- European cruise demand has increased significantly, and bookings in Northern Europe have increased by nearly 50%
- Itineraries include longer port stops and visits to over 175 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- An onboard culinary experience inspired by European flavors and ingredients
- Fleet-wide live broadcast of all FIFA World Cup 26™ matches during the event
Holland America Line has announced a significant increase in bookings for the 2026 European season, with overall demand up by more than a third on the previous year. This surge was most pronounced among Nordic itineraries, which saw a year-on-year increase of nearly 50%. The cruise line attributes this trend to travelers seeking to visit stunning natural landscapes and culturally rich cities with convenient departure options from Rotterdam and Dover. Executives advised potential guests to book early, citing the speed of sales and the company's deep expertise in European cruises.
The 2026 season is designed to offer an immersive experience, including itineraries with extended port stops and overnight visits. This schedule gives guests more opportunities to explore local culture and nightlife in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. The program includes visits to more than 175 UNESCO World Heritage sites across 35 countries, balancing popular destinations such as Barcelona and Dubrovnik with smaller ports such as Portofino and Valletta. On-board amenities will complement the journey, with dining menus inspired by the regions visited, featuring local ingredients and wines. Additionally, the line ensures that sports fans can stay connected by streaming all 104 matches of FIFA World Cup 26™ live on board.
