Holland America expands off-season cruise options in the Mediterranean
As interest in slow travel in Europe grows, Holland America Line is expanding options for unhurried exploration in the Mediterranean during the region's quieter season.
"Peak season for the Mediterranean is typically spring through early fall, but the off-season has its advantages," said Dennis Post of Postcard Travel Planning, Come Cruise With Me's travel agent partner. "Winter cruises offer cooler weather to sightsee, cheaper prices, lower flight costs, less crowds, and very special Christmas markets in places like Rome and Greece. It's a great value to cruise the Mediterranean in the off-season if you don't want to go to the beach and don't mind cooler weather."
For those interested in a slower-paced trip to the Mediterranean, the off-season is an ideal time to visit. An emerging travel trend, slow travel appeals to 26% of long-haul travelers to Europe in 2026, up from 22% in 2025, according to the European Travel Commission's Long-Haul Travel Barometer 1/2026.
From the Mediterranean to Northern Europe, Holland America Line is inviting cruisers to embrace slow travel in the quiet season as it introduces an expanded lineup of off-season Europe cruises for the 2027-2028 season. The new collection of sailings features a wide range of itineraries curated for travelers looking for a less crowded and more authentic way to experience multiple European destinations seamlessly.
In addition to expanding off-season Europe sailings with Christmas market cruises in Northern Europe and winter cruises to the Mediterranean aboard Nieuw Statendam, Holland America is adding fall cruises in the Mediterranean aboard its refined flagship vessel, Rotterdam.
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Rotterdam to sail standout series of Mediterranean cruises in fall 2027
In October and November 2027, Holland America Line's Rotterdam will sail 10- and 11-day Western and Eastern Mediterranean voyages, offering a more relaxed and immersive way to explore sought-after European destinations on a flagship vessel.
"We know how much our guests love sailing on Rotterdam, and the Mediterranean is always in high demand," said Holland America Line Vice President of Revenue Planning Paul Grigsby. "There's something really special about seeing the flagship sailing in iconic ports like Bilbao, Naples and Rhodes for the first time, and it's a moment we're excited to share with our guests."
Related: Holland America Line unveils new voyages on reimagined cruise ship
Rotterdam's new itineraries feature some of the Mediterranean's most captivating ports of call, from the elegant allure of Lisbon, Portugal and dramatic coastline of Naples, Italy to the fjord-like beauty of Kotor, Montenegro, and the ancient charm of Rhodes, Greece and Alexandria, Egypt.
Select sailings add a cinematic touch with scenic cruising through the Strait of Messina and past Stromboli, one of the world's most active volcanoes - a glowing "lighthouse of the Mediterreanean" standing tall above the Tyrrhenian Sea off the coast of Sicily.
Rotterdam's Mediterranean cruises offer more time in port and different ways to explore
Each of Rotterdam's Mediterranean itineraries features a mix of well-known cities and off-the-beaten-path places to discover, with enough time allocated to each port to allow for leisurely paced exploration.
Shore excursions offer opportunities to wander the sun-bleached ancient ruins of Ephesus from Kusadasi, Turkey, walk in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius among the haunting remains of Pompeii from Naples, or stroll through the cobblestone lanes of Kotor's medieval Old Town. For deeper cultural connections, passengers can choose immersive experiences designed to forge authentic, memorable connections with destinations.
Related: What your travel agent needs to know to book your cruise
In addition to delivering more time in ports, each itinerary is unique, and combinable for a more expansive taste of the region. One 21-day option pairs two Greek Isles itineraries for a deep dive into Greece and Turkey, paired with a visit to Alexandria (Cairo), Egypt and the Holy Land with an overnight in Haifa (Tel Aviv), Israel.
And for those who want more time to rest and recharge on a slow travel cruise vacation, a 14-day cultural crossing from Barcelona to Fort Lauderdale, Florida offers the chance to visit Valencia, Alicante, and Málaga, Spain; and Tangier, Morocco, followed by several relaxing days at sea.
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Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
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This story was originally published June 23, 2026 at 8:18 AM.