24-Day Arctic Circle, Northern Lights & Iberian Peninsula – Rotterdam – Holland America Line

HomeSearch24-Day Arctic Circle, Northern Lights & Iberian Peninsula – Rotterdam – Holland America Line – 2027-10-03

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Your itinerary

Rotterdam, Netherlands
Alesund
Trondheim
Scenic Cruising Trondheimsfjord
Crossing the Arctic Circle
Tromso
Tromso
Alta
Alta
Crossing the Arctic Circle
Andalsnes
Bergen
Lerwick, Shetlands
Rotterdam, Netherlands
Portsmouth, England, UK
Le Verdon (Bordeaux)
Bilbao
Lisbon
Cartagena, Spain
Valencia
Barcelona, Spain

Day 1

3rd Oct '27

Rotterdam, Netherlands

Often called the gateway to Europe, the port city of Rotterdam is full of old-world charm. The harbor offers amazing views and a maze of wharves and canals, along with towering spires make for a beautiful sight. Take a stroll and duck into one of the pubs or eateries along the way. Only three pre World War II buildings in the city centre have survived and are worth a look – city hall, St. Laurence church and the White House. Explore the Museum Boymans van Beuningen, which houses a unique collection dating from the 14th century, or the Museum Voor Volkenkunde – home to ethnological exhibits. Exquisite architecture can be seen in many areas of Rotterdam, most notably in the Delfshaven quarter of the city – where 18th century houses are on display. For a laugh, check out Kijk-Kubus, an upside-down house. More

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15:00

Day 2

4th Oct '27

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Day 3

5th Oct '27

Alesund

Ålesund, a quaint fishing town of approximately 45,000 in western Norway, has been called Norway’s most beautiful city. A fire in 1904 destroyed much of it, resulting in the town being rebuilt in the Art Nouveau style—also known as Jugendstil—that was popular around the turn of the 20th century. A year after the fire, Norway gained its independence from Sweden, which led to a campaign to build a “Norwegian town” to mark the creation of the new nation. The colorful buildings feature castlelike turrets and spires with intricate facades of ornamental flowers, gargoyles and Viking-inspired decorations. Bordering the Norwegian Sea, this area is also famous for its mountain ranges and fjords. For those looking for a more active visit, Ålesund offers great hiking, mountain biking and kayaking. One of the highlights is climbing the 418 steps that lead up Mount Aksla for a spectacular view of the city and the Sunnmøre Alps. Nearby is the Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautiful waterfalls. This is also home to Atlanterhavsparken, or the Atlantic Sea Park, one of the largest aquariums in Europe. More

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10:00

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21:00

Day 4

6th Oct '27

Trondheim

Founded in AD 997 as a Viking seat of power, Trondheim (then Nidaros ) holds the Nidaros Cathedral, where all Norwegian coronations take place and the crown jewels are kept. Sample shore excursion: Trondheim City Sightseeing. More

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11:00

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23:59

Day 4

6th Oct '27

Scenic Cruising Trondheimsfjord

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Day 5

7th Oct '27

Crossing the Arctic Circle

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Day 6

8th Oct '27

Tromso

Gateway to the Arctic and overhung by lofty snowcapped peaks, it’s still a bright and lively place, thanks to the Midnight Sun. Visit the Tromso and Polar Museums for fascinating displays of wildlife and Arctic explorations. More

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Day 7

9th Oct '27

Tromso

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22:00

Day 8

10th Oct '27

Alta

Alta, a 2½-hour drive from Hammerfest, is the commercial center at the head of Altafjord — home to some 12,000 inhabitants. Since 1791, the Sami people have come here to trade at the markets each March and December. Alta is situated at the 70th latitude, where pine forests and fertile land cover the wide valley, making it the northernmost place on earth where it is possible to grow barley. More

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Day 9

11th Oct '27

Alta

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14:00

Day 10

12th Oct '27

Crossing the Arctic Circle

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Day 11

13th Oct '27

Andalsnes

Åndalsnes lies at the mouth of the Rauma River by the Romsdalsfjord, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery and cascading waterfalls. In Gudbrand Gorge, delight in whirlpools, which flank this plunging stream as it races through a 65-feet-deep gorge between Valldal and the legendary Troll’s Path. The Stigfoss Waterfall plummets 591 feet into the Ister Valley, surrounded by three magnificent peaks. This spectacular scenic region also includes Trollveggan, a renowned climbing destination with a sheer rock face that rises 5,905 feet. More

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16:00

Day 12

14th Oct '27

Bergen

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. More

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8:00

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17:00

Day 13

15th Oct '27

Lerwick, Shetlands

The countryside is laced with lakes and vast peat bogs. Pause in the Tingwall valley to see the petite Shetland ponies; explore Jarlshof’s Stone, Bronze and Iron age ruins; take a ferry to Mousa to see the 200-year-old “broch,” or castle. More

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Day 14

16th Oct '27

At Sea

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Day 15

17th Oct '27

Rotterdam, Netherlands

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16:00

Day 16

18th Oct '27

Portsmouth, England, UK

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19:00

Day 17

19th Oct '27

At Sea

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Day 18

20th Oct '27

Le Verdon (Bordeaux)

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Day 19

21st Oct '27

Bilbao

This Basque city combines a heady mix of ancient roots and ultramodern sensibilities. If you like modern design, Bilbao’s got striking architecture—like Frank Gehry’s shiplike Guggenheim Museum, the soaring Isozaki towers and Calatrava’s glass-bottomed Zubizuri Bridge. If you seek older cultural highlights, there are historic buildings, traditional Basque cuisine and inviting cobblestone streets to explore. Outside Bilbao’s bustling center, there’s lots to discover. Find sweeping views and surprising meals—both traditional and avant-garde—waiting to be savored in hilltop communities. Learn about the Basques’ tragic history and promising future in Guernica, the city bombed by Fascist forces and immortalized by Picasso. Or spend a day in San Sebastián, exploring the historic center, the boardwalk and the curving bay, setting some time aside to sample the city’s famous Michelin-star worthy cuisine. More

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Day 20

22nd Oct '27

At Sea

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Day 21

23rd Oct '27

Lisbon

Find your way in the city that launched the Age of Discovery. Cross the River Tagus on its soaring suspension bridge, watched over by a colossal statue of Christ. Wander the maze of streets in the Alfama, the old Moorish quarter, dominated by the medieval Castle of St George where peacocks strut and shriek. Stroll the Baixa and refuse to leave without a pair of elegant shoes. More

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Day 22

24th Oct '27

At Sea

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Day 23

25th Oct '27

Cartagena, Spain

There are more than two millennia of history to embrace in this port city in Spain’s southeastern Murcia region. While Cartagena is famously home to the second-largest Roman amphitheater on the Iberian Peninsula, the city is much more than just spectacular ancient ruins. In addition to Cartagena’s architecture—along with that amphitheater, there are striking Art Nouveau buildings, neoclassical churches and ultramodern edifices throughout the city—you’ll find many opportunities to shop for local and regional artisan wares. In the city, investigate the restored medieval fortress looking out on the bay from the city’s highest point. Or take a short trip by car or bus to the historic Agrupa Vicenta Mines, the remarkable palm forest at Elche and the holy city of Caravaca. And the food of sunny Murcia! Friendly tapas bars with breezy terraces invite lingering over drinks, coffee or snacks. The local restaurants offer more than typical Spanish tapas on the menu—michirones (a spicy Murcian bean stew) and local spins on paella are widely available and worth a try. Grilled octopus, fried calamari, mussels and the freshest fish are some of the tasty benefits of the city’s perch beside the sea. More

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Day 24

26th Oct '27

Valencia

Famous for paella at Pepica’s, favorite of Ernest Hemingway when he came to Valencia for bullfight festivals. Overlooking the Gulf of Valencia and the Balearic Islands, this Spanish jewel blends ancient and new in its historic center, where the Barrio del Carmen neighborhood uses the old walls of the city in its more modern structures. Walk the cobblestone streets to the chic Colon Street, home to local boutiques-or take in the sublime views from Las Arenas beach or one of the many delightful plazas. Sample shore excursions: Valencia City Tour. More

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Day 25

27th Oct '27

Barcelona, Spain

On the northeast coast of Spain, overlooking the Mediterranean, Barcelona is a vibrant port city, packed with centuries of iconic art and architecture—Gaudí and Picasso both called it home—and lined with sunny white-sand beaches. Explore the Catalan capital’s tourist attractions and historic neighborhoods, Modernisme and world-renowned art museums, galleries and local crafts shops—some of which are centuries old and stock traditional Catalan wares. After you see the sights, there are lively tapas bars around every corner where you can stop for a drink, a café amb llet (Catalan for espresso with steamed milk) or a snack, no matter the hour. Green spaces for picnics, long walks and respite from the hustle and bustle are scattered throughout Barcelona’s attractions: There’s Gaudí’s mosaic-decorated park, a neoclassical maze at the Laberint d’Horta, as well as plenty of high places (mountains, monuments and edifices) where sightseeing visitors can take in the view. A short trip from Barcelona by car or train, luxury outlets, cava wineries, a mountaintop abbey and the sandy beaches of the Mediterranean coast await. More

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Your ship - The Rotterdam

Rotterdam

Trivia

Game

Bingo

Board

Mahjong

Party

Fitness

Pickleball

Sports

Tai

fitness-center

Complimentary

Slot

Table

Deal

Activities

Massages

Salon

MedSpa

Thermal

Hydrotherapy

Relaxation

Fitness

Shops

Pool

Library

The

Cellar

Carefully

Beer

Cocktail

Kids

The

grand-dutch-cafe

pinnacle-grill-restaurant

Morimoto

explorer-s-lounge

crows-nest-bar

piano-bar

Billboard

entertainment-shows

Description Food and Drink Entertainment Relaxation Fitness Recreational Technology Other

In honor of some of the most memorable ships in Holland America Line’s history, our third Pinnacle-class ship (and new flagship) will be named Rotterdam. This new addition to our fleet will fill...ur journey with a rhythm all its own, putting music front and center, creating the soundtrack to the discoveries you make every day. At the heart of it all is Music Walk: an exclusive collection of five venues featuring live music and electrifying performances from accomplished musicians, dancers and artists every night. Rotterdam hits all the right notes: exquisite dining experiences, enhanced staterooms and suites, the finest service at sea and craftsmanship that reflects nearly 150 years of seafaring expertise. The result is a ship that moves you — from the start of your first day to the end of each perfect night. More Less

24-hour room service
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canaletto
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dive in
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gelato
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lido market
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morimoto by sea (pop-up)
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nami sushi
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new york pizza
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pinnacle grill
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rudi’s sel de mer
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tamarind
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the dining room
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b.b. king’s blues club
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billboard onboard
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casino action
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movies on board
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rolling stone lounge
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world stage
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thermal suite
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fitness center
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onboard shopping
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pickleball at sea
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holland america line navigator
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club orange program benefits
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kids club
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Staterooms

suite

These large, comfortable suites feature a spacious sitting area with floor-to-ceiling windows overl ... ooking a private verandah, two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our signature Mariner’s Dream bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, and one murphy bed for one person. The bathroom includes a dual-sink vanity, full-size whirlpool bath and shower, and an additional shower stall.

outside

Perfect for guests traveling solo, these staterooms feature one queen-size Signature Mariner’ ... s Dream bed with plush Euro-top mattress, plus a shower with premium massage head an array of modern amenities.

inside

Two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our signature Mariner’s Dream™ bed with plus ... h Euro-Top mattresses, premium massage shower heads and a host of amenities are featured in these comfortable staterooms. Amenities Daily housekeeping Complimentary 24-hour room service Elemis Aromapure soap, lotion, shampoo Luxurious bathrobes Generous storage Fresh fruit upon request Safe Shoeshine TV with On Demand movies, programming

balcony

Filled with light from floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private verandah, these staterooms in ... clude a sitting area, two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our signature Mariner’s Dream bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, and bath tub with premium massage showerheads.