Holland America Line unveils plans for 10 summer departures from Dover in 2026.
- The Nieuw Statendam will offer a range of ex-UK cruises returning in April to October.
- Destinations include the Canary Islands, British Isles, Arctic Circle, and more.
- New ports introduced include Aberdeen, Kalundborg, Odda, and Portsmouth.
- The 2026 itinerary aims to provide diverse and exciting cruising options.
Holland America Line has confirmed it will operate ten departures from Dover during the summer of 2026. This decision is part of the cruise line’s extensive European deployment strategy, highlighting its commitment to the region. The Nieuw Statendam, which can accommodate up to 2,666 passengers, will be making these ex-UK sailings between April and October, reaffirming its presence in the UK cruise market.
The itineraries offered for the 2026 season are varied and expansive, catering to a diverse array of interests. Among the highlighted destinations are the Canary Islands, British Isles, Arctic Circle, North Cape, Norwegian fjords, Baltics, and Scandinavia. Such an array of routes allows passengers to explore some of the most picturesque and culturally rich locations in Europe, with the convenience of departing from Dover.
Prices for these enticing voyages start at £1,949 per person for a 14-day journey to the Canary Islands, providing an accessible entry point for those looking to explore this scenic archipelago. Holland America Line’s European programme will further include an increased number of seven-day cruises to the fjords and a selection of seven-day sailings between Reykjavik and Rotterdam, catering to those seeking shorter adventures.
Additionally, the northern Europe season will see the introduction of several new ports of call, including Aberdeen in Scotland, Kalundborg in Denmark, Odda in Norway, and Portsmouth. These additions are set to enhance the diversity of the itineraries offered and provide fresh experiences for returning passengers.
The Oosterdam, another vessel in the Holland America Line fleet, will cater to Mediterranean enthusiasts with seven to 14-day itineraries starting from cities such as Lisbon, Athens, Barcelona, Rome, and Venice. Of particular interest are the new seven-day Mediterranean sailings that can be combined to create ‘Collectors’ Voyages’, allowing for extended exploration without port repetition, spanning up to 27 days.
Moreover, the Zuiderdam will embark on a ‘Voyage of the Vikings: Solar Eclipse’, offering itineraries stretching 17 to 35 days from Boston. This voyage promises an exploration of up to 19 ports across eight countries, visiting numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites. These comprehensive adventures are tailored for the truly intrepid traveller seeking a thorough exploration of Northern Europe and the North Atlantic regions.
According to Paul Grigsby, the vice president of revenue planning and deployment, the 2026 schedule was crafted by considering guest feedback and requests. Itineraries were designed to include popular ports, such as Bari and Portofino in Italy, and reintroduce fan-favourites like St Tropez, France, after a 15-year hiatus.
Holland America Line’s 2026 itinerary from Dover presents a diverse array of cruising opportunities for travellers eager to explore Northern Europe.
