Tourexpi
Arctic
Circle for Northern Lights viewing.
Holland America
Line announced a six-week extension of its 2026 Europe season and opened
bookings for four cruises available as part of the expansion. Guests have
further opportunities to explore the Mediterranean and Norway —
including a chance to see the Northern Lights on a cruise that enters the
Arctic Circle.
Each
of the newly added cruises will sail aboard Nieuw Statendam roundtrip or
one-way from Rotterdam, one of the premier hubs from which to
explore Europe, and Holland America Line's historic home.
"Cruises
rooted in the culture and history of Europe are proving to be popular
with our guests, and extending the season means more opportunities to enjoy our
personalized service in the region," said Paul Grigsby, vice
president of deployment for Holland America Line. "With 2026 projected to
be a peak year for aurora activity, adding a Northern Lights cruise late in the
year gives our guests a better opportunity to see this phenomenon with the aid
of dark skies and little light pollution."
Now
bookable as part of the expansion is an additional departure of the highly
coveted 14-Day Arctic Journey and Northern Lights with The HISTORY
Channel cruise, departing on Nov. 7. As 2026 is predicted to be a
highly active period for auroras, a growing number of travelers plan to
prioritize seeing them on vacation. This cruise offers ample opportunity to see
the aurora, while also deeply exploring Norway.
The
ship will sail north, calling at Ålesund, Trondheim and crossing the Arctic
Circle before reaching Tromsø, known as the "Capital of the Arctic"
and base camp for many aurora hunters. The ship then spends an overnight at
Alta — often called the world's Northern Lights capital — before sailing to
hard-to-reach Leknes (Lofoten). Before returning to Rotterdam, Nieuw
Statendam visits Åndalsnes, Bergen and Lerwick, Scotland.
Guests
sailing to see the Northern Lights can sign up to get a wake-up call from the
ship any time the aurora borealis is spotted.
Also
open for booking is a 14-Day Mediterranean and Atlantic Treasures: Lisbon Overnight,
departing Nov. 21. The cruise explores seven ports in Spain, Portugal and Gibraltar:
Cadiz (Seville), Malaga (Granada), Alicante, Cartagena
(Murcia), Gibraltar and Leixoes — as well as an overnight in Lisbon,
allowing guests to further immerse themselves in the destination. While
in Lisbon, guests can book shore excursions taking them to the city's two UNESCO
World Heritage sites: the Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery. The voyage
is also notable as Holland America Line's first roundtrip exploration of the
Mediterranean from Rotterdam in nearly 10 years.
Guests
can also book a 7-Day Norway with Nordfjord or 15-Day Cultural Crossing with England and Normandy.
Have
It All Early Booking Bonus
For
a limited time, when guests book these four European extension cruises with the
Have It All premium package, the standard package amenities of shore
excursions, specialty dining, a Signature Beverage Package and Surf Wi-Fi are
included — plus the added perk of free prepaid crew appreciation, along with
free upgrades to the Elite Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi.
Guests
can also take advantage of Holland America Line's Exclusive Mariner Society Early Booking Bonus. Mariner Society
loyalty members can enjoy up to $400 onboard credit per stateroom
when these cruises open for sale. Guests must book these cruises by July
9, 2025, to receive the Exclusive Mariner Society Early Booking Bonus.
For
more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call
1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.
Find
Holland America Line on Facebook, Instagram and the Holland America Blog. You can also access all social media outlets
via the home page at hollandamerica.com.
Image Credit: © Holland America Line
The most interesting news


Italy set to break tourism records as Rome prepares to host WTTC’s 25th Global Summit
International visitor spending to exceed €60 billion as global tourism leaders head to the Eternal City.


TUI Care Foundation launches two new TUI Futureshapers projects in Portugal and North Africa
TUI Futureshapers Portugal offers training, mentorship, and expert support to help social entrepreneurs build sustainable tourism businesses with impact.


AI-supported ground processes: Lufthansa, Fraport, and zeroG drive innovation at Frankfurt Airport
Camera-based computer vision solution “seer” improves punctuality — ground operations become more efficient — customer experience enhanced.


Ryanair urges government to abolish air travel tax in 2026 budget
Air travel tax must be scrapped if Germany wants to return to pre-COVID traffic and tourism levels


There's Never Been a Better Time to Visit Hyatt Regency Danang
Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards 2025 winner unveils elevated dining experiences and unparalleled family accommodations.


TAT Launches Coral College Project to Promote Safe and Sustainable Marine Tourism
New bilingual e-learning platform aims to protect marine ecosystems and raise tourist awareness.


Turkish Airlines signs deal with Dubai Islamic Bank for Airbus A350 acquisitions
Turkish Airlines has signed a landmark financing agreement with Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) to fund the purchase of Airbus A350 aircraft, marking a significant step in its financial and strategic growth.


Thailand–Cambodia conflict escalates with new airstrikes despite ceasefire calls
The ongoing border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has entered its third day, marked by renewed airstrikes and rising casualties, despite mounting international calls for an immediate ceasefire.


Holland America Line launches new era of onboard entertainment
Holland America Line is introducing a refreshed entertainment experience across its fleet, with changes rolling out now through 2026.


Peru’s tourism sector on track for historic record in 2025
According to the latest estimates by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), Peru’s tourism sector is expected to reach an all-time high in 2025, generating over USD 23 billion and contributing 7.8% to the country’s GDP.


Condor announces expanded summer 2026 flight schedule with new destinations
Condor has released its flight schedule for summer 2026, unveiling an expanded network of popular holiday destinations and increased service frequencies on high-demand long-haul routes.


TAT showcases Blue Jasmine luxury rail journey ahead of November launch
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has completed a technical familiarisation trip to preview the upcoming Blue Jasmine Luxury Rail Journey, set to begin its maiden voyage this November.


Condor launches inaugural flight to Sanya
Condor has added a new destination in the Asia-Pacific region with the launch of its first flight to Sanya, located on China’s Hainan Island.


Fresh Highlights from Eurowings – 25 July 2025
Eurowings Ranked Among Europe’s Top Airlines.


Malaysia launches MYMT 2026: a new era in medical tourism
The Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) has officially launched the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026 (MYMT 2026) at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC).


Emirates Crowned ‘Best Long Haul Airline’ at The Telegraph Travel Awards 2025
Emirates has once again been named ‘Best Long Haul Airline’ at The Telegraph Travel Awards 2025, reaffirming its reputation for excellence in global aviation.


Saint-Denis – The New MICE Hub of Greater Paris
At the centre: the H4 Hotel Wyndham Paris Pleyel Resort.


TUI Culinary Tourism Report 2025: How German Travellers Enjoy Food Abroad
For many travellers, good food is far more than a pleasant side effect of a holiday – it is the heart of the experience.


Escape the Heat with Agoda’s Summer ‘Cool-cation’ Guide
As record-breaking heatwaves continue to affect much of the world this summer, South Korea is experiencing its most extreme heatwave in 117 years.


Picturesque Cappadocia Becomes the Latest Turkish Region to Join the Michelin Guide
Cappadocia, one of Türkiye’s most iconic and scenic travel destinations, has officially been added to the prestigious Michelin Guide, becoming the latest Turkish region to be recognised for its culinary excellence.


Thailand Launches ‘Green Tourism Collections’ to Support EU Standards
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has officially launched the Thailand Green Tourism Collections, a key initiative under its Thailand Green Tourism for Sustainability programme.
