HAL-Holland America Line has announced that its ship Nieuw Statendam will be homeported in Dover UK for a second consecutive year in 2026. This decision follows the ship's inaugural summer 2025 season sailing from Dover, offering a range of 14-night cruises and a 28-day voyage to the Arctic and Greenland.
This return to offering roundtrip voyages from the UK marks a significant move for HAL, which last did so in 2015. Nico Bleichrodt, International Sales and Marketing Director, mentioned that the 2026 cruise program will be finalized in the coming months and may commence slightly earlier than the 2025 ex-UK cruises.
While HAL is renowned for its Alaska sailings in the UK market, homeporting the Nieuw Statendam in Dover for 2025 has generated interest in its closer-to-home itineraries, particularly those to the Canaries.
Currently, the UK represents ~5% of HAL's bookings, but Nico Bleichrodt aims to double this figure next year with the introduction of Nieuw Statendam's Canaries, Great Britain, and Arctic cruises.
Karen Farndell, UK Director Sales and Marketing, expressed satisfaction with the market's response and highlighted strong sales for the Canaries cruises. She emphasized Holland America Line's commitment to the UK cruise market's growth and excitement about sailing from Dover again in 2026.
The all-inclusive Have it All packages are particularly popular in the UK, with ~70% of customers opting for upgrades beyond the standard fare, exceeding the global average. This package includes drinks, excursions, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, and staff gratuities for GBP 60 per person per day.
Karen Farndell has expanded Holland America Line's collaboration with travel agents over the past 2 years, organizing ship visits and cruises for agents. Plans for agent engagement in 2026 will be confirmed later, aiming to maintain the current level of activity and support for the UK market.