Christmas Markets, Greece and More: Holland America Goes Year-Round in Europe

For travelers who enjoy Europe but would rather avoid the summer crowds, Holland America Line is expanding its presence to offer year-round cruises in Europe.

Beginning in late 2027, Nieuw Statendam will remain in Europe, offering everything from Christmas market cruises in Scandinavia to winter sailings in Greece, the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands.

This will be the first time Holland America has offered a full winter season in the region. The expanded deployment includes a dozen cruises ranging from holiday sailings in Northern Europe to winter voyages throughout the Mediterranean, Canary Islands and Greek Isles.

The move adds more than 70 additional port days compared to previous seasons, along with more overnight stays and longer visits in some of Europe’s most popular destinations.

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

He added that winter offers a quieter and more immersive side of Europe, from festive Christmas markets to a less-crowded Mediterranean.

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Christmas Markets, Holiday Traditions and Winter in Scandinavia

One of the highlights of the new season is a pair of holiday sailings designed around Europe’s Christmas market season.

The first, a 13-day Baltic and Scandinavian Christmas Markets cruise, sails roundtrip from Rotterdam (with an option to embark in Dover).

The itinerary includes overnight stays in Helsinki and Stockholm, allowing guests to experience holiday markets, seasonal events and festive city centers after dark. Travelers visiting Helsinki can also choose excursions into Lapland, often associated with Santa Claus and the Arctic Circle.

A second 15-day holiday voyage spans the Christmas season and features overnight stays in both Hamburg and Copenhagen, plus scenic cruising opportunities in Northern Europe and Norway’s beautiful fjord region.

For many travelers, winter may be the most atmospheric time to visit Northern Europe, when historic city centers are decorated for the holidays and crowds are noticeably smaller than during the summer months.

A Different Side of the Mediterranean

After the holidays, Nieuw Statendam heads south for a series of Mediterranean cruises that showcase the region during one of its most pleasant seasons.

Winter and early spring bring milder temperatures and a slower pace to many of Europe’s most popular destinations. Instead of navigating peak-season crowds, guests can enjoy historic cities, local markets and cultural sites with a more relaxed atmosphere.

The itineraries explore both the Western and Eastern Mediterranean, along with the Canary Islands, with visits to Lisbon, Athens, Mykonos and Naples. Several cruises include overnight stays or late-evening departures, giving guests additional time ashore.

Voyages range from seven to 14 days, while longer Collectors’ Voyages can stretch to 24 days for travelers looking for a more comprehensive European experience.

Winter and Spring 2027-2028 Itineraries

Nieuw Statendam

Nov. 20, 2027
15-Day Western Mediterranean: Lisbon Overnight
Roundtrip Rotterdam

Dec. 5, 2027
13-Day Baltic & Scandinavian Christmas Markets: Stockholm
Roundtrip Rotterdam (Dover embarkation available)

Dec. 18, 2027
15-Day Baltic & Scandinavian Christmas Market Holiday
Roundtrip Rotterdam (Dover embarkation available)

Jan. 2, 2028
14-Day Canary Island Enchantment with Morocco & Spain
Rotterdam to Barcelona

Jan. 16, 2028
10-Day Mediterranean Splendor: Spain, France, Italy & Greece
Barcelona to Athens

Jan. 26, 2028
10-Day Greek Isles: Istanbul Overnight
Roundtrip Athens

Feb. 5, 2028
7-Day Greek Isles: Cairo Overnight
Roundtrip Athens

Feb. 12, 2028
7-Day Mediterranean Splendor: Greece, Croatia & Italy
Athens to Rome

Feb. 19, 2028
7-Day Western Mediterranean: Italy, France & Gibraltar
Rome to Barcelona

Feb. 26, 2028
7-Day Mediterranean Splendor: Spain, Malta & Greece
Barcelona to Athens

March 4, 2028
7-Day Greek Isles: Athens Overnight
Roundtrip Athens

March 11, 2028
10-Day Mediterranean Splendor: Greece, Malta & Spain
Athens to Lisbon

Zuiderdam

Feb. 3, 2028
14-Day Cultural Crossing with Morocco & Spain
Fort Lauderdale to Barcelona

Feb. 17, 2028
9-Day Western Mediterranean: Spain, Morocco & Italy
Barcelona to Rome

Why This Matters

Many cruise lines reduce their European presence once summer ends, but Holland America is taking the opposite approach with its new year-round Europe cruises.

For travelers who have already visited Europe during the busy summer season, these new voyages offer a chance to experience Christmas markets, winter traditions, quieter museums and attractions, plus less-crowded cities.

Combined with overnight stays and longer port visits, the expanded deployment gives guests more opportunities to slow down and spend time enjoying the destinations rather than simply checking them off a list.