from three itineraries aboard the Nieuw Statendam of 14 or 15 days.
Each cruise will depart from one of four homeports—Barcelona (Spain), Piraeus (Athens, Greece), Trieste (Venice, Italy), or Civitavecchia (Rome, Italy)—and explore a total of 54 ports during the season. Travelers can also combine itineraries for an even deeper exploration of the Mediterranean, sailing for up to 21 days without repeating ports.
Highlights:
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Sailings from April to November aboard the Oosterdam and Nieuw Statendam, with itineraries of seven to 15 days.
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Seven days of curated itineraries with The HISTORY Channel, allowing guests to immerse themselves in Mediterranean history in ports such as Ajaccio (France) and Ephesus (Turkey).
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The Oosterdam will offer longer itineraries of 10 or 11 days, which will include overnight stops in Kotor (Montenegro), Dubrovnik (Croatia), Istanbul (Turkey) and Civitavecchia (Rome).
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The Nieuw Statendam will offer three itineraries to explore the Canary Islands and Morocco or the Western Mediterranean, with round-trip departures from Rotterdam or Dover.
Solar Eclipse and Northern Lights at Sea
Those wishing to sail in the shadow of the sun during a total solar eclipse or witness the elusive Northern Lights can book various cruises for the 2027 season. Travelers on the two eclipse cruises will be able to attend lectures with scientific experts, participate in themed activities, and more.
Transatlantic Cruises
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In March, the Rotterdam crosses the Atlantic from Fort Lauderdale to Rotterdam on a 15-day cruise; the Nieuw Statendam follows in April with a 13-day itinerary. Later, the Oosterdam crosses from Miami to Barcelona and the Zuiderdam from Fort Lauderdale to Amsterdam.
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In autumn, the Rotterdam, the Oosterdam and the Nieuw Statendam will return to Fort Lauderdale via Rotterdam (October), Barcelona (November) and Rotterdam (December).
Features of the Europe 2027 Season
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11 Departure Cities: Rotterdam and Amsterdam (Netherlands); Barcelona (Spain); Civitavecchia (Rome) and Trieste (Venice, Italy); Dover (England); Piraeus (Athens, Greece); Reykjavik (Iceland); and Fort Lauderdale and Miami (Florida, USA).
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12 Ports with Overnight Stopover: Alexandria (Egypt); Alta and Oslo (Norway); Barcelona (Spain); Civitavecchia (Rome), Naples and Trieste (Venice, Italy); Greenock (Scotland); Haifa (Israel); Istanbul (Turkey); South Queensferry (Scotland); and Valletta (Malta).
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19 Cities with Late Departure (10 pm – midnight): Ålesund and Trondheim (Norway); Alexandria (Egypt); Belfast (Northern Ireland); Civitavecchia (Rome); Greenock (Scotland); Dubrovnik (Croatia); Halifax (Canada); Istanbul (Turkey); Kiel and Warnemünde (Germany); Liverpool (England); Mykonos and Rhodes (Greece); Reykjavik (Iceland); Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Canary Islands); South Queensferry (Scotland); St. John's (Canada); and Tallinn (Estonia).
For a limited time, when booking 2027 European cruises with the Have It All premium package, guests receive shore excursions, specialty dining, the Signature Beverage Package and Wi-Fi Surf, plus complimentary prepaid gratuities and upgrades to the Elite Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi.
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