Latest news with #PaulGrigsby
USA Today
6 days ago
- USA Today
This cruise planner's biggest tip? Travel where only ships can go.
Paul Grigsby came to the cruise industry by way of trains. Grigsby, who is Holland America Line's vice president of deployment and itinerary planning, grew up boating but he counts a month-long train trip through Mexico as 'first real travel experience.' Shortly after graduating college, he and a friend traveled by rail from Mazatlan to Veracruz in 1987. 'We were able to take advantage of what it was like to travel in the United States back in the '40s and '50s on these old rail cars,' Grigsby told USA TODAY. 'And it was a bit of a madcap adventure because of my lack of Spanish. At one point, there were two of us traveling and we were in a berth for one because I didn't translate very well.' The trip cemented his interest in travel, especially in its nostalgic forms, which show up in the itineraries he plans these days. Grigsby spoke to USA TODAY about how he got his start, his love of travel books, and his cruise tips. The interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. Question: How did you get into this role? How did you come to itinerary planning? Paul Grigsby: Well, I've been at Holland America now (for) 25 years, and I've been in the capacity of revenue management. And itinerary planning is within the revenue management function of this brand, and in fact, (at) most of the cruise lines it's arranged that way. And I kind of worked my way through. Started out in revenue management proper, and then evolved to more (of) a planning function, which was with the revenue plans. And then, back in 2019, I was given the leadership role of the itinerary and deployment planning. Did you grow up loving ships? Yeah, I did. I mean, I grew up in Seattle, and I used to walk the docks with my father. You know, he loved ships and the sea, and he greatly influenced me. We would visit ships when they were in town, and they had visitation opportunities. Also, he was an avid boater, so I grew up boating throughout the Pacific Northwest, and you know, the Washington State archipelago as well as up in British Columbia. This may be self-evident given your work, but do you have a preferred way to travel? Well, I am biased towards travel by ship. I think even if I didn't work for Holland America Line or the cruise industry, I'd still say that. There's no such thing as ship lag, right? There is (such) a thing as jet lag, and it's just a leisurely way to go. And if I had the time, I would definitely travel by sea. I would cross the Atlantic instead of flying across the Atlantic. … I love being at sea. And again, I think it goes back to my roots, growing up on the water. I was a commercial fisherman for a summer, so I feel at home on the water. Is there a cruise cabin type that you particularly like, or a location on a ship that you prefer? I like the port side because when I was a kid, my father assigned his two kids to one side. You know, I was assigned port side, my sister was assigned starboard side. So, I always have stuck with port side. And as far as the type of cabin, I will admit, I do like a veranda cabin. I do enjoy being able to walk outside and enjoy the sights and smells of the sea. Do you have any travel must-haves, things that you always like to bring with you or have with you? I like to bring a good book along, especially a travel book. You know, there are always some hiccups that happen with travel, it seems like, and so it's always fun to read about somebody who might have had it worse off than you do. I like reading travel history. Evelyn Waugh, one of my favorite authors, he wrote a lot about his times of traveling back in the '30s. Also, Candice Millard, that's another book: her book, 'The River of Doubt' … is about Teddy Roosevelt's exploration through the Amazon. Fascinating read. Great American Vacation: 'Bachelor' star Peter Weber blindsided on 'Destination X' (and loved it) Do you have any travel pet peeves or any unpopular travel opinions? I think it's used a lot, this word, but I think it does resonate for me, and that's just authenticity. For instance, if I go to a city, I want to visit the old section, you know, a section that really defined what that city was. And maybe it's my interest in history. And, for instance, I'll find out what the old hotel was that people would stay at back in the day, so I'll visit that. I'm more interested in that than staying at, you know, a hotel or something that is an American name hotel. For those new to cruising, what are the top things you would recommend they know before booking a cruise? Yeah, so if you're new to cruising and you're not sure if it's your cup of tea, I would definitely start with a trip that you would not see any other way than on a ship. For instance, Alaska, is often the first of many people's foray into cruise travel. And the reason is that the best way to see Alaska is by ship. You're not going to get to Glacier Bay – I mean, maybe, yeah, you could get an airplane or whatever, fly and buzz around it, but to immerse yourself in Glacier Bay, you've got to be on board a ship. And you know, places that are known for being archipelagos, those are best seen by ship. So I would pick trades like that first, and hopefully you catch the bug, and then you might go to places like, say, the Mediterranean, where there are other ways of travel around. But then you realize how easy it is to travel by ship, and you'll probably be just as happy there, too.
USA Today
18-07-2025
- USA Today
How are cruise ship itineraries planned? Inside the years-long process
Holland America Line will visit a maiden port in 2026, stopping for the first time in Odda, Norway. Before the town was added to more than a dozen itineraries, Paul Grigsby, the cruise line's vice president of deployment and itinerary planning, had to see it for himself. He and Robert de Bruin, director of deployment and itinerary planning, traveled to Bergen in January 2024 and on to Odda, where they surveyed the port's conditions, met with officials and explored the surrounding region. 'Even in the harsh conditions of January (everything was frozen and snowy – shows the grit of our Pacific Northwest cruise line to do port research in the Norwegian winter!), it was clear it would be the perfect stop during a cruise of the fjords, sailing past the region's apple orchards and offering some excellent shore excursions,' Grigsby told USA TODAY. That's all part of the itinerary planning process. Well before guests embark, many months of preparation go into crafting the routes they'll take during their trip. Here's how cruises are planned. How are Holland America cruises planned? When creating new itineraries, Grigsby said guest feedback informs the team's thinking. 'We take seriously the surveys that we do,' he said. 'We do a couple of those a year where we get a sense of what destinations guests are interested in.' They ask about preferred ports, how long they'd like to visit and more. The cruise line also keeps an eye on industry trends and 'what's motivating people to travel these days.' Grigsby cited astrotourism, for example, which has shown up in itineraries designed around seeing solar eclipses or the Northern Lights. After developing the concept, the cruise line incorporates it into an itinerary plan, utilizing the expertise of its team members. 'I have a couple of navigators that came off the ships that are the ones that are really essentially designing these cruises to make sure that they are, let's say, navigable, right? That you can actually sail these things,' Grigsby said. The cruise line's port operations team is typically the 'boots on the ground' when it comes to scouting out new ports the cruise line hasn't visited before, while its marine team investigates whether these ports can accommodate its ships. 'Not just if it's a dock, but also if it's an anchorage, they need to make sure that the tender docks are adequate and meet the expectations of our brand,' Grigsby said. Because Holland America is part of Carnival Corp. – which includes Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn and other brands – he added that even if their team hasn't visited a given destination, they can tap their colleagues elsewhere in the company who may have. 'And we'll use some of their research to help guide us,' Grigsby said. Some destinations also demand a certain amount of flexibility. 'We have a few cruises that go to Greenland, and you really never know until you get to a couple weeks before a departure what the ice conditions are going to be like,' he said. 'So, what we do is we build in some buffers. We add some slow speed – slow steaming, as we call it – so that the ship can adapt to whatever ice conditions they may be dealing with.' The planning isn't limited to what happens on the ship, either. The cruise line has a dedicated shore excursion team that helps build out a selection of land-based activities to accompany the ocean-going adventures. How long does it take to plan a cruise? Itineraries usually take between two-and-a-half to three years to plan, according to Grigsby. Sometimes the process can take even longer. What makes a good cruise itinerary? Some cruises – such as Alaska itineraries, where there are only so many ports ships can visit – are more straightforward. Those satisfy guest expectations, but Grigsby particularly enjoys planning voyages that have something extra thrown in. For example, he designed a 2025 sailing through the Coral Triangle – the most diverse marine ecosystem on Earth – in collaboration with a marine biologist. The cruise, which is available to book again for 2027, incorporated programming about wildlife, volcanology and indigenous cultures. 'I think that the best itineraries are those that have various layers of stories and themes, and not just a collection of ports,' Grigsby said.
Travel Daily News
04-06-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Holland America Line: Third ship exploring Northern Europe in 2027
Holland America Line adds third ship to Northern Europe in 2027, expanding cruises to Scandinavia, Greenland, Baltics, British Isles, and more. SEATTLE, WASH. – Holland America Line will expand its presence in Northern Europe with a third dedicated ship in 2027, providing guests with more chances to discover the region with a cruise line known for its deep-rooted expertise in the area. Guests embarking on one of the cruises can expect to discover the sparkling cities and otherworldly beauty of Scandinavia, Greenland, the Baltics and the British Isles – while also enjoying an authentic onboard experience. Starting in 2027, Zuiderdam will join Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam in taking guests throughout Northern Europe, while Oosterdam will continue as the cruise line's primary ship to sail Mediterranean cruises. Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam will continue to homeport in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, while Zuiderdam will cruise from Amsterdam. Both Zuiderdam and Rotterdam will also offer departures from Reykjavik, Iceland; and Nieuw Statendam will return to Dover, England, in 2027, with alternate itineraries for those wishing to sail roundtrip from the U.K. 'Northern Europe is extremely popular with our guests – for the ports of call and stunning scenery. As a cruise line rooted in European heritage, we're uniquely positioned to offer them one-of-a-kind explorations with an onboard experience that matches the region,' said Paul Grigsby, vice president of deployment and itinerary planning for Holland America Line. 'The destinations in the region are some of our highest-rated – from standout ports in Norway like Eidfjord and Bergen and scenic cruising in Eyjafjörður, Iceland, to the UK's Liverpool and Ireland's Killybegs – this season provides guests more chances to experience everything Northern Europe has to offer.' Holland America Line surveys of both current and prospective guests show that nearly half of respondents rank Northern Europe (including Iceland and Greenland) as one of the most appealing cruise destinations. Further, a majority of guests rank fjord cruising as something of particular interest. A 'fjord authority,' Holland America Line has crafted a 2027 season featuring copious opportunities for scenic cruising in Norwegian and Icelandic fjords – including through Europe's longest and deepest fjord, the Sognefjord. Northern Europe – Home of Holland America Line As one of the world's longest-sailing cruise lines, founded in Rotterdam in 1873, Holland America Line keeps its European heritage at the forefront of the experience on board. The 'Dutch Touch' can be found on board every ship and on every itinerary, from classic design to 'Dutch Day,' which integrates numerous Holland America Line traditions into a celebration of the culture, cuisine and country of the Netherlands. Throughout each cruise, the 'Northern European' experience continues on board and on shore through locally sourced regional delights. And – when sailing on European cruises, guests can taste some of Europe's best cocktails exclusively curated for Holland America guests by award-winning Dutch bartender Tess Posthumus. And guests can learn more about each destination through a series of onboard 'Up Close' presentations and port talks, as well as see live, local entertainment in locations like Warnemunde, where they can take in the sounds of a German oom-pah band. Exploring the Mediterranean with Holland America Line Also available for booking as part of the 2027 Europe season is a series of Mediterranean cruises. Guests can choose from 14 itineraries ranging from seven to 11 days aboard Oosterdam, or from one of three itineraries aboard Nieuw Statendam, either 14 or 15 days. Each cruise will sail from one of four homeports – Barcelona, Spain; Piraeus (Athens), Greece; Trieste (Venice), Italy; or Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy – and will explore a total of 54 ports throughout the season. Travelers can also combine itineraries for an even more in-depth exploration of the Mediterranean, sailing up to 21 days with no repeat ports. Guests seeking to sail aboard Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam and Oosterdam can book today; bookings for Zuiderdam and Volendam's Voyage of the Vikings will go on sale later in June. Solar Eclipse and Northern Lights at Sea Guests seeking to sail in the shadow of the sun during a total solar eclipse or catch a glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights can now book a number of cruises departing in the 2027 season. Travelers sailing on one of two eclipse cruises can expect lectures from and the opportunity to connect with scientific experts, themed activities and more. Proper equipment — like eclipse glasses — will be provided for the safety of guests. And those sailing on one of three Northern Lights cruises can sign up to get a wake-up call from the ship any time the aurora borealis is spotted. Highlights of the Northern Europe Season Sails from April to December aboard Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam and Zuiderdam. Itineraries range from seven to 21 days. Guests can choose from a broad range of 'Viking Homelands' itineraries, curated with The HISTORY Channels ports like Bergen, Stavanger, Odda and more — while providing scenic cruising opportunities in iconic fjords. Guests can sail roundtrip from Those looking for longer explorations of the region can choose from a number of sailings, including a 14-Day Wild British Isles: Ireland + Cliffs of Moher with The HISTORY Channel — taking guests up close to the scenic cliffs of Moher, and to ports in both Northern Ireland and Ireland – as well as Scotland. Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam will sail a series of 14-Day Baltic and Scandinavian Capitals sailings throughout the summer and into the fall. Each cruise includes overnight or late-night calls, in destinations like Copenhagen, Denmark; Tallinn, Estonia; and Kiel, Germany. A special 'Oktoberfest' rendition of the sailing gives guests a late night call in Warnemünde (Berlin) to take in Berlin's Oktoberfest celebrations. Guests sailing onboard Nieuw Statendam — including on the Oktoberfest cruise — can choose to sail roundtrip from Rotterdam or Dover. The popular 'Voyage of the Vikings' returns in 2027. The 35-day roundtrip from Boston will sail aboard Volendam and take guests to 20 ports across eight countries, with late night calls in Dublin, Halifax and an overnight in Reykjavik. Highlights of the Mediterranean Season Sails from April to November aboard Oosterdam and Nieuw Statendam. Itineraries range from seven to 15 days. Guests can choose from a number of seven-day itineraries curated with The HISTORY Channel providing guests an immersive historic experience as well as a sample of the Mediterranean. Sample ports of call include culture-rich Ajaccio, France, and Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey – and some itineraries feature overnight calls in destinations like Naples, Italy, or Alexandria, Egypt. Oosterdam will also sail longer itineraries, either 10 or 11 days, each providing a more specialized look at the region. All itineraries offer late and/or overnight calls in destinations including Kotor, Montenegro; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Istanbul, Turkey; and Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy. Nieuw Statendam will sail three itineraries that will take guests to explore the Canary Islands and Morocco or the Western Mediterranean. Each itinerary offers roundtrip departures from either Rotterdam or Dover. Transatlantic Voyages In March, Rotterdam crosses the Atlantic Ocean from Fort Lauderdale to Rotterdam on a 15-day cruise; Nieuw Statendam follows in April on a 13-day itinerary. Shortly after, Oosterdam crosses from Miami to Barcelona, and Zuiderdam crosses from Fort Lauderdale to Amsterdam. Rotterdam, Oosterdam and Nieuw Statendam will sail to Fort Lauderdale via Rotterdam in October, Barcelona in November and Rotterdam in December, respectively. Further Highlights of 2027 Europe Season 11 Departure Cities: Rotterdam and Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Barcelona, Spain; Civitavecchia (Rome) and Trieste (Venice), Italy; Dover, England; Piraeus (Athens), Greece; Reykjavik, Iceland; and Fort Lauderdale and Miami, Florida. 12 Overnight Ports: Alexandria, Egypt; Alta and Oslo, Norway; Barcelona, Spain; Civitavecchia (Rome), Naples and Trieste (Venice), Italy; Greenock (Glasgow), Scotland; Haifa, Israel; Istanbul, Turkey; South Queensferry (Edinburgh), Scotland; and Valletta, Malta. 19 Late-Evening Departure Cities (between 10 p.m. and midnight): Ålesund and Trondheim, Norway; Alexandria, Egypt; Belfast, Northern Ireland; Civitavecchia (Rome); Greenock (Glasgow); Dubrovnik, Croatia; Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Istanbul; Kiel (Hamburg) and Warnemünde (Berlin), Germany; Liverpool, England; Mykonos and Rhodes, Greece; Reykjavik; Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands; South Queensferry (Edinburgh); St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada; and Tallinn, Estonia. Have It All Early Booking Bonus For a limited time, when guests book 2027 Europe Cruises with the Have It All premium package, the standard package amenities of shore excursions, specialty dining, a Signature Beverage Package and Surf Wi-Fi are included – plus the added perk of free prepaid crew appreciation, along with free upgrades to the Elite Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi. Guests can also take advantage of Holland America Line's Exclusive Mariner Society Early Booking Bonus. Mariner Society loyalty members can enjoy up to $400 onboard credit per stateroom when these cruises open for sale. Guests must book these cruises by Aug. 27, 2025, to receive the Exclusive Mariner Society Early Booking Bonus.
Travel Weekly
03-06-2025
- Business
- Travel Weekly
Holland America will add a third ship for Northern Europe sailings in 2027
Holland America Line will sail an additional ship in Northern Europe in 2027, increasing its fleet in the region to three ships. The Zuiderdam will homeport in Amsterdam with sailings complementing the current offerings on the Nieuw Statendam and the Rotterdam, which both sail from the port of Rotterdam, Netherlands. The Zuiderdam will also offer departures from Reykjavik, Iceland. Northern Europe has proven "extremely popular" with Holland America guests, said Paul Grigsby, the line's vice president of deployment and itinerary planning. Internal surveys found it to be among the most appealing destinations for the line's prospective and existing guests, the company said. • Cruise insight: Sailings to see the 2026 eclipse "The destinations in the region are some of our highest-rated, from standout ports in Norway like Eidfjord and Bergen and scenic cruising in Eyjafjorour, Iceland, to the U.K.'s Liverpool and Ireland's Killybegs," Grigsby said in a statement. "This season provides guests more chances to experience everything Northern Europe has to offer." The Zuiderdam is sailing the Caribbean, New England and Canada this year and in 2026.
Cision Canada
03-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Holland America Line Builds on Northern Europe Expertise with Third Dedicated Ship Exploring the Region in 2027
SEATTLE, June 3, 2025 /CNW/ -- Holland America Line will expand its presence in Northern Europe with a third dedicated ship in 2027, providing guests with more chances to discover the region with a cruise line known for its deep-rooted expertise in the area. Guests embarking on one of the cruises can expect to discover the sparkling cities and otherworldly beauty of Scandinavia, Greenland, the Baltics and the British Isles — while also enjoying an authentic onboard experience. Starting in 2027, Zuiderdam will join Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam in taking guests throughout Northern Europe, while Oosterdam will continue as the cruise line's primary ship to sail Mediterranean cruises. Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam will continue to homeport in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, while Zuiderdam will cruise from Amsterdam. Both Zuiderdam and Rotterdam will also offer departures from Reykjavik, Iceland; and Nieuw Statendam will return to Dover, England, in 2027, with alternate itineraries for those wishing to sail roundtrip from the U.K. "Northern Europe is extremely popular with our guests — for the ports of call and stunning scenery. As a cruise line rooted in European heritage, we're uniquely positioned to offer them one-of-a-kind explorations with an onboard experience that matches the region," said Paul Grigsby, vice president of deployment and itinerary planning for Holland America Line. "The destinations in the region are some of our highest-rated — from standout ports in Norway like Eidfjord and Bergen and scenic cruising in Eyjafjörður, Iceland, to the UK's Liverpool and Ireland's Killybegs — this season provides guests more chances to experience everything Northern Europe has to offer." Holland America Line surveys of both current and prospective guests show that nearly half of respondents rank Northern Europe (including Iceland and Greenland) as one of the most appealing cruise destinations. Further, a majority of guests rank fjord cruising as something of particular interest. A "fjord authority," Holland America Line has crafted a 2027 season featuring copious opportunities for scenic cruising in Norwegian and Icelandic fjords — including through Europe's longest and deepest fjord, the Sognefjord. Northern Europe — Home of Holland America Line As one of the world's longest-sailing cruise lines, founded in Rotterdam in 1873, Holland America Line keeps its European heritage at the forefront of the experience on board. The "Dutch Touch" can be found on board every ship and on every itinerary, from classic design to "Dutch Day," which integrates numerous Holland America Line traditions into a celebration of the culture, cuisine and country of the Netherlands. Throughout each cruise, the "Northern European" experience continues on board and on shore through locally sourced regional delights. And — when sailing on European cruises, guests can taste some of Europe's best cocktails exclusively curated for Holland America guests by award-winning Dutch bartender Tess Posthumus. And guests can learn more about each destination through a series of onboard "Up Close" presentations and port talks, as well as see live, local entertainment in locations like Warnemunde, where they can take in the sounds of a German oom-pah band. Exploring the Mediterranean with Holland America Line Also available for booking as part of the 2027 Europe season is a series of Mediterranean cruises. Guests can choose from 14 itineraries ranging from seven to 11 days aboard Oosterdam, or from one of three itineraries aboard Nieuw Statendam, either 14 or 15 days. Each cruise will sail from one of four homeports — Barcelona, Spain; Piraeus (Athens), Greece; Trieste (Venice), Italy; or Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy — and will explore a total of 54 ports throughout the season. Travelers can also combine itineraries for an even more in-depth exploration of the Mediterranean, sailing up to 21 days with no repeat ports. Guests seeking to sail aboard Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam and Oosterdam can book today; bookings for Zuiderdam and Volendam's Voyage of the Vikings will go on sale later in June. Solar Eclipse and Northern Lights at Sea Guests seeking to sail in the shadow of the sun during a total solar eclipse or catch a glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights can now book a number of cruises departing in the 2027 season. Travelers sailing on one of two eclipse cruises can expect lectures from and the opportunity to connect with scientific experts, themed activities and more. Proper equipment — like eclipse glasses — will be provided for the safety of guests. And those sailing on one of three Northern Lights cruises can sign up to get a wake-up call from the ship any time the aurora borealis is spotted. Highlights of the Northern Europe Season Sails from April to December aboard Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam and Zuiderdam. Itineraries range from seven to 21 days. Guests can choose from a broad range of " Viking Homelands" itineraries, curated with The HISTORY Channels ports like Bergen, Stavanger, Odda and more — while providing scenic cruising opportunities in iconic fjords. Guests can sail roundtrip from Those looking for longer explorations of the region can choose from a number of sailings, including a 14-Day Wild British Isles: Ireland + Cliffs of Moher with The HISTORY Channel — taking guests up close to the scenic cliffs of Moher, and to ports in both Northern Ireland and Ireland — as well as Scotland. Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam will sail a series of 14-Day Baltic and Scandinavian Capitals sailings throughout the summer and into the fall. Each cruise includes overnight or late-night calls, in destinations like Copenhagen, Denmark; Tallinn, Estonia; and Kiel, Germany. A special "Oktoberfest" rendition of the sailing gives guests a late night call in Warnemünde (Berlin) to take in Berlin's Oktoberfest celebrations. Guests sailing onboard Nieuw Statendam — including on the Oktoberfest cruise — can choose to sail roundtrip from Rotterdam or Dover. The popular "Voyage of the Vikings" returns in 2027. The 35-day roundtrip from Boston will sail aboard Volendam and take guests to 20 ports across eight countries, with late night calls in Dublin, Halifax and an overnight in Reykjavik. Highlights of the Mediterranean Season Sails from April to November aboard Oosterdam and Nieuw Statendam. Itineraries range from seven to 15 days. Guests can choose from a number of seven-day itineraries curated with The HISTORY Channel providing guests an immersive historic experience as well as a sample of the Mediterranean. Sample ports of call include culture-rich Ajaccio, France, and Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey — and some itineraries feature overnight calls in destinations like Naples, Italy, or Alexandria, Egypt. Oosterdam will also sail longer itineraries, either 10 or 11 days, each providing a more specialized look at the region. All itineraries offer late and/or overnight calls in destinations including Kotor, Montenegro; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Istanbul, Turkey; and Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy. Nieuw Statendam will sail three itineraries that will take guests to explore the Canary Islands and Morocco or the Western Mediterranean. Each itinerary offers roundtrip departures from either Rotterdam or Dover. Transatlantic Voyages In March, Rotterdam crosses the Atlantic Ocean from Fort Lauderdale to Rotterdam on a 15-day cruise; Nieuw Statendam follows in April on a 13-day itinerary. Shortly after, Oosterdam crosses from Miami to Barcelona, and Zuiderdam crosses from Fort Lauderdale to Amsterdam. Rotterdam, Oosterdam and Nieuw Statendam will sail to Fort Lauderdale via Rotterdam in October, Barcelona in November and Rotterdam in December, respectively. Further Highlights of 2027 Europe Season 11 Departure Cities: Rotterdam and Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Barcelona, Spain; Civitavecchia (Rome) and Trieste (Venice), Italy; Dover, England; Piraeus (Athens), Greece; Reykjavik, Iceland; and Fort Lauderdale and Miami, Florida. 12 Overnight Ports: Alexandria, Egypt; Alta and Oslo, Norway; Barcelona, Spain; Civitavecchia (Rome), Naples and Trieste (Venice), Italy; Greenock (Glasgow), Scotland; Haifa, Israel; Istanbul, Turkey; South Queensferry (Edinburgh), Scotland; and Valletta, Malta. 19 Late-Evening Departure Cities (between 10 p.m. and midnight): Ålesund and Trondheim, Norway; Alexandria, Egypt; Belfast, Northern Ireland; Civitavecchia (Rome); Greenock (Glasgow); Dubrovnik, Croatia; Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Istanbul; Kiel (Hamburg) and Warnemünde (Berlin), Germany; Liverpool, England; Mykonos and Rhodes, Greece; Reykjavik; Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands; South Queensferry (Edinburgh); St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada; and Tallinn, Estonia. Have It All Early Booking Bonus For a limited time, when guests book 2027 Europe Cruises with the Have It All premium package, the standard package amenities of shore excursions, specialty dining, a Signature Beverage Package and Surf Wi-Fi are included — plus the added perk of free prepaid crew appreciation, along with free upgrades to the Elite Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi. Guests can also take advantage of Holland America Line's Exclusive Mariner Society Early Booking Bonus. Mariner Society loyalty members can enjoy up to $400 onboard credit per stateroom when these cruises open for sale. Guests must book these cruises by Aug. 27, 2025, to receive the Exclusive Mariner Society Early Booking Bonus. For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit Holland America Line has been exploring the world for 150+ years with expertly crafted itineraries, extraordinary service and genuine connections to the destinations. Offering an ideal perfectly-sized ship experience, its fleet visits nearly 400 ports in 114 countries around the world and has shared the thrill of Alaska for more than 75 years — longer than any other cruise line. Holland America Line's 11 vessels feature a diverse range of enriching activities and amenities focused on destination immersion and personalized travel. Guests enjoy the best entertainment at sea, and dining venues featuring exclusive dishes by world-famous chefs. A new global fresh fish program brings more than 80 types of fresh fish on board, sourced and served locally in regions around the world.
