21 Night Cruise sailing from Rotterdam return aboard Volendam.

Elegant and spacious, Volendam takes her décor cues from the garden. Her grand public spaces are graced with floral fabrics and tapestries, as well as huge vases of fresh floral arrangements. While on board, explore the wonders of nature in BBC Earth Experiences. Enjoy a cooking show or hands-on workshop with America’s Test Kitchen. Relax with a spa treatment at the Greenhouse Salon & Spa. Or dine in one of our selection of fine restaurants.

Highlights of this cruise:

In partnership with HAL and AFAR.

Rotterdam, The Netherlands
The Netherlands’ second-largest city and Europe’s busiest port is home to some of the 20th and 21st centuries' most important architectural feats, which is particularly impressive when you consider that nearly all of Rotterdam was razed to the ground during World War II. Sometimes referred to as “Manhattan-on-the-Maas,” the city lives up to its reputation as a forward-looking metropolis with fascinating design and some of the Netherlands' finest museums and most trendy shops.

Marvel at buildings by starchitects Rem Koolhaas and Norman Foster or get lost in the maze of gabled homes in historic Delfshaven, the point from which the Pilgrims set sail for the New World aboard the Speedwell in 1620. In the postwar years, Rotterdam has also become one of the most diverse cities on the continent as waves of migrants from elsewhere in Europe, North Africa and Turkey have come to work in the shipping industry, concentrated here thanks to the city’s location on the deltas of the Rhine and Maas rivers. With its sweeping harbor and massive Europoort, the city has quickly grown to become the largest port in all of Europe.

Bergen, Norway
Beautiful Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city, is one of the most popular ports of call on a cruise up the fjords. Step off the ship into the medieval Bryggen wharf area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, where small boats line the harbor and wooden gabled buildings stand proud along the waterfront. Bergen’s rich maritime tradition goes back nearly 1,000 years, including the years the town played an important part in the Hanseatic League, the trading empire that dominated maritime commerce in the region between the 14th and 18th centuries. The city is one of Europe’s oldest settlements, and its cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways lead to emerald-green parks, medieval cathedrals and stone fortresses that kept enemies at bay centuries ago. It's also eminently walkable, with historic buildings and excellent markets selling everything from fish and produce to trinkets and souvenirs.

Surrounded by mountains and thick forest, and sitting halfway between Geiranger to the north and Stavanger to the south, Bergen offers plenty to do outside the city too. Whether you sign up for a guided excursion or venture out on your own, you’ll be sure to fall in love with Bergen.

Longyearbyen, Norway
One of the world’s unique destinations, the Svalbard archipelago lies over 640 kilometers (400 miles) north of the Norwegian mainland, deep inside the Arctic Circle. Amid the vast wilderness of mountains and glaciers is Longyearbyen, a tiny, thriving community of miners, researchers, students and their families who endure the harsh conditions to make this small town the northernmost permanently inhabited place on earth. The archipelago’s economy, along with its unique governance—Svalbard is administered by Norway, but citizens of many other countries can move here—means there is a much stronger international influence here than you might expect. Svalbard Church welcomes all nationalities and all faiths, and while the main language and currency is Norwegian, you’ll find an incredibly diverse range of backgrounds among the 3,000 human residents.The archipelago is also home to a few thousand polar bears. Although rarely seen close to Longyearbyen in the summer months, polar bears roam the islands all year round, so tourists are not allowed to leave Longyearbyen without a guide. But don't let this put you off exploring the town. To fully appreciate this remarkable location, a stroll around to chat with the locals and visit the museums is a must.

Scenic Cruising Polar Icecap
From mid-May until the end of July, the Midnight Sun shines over the polar cap and Svalbard, the West Virginia–size archipelago that lies 800 kilometers (500 miles) directly north of Norway in the Arctic Ocean. An apt name, Svalbard means “cold edge.” But under the Gulf Stream’s moderating influence, packed sea ice melts in the summer, and visitors are captivated by the rugged landforms and wildlife of one of the remotest places on Earth. Every year, the journey varies as changing ice floes dictate where ships can freely and safely sail up to the edge of the polar ice cap.

Many Svalbard place names are derived from English, such as Nelsonøya, for Admiral Nelson who came as a young midshipman and surely marveled at the polar bears, sea lions and walruses lazing about on floes and the three million birds that congregate. Only 45 kilometers (28 miles) of road lace the islands that are dominated by glaciers and serrated peaks and below which an endemic species of reindeer survives on the summer tundra when it explodes with wildflowers. After centuries of whaling, the region’s economy ultimately turned its focus to mining (which continues to this day), and thankfully whale species such as beluga, humpback, orca and narwhal are on the rebound.

Reykjavik, Iceland
Cruise to Iceland on one of Holland America Line European Cruises . Laid-back and effortlessly cool, the world's most northerly capital, Reykjavik, is like nowhere else on earth. With geothermal water pumping through its veins and a staggering backdrop of gnarly lava fields, majestic glaciers and rainbow-colored houses, Reykjavík is famous for its natural wonders and dramatic scenery. But what is less well known is that the diminutive Icelandic city has cultural offerings to rival many destinations twice its size. During your stop on a cruise to Iceland, enjoy one of the many shore excursions like bathing in the Blue Lagoon or take a tour of one of many world-class museums or at galleries. During the evening relax at a cozy café or a bar. A thriving food scene showcases traditional Nordic cuisine, as well as modern and international trends, and the city’s creative output is in high gear with internationally acclaimed designers, musicians and artists. Explore this one of a kind Icelandic city on a northern European cruise today!