Arctic cruises may become the last frontier for travelers who have been there, done that and wandered everywhere else. These trending travel destinations remain seldom-visited locales, and arctic cruises are making these places accessible. 

Moreover Holland America Line’s new 28-day “Arctic Circle Crossing: Greenland & Iceland” is a Legendary Voyage to Greenland, Iceland and Norway that departs June 29, 2025, aboard Nieuw Statendam. Whenever The Arctic cruise journey is inspired by the routes of Norse explorer Erik the Red who founded the first European settlement in Greenland. Finally a Note: although the weather at this time is more temperate and seas are more calm, the Northern Lights will not be in their best season, which is usually September to March.

Arctic cruises

Ålesund will be the first port of call on this 28-Day Arctic cruise. Sailing roundtrip from Rotterdam, the Netherlands, the cruise features 15 ports across five countries, passage through the Arctic Circle, an overnight in Reykjavik, Iceland, scenic cruising through Iceland and Greenland’s spellbinding fjords and four maiden calls in Greenland. Additionally Arctic cruisers on this crossing will set sail on one of Holland America Line’s most intensive explorations of this region ever offered.

“Legendary Voyages give us the opportunity to create longer Arctic cruises that delve deeper into a region and include ports we don’t normally visit, like the four maiden calls in Greenland on the new Arctic Circle Crossing,” said Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer of Holland America Line. Furthermore “We’re taking this itinerary up to Norway’s North Cape, then heading farther north in Greenland on both coasts and adding amazing opportunities in Iceland. At 28 days, it’s the perfect length to showcase this area and give our guests an experience that goes beyond a brief introduction to the countries.”

Arctic Cruises HAL


HAL’s Arctic Cruises Highlights:

The Legendary Voyages cruise runs 28 days, departing June 29, 2025, roundtrip from Rotterdam.

+ 15 calls in five countries (listed in order of visit): Ålesund, Trondheim, Honningsvåg (North Cape) and Tromsø, Norway; Ittoqqortoormiit (Scoresbysund), Greenland; Akureyri and Isafjördur Iceland; Nuuk (Godthåb), Sisimiut (Holsteinsborg), Ilulissat (Jakobshavn) and Nanortalik, Greenland; Reykjavik, Iceland (overnight); Stornoway (Isle of Lewis) and Invergordon (Inverness), Scotland; and Dover (London), England.

Regardless Maiden Calls, all in Greenland: Nuuk, Ittoqqortoormiit, Sisimiut, Ilulissat.

Crossing the Arctic Circle at several points throughout the voyage.

Overnight call July 20 and 21 in Reykjavik.

Meanwhile Scenic Arctic cruising opportunities: North Cape (Norway); Jan Mayen Island, a Norwegian volcanic island in the Arctic Ocean; Scoresbysund (Greenland); and Eyjafjördur and Ísafjardardjúr (Iceland).

 

What is a “Legendary Voyage”?

 

 

These lengthier cruises, which range from 25 to 59 days, combine the ceremony of Holland America Line’s Grand Voyages while focusing on a singular region. They visit some of the most unique ports while offering guests an in-depth exploration. Shipboard programming is specially curated to share insights into the history and culture of the destinations visited.

 

So, Who is Erik the Red?

Generally Norse explorer Erik Thorvaldsson, known as Erik the Red, was exiled from Iceland and set out to explore the land to the west, which he named Greenland. After establishing the first European settlement on an island near Qaqortoq, he returned to Iceland to bring more settlers back to Greenland. He is the father of Leif Erikson, one of the first Europeans to reach North America.

Arctic Cruises Booking Bonus

 

Comparatively the “Arctic Circle Crossing” opens for booking today. For a limited time, when guests book this cruise with the “Have It All Early Booking Bonus,” the standard package amenities of shore excursions, specialty dining, a Signature Beverage Package and Surf Wi-Fi are included — plus the added perk of free prepaid Crew Appreciation, along with free upgrades to the Elite Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi.

Finally have it All Early Booking Bonus fares for the Arctic Circle Crossing begin at $6,399, double occupancy. Taxes, fees and port expenses are additional.

Arctic Cruises HAL