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.

Set sail on a voyage of discovery with CruiseShip.net – your ultimate destination for all things cruising! Explore the latest news, insightful reviews, and thrilling cruising adventures from around the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a first-time traveler, CruiseShip.net is your go-to source for expert advice, insider tips, and inspiring stories to fuel your wanderlust. Embark on a journey like no other with CruiseShip.net – where every wave brings new excitement and endless possibilities on the high seas.

Editorial Team

At CruiseShip.net, our editorial team is made up of passionate travelers, seasoned cruisers, and maritime industry enthusiasts who live and breathe life at sea. From the latest ship launches and destination spotlights to detailed reviews and onboard tips, we are dedicated to helping readers discover the joy of cruising.

Our mission is to make every article both inspiring and useful, whether you are planning your first voyage or your fiftieth. We research, fact-check, and collaborate with cruise insiders around the world to bring you accurate, up-to-date, and exciting coverage of the global cruise industry.

Join us as we chart new horizons, exploring one port, one ship, and one unforgettable experience at a time.