Holland America Line is expanding its European deployment with a new year-round cruise programme for the 2027–2028 winter season, keeping Nieuw Statendam in the region beyond the traditional summer sailing period.
The move introduces 12 new itineraries aboard Nieuw Statendam across the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, alongside two additional voyages on Zuiderdam. Compared with the previous season, the expanded schedule adds more than 70 port days and gives guests more opportunities to explore Europe during the quieter winter months.
“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, vice president of deployment and itinerary planning for Holland America Line.
“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 Market Cruises in Northern Europe
Two festive sailings aboard Nieuw Statendam will form the centrepiece of Holland America Line’s winter Europe programme.
The first is a 13-day Baltic and Scandinavian cruise operating roundtrip from Rotterdam or Dover. The itinerary includes Kiel, which offers access to Hamburg’s Christmas markets, as well as calls in Tallinn and Copenhagen.
Overnight stays in Helsinki and Stockholm will give guests more time to experience both cities after dark. The Helsinki visit also creates an opportunity for travellers to extend their journey toward Lapland.
A second 15-day Christmas season itinerary includes overnight calls in Hamburg and Copenhagen. Additional destinations include Aarhus, Oslo, Kristiansand, Bergen and Stavanger, along with scenic cruising on the Elbe River.
Mediterranean and Canary Islands Winter Cruises
After the Christmas market programme, Nieuw Statendam will reposition south for a winter and early spring season in the Mediterranean and Canary Islands.
The new itineraries will visit ports across Spain, France, Italy, Greece and Turkey, including Valencia, Marseille, Livorno, Naples, Mykonos, Rhodes and Kusadasi.
Voyages will range from seven to 14 days, while longer Collectors’ Voyages will extend up to 24 days. Back-to-back cruise options will also be available for guests seeking a more comprehensive European itinerary.
The expanded programme reflects growing demand for off-season Europe cruises, when destinations are typically less crowded and temperatures are cooler. For Holland America Line, the strategy also strengthens its position in a region closely connected to the company’s heritage while broadening its appeal beyond the peak summer market.
No comments:
Post a Comment