Holland America Line announced on August 3, 2026, its 2028 Europe cruise season will feature the highest number of port calls the company has made in the region in nearly ten years.
Five ships will operate in European waters throughout 2028. The lineup includes Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Volendam, and Zuiderdam, with the latter undertaking its first European itinerary after completing ship enhancements through Holland America’s Evolution program. The season extends nearly year-round, running from January through early December 2028.
Regions and Itineraries for 2028
Holland America’s 2028 schedule expands across Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Canary Islands. Northern Europe itineraries cover Norway,
Iceland, Greenland, the British Isles, and the Baltic Sea, including scenic cruising through Norway’s fjords. The Mediterranean program features visits to Spain, Italy, Greece, Croatia, Turkey, and includes record six calls at Portofino. Canary Islands sailings cover Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote, combined with ports in Portugal, Spain, and Morocco.
The company has booked a record number of calls in Norway, Spain, Ireland, and the Netherlands for 2028. This includes the highest number of visits to Norway since 2014 and to Spain since 2017. The season combines well-known destinations with lesser-visited ports, offering a diverse cultural and natural experience.
Itinerary Lengths and Special Voyages
Itineraries
range from seven-day sailings to the 48-day Legendary Mediterranean Voyage, which sails roundtrip from North America and visits multiple Mediterranean destinations. Nieuw Amsterdam returns to Europe in 2028 for the first time in over a decade, featuring unique onboard experiences such as the Morimoto by Sea restaurant.
Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam, and Zuiderdam will sail Northern European voyages lasting from 7 to 28 days, covering a broad scope of northern ports.
Guest Experience Enhancements
Holland America is enhancing guest experiences by emphasizing longer port calls with overnight stays and late departures to maximize time ashore. Shore excursion options will include culinary tours, cultural workshops,
hiking, cycling, and coastal sailing. Ships deployed in 2028 have completed Evolution program refurbishments, upgrading onboard public spaces and accommodations to complement port-intensive itineraries.
The company offers a premium “Have It All” package on 2028 Europe cruises. It includes shore excursions, specialty dining, beverage packages, and Wi-Fi. An Early Booking Bonus provides free prepaid crew appreciation and upgrades to beverage and Wi-Fi packages.
Demand Trends and Industry Context
Paul Grigsby, Vice President of Deployment and Revenue Planning for Holland America Line, stated, “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.”
Rising demand for European cruising, including a significant increase in bookings for Northern Europe and Mediterranean itineraries, motivates the expanded 2028 program. Port authorities have upgraded infrastructure and scheduling to accommodate more cruise calls, reducing peak-time bottlenecks. Holland America’s shift to extended seasons and denser itineraries aligns with traveler preferences for destination immersion and fewer sea days.
This shift integrates Europe
more fully into Holland America’s global portfolio, which includes Alaska, the Caribbean, Australia/New Zealand, and grand voyages spanning multiple continents. The line’s approach supports a balance of capacity with increasing demand for smaller-ship, culturally focused itineraries emphasizing longer stays at ports.
For travelers, the expanded 2028 Europe program increases choices in embarkation cities, trip lengths, and itinerary themes. More frequent and extended port visits enable a wider range of shore excursions. The company’s premium and early-booking packages provide value-added amenities for guests.
