Holland America Line confirmed its 2028 Europe cruise season will include the highest number of port calls in the region in nearly 10 years, with bookings now open for new itineraries.
2028 Europe Itineraries Feature Expanded Schedule and Ship Deployments
The 2028 Europe program will run nearly year-round from January through early December, deploying five ships: Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Volendam, and Zuiderdam. Nieuw Amsterdam marks its return to European waters for the first time in over a decade.
Geographic Coverage Covers Northern and Southern Europe Plus Transatlantic Routes
Voyages include diverse regions such as Northern Europe, Norway, Iceland, Greenland, the British Isles, and the Baltic, with itinerary lengths ranging from seven to 28 days. The Mediterranean itineraries
last between seven and 11 days, departing from six homeports and visiting Spain, Italy, Greece, Croatia, and Turkey. The season also offers sailings to the Canary Islands and multiple transatlantic crossings.
Longer Port Stays and Increased Destination Time Highlight 2028 Season
The line is emphasizing destination experiences by increasing port calls, extending port days, and including overnight stays and late-night departures at select ports. This approach aims to maximize time ashore for passengers, with over 200 UNESCO World Heritage site visits planned, including extensive exploration of Norway’s fjords.
Rising Demand Drives Expansion with More Diverse Ports and Enhanced Itineraries
Industry booking data from 2026 shows growing demand for European cruises, particularly in Northern Europe, motivating Holland America Line to increase individual
port visits and operate deeper into the calendar year. The 2028 season will feature record visits to Norway, Spain, Ireland, and the Netherlands, pairing marquee cities with smaller regional ports for a varied destination mix.
Travelers can select from itineraries ranging from seven-day cruises to 48-day Legendary Voyages. Early bookings with the Have It All premium package receive included shore excursions, specialty dining, Signature Beverage Package, and Surf Wi-Fi. The Early Booking Bonus adds free prepaid crew appreciation and upgrades to Elite Beverage and Premium Wi-Fi packages.
Industry Trends and Ship Upgrades Support Year-Round Europe Focus
Holland America Line continues investing in ship refurbishments through its Evolution program, enhancing
accommodations and public spaces on vessels such as Zuiderdam. The expanded European season complements the cruise line’s broader global itineraries, including Grand Voyages and deployments in Australia/New Zealand and the Caribbean.
Paul Grigsby, Vice President of Deployment and Revenue Planning, said, “Europe is a destination that changes with every season, and each one offers guests a completely different way to experience it.” He added, “We built each season around moments travelers can only experience at certain times of year, from the Netherlands in full bloom during spring to winter escapes in the Mediterranean and Canary Islands and long summer days
along Europe’s coastlines.”
