Holland America Line is set to embark on a new series of ex-UK cruises in 2026, deploying the Nieuw Statendam from Dover.
- Four ships will tour 35 countries across different regions, with voyages lasting from seven to 42 days.
- Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam will take centre stage in Northern Europe with ten UK roundtrips featuring diverse destinations.
- The season includes new 7-day Norway Fjords cruises and Baltic cruises featuring overnight stops.
- Mediterranean itineraries offer unprecedented variety, including several sought-after ports and a return to St. Tropez.
In a forward-thinking move, Holland America Line has announced an ambitious deployment of the Nieuw Statendam from Dover in 2026, signalling a progressive expansion of their cruise offerings. This extensive programme includes four vessels visiting a remarkable 35 nations across regions such as the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, alongside transatlantic voyages. The itineraries vary in duration, ranging from brief seven-day tours to immersive 42-day journeys, offering flexibility for diverse traveller preferences.
Significantly, both the 2,666-passenger Nieuw Statendam and the slightly larger 2,668-passenger Rotterdam will operate primarily in Northern Europe. Their itineraries feature a variety of captivating destinations, including ten roundtrip voyages originating from the UK. These cruises will explore the Canary Islands, British Isles, Arctic Circle, North Cape, Norwegian Fjords, and other Northern European sites, promising an enriching experience.
Additionally, the 2026 season is enhanced by an increased frequency of seven-day voyages to Norway’s acclaimed fjords, alongside new seven-day sailings between Reykjavik, Iceland, and Rotterdam. This broadened scope caters to the growing demand for shorter, yet culturally rich, cruise experiences.
The Baltic and Scandinavian Capitals cruises offer another enticing prospect, often including overnight or extended evening stays in Oslo, as well as opportunities to visit Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Denmark. These two-week cruises present a deep dive into the region’s historical and cultural tapestry.
The Mediterranean programme reveals further innovation within Holland America’s offerings. The 1,964-passenger Oosterdam will host itineraries ranging from seven to fourteen days, departing from five primary ports: Lisbon, Athens’ Piraeus, Barcelona, Civitavecchia near Rome, and Trieste, adjacent to Venice. New explorations include popular spots like Bari and Portofino, and after a long hiatus, St. Tropez.
Paul Grigsby, vice president of revenue planning and deployment at Holland America Line, endorsed this expansive strategy by emphasising the desire to encompass guests’ feedback. The inclusion of highly requested locations within the itineraries underscores Holland America’s commitment to delivering personalised travel experiences that resonate with their patrons.
Holland America Line’s 2026 itineraries demonstrate a robust commitment to diversifying cruise options across Europe and beyond.
