Why Holland America is Europe’s Best-Kept Cruise Secret

This is a sponsored post for Holland A m erica.

If you love history, culture or natural beauty, few regions can combine all three in the way that Europe can. And a cruise around Europe gives you the chance to explore a wonderful variety of destinations in one getaway.

But you don’t just want to pick any cruise line. The secret to seeing the best that Europe has to offer is to pick a cruise line that has a true understanding of the continent. One that can offer an outstanding cruise experience both while you’re exploring and during the time spent sailing port-to-port.

Enter Holland America – a premium cruise line that has a fantastic range of cruises around Europe to enjoy. Let me tell you more.

Big savings and up to $400 onboard credit with the Start Your Journey Sale!

Book Have It All fares to explore Europe with shore excursion credit, drink package, speciality dining, WiFi and more all included!

Stunning European destinations

Holland America offers a wide variety of European cruise itineraries, each designed to showcase the diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant cultures of the continent—from the dramatic coastlines of the north to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean.

Norwegian Fjords

For anyone who’s in the mood for awe-inspiring natural beauty, a cruise through the Norwegian Fjords is an unforgettable experience.

You’ll sail through serene waters surrounded by towering cliffs, lush forests, and glacial peaks, while calling at charming villages like Bergen, where you can immerse yourself in Norwegian culture. Or you may take excursions to view the stunning waterfalls of Geirangerfjord.

Check out this 7-day Norwegian Fjords & Scotland itinerary!

Western Mediterranean

Holland America’s Western Mediterranean cruises provide a captivating blend of history, art, and vibrant coastal cities. From the iconic architecture of Barcelona to the ancient ruins of Rome, these itineraries let you explore the Mediterranean’s finest treasures.

With excellent shore excursions and a luxurious onboard experience, you’ll discover the heart of Europe’s most popular destinations.

Check out this 7-day Western Mediterranean itinerary!

Aegean & Eastern Mediterranean

For a taste of the ancient world and breathtaking beauty, the Aegean & Eastern Mediterranean cruises are an exceptional choice.

Discover the ruins of ancient Greece in Athens, explore the charming streets of Santorini, or unwind on the sun-kissed beaches of Mykonos. Holland America’s expertly crafted itineraries also take you to lesser-known gems such as Korcula or the historic city of Kotor.

Check out this 14-day Eastern Mediterranean & Rhodes itinerary!

British Isles

Sailing around the British Isles offers a captivating mix of history, culture, and scenic beauty. From the iconic landmarks of London and Edinburgh to the rugged landscapes of rural Scotland and Ireland, you’ll explore charming villages, medieval castles, and picturesque coastlines.

Holland America’s British Isles cruises give you a chance to experience the unique charm of this region, combining rich heritage with modern delights.

Check out this 14-day Wild British Isles: Waterford itinerary!

Baltic Sea

Baltic cruises are perfect for discovering the rich history and striking architecture of Northern Europe. Explore Copenhagen’s royal palaces and vibrant waterfront, stroll through Tallinn’s medieval Old Town, or uncover the charm of Riga’s Art Nouveau district.

With its blend of cultural landmarks and scenic beauty, the Baltic promises an unforgettable cruise experience.

Check out this 14-day Baltic & Scandinavian Capitals itinerary!

Why Holland America makes Europe even more special

With Holland America, you’re seeing Europe in the best light. This premium cruise line knows how to showcase every region around the continent, so that you get a true sense of the culture of your destinations.

Curated itineraries

Holland America’s European cruises are thoughtfully designed. Each itinerary is crafted with signature sites and hidden gems, ensuring you experience the diversity of Europe’s landscapes and cultures – whether it’s the art and architecture of Florence or the scenic fjords of Norway.

Longer stays in port

Holland America gives you the chance to truly immerse yourself in each destination with longer stays in port. With late-night and even overnight stops in iconic cities like Stockholm, Trieste (Venice), and Rhodes, you’ll have more time to explore beyond the surface and discover the local culture, history, and nightlife.

Elegant excursions

The cruise line’s shore excursions take you beyond the usual tourist spots. Sail through Paris on a riverboat, hike with huskies in Norway, or sample local delicacies in Greece. Each experience is designed to offer you a genuine and memorable connection to the places you visit.

Oslo riverboat excursion with Holland America

Authentic immersion

With deep European roots, Holland America brings you authentic regional wines and cuisines to make your culinary journey just as memorable as your travels. From enjoying fresh Mediterranean seafood to sipping local wines in the Canary Islands, you’ll taste the true flavours of Europe.

Reasons to cruise with Holland America

Regardless of your choice of destination, Holland America is an outstanding cruise line, for so many reasons. Here are just some of the best:

Award-winning service

Award-winning service is at the heart of Holland America’s experience. Recognised for Best Service in the 2024 Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards, their crew goes above and beyond to ensure your cruise is as seamless and enjoyable as possible.

Enjoy classic touches like Royal Dutch Tea, after-dinner mints, and the lively Orange Party, alongside contemporary features like special themed dinners and turndown service inspired by the cruise line’s Dutch heritage.

Perfectly-sized ships

Holland America’s ships are the perfect balance of spacious and intimate. Large enough to offer a wealth of dining, entertainment, and relaxation options, yet small enough to reach ports that megaships simply can’t access.

This means you can explore even the most remote and charming corners of Europe, all while enjoying a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere onboard.

Destination dining

Indulge in a culinary journey that brings the flavours of Europe directly to your table. With locally sourced European ingredients, you can savour authentic dishes made by some of the best chefs at sea.

The cruise line’s Global Fresh Fish Program is the first of its kind, with more than 80 varieties of fish offered across the fleet, sourced from more than 60 different ports around the world.

Whether dining in one of the elegant onboard restaurants or enjoying a casual bite, every meal is an experience to remember.

Enriching activities and entertainment

Holland America offers a range of activities to engage your body, mind, and spirit. While the cruise line has a relaxed atmosphere onboard, there’s still plenty to enjoy – from exercise sessions and spa treatments to enriching lectures and performances.

You can also attend live entertainment, including classical performances by the Chordial Chamber Trio and European tenor shows like Pantheon. From wellness to entertainment, there’s always something to enrich your cruise experience.

Start Your Journey with Holland America

Now’s a great time to book your Holland America cruise to Europe with the Start Your Journey Sale!

Across a huge range of European itineraries you can get up to 25% off your cruise fare, free stateroom upgrades, up to $400 to spend onboard your cruise, reduced fares for kids and more whenever you book the Have It All package.

Have It All is Holland America’s more inclusive fare, letting you enjoy the most popular amenities for one fantastic price. You’ll enjoy shore excursion credit, a Signature Beverage Package, speciality dining meals, gratuities and WiFi all included in the price you pay.

But if you want to take advantage of the Start Your Journey Sale then you need to be quick – the offer ends on 28^th February!

Final word

Holland America offers an unforgettable way to explore Europe, combining luxury, culture, and adventure in one seamless cruise experience.

Whether you’re gazing at the Norwegian fjords, sampling Mediterranean cuisine, or soaking up the history of the Baltic, a cruise with Holland America brings Europe’s beauty to life in ways that only a premium cruise line can.