HAL hails first ex-UK summer season in a decade

Holland America Line’s first summer of ex-UK cruises in a decade has started from Dover.

The 2,666-passenger Nieuw Statendam is making 10 departures from the port this season.

The first was a 14-night itinerary to the Canary Islands, Morocco and Portugal.

The Pinnacle-class ship marked the sold-out sailing with a British-themed dinner for passengers, the majority hailing from the UK, Netherlands and US.

Sailings this summer range from 14 to 42 days to the British Isles, Norway, Iceland, Greenland, Iberia and the eastern Mediterranean.

HAL is sailing from nine ports across Europe in total this year, with 68 departures and 62 overnight or late-night calls.

Nieuw Statendam will return to Dover from April to October 2026 on a series of seven-and 14-day European cruises including the Norwegian fjords, Iceland and Canary Islands.

UK sales and marketing director Karen Farndell said: “Returning to the famous white cliffs marks an exciting new chapter for us, and reflects the growing demand we’re seeing from guests to set sail from the UK. 

“We’re thrilled to offer a rich variety of itineraries on our doorstep over both 2025 and 2026, as part of a wider, long-term investment in the local market.”

Peter Wright, head of cruise at the Port of Dover, added: “We are delighted to be the home port for Holland America Line’s first UK season in 10 years. 

"Dover provides an unforgettable and convenient start to a cruise, whilst presenting the best of Kent’s landscape and culture to guests from all around the world. 

“Nieuw Statendam will bring thousands of people into the region this year to visit local attractions and is already creating excitement within the community when she sails in.”