HAL-Holland America Line Expands 2026 European Cruise Season for Unforgettable Adventures

HAL-Holland America Line has announced a six-week extension to its 2026 European cruise schedule and has made four new itineraries available for booking. This extension will enhance access to both northern and southern European destinations, particularly highlighting routes along the Norwegian coast and the western Mediterranean.

The new voyages will feature the ms Nieuw Statendam, operating roundtrip and one-way trips from Rotterdam, HAL’s historic homeport. Among the highlights is an additional sailing for the 14-day Arctic Circle and Northern Lights voyage, which is set to depart on November 7, 2026. This journey will travel north from Rotterdam, stopping at Alesund and Trondheim, before crossing the Arctic Circle to reach Tromso, a renowned hub for Arctic exploration. This itinerary will include an overnight stay in Alta, celebrated as the "Northern Lights capital," and a visit to Leknes in the scenic Lofoten Islands. The return route will make additional stops at Andalsnes, Bergen, and Lerwick in the Shetland Islands, concluding back in Rotterdam. This sailing aligns with a period predicted for increased auroral activity and will feature optional Northern Lights wake-up calls for guests.

Another new offering is the 14-day Mediterranean and Atlantic Treasures: Lisbon Overnight cruise, scheduled for November 21, 2026. This roundtrip voyage from Rotterdam will visit ports including Cadiz (Seville), Malaga (Granada), Alicante, Cartagena (Murcia), Gibraltar, and Leixoes. An overnight port stay in Lisbon allows guests to explore UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery. This marks HAL’s first roundtrip Mediterranean cruise from Rotterdam in nearly ten years.

Additional itineraries now available include a 7-day Norway with Nordfjord cruise and a 15-day Cultural Crossing featuring England and Normandy.

For a limited time, guests who book these extended cruises with the Have It All premium fare will receive standard perks, such as shore excursions and specialty dining, along with complimentary crew appreciation, upgraded to the Elite Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi. Members of the Mariner Society loyalty program can also take advantage of the Exclusive Mariner Society Early Booking Bonus, offering up to $400 onboard credit per stateroom for bookings made by July 9, 2025.

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