Holland America Line has reported a surge in demand for Europe cruises, with bookings for its 2026 season up more than a third compared to this time last year
The line said the rise is especially notable in its Northern Europe voyages, an increase of nearly 50 per cent year over year, as travellers look for sight-seeing opportunities and “easy‑to‑explore” cities.
The spike in demand has also been driven by the line’s ex-UK departures from Dover, as well as itineraries out of Rotterdam.
Dan Rough, vice president of revenue management for Holland America Line, said: “Given the strong pace of bookings we’re seeing and our ‘Start Your Journey Sale’ promotion underway, I’d recommend anyone considering a summer European cruise book soon.
“With our Dutch roots and unmatched expertise in the region, guests know they’re travelling with the European cruise experts when they choose Holland America. These voyages will sell out and at the fast pace we are seeing this year, now is a good time for guests to secure their ideal cruise.”
Customers seeking richer shoreside experience was noted last week by Travelsphere and Just You trade sales director Tom Morgan, who told Cruise Trade News that travel “doesn’t have to be a choice between land or sea”.
Princess Cruises, meanwhile, confirmed plans to reposition the 3,560-guest Regal Princess to Europe in 2027 for a series of roundtrip itineraries from Southampton.
It came after the line revealed an expanded programme of sailings on the continent, featuring 48 voyages to 54 destinations across 18 countries, to run from April to August 2027, with itineraries on sale 13 January 2026.
Regal will return to the region to offer a series of combinable voyages departing from Southampton, as well as Copenhagen, Reykjavik and Helsinki. The programme includes sailings ranging between seven- to 64-nights visiting destinations across Northern Europe, Ireland & Scotland, the Mediterranean, and transatlantic voyages.