Name: 28-Day Northern Lights Crossing With History Channel
Brand: Holland America Line
Rating: 3.3 (3 reviews)

Overview

Experience the best of Northern Europe and Norwegian Fjords aboard Rotterdam, a Holland America Line ship, on this 28-night sailing from Rotterdam. Your journey takes in 3 ports of call, including Ålesund, Lerwick, Shetland Islands, and Kings Wharf, with 1 day at sea to enjoy the ship's world-class facilities. Whether you're relaxing on deck on a sea day or exploring ashore, this Holland America Line journey offers something for everyone. Secure your place from just £4,703 per person on this exceptional Holland America Line cruise.

Holland America Line

Holland America Line, which has been sailing for 150 years, visits 400 ports in 114 countries every year. Dutch heritage shines through in some of the $4million-worth of artwork to be seen onboard, complimenting the luxurious cruise experience.

Live music remains HAL's forte, with venues including the Rolling Stone Rock room and BB King's Blues Club. For foodies, a wide range of restaurants serve the finest of fayre.

Cruise Itinerary

Day 1

Rotterdam

Often overlooked in favour of Amsterdam, Rotterdam is long overdue its flowers. Many now consider it the Netherlands' hippest city. Bombed heavily during World War II, it has spent the decades since reinventing itself as one of Europe's most compelling centres of modern architecture. Highlights include the playful Cube Houses by visionary architect Piet Blom and the 'Horn of Plenty', a swirling digital artwork across the ceiling of the Markthal. Take in sweeping views of the city from Euromast Tower before exploring the city's maritime roots at the excellent Maritime Museums.

Day 2

At sea

Day 3

Ålesund

Perched on Norway's rugged coastline, Ålesund beckons with its captivating blend of history and natural beauty. This charming town rose from the ashes of a devastating fire in 1904, resulting in its unique Art Nouveau architecture, a testament to rebirth and resilience. Blessed with a temperate maritime climate, Ålesund offers a refreshing escape from the sweltering heat, inviting cruisegoers to explore its picturesque streets and waterfront promenades. For those seeking an authentic experience, Ålesund's proximity to the majestic Sunnmøre Alps provides endless opportunities for outdoor adventures, from scenic hikes to exhilarating fjord cruises. Don't miss the chance to savor locally caught seafood delicacies, a true taste of Norwegian coastal cuisine.

Day 4

Trondheim

Step into the storied streets of Trondheim, where the echoes of medieval grandeur resound in every cobblestone. Known for its illustrious past as the former capital of Norway, Trondheim boasts a rich maritime history and architectural marvels like the iconic Nidaros Cathedral, a testament to the city's enduring legacy. Embrace the brisk Nordic climate, where crisp air carries whispers of the sea and lush landscapes invite exploration. Amidst this scenic backdrop, cruise lines offer voyagers a gateway to authentic encounters with local traditions, from sampling traditional Norwegian cuisine to immersing oneself in the vibrant arts scene. Don't miss the chance to witness the mystical Northern Lights, a breathtaking spectacle that graces Trondheim's skies with ethereal beauty.

Day 5

At sea

Days 6-7

Tromsø

Days 8-9

Alta

Day 10

At sea

Day 11

Åndalsnes

Day 12

Bergen

Tucked away along Norway's stunning coastline, Bergen invites you to uncover its vibrant history and cultural tapestry. Once a thriving hub of trade for the Hanseatic League, this city's storied past echoes through its narrow alleyways and picturesque harbors. With a temperate maritime climate, Bergen offers a refreshing respite from the ordinary, where crisp sea air mingles with the scent of pine forests. Its rugged landscapes beckon adventurers, while its authentic markets and cozy cafes promise an immersive local experience. As the gateway to the fjords, Bergen unveils a world of natural wonders, including the iconic UNESCO-listed Bryggen wharf, a testament to its maritime heritage.

Day 13

Lerwick, Shetland Islands

Day 14

At sea

Day 15

Rotterdam

Day 16

Zeebrugge

Day 17

Le Havre

At first glance, Le Havre looks strikingly different from other stops along the Seine. Much of the city was destroyed during World War II, and its post-war reconstruction was led by the architect Auguste Perret, whose bold use of concrete and symmetry has since earned Le Havre UNESCO World Heritage status.What makes Le Havre interesting is precisely this contrast: the clean lines of its modernist layout set against the windswept Normandy coast. Perret’s legacy is seen in landmarks like the Church of St Joseph with its lantern tower.Le Havre is also a gateway to Normandy’s beaches and countryside. Some cruises include excursions from here to Étretat’s chalk cliffs, the D-Day Landing sites or inland to Rouen or Honfleur.

Day 18

Cherbourg

Nestled on the rugged coastline of Normandy, Cherbourg enchants with a maritime legacy stretching back centuries. Its fame as a strategic port during historic naval battles adds allure to its story. Blessed with a temperate oceanic climate, Cherbourg offers refreshing sea breezes and mild temperatures, ideal for leisurely exploration. Away from tourist crowds, the town preserves an authentic French ambiance, inviting travelers to savor local delicacies and soak in the charm of cobblestone streets lined with quaint cafes. Cherbourg's maritime museum, showcasing relics from the Titanic, stands as a testament to its seafaring heritage, captivating visitors with tales of adventure and tragedy.

Day 19

Falmouth

Falmouth oozes with Jamaica's Caribbean cool, serving as the vibrant center of local culture and entertainment. Dive into the bustling streets and discover local establishments like the Glistening Waters Luminous Lagoon, where bioluminescent organisms light up the night. For history buffs, the Falmouth Historic District offers a glimpse into the island's colonial past, with beautifully preserved Georgian architecture and the historic Water Square.

Days 20-25

At sea

Day 26

Kings Wharf

Days 27-28

At sea

Day 29

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Fort Lauderdale, known as the "Venice of America," offers a wealth of attractions and activities for visitors before or after embarking on a cruise. Explore the picturesque canals aboard a water taxi, admiring the luxurious waterfront homes and lush landscapes. Hit the vibrant shops and restaurants along Las Olas Boulevard, where culinary delights and boutique finds await. Relax on the sun-drenched beaches, from bustling Fort Lauderdale Beach to the serene Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. For cultural immersion, visit the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens or the NSU Art Museum, showcasing diverse collections of art and history.

Day 1

Rotterdam

Day 2

At sea

Day 3

Ålesund

Day 4

Ålesund

Day 4

Trondheim

Day 5

At sea

Days 6-7

Tromsø

Days 8-9

Alta

Day 10

At sea

Day 11

Åndalsnes

Day 12

Bergen

Day 13

Lerwick, Shetland Islands

Day 14

At sea

Day 15

Rotterdam

Day 16

Zeebrugge

Day 17

Le Havre

Day 18

Cherbourg

Day 19

Falmouth

Days 20-25 At sea

At sea

Day 26

Kings Wharf

Days 27-28 At sea

At sea

Day 29

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

2668

Passengers

1025

Crew

2021

Launched

2023

Last refit

99800t

Tonnage

300m

Length

35m

Width

24kts

Speed

Decks

USD

Currency

Rotterdam

Indulge aboard Rotterdam Pinnacle Class sophistication with fine dining, award-winning service, superb accommodations, and captivating entertainment.

All Prices

Customer reviews

Reviews

Everything is extra

We didn't opt for the 'Have it all' package as we don't drink much and thought it expensive, especially for a 38 day trans-Pacific cruise! But by the time you added up the cost of drinks, coffees, shore excursion discounts, speciality dining nights, wifi and gratuities that would have come with the package perhaps it was a false economy? All of these were stupidly expensive. Gratuities for our cabin for the cruise was over $1000, added to our bill without prior knowledge (steep considering 18% gratuities was added to every drinks bill). There were so many things that were charged extra throughout the ship. Yoga and spinning classes at $20, bridge visits, galley visits (over $100! I remember them being free), craft classes, several items on the menu every night as extras! People joked that they'd charge for toilet paper if they could. The cruise ended up being so much more expensive than. Buyer beware.

Holland America Line Noordam

Reviews

A fabulous cruise

We went on the Koningsdam after our tour of Canada. The ship was beautiful and we saw so much wildlife life. It was absolutely fantastic

Holland America Line Koningsdam

Reviews

False advertisement and no customer service

Booked a cruise with HA, thinking they offer nice excusions. At the time of the booking they all seemed available. Day after booking I have discovered there is literally none left, besides basic walking city tours for over 100 USD! In short, I cannot even spend my onshore excusions credit with them. I have written so many emails and called so many times trying to find a solution, but they dont return any answer.. My phone bill is probably over 500 USD after one month of this now. I simply hate HA at this point of time. On top of it, they website is super buggy - hundreds of error messages, you cannot check out, you see things as available which are not, and and and... And they also advertise wrong prices - e.g. Have it all package for 55 USD a day, and when you try to check out it magically becomes 65 USD a day.

Holland America Line Nieuw Statendam

Reviews

2024-01-14 12:05:45

A wonderful way to see Indonesia and Malaysia from Singapore. This was a special time, especially the tours on the many ports of call. Quite naturally one compares it with the best of my many previous cruises, and that`s when improvements spring to mind. What was missing was the daytime activities and evening entertainments to stimulate the senses. Regular Holland America cruisers, of which there are many, insist that classical music and educational speakers were the norm before covid. If the latter had been in evidence, then a great cruise could have been an amazing one. Our tours were expensive, and although some tour guides were exceptional, sadly some were very poor. Holland America does not ask for feedback, so presumably no opportunity to reward the best whilst eliminating the seriously bad. Thank you Holland America, and in particular the majority of the service staff, who went out of their way to ensure our well being.

Holland America Line Westerdam

Reviews

2023-09-07 05:43:53

We are regular cruisers and this was the worst experience ever. Waste of time and money. Total cheats. We took the cruise from Sydney to New Zealand and back for 15 days. The arrival back to Sydney was delayed and as a result, we missed our flight. We were told to submit all papers to Holland America who would reimburse our change of travel, hotel stay, and food it is going to be 1 year and we have had no response from the cruise line despite several reminders. We received a notification saying it is covid and we will get the response in 4-6 weeks' time. When the whole world is back to normal Holland America is still hiding behind covid. What a shame. Worse cruise line ever and cheats on top of that. No decency to send a reply either agreeing to pay or not. It is because of them that we unnecessarily spent USD 700/-. Please do not use this cruise liner. There are other professional cruise liners who treat their customers well and reply to their queries. There is nothing nice about this cruise line.

Holland America Line Rotterdam

Reviews

2023-06-18 07:11:20

Unfortunately, although the quality of food was good, it always arrived cold. The fitness facilities were woefully inadequate whereas the gambling facilities were the opposite. The entertainment facilities were also inadequate and very loud. The quality of the entertainment was variable. Most of the staff were very courteous yet we found the lady on the restaurant booking desk rude and condescending. There were queues lasting hours to embark but disembarkation was very smooth. There were also large queues for reception and some reception staff were not particularly helpful. The shops were mainly jewellery based so not much in the way of souvenirs aboard. The destinations were very good especially Glacier bay.

Holland America Line Koningsdam

Reviews

2023-06-02 19:14:08

Wonderful crew! Nice ship, great itternary

Holland America Line Oosterdam

Reviews

2023-03-29 11:16:57

Some clear evidence of cost cutting. Standard cabins need bathroom refurbishment. Food was good, but trying to get it hot was a challenge. Staff always great but clearly overstretched in the main dining room, which was also poorly organised when we joined the ship which meant queuing for up to 20 minutes to get into dinner even though we had a reservation. Not acceptable that we couldn’t book excursions as they were all fully booked although we had excursion credit which we couldn’t use. They were charging silly money for short shuttle rides into town - sometimes $50 for two for a 10 minute ride (a taxi would be cheaper!). Main complaint was dining room which they just need to get sorted - poor management. Deterioration sine we were on this ship in 2019.

Holland America Line Westerdam