Holland America adds winter cruises in Europe for slow travel escapes
Holland America Line is leaning into the slow travel trend with off-season Europe cruises perfect for travelers who want to avoid the packed piazzas of peak season and experience Europe in a more authentic way.
Cruising through Europe during the summer season is ideal for travelers who want to soak up the sun on beautiful Mediterranean beaches. But if you want to explore Europe's charming towns and historic cities without overwhelming crowds and intense heat, off-season sailings are your best bet.
And now, you can experience Europe during a quieter time of year on a cruise with Holland America Line - a cruise line with deep roots in the region that's beloved for its refined cruise experience and thoughtfully crafted itineraries that invite unhurried exploration.
Want the latest cruise news and deals? Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter.
Holland America Line now offers Europe cruises year round
Holland America Line is expanding into year-round Europe cruising during the 2027-2028 season with the introduction of a dozen off-season Europe cruises across the Mediterranean and Northern Europe aboard Nieuw Statendam. The deployment also includes two additional voyages aboard Zuiderdam, further expanding options to explore Europe beyond the traditional summer travel season.
The new itineraries significantly boost the line's offerings in Europe, adding more than 70 additional port days year-over-year - port days designed to provide more time in destinations with fewer crowds. Cruising through Europe with Holland America Line not only offers travelers extended time in ports of call, it comes with the benefit of sailing with a line with close ties to the region.
"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," Paul Grigsby, Holland America Line's vice president of deployment and itinerary planning, said in a press release.
Related: What your travel agent needs to know to book your cruise
The new winter and early spring itineraries are designed to showcase Europe at a slower pace and offer access to seasonal experiences, regional traditions, and a more varied mix of destinations. From Christmas market cruises in Northern Europe to an expanded selection of Mediterranean voyages with more overnights and late-night stays, the off-season sailings promise deeper, more experiential travel experiences.
"Expanding to year-round Europe allows us to showcase a completely different side of the destination - one that is quieter, more immersive and deeply seasonal. From the festive charm of Christmas markets to a cooler and more relaxed Mediterranean region, winter offers a more authentic way to experience Europe," Grigsby added.
Holland America's new Christmas market cruises include overnight stays
On Nieuw Statendam's holiday sailings, travelers can experience Northern Europe's sought-after Christmas markets with overnights and extended stays in port, allowing time to enjoy festive traditions, local cuisine, and the magic of the season without feeling rushed.
A 13-day Baltic and Scandinavian Christmas Markets cruise sails to Kiel, Germany, the gateway to Hamburg's well-known Christmas markets, as well as Tallinn, Estonia and Copenhagen, Denmark. Plus, overnight stays in Helsinki, Finland and Stockholm, Sweden offer time to experience festive city centers aglow after dark, when markets and cultural traditions are at their peak. The Helsinki call also offers access to Lapland in the Arctic Circle, referred to by many as the home of Santa Claus.
Related: Holland America Line unveils new voyages on reimagined cruise ship
Additionally, a 15-day holiday sailing over Christmas features overnights in Hamburg and Copenhagen. The itinerary also includes a call to Aarhus, Denmark and scenic cruising of the Elbe River, along with exploration of southern Norway, with calls to Oslo, Kristiansand, Bergen, and Stavanger.
New off-season Mediterranean cruises offer more authentic travel experiences
Outside of the holiday season, Nieuw Statendam will sail winter and early spring cruises through the Mediterranean with itineraries crafted to offer a fresh, authentic way to explore some of Europe's most-visited cities.
Itineraries span the Western and Eastern Mediterranean as well as the Canary Islands, featuring stops in cultural capitals and coastal towns across Spain, France, Italy, and Greece with overnight calls in sought-after destinations. Port highlights include Valencia, Spain; Marseille, France; and Livorno and Naples in Italy; Mykonos and Rhodes in Greece; and Kusadasi, Turkey.
With a mix of seven- to 14-day voyages, travelers can choose region-focused sailings or combine itineraries for a more expansive trip. Longer Collectors' Voyages extend up to 24 days and can also be sailed back-to-back for maximum exploration across the region.
Related: Holland America Line delivers a more relaxing way to cruise with kids
(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.)
Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published May 31, 2026 at 8:27 AM.