Every year, Christmas markets draw thousands of river cruise guests to Europe, and Holland America Line offers a new take on holiday itineraries.
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While the Christmas markets draw large numbers of river cruise guests to Europe each year, Holland America Line offers passengers an alternative holiday itinerary.
The cruise company plans to operate two Christmas market cruises in 2027 as part of its expanding presence in Europe, as well as offer year-round cruises in Europe. The itinerary of the New Statendam ship, which carries about 2,700 guests on this line, incorporates a celebratory stop on its ocean voyage.
“There’s something special about experiencing European Christmas markets on an ocean cruise because of the range,” Paul Grigsby, the cruise line’s vice president of development and itinerary planning, told USA TODAY. “Rather than focusing on a single country or small region, ocean voyages allow us to connect multiple countries and traditions in one seamless journey. Its broad reach means our guests won’t see just one style of market or one interpretation of a holiday.”
When does Holland America’s Christmas Market Cruise take place?
The 13-day Baltic and Scandinavian Christmas Market Cruise will depart on December 5, 2027, followed by the longer 15-day Baltic and Scandinavian Christmas Market Holiday Cruise on December 18, both with round-trips from Rotterdam, Netherlands. Each cruise includes the option to return from Dover, England instead.
Where does Holland America’s Christmas Market Cruise go?
The 13-day itinerary includes stops in Kiel, Germany, with access to Hamburg’s Christmas Market, as well as Tallinn and Copenhagen, Estonia. Guests will stay in Stockholm and Helsinki.
“We can include places like Helsinki, which is a port only accessible by sea and has a great Christmas market on Senate Square, and then work with our shore excursion team to create something even more memorable, in this case a visit to Lapland, known to many as the homeland of Santa Claus,” Grigsby added. “That’s where ocean itineraries really shine.”
The 15-day option, on the other hand, includes overnight stays in Hamburg and Copenhagen, a visit to Aarhus, Denmark, and multiple stops in Norway, including Oslo, Kristiansand and Stavanger. “By extending our stay in Bergen, guests will be able to leave the city and experience the surrounding winter landscape, from fjords to mountain villages,” the cruise line said in a news release.
Additionally, this trip takes place during both Christmas and New Year.
How much does Holland America’s Christmas Market Cruise cost?
13-day itineraries start at $2,544 per person based on double occupancy, including fees and taxes, and 15-day cruises start at $2,974. Holland America’s fares include accommodations, many meals, entertainment, and more.
This article has been updated to update the headline.
Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. Please contact us at ndiller@usatoday.com.
