Europe by Sea with Holland America

Sail Through History – Explore Europe by Sea with Holland America

Experience Europe the way it was meant to be seen — from the sea. With Holland America Line, you'll explore iconic cities, charming coastal villages, and hidden gems across the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and the British Isles — all from the comfort of an elegant mid-sized ship. Whether it’s your first trip abroad or a return to your favorite places, I’ll help you plan a seamless European cruise you’ll never forget.

Why Choose a European Cruise with Holland America?

• Unpack Once, Explore More – Sail through multiple countries without the stress of airports, trains, or hotel hopping.

• Culturally Rich Itineraries – Stop in world-renowned cities like Rome, Venice, Barcelona, Athens, and Dubrovnik — and lesser-known gems like Kotor, Tallinn, or Cinque Terre.

• Shore Excursions Designed for Discovery – Guided city tours, wine tastings, UNESCO World Heritage sites, cooking classes, and historical landmarks.

• Smaller Ships = Bigger Experiences – HAL’s ships can access ports many mega-ships can’t — giving you a more intimate, immersive European journey.

Popular Regions & Sample Itineraries

Black sand beach in Santorini Greece

The Mediterranean

• Ports may include: Rome, Florence, Nice, Dubrovnik, Barcelona, Athens.

• Explore ancient ruins, sunny coastlines, and culinary capitals of the world.

Northern Europe & the Baltics

• Ports may include: Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki, Tallinn, St. Petersburg.

• Ideal for history buffs and culture lovers with breathtaking architecture and museums.

British Isles & Western Europe

• Ports may include: Dublin, Belfast, Edinburgh, Amsterdam, Bruges.

• Discover castles, coastlines, and charming small towns with rich heritage.

Onboard Elegance Meets European Flavor

• Enjoy fine dining inspired by your destinations — from French wine pairings to Mediterranean seafood (or just stick to the steakhouse if you prefer!).

• Enrichment programs, classical music, and cultural lectures give context to the cities you’ll explore each day.

• Spa treatments and quiet lounges let you unwind between ports.

Main dining room on the ms Rotterdam

Perfect for Couples and Families with Teens

• Slower-paced excursions and enriching onboard activities make it a wonderful fit for older children, multi-generational trips, or romantic getaways.

• No overwhelming crowds or over-the-top entertainment — just immersive travel, luxury, and space to breathe.

Let’s Plan Your European Escape

Every traveler dreams of Europe. Why not experience it with comfort, service, and a personal travel planner to handle the details? I’ll help you choose the right itinerary, ship, and shore excursions so your journey is stress-free from the moment you book. Looking for some different Island Vibes? Check out my post about Caribbean Cruises.