Holland America Line extends 2026 Europe season- here’s how to see the Northern Lights

• Holland America Line has announced a six-week extension of its 2026 Europe season.
• They’ve opened bookings for four different cruises.
• Destinations include the Mediterranean and the Arctic, with opportunities to see the Northern Lights at their most visible.

Holland America Line, known for their extensive itineraries and mid-sized ships, has announced a six-week extension of their 2026 Europe Season.

The expansion includes additional departures of four cruises, featuring journeys to the Arctic, the Mediterranean, Norway and England. Each of the newly-added cruises will sail aboard Nieuw Statendam, which can carry up to 2,666 passengers, roundtrip or one-way from Rotterdam.

The late-season addition of another Arctic cruise offers an exciting opportunity for travellers eager to witness the Northern Lights.

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The Extended Cruises

14-day Arctic Journey and Northern Lights

The extra departure of the 14-day Arctic Journey and Northern Lights cruise is particularly exciting for cruisers who dream of seeing the Aurora Borealis. 2026 is predicted to be a highly active period for the stunning natural light display, making it the perfect time for eager travellers to spot the aurora- especially since sightings are not guaranteed.

Paul Grigsby, vice president of deployment for Holland America Line said, “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.”

This particular cruise departs from Rotterdam on 7 November, stopping in the quaint fishing town Alesund and Norway’s Viking capital, Trondheim. Guests will then cross the Arctic Circle, with plenty of opportunities to see polar bears, walruses, whales and more. There’ll be a stop in Tromsø, a striking city tucked between fjords and mountains, before the ship spends an overnight in Alta- the world’s Northern Lights capital.

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14-Day Mediterranean and Atlantic

If you want to avoid the freezing temperatures of Norway and the Arctic, the 14-Day Mediterranean and Atlantic Treasures: Lisbon Overnight is also available to book. The cruise explores ports in Spain, Portugal and Gibraltar, and features a notable itinerary as Holland America Line’s first roundtrip Mediterranean voyage from Rotterdam in nearly a decade.

The itinerary also includes an overnight in Lisbon, Portugal’s enchanting capital city. There will be plenty of opportunities for cultural shore excursions, as well as visits to the city’s two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery.

Departing on 21 November, this cruise offers a more peaceful experience thanks to it occurring in the Meditteranean’s off-season. The weather might be cooler, but you’ll also be able to explore each port without the risk of busy crowds and stifling heat.

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7-Day Norway with Nordfjord

This cruise takes place from 31 October to 7 November and departs from Rotterdam. The trip will feature scenic cruising through Hardangerfjord and also the opportunity to disembark and check out the hiking trails, waterfalls and panoramic vistas. You’ll also get to see Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city, which is known for its medieval architecture, bustling market and wooden buildings.

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15-Day Cultural Crossing with England and Normandy

This longer cruise stops at many in-demand spots, including Paris, Normandy, Portsmouth and Falmouth. Discover England’s best-kept secret, the southern coast of Cornwall, as well as cobblestone streets and stunning canals in Belgium.

This cruise is not a roundtrip and includes 9 days at sea, finishing up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

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