By
Alex Smith |
Holland America Line is to sail a new 28-day “Arctic Circle Crossing: Greenland & Iceland” itinerary inspired by the travels of 10th century Norse explorer Erik the Red.
Departing on 29 June 2025 from Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Holland America Line’s Nieuw Statendam will sail on a cruise featuring 15 ports across five countries that will pass through the Arctic Circle. The itinerary will include scenic cruising around Iceland and an overnight in the Icelandic capital Reykjavik, before making four maiden calls to the ports of Nuuk, Ittoqqortoormiit, Sisimiut, Ilulissat in Greenland while cruising the island’s fjords.
Sections of the voyage follow the route taken by Erik Thorvaldsson, known as Erik the Red, after his exile from Norway. Erik explored the land to the west, which he named Greenland, and established the first European settlement on an island near Qaqortoq. He then returned to Iceland to bring new settlers back to Greenland.
The itinerary is one of Holland America Lines’ ‘Legendary Voyages,’ which range from 25 to 59 days and are intended to provide the experience of the cruise line’s global ‘Grand Voyages’ while focusing on a single region. Onboard programming is curated to share insights into the history and culture of the destinations visited.
"Legendary Voyages give us the opportunity to create longer 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. "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."