Holland America Gears Up For Exceptional Northern Lights Season in Norway
Now may be one of the best times in years to see the Northern Lights, and Holland America is making sure its passengers have the best opportunity to view them. The line is sailing a series of Arctic Journey & Northern Lights voyages this October and November aboard Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam.
Scientists say that Earth is currently experiencing heightened solar activity, creating some of the strongest aurora displays seen in over a decade. Because the next peak in the sun’s activity cycle is not expected until the mid-2030s, experts say this coming fall and winter are among the best times to view the phenomenon.
Above the Arctic Circle, long nights, dark skies, and minimal light pollution create ideal viewing conditions. The cruises this fall will provide over 30 hours of darkness while docked in Arctic Norway on October departures and nearly 60 hours on November sailings. When combined with time at sea, that grows to around 65 to 80 hours of darkness over a four-day period, creating plenty of opportunity to view the Northern Lights. The ships will also offer extended calls and overnight stays in Tromsø and Alta, which are two of Norway’s best Northern Lights destinations.
Of course, the chance to see Northern Lights won’t end once the ship heads back out to sea, either. Passengers can continue to search for them from on board, and can even sign up for onboard Northern Lights wake-up calls when the aurora is visible.
The Arctic Journey & Northern Lights departures for 2026 include:
- Rotterdam: 14-Day Arctic Journey & Northern Lights, Rotterdam to Amsterdam, departing Oct. 4, 2026
- Nieuw Statendam: 15-Day Arctic Journey & Northern Lights, Dover (London) to Rotterdam, departing Oct. 16, 2026
- Nieuw Statendam: 14-Day Arctic Journey & Northern Lights, roundtrip Rotterdam, departing Oct. 17, 2026
- Nieuw Statendam: 14-Day Arctic Journey & Northern Lights, roundtrip Rotterdam, departing Nov. 7, 2026
