Holland America Line has spotlighted its Arctic Journey & Northern Lights voyages aboard the Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam in October and November 2026.
These voyages allow guests to see the northern lights above the Arctic Circle, where they can witness open views of the night sky from the deck in an area with minimal light pollution.
According to a press release, the Earth is experiencing heightened solar activity, and with the next peak in the sun’s activity cycle expected only in the mid-2030s, the coming fall and winter are thought to offer the perfect opportunity to witness the phenomenon.
“We’re currently in a period of heightened solar activity, making this one of the best times in years to see the northern lights,” said Adam Burgasser, professor of astronomy and astrophysics at the University of California San Diego.
“The coming fall and winter seasons offer some of the best viewing opportunities in the Northern Hemisphere. A cruise is an especially rewarding way to experience the phenomenon, with wide-open views of the dark night sky and little interference from city lights. If seeing the northern lights is on your bucket list, now is the time.”
The Arctic Journey & Northern Lights departures for 2026 include:
Rotterdam
- Rotterdam to Amsterdam, departing Oct. 4, 2026 (14 days)
Nieuw Statendam
- Dover (London) to Rotterdam, departing Oct. 16, 2026 (15 days)
- Roundtrip Rotterdam, departing Oct. 17, 2026 (14 days)
- Roundtrip Rotterdam, departing Nov. 7, 2026 (14 days)
Among the highlights are extended calls and overnight stays in Tromsø and Alta, where guests can spend up to 36 or 30 hours, respectively, depending on the itinerary.
Ashore, guests can also immerse themselves in Sámi culture, enjoy reindeer experiences and join guided northern lights tours, such as the “Searching for the Northern Lights at Pæskatun,” which takes guests to a mountaintop aurora camp, and “Hunting for the Northern Lights from the Fjord.”
Onboard, northern lights wake-up calls when the aurora is visible are available so that guests don’t miss the phenomenon.
