Your Guide to Cruising Europe with Holland America Line
If you want to go on a Europe cruise vacation, a Holland America Line cruise is an extraordinary way to do it. Choose your own adventure, exploring the treasured coasts of the Mediterranean or the gorgeous gems of Northern Europe.
Here’s your guide to cruising Europe with Holland America Line:
2026 Europe Cruise Itineraries Now Available
Embark on the ultimate European cruise vacation with cruises ranging from seven to 42 days. If Mediterranean sunshine and sandy beaches top your list, hop aboard Oosterdam with departures from Lisbon, Portugal; Piraeus (Athens), Greece; Barcelona, Spain; and Civitavecchia (Rome) and Trieste (Venice), Italy. If castles, waterfalls and fjords fuel your wanderlust, join us on Nieuw Statendam or Rotterdam to explore the coasts of Norway, Iceland, Denmark, Scotland and more, dependent on the itinerary you choose. That includes the introduction of four new ports: Aberdeen, Scotland; Kalundborg, Denmark; and Odda, Norway, aboard Rotterdam; and Portsmouth, England, aboard Nieuw Statendam. Explore our 2026 Mediterranean and Northern Europe cruise itineraries.
Explore Natural Wonders and Human History at UNESCO World Heritage Sites
With more than 175 UNESCO World Heritage Sites across our Europe cruise itineraries, you may ask: How do I choose? After all, each one is unique and special in its own way, representing the best of human heritage and the natural world. To help you get started, we have highlighted some of the gems across Europe in the map above and list below. Wherever you go, prepare to immerse yourself in world wonders and unique tales of human civilization with its triumphs and enduring spirit.
Thingvellir National Park in Iceland
This UNESCO Heritage Site in Reykjavik, Iceland is unique for many reasons. It’s where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet and slowly drift apart (19 millimeters per year). In addition to its camping ground and hiking trails, it holds a lot of history. Bordered by Iceland’s largest natural lake, general assemblies were hosted here to inform the country’s national identity and political future for more than 800 years.
The Forth Bridge in Edinburgh, Scotland
Open to the public beginning in 1890, the Forth Bridge in Edinburgh once had the longest span of 541 meters. Serving as a railway bridge across one of Scotland’s rivers, it was a significant achievement in bridge design when trains were the primary method of land travel.
Geirangerfjord in Norway
If you’re planning to embark on a Norway fjords cruise, Geirangerfjord will definitely impress. It’s claimed to be the world’s most beautiful fjord and could easily top your list of things to see on a Norway cruise. It has a depth of nearly 1,640 feet (500 meters) below the surface. Above the water, the fjord’s walls shoot up three times as much.
Kronborg Castle in Copenhagen, Denmark
Calling all Shakespeare fans! If you’re exploring Copenhagen, you’ll want to check out Kronborg Castle. Serving as the setting for Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Kronborg Castle takes you back to the Renaissance. It’s also where 1.8 million ships passed by and paid a toll when traveling the Sound to the Baltic Sea between 1429 and 1857.
Standing Stones and Stonehenge in Scotland & England
Soak up the sights of the Standing Stones near Kirkwall – also referred to as the “Stonehenge of the North.” Located on the Isle of Lewis, the Standing Stones are thought to be 3,000 – 5,000 years old, predating Stonehenge. Both are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You’ll find the latter on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire. Stonehenge is a prehistoric structure gazed upon by visitors around the world, especially during solstice celebrations. Archeologists think this ancient wonder was constructed in phases around 3100 to 1600 BC.
The Historic City of Valletta in Malta
The fortified city of Valletta is the capital of Malta. Built by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century, Valletta is a living testament to the grandeur of this order. Its narrow streets are adorned with Baroque architecture, grand palaces, and ornate churches. The city’s star attraction, St. John’s Co-Cathedral, houses the famous painting “The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist” by Caravaggio. Also, don’t miss the Grand Master’s Palace and the magnificent view of the Grand Harbour, one of the most spectacular ports in the world.
The Acropolis in Athens, Greece
Perched high above the city of Athens, Greece, the iconic Acropolis is a testament to the grandeur of Ancient Greece. It is home to several monumental buildings, but the most famous is undoubtedly the Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena. The Erechtheion, known for its Caryatid Porch, and the Propylaea, the grand entrance to the Acropolis, are also must-see sites. The Acropolis is not just a historical site but a symbol of Western civilization.
The Palau de la Música Catalana and Hospital de Sant Pau in Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona, Spain is home to two remarkable UNESCO sites. The Palau de la Música Catalana is an architectural jewel of Catalan Art Nouveau that enchants visitors with its intricate design and stunning stained glass. The concert hall is a symphony of light and color, and its music performances are a treat for the senses. Nearby, the Hospital de Sant Pau, a masterpiece of modernist architecture, showcases the unique vision of architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner. This former hospital is a city within a city, with pavilions set in beautiful gardens connected by a network of underground tunnels.
Venice and Its Lagoon in Trieste, Italy
Established in the fifth century with 118 little islands separated by open water and canals, Venice was recognized for playing a significant role in the maritime world. With one architectural masterpiece after another, the entire city and its lagoon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Places to visit include the Basilica of San Marco and Ca’ d’Oro, with the latter best seen from a gondola along the Grand Canal.
Works of Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona, Spain
If you have a heart for architecture, you’ll love the Works of Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona and surrounding areas. Comprised of seven properties, Gaudí’s designs are known for being brilliant contributions to architecture in the 19th and 20th centuries. You’ll discover designs of sculptures, gardens and decor. The Works of Antoni Gaudí include Casa Batlló, Casa Mila, Casa Vicens, Gaudí’s work on the Nativity façade, Palacio Güell, Parque Güell and the Crypt of La Sagrada Familia and Crypt in Colonia Güell.
The Amalfi Coast in Italy
The picturesque landscape of Italy’s Amalfi Coast is a harmonious blend of natural beauty and cultural wealth. The pastel-colored houses perched on steep terraces, the azure sea, and the lush Mediterranean vegetation create captivating views. The diverse landscape is home to some of the most productive citrus groves, olive orchards, and vineyards in all of Europe. Visit the historic centers of Amalfi, Positano, Ravello, and more to experience their unique charm, with plenty of architectural and artistic delights to explore.
Royal Building of Mafra in Lisbon, Portugal
Looking for a site that strategically and beautifully combines multiple areas into one? Nearly 20 miles from Lisbon, the Royal Building of Mafra includes a palace, basilica, convent and the Cerco Garden and Hunting Park. The property was something King João V envisioned to represent his monarchy and the Portuguese Empire.
Historic Areas of Istanbul in Turkey
You’ll discover many sites in the Historic Areas of Istanbul, from breathtaking mosques like Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, to museums with incredible artwork. Recognized for the distinctive skyline that was built over centuries, sites also include Topkapi Palace, a large museum that previously served as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire for 400 years.
Le Havre, the City Rebuilt by Auguste Perret in Le Havre, France
Le Havre is both a port city in northern France and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Devastated by bombs in World War II, the city was rebuilt under the vision and direction of Auguste Perret. It unites the architectural dreams of the past with the modernist designs of the future. UNESCO recognizes the city for its extraordinary post-war example of urban planning and design.
The Old City of Dubrovnik in Croatia
The “Pearl of the Adriatic,” the Old City of Dubrovnik in Croatia, is a well-preserved medieval city encircled by massive stone walls. Walk along the city walls for panoramic views, explore the Gothic-Renaissance-styled Sponza Palace, and don’t miss the oldest functioning pharmacy in Europe at the Franciscan Monastery. The city’s rich history, stunning architecture, and the shimmering Adriatic Sea make it a must-visit destination.
You can also immerse yourself in enchanting European cities through shore excursions that will take you deeper into the destinations along your journey.
Extend Your Cruise Vacation
Cruising with Holland America Line to breathtaking destinations in Europe means making the most of its hidden treasures with more late-night and overnight stays in popular ports. It also means having the opportunity for an extended journey if a week away isn’t enough.
Cue transatlantic crossings from Fort Lauderdale, Rotterdam and Barcelona. With transatlantic journeys, you can immerse yourself in the elegance of ocean travel, enjoying the ambiance of remote islands and incredible coastlines before taking to open Atlantic waters. You can also turn sea days into “me days” by indulging in an endless array of spa services, entertainment offerings and award-winning dining options aboard our perfectly sized cruise ships.
Looking for more? Consider expanding on our thoughtfully curated voyages with Collectors’ Voyages – unique itineraries that combine back-to-back sailings into one seamless journey.
Explore our 2026 transatlantic cruises and Collectors’ Voyages. For help planning your extended cruise vacation, contact one of our Personal Cruise Consultants.
Make the Most of Cruise Deals
Maximize your cruise vacation by receiving our most popular amenities through the Have It All premium package. Don’t forget to explore other offers and cruise deals that could be available at the time of your booking to help make the most of your cruise vacation on a budget.
Check out our 2026 Europe cruise highlights in our YouTube video. Which European destinations do you want to experience on a Europe cruise, and which UNESCO World Heritage Sites would you recommend? Share in the comments below.
