Grand Scandinavia & Arctic Circle Voyage
From Berlin’s Oktoberfest cheer to the glow of the Northern Lights, two consecutive Holland America Line voyages sweep across Northern Europe and the Arctic Circle. Begin in Amsterdam before setting sail through the Baltic, where historic ports and elegant cities unfold in gentle succession. In Warnemunde, the gateway to Berlin, raise a stein amid the colour and camaraderie of Oktoberfest, one of Europe’s best-loved autumn traditions.
A short stay in Rotterdam links the two voyages, before you turn north in search of nature’s most elusive spectacle. Crossing the Arctic Circle not once but twice, you’ll sail past Norway’s dramatic fjords and remote northern outposts, scanning the night sky for the shimmering Northern Lights. Two consecutive Holland America Line voyages combine effortlessly to create one grand European adventure, blending festival cheer, coastal charm, and the pursuit of nature’s most captivating phenomenon.
Departs 16 September 2027 for 32 nights
from Sydney or Perth
- Inside from $10,999 pp twin share*
- Ocean View from $12,999 pp twin share*
- Verandah from $13,999 pp twin share*
from Melbourne
- Inside from $11,199 pp twin share*
- Ocean View from $13,199 pp twin share*
- Verandah from $14,199 pp twin share*
from Brisbane
- Inside from $11,299 pp twin share*
- Ocean View from $13,299 pp twin share*
- Verandah from $14,299 pp twin share*
* Please note: prices are subject to availability at the time of booking and may change or be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Fly Overnight to Amsterdam
Your holiday begins as you fly from Australia to your destination.
Day 2 – Amsterdam: Hotel Stay
Touching down in the Netherlands, settle into your Amsterdam hotel for the night. Criss-crossed by tranquil canals and lined with gabled townhouses, the city offers an inviting introduction to Northern Europe before your voyage begins.
Day 3 – Amsterdam: Embark on Nieuw Statendam
From modern staterooms and suites to fine dining restaurants and lounges, Nieuw Statendam delivers an unforgettable experience. The ship also features a pool, spa & fitness centre, theatre, and multiple bars and lounges.
Day 4 – Relax At Sea
Day 5 – Oslo
Norway’s elegant capital greets you with a striking mix of medieval fortresses and cutting-edge architecture. Wander the harbourside Aker Brygge district, admire the Viking Ship Museum’s ancient vessels, or take in views from Akershus Fortress.
Day 6 – Aarhus
Denmark’s second city charms with cobbled lanes, colourful merchant houses, and a thriving cultural scene. Explore the open-air Den Gamle By museum or wander the striking ARoS Aarhus Art Museum, home to its rainbow-hued rooftop walkway.
Day 7 – Kiel
From the port of Kiel, venture inland to Hamburg, a city of grand warehouses and maritime heritage. Explore the historic Speicherstadt district or admire the striking HafenCity before returning to the ship for the evening.
Day 8 – Berlin
Warnemunde serves as your point of entry to Berlin, where autumn brings the colour and camaraderie of Oktoberfest season. Wander the city’s grand boulevards and historic landmarks, or join the celebrations with a hearty toast among fellow revellers.
Day 9 – Bornholm
Denmark’s sunniest island offers a laid-back escape of half-timbered fishing villages, sandy coves, and cliff-top ruins. Cycle along quiet country lanes or sample the island’s celebrated smoked herring in a harbourside café.
Day 10 – Gdansk
From Gdynia, discover nearby Gdansk, a beautifully restored Hanseatic city of pastel facades and amber workshops. Wander the historic Long Market or delve into the city’s poignant wartime history at the Museum of the Second World War.
Day 11 – Klaipeda
Lithuania’s only seaport blends German and Baltic influences across its cobbled old town. Explore the sculpture-lined streets, browse amber jewellery in local workshops, or venture to the wild dunes of the nearby Curonian Spit.
Day 12 – Riga
Latvia’s UNESCO-listed capital dazzles with the finest collection of Art Nouveau architecture in Europe. Wander the medieval old town’s spires and courtyards, or browse the bustling Central Market housed in converted Zeppelin hangars.
Day 13 – Relax At Sea
Day 14 – Copenhagen
Denmark’s storybook capital charms with colourful harbourside houses, elegant palaces, and a laid-back Scandinavian ease. Cycle past Nyhavn’s waterfront cafés, explore Christiansborg Palace, or simply while away an afternoon among the city’s effortless style.
Day 15 – Relax At Sea
Day 16 – Dover
From the White Cliffs of Dover, London awaits with its unmistakable blend of royal grandeur and modern energy. Explore historic landmarks along the Thames or wander the city’s celebrated markets before returning to the ship.
Day 17 – Rotterdam: Disembark & Amsterdam Hotel Stay
Disembark in Rotterdam and settle into your hotel for the night. Renowned for its bold modern architecture and inventive skyline, the city offers a striking contrast to the historic ports visited so far, ahead of your second voyage.
Day 18 – Rotterdam: Embark on Rotterdam
Transfer back to the port and embark once more, setting sail as your voyage turns north towards Norway’s rugged coastline and the pursuit of the aurora borealis above the Arctic Circle.
Day 19 – Relax At Sea
Day 20 – Alesund
Rebuilt in striking Art Nouveau style after a devastating fire, Alesund is one of Norway’s most photogenic towns. Climb the Aksla viewpoint for far-reaching views over the harbour and surrounding fjords, or wander the turreted waterfront streets.
Day 21 – Trondheim – Trondheimsfjord
Norway’s former Viking capital welcomes you with its soaring Nidaros Cathedral and colourful wooden warehouses. As the ship departs, enjoy scenic cruising along Trondheimsfjord, its steep-sided shores unfolding in quiet, unhurried beauty.
Day 22 – Relax At Sea
Day 23 – Tromso: Overnight in Port
Known as the Gateway to the Arctic, Tromso blends a lively cultural scene with striking mountain scenery. Ride the cable car up Mount Storsteinen for panoramic views, or explore the Arctic Cathedral by the waterfront.
Day 24 – Tromso
Enjoy a second day to discover Tromso at your own pace. Wander the compact centre’s cafés and galleries, or venture further afield in search of reindeer, husky farms, and the region’s wild Arctic landscapes.
Day 25 – Alta: Overnight in Port
Alta is renowned as one of the best places on Earth to witness the Northern Lights, its clear polar skies rarely dimmed by light pollution. By day, discover ancient rock carvings recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 26 – Alta
A second day in Alta offers further opportunity to chase the aurora after dark, or explore the surrounding wilderness by day, taking in ancient canyons and the region’s untouched Arctic scenery.
Day 27 – Relax At Sea
Day 28 – Andalsnes
Encircled by soaring peaks, Andalsnes sits at the foot of the towering Romsdalen valley. Ride the Rauma Railway for one of Europe’s most scenic rail journeys, or admire the jagged Trollveggen cliff face from the fjord below.
Day 29 – Bergen
Norway’s fjord capital charms with its UNESCO-listed Bryggen wharf, colourful wooden buildings lining the harbour front. Ride the Floibanen funicular for sweeping views over the city, or wander the bustling fish market by the quay.
Day 30 – Lerwick
The remote Shetland Islands offer a wild, windswept beauty far removed from mainland Britain. Discover ancient Viking heritage, rugged cliff-top scenery, and the archipelago’s rich seafaring history, or simply enjoy the islands’ quiet, unhurried charm.
Day 31 – Relax At Sea
Day 32 – Rotterdam: Disembark Ship
Disembark your ship in Rotterdam and make your way to the airport for your journey home.
Day 33 – Fly Home
Your holiday comes to an end as you board your flight home.
* Please note that cruise itineraries are subject to change at any time by the cruise company and are not guaranteed
Highlights
- Full-board cruising on Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam with all meals and entertainment included
- Two-night Amsterdam hotel stay with breakfast before embarkation
- Ideal for travellers seeking both cultural festivals and natural phenomena in one grand voyage
From Berlin’s Oktoberfest cheer to the glow of the Northern Lights, two consecutive Holland America Line voyages sweep across Northern Europe and the Arctic Circle. Begin in Amsterdam before setting sail through the Baltic, where historic ports and elegant cities unfold in gentle succession. In Warnemunde, the gateway to Berlin, raise a stein amid the colour and camaraderie of Oktoberfest, one of Europe’s best-loved autumn traditions.
A short stay in Rotterdam links the two voyages, before you turn north in search of nature’s most elusive spectacle. Crossing the Arctic Circle not once but twice, you’ll sail past Norway’s dramatic fjords and remote northern outposts, scanning the night sky for the shimmering Northern Lights. Two consecutive Holland America Line voyages combine effortlessly to create one grand European adventure, blending festival cheer, coastal charm, and the pursuit of nature’s most captivating phenomenon.
Inclusions
- 14 night full-board cruise on board Nieuw Statendam
- 14 night full-board cruise on board Rotterdam
- Overnight in port in Tromso and Alta
- 2 nights four-star hotel stay in Amsterdam at the Novotel Amsterdam City with breakfast
- All flights, taxes & transfers
Holiday duration includes overnight flights when applicable and is subject to change.
Exclusions
- Travel Insurance
- Shore Excursions
FAQs
NIEUW STATENDAM
Nieuw Statendam is one of the newest vessels in the Holland America Line fleet offering a wide range of activities and amenities for passengers. From its modern staterooms and suites to its fine dining restaurants and lounges, Nieuw Statendam provides a truly unforgettable cruise experience. The ship also features a spa and fitness centre, a theatre, a pool, and multiple bars and lounges, including the popular Music Walk.
ROTTERDAM
The impressively designed Rotterdam offers offers guests the ultimate in service and comfort with a wide variety of amenities, 1,340 staterooms and delicious gourmet dining experiences. Passengers can relax in the plush spa and pool area, take part in enrichment programs like wine tastings or exciting shore excursions. Rotterdam also offers state-of-the-art entertainment options including first-run movies, stage productions and even an interactive game show night. With its classic design, modern amenities and luxurious touches, Rotterdam is sure to provide an unforgettable cruise experience.
Staterooms
Inside – provides passengers with a comfortable and modern experience, ample amenities including Signature Mariner’s Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, vanity desk with chair, flat-screen TV, private bathroom with shower, toilet, and basin, telephone and safe.
Ocean View – these staterooms enjoy a large porthole-style window for a pleasant view of the ocean. Features include Signature Mariner’s Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, separate seating area, vanity desk with chair, flat-screen TV, private bathroom with shower, toilet, and basin, telephone and safe.
Verandah – spacious staterooms offering full-length windows and a private verandah, ideal to witness the majestic sunsets in the comfort. Guests can enjoy plenty of floor space with a separate seating area, floor-to-ceiling window, separate seating area, vanity desk with chair, flat-screen TV, private bathroom with shower, toilet, and basin, telephone and safe.
What is included in this holiday?
The holiday includes two full-board Holland America Line cruises, a two-night four-star hotel stay in Amsterdam with breakfast, all flights, taxes and transfers.
How long is the holiday?
The holiday is 32 nights, including overnight flights where applicable.
When does the holiday depart?
The holiday departs on 16 September 2027.
Which cruise ships will I travel on?
The first voyage is aboard Nieuw Statendam, followed by a second voyage aboard Rotterdam, both operated by Holland America Line.
Where does the holiday begin?
The holiday begins with an overnight flight from Australia to Amsterdam, followed by a hotel stay before embarking on Nieuw Statendam.
Is accommodation in Amsterdam included?
Yes. The package includes a two-night four-star hotel stay at the Novotel Amsterdam City, or a similar hotel, with breakfast.
Will I have two separate cruises?
Yes. The itinerary combines two consecutive Holland America Line voyages. After the first cruise, you disembark in Rotterdam and have a hotel stay before embarking on the second voyage.
Does the itinerary include the Northern Lights?
The second voyage travels north into the Arctic Circle, including overnight stays in Tromso and Alta. These destinations provide opportunities to search for the Northern Lights, although sightings depend on weather and natural conditions.
Which destinations are visited?
The itinerary includes Amsterdam, Oslo, Aarhus, Kiel, Berlin, Bornholm, Gdansk, Klaipeda, Riga, Copenhagen, Dover, Rotterdam, Alesund, Trondheim, Tromso, Alta, Andalsnes, Bergen and Lerwick, along with several days at sea.
Are there overnight stays in port?
Yes. The itinerary includes overnight stays in Tromso and Alta during the second voyage.
What accommodation options are available on the cruise?
The listed stateroom categories include Inside, Ocean View and Verandah. A Signature Suite is also shown on the website, but is currently listed as sold out.
Provided by: Imagine CruisingFine Print
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