Holland America Line opened bookings on August 3, 2026, for its 2028 Europe cruise season, which will deploy five ships—Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Volendam, and Zuiderdam—across expanded itineraries featuring the most port calls the line has offered in nearly ten years.
Record Number of European Port Calls Across Multiple Regions
The 2028 season includes a record volume of visits to Norway, Spain, Ireland, and the Netherlands. Guests will have the opportunity to explore over 200 UNESCO World Heritage sites, with a special focus on in-depth exploration of Norway’s UNESCO-listed fjords. Expanded itineraries increase access to European ports beyond Holland America Line’s previous deployments.
Range of Itineraries and Year-Round Departures
All sailings depart between January
and early December 2028, allowing travelers to select voyages that range in duration from seven-day getaways to 48-day Legendary Voyages. The expanded scheduling provides unique seasonal experiences, including springtime in the blooming Netherlands and winter escapes to the Mediterranean and Canary Islands.
Mediterranean Highlights Include Nieuw Amsterdam’s Return
In the Mediterranean, cruises lasting seven to 11 days will depart from six homeports, visiting destinations in Spain, Italy, Greece, Croatia, and Turkey. Nieuw Amsterdam will return to Europe for the first time in over a decade, offering guests access to its onboard signature restaurant, Morimoto by Sea, founded by Chef Masaharu Morimoto. The season also includes six
port calls at Portofino, a record for the cruise line.
Expanded Northern Europe and Canary Islands Itineraries
Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam, and Zuiderdam will operate Northern Europe cruises from seven to 28 days, visiting Norway, Iceland, Greenland, the British Isles, and the Baltic region. The 2028 season features Holland America Line’s highest number of visits to Norway since 2014. Canary Islands itineraries will include stops in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote, combined with ports in Portugal, Spain, and Morocco. Select itineraries feature overnight stays and late-night departures to maximize time ashore.
Booking Incentives and Premium Packages
Early bookings made with the Have It All premium package include complimentary shore excursions, specialty dining, a
Signature Beverage Package, and Surf Wi-Fi. Additionally, the Early Booking Bonus offers prepaid crew appreciation and upgrades to the Elite Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi, providing enhanced amenities for travelers securing their cruises in advance.
Company Background and Official Statement
Paul Grigsby, Holland America Line’s vice president of deployment and revenue planning, emphasized that “Europe is a destination that changes with every season, and each one offers guests a completely different way to experience it.” He noted the season was designed around unique seasonal moments such as spring florals in the Netherlands and winter escapes in warmer regions. Holland America Line, part of Carnival Corporation,
operates 11 vessels worldwide and has more than 150 years of cruising experience in Europe.
