Holland America Offers Year-Round Sailing in Europe for 2027
Holland America Line just made a big announcement for Europe lovers. The cruise line is now offering year-round sailings in Europe for its 2027–28 season, pushing into winter for the first time.
What’s New With Holland America’s Europe Plans?
The Nieuw Statendam will stay in Europe all year long. It will sail about a dozen cruises covering the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. On top of that, Holland America is adding two more voyages on the Zuiderdam.
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Paul Grigsby, vice president of deployment and itinerary planning for Holland America Line, explained the thinking behind the move:
“Europe continues to be one of the most sought-after destinations for our guests, and as a cruise line with Dutch roots, it’s a region we know incredibly well.”
He added: “Expanding to year-round Europe allows us to showcase a completely different side of the destination—one that is quieter, more immersive and deeply seasonal. From the festive charm of Christmas markets to a cooler and more relaxed Mediterranean region, winter offers a more authentic way to experience Europe.”
Why Winter Cruising in Europe Is Worth Considering
Many travelers skip Europe in winter. That’s actually a good reason to go. Fewer crowds, lower prices, and a totally different vibe make winter a hidden gem for cruise travelers.
You can wander Christmas markets in Scandinavia or explore Rome without the summer rush. The Mediterranean slows down in winter. That means more breathing room at popular ports.
Holiday Cruises From Rotterdam
Holland America is offering two festive holiday sailings. Both leave roundtrip from Rotterdam. Cruise lengths are 13 or 15 days.
These trips are designed to put you right in the middle of Europe’s holiday season. Think twinkling lights, seasonal markets, and cozy port towns. It’s a very different experience from a summer cruise.
Mediterranean Winter Sailings
Beyond the holiday voyages, Holland America is offering Mediterranean cruises ranging from 7 to 14 days. These itineraries are perfect for travelers who want a slower, more relaxed pace. Smaller crowds and cooler temps make sightseeing much more enjoyable.
You can also mix and match these sailings. Holland America calls them Collectors’ Voyages. You can combine them back-to-back for trips lasting up to 24 days.
Sample Itineraries for Winter/Spring 2027–28
Here’s a look at some of the specific sailings being offered:
Nov. 20, 2027 — 15-Day Western Mediterranean (Roundtrip Rotterdam)
This sailing visits Lisbon (overnight), Cadiz, Barcelona, Valencia, Cartagena, Gibraltar, and Dover (London).
Dec. 5, 2027 — 13-Day Baltic & Scandinavian Christmas Markets (Roundtrip Rotterdam, Dover option)
Stops include Kiel (Hamburg), Tallinn, Helsinki (overnight), Stockholm (overnight), Copenhagen, and Dover (London). The ship also sails through the beautiful Stockholm Archipelago.
Dec. 18, 2027 — 15-Day Baltic & Scandinavian Christmas Market Holiday (Roundtrip Rotterdam, Dover option)
This festive sailing includes scenic cruising on the Elbe River. Ports of call include Hamburg (overnight), Aarhus, Copenhagen (overnight), Oslo, Kristiansand, Bergen, and Stavanger. Scenic cruising through Hardangerfjord is also on the agenda.
Jan. 2, 2028 — 14-Day Canary Island Enchantment With Morocco & Spain (Rotterdam to Barcelona, Dover option)
This itinerary visits Casablanca, Agadir, Puerto Rosario (Fuerteventura), Las Palmas (Gran Canaria), Santa Cruz de La Palma, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Cadiz (Seville), and Malaga (Granada).
Jan. 16, 2028 — 10-Day Mediterranean Splendor: Spain, France, Italy & Greece (Barcelona to Athens)
Ports include Valencia, Marseille (Provence), Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Civitavecchia (Rome), Naples (Pompeii), and Kotor. The ship also cruises the scenic Strait of Messina.
Feb. 17, 2028 — Nine-Day Western Mediterranean: Spain, Morocco & Italy (Barcelona to Rome)
This sailing calls at Valencia, Tangier (Tetouan), Cadiz (Seville), Malaga (Granada), Cagliari, and Naples (Pompeii).
March 4, 2028 — Seven-Day Greek Isles (Roundtrip Athens)
Ports of call include Piraeus/Athens (overnight), Santorini, Bodrum, Rhodes, and Kusadasi (Ephesus). This is a great option if the Greek Islands are on your bucket list.
The Bottom Line
Holland America is making a smart move by keeping its ships in Europe through winter. If you’ve always wanted to see Europe without the summer crowds, this could be your chance. The mix of holiday market cruises and off-season Mediterranean sailings gives travelers plenty of options to choose from.
