Holland America Line will expand its Europe cruise programme in 2028 with its largest deployment in nearly a decade, offering more opportunities to explore Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands and transatlantic routes. The season features the highest number of Europe port calls in nearly a decade, record visits to several destinations and the return of Nieuw Amsterdam to Europe for the first time in more than a decade.
Drawing on more than 150 years of experience sailing in the region, Holland America Line’s 2028 Europe season combines iconic destinations with opportunities to experience local cultures, landscapes and traditions. Guests can discover more than 200 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including scenic cruising through Norway’s UNESCO-listed fjords, while enjoying regional cuisine, immersive shore excursions and authentic destination experiences.
“Europe is a destination that changes with every season, and each one offers guests a completely different way to experience it,” said Paul Grigsby, vice president of deployment and revenue planning for Holland America Line. “We built each season around moments travelers can only experience at certain times of year, from the Netherlands in full bloom during spring to winter escapes in the Mediterranean and Canary Islands and long summer days along Europe’s coastlines.”
Holland America Line’s year-round Europe deployment runs from January through early December 2028, with itineraries ranging from seven-day cruises to 48-day Legendary Voyages. Five ships — Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Volendam and Zuiderdam — will sail throughout the region, offering cruises across Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands and transatlantic crossings.
Overnight stays, extended port calls and late-night departures in select destinations give guests more time to explore historic capitals, coastal communities, fjord landscapes and Mediterranean ports.
Mediterranean Cruises Offer More Ways to Explore the Region
The Mediterranean remains a key part of Holland America Line’s 2028 Europe cruise season, with voyages ranging from seven to 11 days and departures from six homeports. Cruises visit destinations across Spain, Italy, Greece, Croatia and Turkey.
Nieuw Amsterdam returns to Europe for the first time in more than a decade, giving travelers the opportunity to experience several of the ship’s signature offerings, including Morimoto by Sea, Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s only dedicated restaurant at sea. Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam will offer spring and fall Mediterranean departures, while Zuiderdam returns following her Evolution enhancements.
Many itineraries are designed for guests to sail back-to-back, allowing travelers to experience more of the Mediterranean on longer holidays with few or no repeat ports. Guests seeking an extended exploration can also choose the 48-day Legendary Mediterranean Voyage, sailing roundtrip from North America and visiting destinations throughout the region.
The 2028 season includes Holland America Line’s highest number of visits to Spain since 2017 and a record six calls at Portofino.
More Calls Across Northern Europe Expand Guest Choice
Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam and Zuiderdam will sail Northern Europe voyages ranging from seven to 28 days, visiting Norway, Iceland, Greenland, the British Isles and the Baltic.
The itineraries combine major cultural capitals with smaller coastal destinations, allowing guests to experience multiple regions in a single cruise. The season features Holland America Line’s highest number of visits to Norway since 2014, along with record numbers of calls in Ireland and the Netherlands.
Highlights include scenic cruising through Norway’s UNESCO-listed fjords, explorations of Iceland and Greenland, and visits to historic cities and coastal communities across the British Isles and Baltic.
Canary Islands and Transatlantic Voyages Extend Exploration Beyond Europe
The 2028 Europe season also includes cruises to the Canary Islands and a variety of transatlantic crossings. Canary Islands itineraries visit destinations such as Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote, combined with ports in Portugal, Spain and Morocco.
Guests seeking a longer journey can choose from several transatlantic sailings and Legendary Voyages connecting Europe and North America. These itineraries combine extended time at sea with calls throughout the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the Atlantic islands.
Europe Through the Seasons
Winter in Europe (January–March)
Nieuw Statendam sails seven- to 14-day voyages to the Canary Islands, Spain, Portugal and Morocco, visiting ports such as Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Lisbon and Casablanca.
Guests can enjoy mild temperatures and extended opportunities to explore destinations that are traditionally visited during the peak summer season.
Spring in Europe (March–May)
Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Nieuw Amsterdam and Zuiderdam sail seven- to 14-day voyages throughout the Mediterranean, the Low Countries and Northern Europe.
Ports include Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Bruges, Barcelona, Athens and Naples, while spring departures coincide with tulip season in the Netherlands and blooming landscapes across the region.
Summer in Europe (June–August)
All five ships — Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Volendam and Zuiderdam — sail throughout Europe on voyages ranging from seven to 35 days.
Guests can explore destinations across Norway, Iceland, the British Isles, the Baltic, Greece, Croatia and Turkey, including scenic cruising through Norway’s UNESCO-listed fjords and calls at ports such as Flam, Geiranger, Reykjavik, Stockholm and Dubrovnik.
Autumn in Europe (September–November)
Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Nieuw Amsterdam and Volendam continue sailing throughout the Mediterranean and Northern Europe on voyages ranging from seven to 48 days.
Ports throughout Spain, Italy, Greece, Croatia, Ireland and the Netherlands coincide with harvest season and many of the region’s culinary and cultural traditions.
Late Fall in Europe (November–Early December)
Europe departures continue into early December aboard Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam and other ships operating in the region, with voyages ranging from seven to 14 days.
Guests can choose from Mediterranean, Canary Islands and transatlantic cruises visiting destinations such as Barcelona, Lisbon, Tenerife and Fort Lauderdale, extending the Europe cruise season well beyond the traditional summer period.
Stay Connected to Europe’s Seasonal Highlights
Guests can subscribe to Holland America Line’s Europe Insider calendar to follow the continent’s must-see moments throughout the year. Notable dates, cultural events and seasonal highlights are delivered directly to their calendar, helping travelers discover experiences that may align with future Europe cruises.
Have It All Early Booking Bonus
For a limited time, guests who book 2028 Europe cruises with the Have It All premium package receive included shore excursions, specialty dining, a Signature Beverage Package and Surf Wi-Fi.
Guests who book early also receive the exclusive Early Booking Bonus, which includes free prepaid crew appreciation and free upgrades to the Elite Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi.
Pictures courtesy of Holland America Line
Contact us for more information about Holland America Line.
Sign up for our newsletter and receive more travel tips and inspiration!