SEATTLE – 27 July 2026 – Holland America Line will operate four Arctic Journey & Northern Lights departures aboard Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam in October and November 2026, offering extended periods of darkness in Arctic Norway for viewing the aurora, according to the cruise line’s official announcement.
The programme comprises one departure aboard Rotterdam and three aboard Nieuw Statendam. The itineraries include extended calls and overnight stays in Tromsø and Alta, with further viewing opportunities available from the ships while sailing through areas with limited light pollution.
Sailings Timed for Longer Arctic Nights
Guests on the October departures can experience more than 30 hours of darkness while the ships are docked in Arctic Norway. The November departure provides nearly 60 hours of darkness in port. When nighttime at sea is included, Holland America Line estimates that the voyages can provide approximately 65 to 80 hours of darkness over four days.
The sailings are scheduled during a period of heightened solar activity. Adam Burgasser, professor of astronomy and astrophysics at the University of California San Diego, said:
“We’re currently in a period of heightened solar activity, making this one of the best times in years to see the northern lights. The coming fall and winter seasons offer some of the best viewing opportunities in the Northern Hemisphere.”
While the timing and location provide opportunities to see the aurora, sightings remain dependent on atmospheric and solar conditions.
Extended Visits Planned for Tromsø and Alta
Depending on the itinerary, guests can spend up to 36 hours in Tromsø and 30 hours in Alta. The longer calls allow time for daytime exploration and Northern Lights activities after dark.
In Alta, the Searching for the Northern Lights at Pæskatun excursion takes guests to a mountaintop aurora camp. The programme includes local storytelling and photography guidance, accompanied by coffee and cake.
The Hunting for the Northern Lights from the Fjord excursion in Tromsø travels beyond the city’s lights by boat. Guests can search for the aurora from the surrounding fjords while being served hot coffee or tea.
Other activities offered during the Arctic calls include experiences connected with Sámi culture and reindeer.
Aurora Viewing Continues at Sea
The ships provide further opportunities to watch for the Northern Lights after leaving port. Long periods of darkness and reduced artificial light at sea allow guests to continue looking for the aurora from the open decks.
Guests may also register for onboard wake-up calls when the Northern Lights become visible, reducing the possibility of missing activity during overnight hours.
Four Departures Scheduled for 2026
Rotterdam will operate a 14-day Arctic Journey & Northern Lights voyage from Rotterdam to Amsterdam, departing on 4 October 2026.
Nieuw Statendam will offer three departures:
- A 15-day voyage from Dover (London) to Rotterdam on 16 October
- A 14-day round-trip sailing from Rotterdam on 17 October
- A 14-day round-trip sailing from Rotterdam on 7 November
The itineraries travel above the Arctic Circle and include time in Northern Norway. The November departure provides the greatest amount of darkness among the four sailings.027.
Source: Official Press Release from Carnival Corporation / Holland America Line on 27 July 2026, Seattle.
