Explore Europe Like an Insider – Anytime of the Year

For guests who want to experience Europe like a local, our more than 150 years of history and expertise makes all the difference. With our new year-round 2027–2028 sailings, perfectly sized ships, access to 200+ UNESCO World Heritage sites, and an insider view of Europe’s cultural calendar, plan your journey to Europe unhurried.

Europe is always in season with Holland America. Rugged coastlines, towering fjords, and laid-back harbor towns are now within reach year-round. From tulip season in the Netherlands to Christmas markets in Germany or Denmark, there’s so much more to experience in Europe outside of the peak summer season.

Our presence in Europe is now year-round, including a dozen cruises aboard Nieuw Statendam exploring the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. New itineraries add more than 70 additional port days year-over-year! Plus, we’re offering extended stays, late nights, and overnights in select ports like Trieste (Venice), Tromsø, and Lisbon, giving you more time to explore.

If you’re looking to plan around specific seasonal moments, subscribe to the Europe Insiders Calendar for notable dates, cultural events, and seasons delivered directly to your calendar. Subscribing will sync with your existing personal calendar.

1. 1. Northern Lights
      

      The best time to see the Northern Lights in Norway is September through March, with peak activity in March, April, September, and October. We offer several cruises that increase your chances to see the Northern Lights, including itineraries with overnight stays in Alta or Tromsø, which are top viewing locations.

   2. Harvest Season & Oktoberfest
      

      From grape harvests in the Canary Islands to Oktoberfest in Berlin, fall brings culinary celebrations and traditions. Add in stunning fall foliage and this season of European travel is perfect for experienced-driven guests.

   3. Tulip Blossom Season
      

      Picture tulip fields in bloom and eye-catching windmills in the Netherlands during the Keukenhof Tulip Festival as spring delivers colorful landscapes throughout Europe. Many consider the Keukenhof Gardens the most beautiful springtime park in the world with more than 80 acres of flowers. Experience Europe in full bloom before the peak-season crowds.

   4. Christmas Markets
      

      Watch Europe’s most treasured holiday traditions come to life. Immerse yourself in glowing city squares and open-air markets filled with local artisans while sipping on mulled wine, traditionally served in a glühwein or festive ceramic mug you can keep as a souvenir. With overnights and extended stays built in, you have time to experience the moments that define the season.

   5. Mediterranean Beach Season
      

      A more relaxed way to explore the Mediterranean awaits! With winter and early spring sailings shifting south, you can soak up mild temperatures with a mix of rich seasonal experiences that feel local and approachable. Voyages include ports like Valencia, Marseille and Livorno, and Naples for access to Pompeii. Choose a shorter journey of 7- to 14-days or expand your cruise up to 24 days.

Our fleet gives you opportunities to explore smaller ports and historic harbors that larger ships can’t reach. Plus, you have more room at the rail to soak in the incredible scenery.

From the Acropolis in Athens to Denmark’s Viking-Age fortresses, our year-round itineraries for 2028 give you access to more than 200 UNESCO historical sites to enhance your cruise.

Experience vibrant cities like Lisbon or Alta during the evening hours, when the light softens and the streets fill with locals dining or catching up with friends. Our itineraries give you more time to explore thanks to overnight stays and late-evening departures.

Enjoy regional specialties and more than 80 varieties of fresh fish sourced locally through our Global Fresh Fish Program.

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