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Ocean Liner History and Stories from the Sea, Past and Present. With an In Depth focus on Holland America Line

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2022 Feb 01 Press Release HAL extends Military on board spending offer to Canadians

 

Holland America Line Extends Military Onboard Spending Money Offer to Canadians; Now Includes First Responders and Healthcare Heroes for Select Cruises Through May 2022

Bonus credit good for sailings to a variety of destinations including Alaska, Europe, Caribbean, Mexico and Panama Canal

 

Seattle, Wash., Feb. 1, 2022 — To honor and thank first responders and healthcare workers, Holland America Line is extending its Military Appreciation Offer to members of these communities with $100 Onboard Spending Money. The premium cruise line is now also including heroes in Canada, along with the U.S., in the offer.

The bonus credit is available for select Have It All cruise bookings to a variety of destinations through May 2022. Reservations must be made by March 15, 2022.

“As a company committed to service, we wanted to recognize those who continue to give incredibly selfless service with an extra ‘thank you’ for answering the call,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. “Our hope is that while they are relaxing on vacation with us, they can enjoy their time on board just a little more.”

The appreciation offer — that now includes first responders, healthcare workers and active, retired and veteran members of the military from the U.S. and Canada — can be earned on a variety of cruises to Alaska, Europe, the Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico, Pacific Coast, Canada/New England and Panama Canal:

  • Alaska and Cruisetours: 7-day cruises roundtrip from Seattle, Washington, or Vancouver, B.C., Canada; or between Whittier, Alaska, and Vancouver.
    • Every Alaska cruise includes a visit to one or more of Alaska’s iconic glacier destinations.
    • Ports include Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan or Skagway, Alaska, along with Victoria, B.C., Canada.
    • 9- to 18-day Cruisetours that combine a cruise with an overland journey to Denali and the Yukon are included.
    • Aboard Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam and Zuiderdam.
  • Canada/New England: 7- or 9-day itineraries from Fort Lauderdale to Montreal, Quebec, Canada; and between Boston, Massachusetts, and Montreal.
    • Ports of call include Bar Harbor, Maine; and Canada’s Halifax and Sydney, Nova Scotia; Charlottetown, P.E.I.; and Quebec City, Quebec.
    • Aboard Zaandam.
  • Caribbean: 6- to 11-day cruises roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale that all include a call at Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line’s pristine Bahamian private-island.
    • Southern, western, eastern, tropical and partial Panama Canal itineraries.
    • Guests will explore a combination of ports depending on the itinerary, including the islands of Aruba, Barbados, Curaçao; St. Thomas, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, Dominican Republic, Grand Turk and Jamaica.
    • Aboard Rotterdam, Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam and Nieuw Statendam.
  • Europe: Seven- to 28-day cruises, including back-to-back Collectors’ Voyages, to Norway, the Baltic, Mediterranean, Iberia and transatlantic.
    • Depart from Barcelona, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; Civitavecchia (Rome) and Venice, Italy; Piraeus (Athens), Greece; and Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
    • Transatlantics depart from Fort Lauderdale and cruise eastbound.
    • Aboard Nieuw Statendam, Oosterdam, Rotterdam and Volendam.
  • Hawaii: 18-day cruises roundtrip from San Diego.
    • Calls at Honolulu, Hilo, Kona, Nawiliwili and Kahului, Hawaii, and Ensenada, Mexico.
    • Aboard Koningsdam.
  • Mexico: 7- to 14-day cruises roundtrip from San Diego.
    • Calls include the Mexican ports of Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, Cabo San Lucas, Loreto and Pichilingue.
    • Aboard Koningsdam and Zuiderdam.
  • Pacific Coast: 7-day cruises roundtrip from San Diego along California coast.
    • Ports include Avalon, Santa Barbara and an overnight in San Francisco, along with Ensenada, Mexico.
    • Aboard Koningsdam.
  • Panama Canal: 14- to 19-day transits between San Diego and Fort Lauderdale though the famed Panama Canal.
    • Calls along the way in Mexico, Colombia, Costa Rica and Guatemala.
    • Aboard Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam and Zuiderdam.

Seattle, San Diego and Fort Lauderdale are convenient drive-to departure cities and easy-access homeports. Holland America Line’s sailings are especially convenient for the many troops stationed California and Florida.

Onboard, the appreciation credit can be used for shore excursions, spa treatments, beverages, specialty dining, gift shop purchases and more. The offer is valid with Holland America Line’s “The Ultimate Upgrade Event” promotion available with the Have It All premium fare that includes stateroom upgrades, 50% reduced deposit, and $75 kids fares in Alaska when sailings as a third or fourth guest, along with four popular amenities: shore excursions, a drink package, specialty dining and Wi-Fi.

For more information about how to book the Military Appreciation Offer, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.

— # # # —

Find Holland America Line on TwitterFacebook and the Holland America Blog.  Access all social media outlets via the home page at hollandamerica.com.

 

About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE:  CCL and CUK)]
Holland America Line has been exploring the world since 1873 and was the first cruise line to offer adventures to Alaska and the Yukon nearly 75 years ago. Its fleet of premium ships visits nearly 400 ports in 114 countries around the world, offering an ideal mid-sized ship experience. A third Pinnacle-class ship, Rotterdam, joined the fleet in July 2021.

The leader in premium cruising, Holland America Line’s ships feature innovative initiatives and a diverse range of enriching experiences focused on destination exploration and personalized travel. The best live music at sea fills each evening at Music Walk, and dining venues feature exclusive selections from Holland America Line’s esteemed Culinary Council of world-famous chefs.

2022 Jan. 27 Press Release Naming ms Rotterdam

Holland America Line Celebrates Naming of Rotterdam with Ceremony in Namesake City and Special Seven-Day Voyage  

 
Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands to serve as the ship’s godmother

 

Seattle, Wash., Jan. 27, 2022 — Holland America Lines newest ship Rotterdam is set to get the royal treatment at a naming ceremony in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, May 30, 2022. Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands will be the ship’s godmother, carrying on a Dutch royal tradition that began in the 1920s.

 

Rotterdam’s special seven-day “Rotterdam Naming Celebration” cruise sails roundtrip from Amsterdam, Netherlands, departing May 29 and also visits Kristiansand, Stavanger and Flåm, Norway, with scenic cruising in Sognefjord.

 

“Our new Rotterdam is a spectacular ship, and we are thrilled to have its naming ceremony scheduled with a celebratory cruise that allows our guests to join the festivities and officially welcome her to the fleet,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. “Our history is deeply rooted in the Netherlands, and it was only fitting to name our newest Rotterdam in the city of Rotterdam with a royal godmother to honor our Dutch roots. We are deeply grateful that Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet will once again act as godmother to a Holland America Line ship.”

 

When the ship arrives at Rotterdam May 30, a private ceremony will be held for invited guests that will be broadcast throughout the ship. During the voyage, guests will enjoy special events exclusive to the naming sailing, including a celebratory Gala Dinner and an opportunity to participate in the blessing of the ship’s bell, along with surprises and commemorative gifts.

 

Once the ship departs Rotterdam, guests will spend the remainder of the voyage exploring the ports of Kristiansand, Stavanger and the stunning fjords and charming villages of Norway. A highlight of the itinerary is a day of scenic cruising in Sognefjord. The largest and deepest fjord in Norway, the “King of the Fjords” is one of the world’s most beautiful destinations lined with majestic mountains and lush landscapes. In Flåm, the famous railway offers an unforgettable experience, climbing from sea level to 2,800 feet, crossing back and forth over rivers and passing through 20 tunnels.

 

Book the ‘Rotterdam Naming Celebration’ Cruise with Have It All

Travelers who want to be a part of the festivities can book Rotterdam’s naming voyage and join in the celebrations. For guests who appreciate taking an inclusive vacation with extra amenities factored upfront into the price, Holland America Line’s “Have It All” premium package includes shore excursions, beverages, specialty dining and Wi-Fi in one base cruise fare.

 

“Have It All” guests on this cruise will receive one shore excursion up to $100 value or $100 off any one tour; a Signature Beverage Package that includes up to 15 drinks per day; one night specialty dining in Pinnacle Grill, Tamarind or Canaletto; and a Wi-Fi package.

 

“Have it All” fares for the “Rotterdam Naming Celebration” cruise begin at $1,749 per person, single occupancy. Taxes, fees and port expenses are additional.  Cruise-only fares begin at $1,399 per person.

 

A Long Royal Relationship

Holland America Line’s connection to The House of Orange goes back nearly a century to Prince Hendrik launching Statendam III in 1929. Since then, members of the Dutch Royal Family have launched 11 more Holland America Line vessels throughout the years, including Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet who named Prinsendam (1972), Nieuw Amsterdam III (1983), Rotterdam VI (1997) and Oosterdam (2003).

 

Additional members of the Dutch Royal Family who are godmothers include Queen Máxima, who named Koningsdam in 2016 and Nieuw Amsterdam in 2010. Then-Queen Beatrix served as Eurodam’s godmother in 2008. Rotterdam V was launched in 1958 by Queen Juliana. Then-Princess Beatrix named Statendam IV in 1957 and Prinses Margriet in 1960. Nieuw Amsterdam II was launched by Queen Wilhelmina in 1937.

 

Rotterdam was delivered by the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy July 30, 2021, and sailed a transatlantic first voyage before spending the fall and winter on its inaugural Caribbean season sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Beginning in May, the ship will explore Europe, heading to Norway, the Baltic, British Isles and Iceland, all sailing roundtrip from Amsterdam.

2021 Dec. 23; Holland America press release Zuiderdam returns to service.

Zuiderdam Resumes Service from Port of San Diego; Second Ship from California and Sixth Back to Cruising

 
Click to Tweet: .@HALcruises’ Zuiderdam resumes #cruising from the West Coast. Ship departs San Diego Dec. 23 and will sail roundtrip through April 2022. Three additional HAL ships also to cruise from San Diego in the coming months.

Seattle, Wash., Dec 23, 2021 — Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam returned to service today from Port of San Diego in California, the second Holland America ship to resume service in San Diego since the industrywide pause.

 Zuiderdam’s crew celebrated the return in holiday spirit with sleighbells ringing and Santa and his elves on hand to open embarkation and welcome guests back on on board. Zuiderdam joins Koningsdam, which resumed service in San Diego Oct. 10. Holland America Line now has six ships cruising again in the Caribbean, Mexico and along the Pacific Coast of the United States.

  

Zuiderdam Hotel General Manager Colin Jacob (left with scissors) helps 7-year-old Levi Stengel cut the ribbon to welcome the first guests aboard Zuiderdam, as the ship resumes cruising after a several-month pause. Catherine Stengel, Levi’s mother, stands behind him, and Captain Frank van der Hoeven is to the right of Levi.

 “San Diego is an important homeport for us, and we are excited to have two ships back in full-time operation here with the restart of Zuiderdam today,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. “We are proud to be part of the San Diego community, which has continued to show us tremendous support throughout our restart. There’s no better way to kick off Zuiderdam’s season than with a holiday cruise full of joyful guests and our grateful crew who are happy to have them back on board.”

 Zuiderdam’s first cruise is a 10-day “Mexico and Sea of Cortez” that will be followed by Panama Canal departures and a grand 35-day South Pacific sojourn and Pacific cruise. Koningsdam sails a series of seven-day cruises to the California Coast or Mexico and two longer Hawaii voyages that run through April 3, 2022. Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam each make one call at San Diego in spring 2022.

 

Earlier in the week on Dec. 19, while remaining alongside at San Diego’s B-Street Cruise Terminal, Zuiderdam took part in the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights with an illuminated “Ho Ho Ho” on the ship’s side to show community support.

About Holland America Line in San Diego:

Holland America Line has been homeporting from the Port of San Diego since the 1990s. For the upcoming 2021-22 season, the cruise line will bring more than 81,000 guests to the city, which will result in more than $35 million in direct spending.

Operationally, each ship visit directly contributes $364,000 to the local economy in provisioning (fuel, food, flowers, piano tuning, supplies), port taxes, and spending. When Koningsdam and Zuiderdam call at San Diego, both ships will connect to shore power, reducing the ships’ carbon footprint.

Throughout the years, Holland America Line has been actively involved with more than 30 nonprofits in San Diego County through giving, shipboard lunches and cruise donations, including La Jolla Playhouse, San Ysidro Health and Girl Scouts San Diego.

For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.

2021 Dec. 21 Happy Holidays

Dear Readers

My blog is still in limbo as far as daily posts are concerned as I am still at home. I have not been able to obtain an L visa from the USA embassy in London yet as they are on reduced capacity and HAL Marine operation is also not ready to let me start hopping  from ship to ship again.

The fleet is slowly getting back on it’s fleet. The next ship Zuiderdam is due to depart for her first cruise on December 23 from San Diego to the Mexican Riviera.

By that date we will have:

Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam and Zuiderdam back in operation.

Which leaves Zaandam, Volendam, Oosterdam and Noordam and Westerdam still on standby.  Those are scheduled to come back in service in 2023. Please see www.HollandAmerica.com for the planned cruises.

So while I am still at home. much concentration is on the Holland America hobby side.

I have added  the biography of Commodore Bijl to the site. See under Captains of the past tab which might make for some interesting reading.

Then I am also starting to gear up for 2023 when the company will celebrate its 150 years of going strong. Several books are in the pipe line and more news about that in January when the draft cover designs have been made.

In the mean time I am wishing everybody a Merry Christmas and a Happy and also Healthy 2022.  Times might be difficult but no doubt there is a light at the end of every tunnel.

2021 Nov 21; Nieuw Statendam returns to service.

Good morning,

I am still at home waiting for better times to come. The company is still reluctant to restart the support program that I deliver to the fleet as it involves hopping from ship to ship. Also I am still waiting for the USA embassies to re-open so I can renew my travelling Visa.

But there is some good news. Today the 5th. ship of Holland America returned to service. The ms Nieuw Statendam, 2nd ship of the Pinnacle Class started her Caribbean Cruise season, under the command of Captain noel O’Driscoll.

The company issued the below Press Release.

 

Nieuw Statendam Returns to South Florida Cruising Today and Marks Holland America Line’s Fifth Ship to Reenter Service


Click to Tweet: .@HALcruises’ Nieuw Statendam returns to South Florida #cruising today, kicking off its #Caribbean season. The Pinnacle Class ship marks fifth

for the cruise line to reenter service.

 

Seattle, Wash., Nov. 21, 2021 — Holland America Line’s Nieuw Statendam departed Fort Lauderdale, Florida, today on its first cruise since the industrywide pause last year. The ship marks the fifth Holland America Line vessel to reenter service, joining RotterdamKoningsdamEurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam.

Ribbon cutting ceremony in the Terminal before receiving the first guests.

To commemorate the occasion, Holland America Line held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the terminal to open embarkation, and team members greeted guests with flag-waving fanfare as they boarded the ship. Nieuw Statendam set sail on a seven-day western Caribbean itinerary that will visit Nassau, Bahamas; Ocho Rios and Port Royal, Jamaica; and Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line’s private island in the Bahamas.

Half Moon Cay, our private island, is one of the ports of call during the Caribbean cruise season.

“Today is another milestone in our return to service, with Nieuw Statendam starting operation just in time for Thanksgiving, and we have a lot to be thankful for this year that we’re getting back in the water,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. “Today is a great day for Holland America Line, and our team members can’t wait to welcome guests on board.”

Nieuw Statendam will spend from November through April in the Caribbean on cruises ranging from seven to 11 days, all roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades. Guests looking for a longer getaway can embark on a Collectors’ Voyage — combined back-to-back itineraries that offer an in-depth exploration covering more than one part of the region.

Every Caribbean cruise includes a call at Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line’s award-winning private Bahamian island. This quaint sanctuary has evolved into a tropical playground for cruise guests and features the white-sand beachestwo-story villas and private cabanas; delicious dining venues like Lobster Shack; a children’s waterpark; and a variety of fun-filled tours for nature lovers, adventurous travelers and explorers.

 

Holland America Line has been homeporting from Port Everglades since the 1990s. Operationally, each ship visit contributes $364,000 directly to the local economy in provisioning (fuel, food, flowers, piano tuning, supplies, etc.), port taxes and spending. Holland America Line works with nearly 100 South Florida vendors who supply the company and its ships with goods and services.

Throughout the years, Holland America Line has been actively involved with more than 30 nonprofit organizations in South Florida through giving, shipboard lunches and cruise donations, including Seafarers’ House, Henderson Behavioral Health, Coast Guard Women’s Leadership Initiative, Symphony of the Americas, The Opera Society and more.

 

For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.

Captain Noel O’Driscoll and his Nieuw Statendam Team getting ready for setting sail again,

 

2021 oct. 28; Latest Press Release Art on board the ms Rotterdam VII

Holland America Line’s Rotterdam Sets Sail with World-Class Floating Art Gallery Valued at Over $4.1 Million

More than 2,500 pieces from dozens of global artists enhance the ship’s design 

 Seattle, Wash., Oct. 27, 2021 — Holland America Line ships have long been regarded as floating art galleries for their extensive collections of museum-quality pieces. When Rotterdam sets sail for the first time Oct. 20, 2021, guests are in for a visually rewarding journey with some of the most thought-provoking, striking and bold pieces in the fleet — including historical works and memorabilia from beloved previous sister ships.

Rotterdam’s art collection is valued at more than $4.1 million and was curated by Oslo-based YSA Design and London-based ArtLink, who collaborated with acclaimed hospitality design atelier Tihany Design. The result is a museum at sea with 2,645 pieces of diverse works ranging in value from $500 to $620,000 that spans the decks, public rooms and staterooms.

More than 37 nationalities are represented by Rotterdam’s artists, with the greatest number of contributors coming from the Netherlands, United States and United Kingdom. Artists also hail from Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Republic of Korea, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Scotland, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and Ukraine.

Many of the pieces focus on entertainment, showcasing themes of music, dance and movement, weaving the ship’s narrative of a “new sound of cruising” into the art. The works are in many media, including photography, painting, mixed media, illustration, prints and sculpture.

Holland America Line History Finds a Home on Rotterdam

Holland America Line’s newest Rotterdam is the seventh ship in the fleet to bear the name, and some previous works of art from Rotterdam VI, which left the company in 2020, have found a new home on the newbuild. Eight historical paintings are now on Rotterdam, including depictions of Rotterdam I, Rotterdam II, Rotterdam III, Rotterdam IV and Rotterdam V. The ship also hosts three previous Rotterdam ship models, and the bell from Rotterdam VI can be found in the Crow’s Nest.

Fun Facts, Figures and Highlights About Rotterdam’s Art Collection:

  • The Atrium Sculpture

    The largest and most expensive piece is “Harps,” a 7.5-ton stainless steel sculpture in the Atrium that spans three decks. With dynamic color-changing spot lighting and a mirrored ceiling, the work is a striking focal point on board. “Harps” was produced and designed by ArtLink, based on a concept by Tihany Design. It is valued at $620,000.

 

 

  • Book art

    The smallest works are by Betty Pepper, who uses reworked books and adds intricate details and scenes made from old maps. They can be seen in the forward stairwell between decks 7 and 8. The exquisitely small elements are a testament to Pepper’s ability to work at a scale that few artists can master.

 

 

 

  • Aft Staircase Zoology

    Each of the stairwells has a theme that reaches from top to bottom. The theme of the forward stairs is architecture, midship stairs is music and aft stairs is zoology.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Rolling Stone

    The oldest artist is Baron Wolman (deceased), born in 1937. The U.S. native was the chief photographer for Rolling Stone magazine from 1967 until late 1970. He was ranked among the 20th century’s elite and most collectible photographers.

 

 

 

 

 

  • Neptune Lounge

    The youngest artist is Leva Berlande. The 31-year-old rising artist is a student from Latvia and has a painting featured in the Neptune Lounge.

 

                                                       Sel de Mer Wall mural

  • As with Rudi’s Sel de Mer on Nieuw Statendam, Master Chef Rudi Sodamin’s son and emerging artist Magnus Sodamin created a visually stimulating mural that adorns the wall in his father’s namesake specialty restaurant on Rotterdam. Called “Oceans Feast,” the work measures 23 feet long and 3.6 feet tall.

  • Italian artist Federico Picci contributes conversation starters that tie in magically with the ship’s design. His photographs capture how music would look if we could not only listen to it but see it, too. In one image, balloons float out of a piano, representing the evanescence of something that evaporates in the air as it is created, like the element of sound.

 

  • One of the most striking and expensive pieces is a dazzling, illuminated crystal “Key” (treble clef) created by Dutch artist Hans van Bentem for Deck 3, midship. The piece is valued at $27,000.

 

  • Considered among the most avant-garde pieces in the collection is a fiberglass sculpture of an otter in the aft stairwell lobby on Deck 9 by Spanish artist Okuda San Miguel. San Miguel is known for his distinctive style of colorful geometric patterns that portray animals, skulls, religious iconography and human figures.

 

  • In the embarkation area is a work titled “Billie Holiday” by Ani Abakumova. It is made up of 3 miles of threads — 8,000 threads in total. Abakumova’s husband is a mathematician who developed an algorithm that enables her to create images from threads that change color without using paint.

 

  • One of the most valuable works is a mixed media on canvas piece in the forward stairwell lobby on Deck 8 by Mehdi Ghadyanloo, an Iranian artist, painter and muralist known for his gigantic trompe l’oeil–style murals. Ghadyanloo recently had solo exhibitions in Almine Rech’s galleries in Paris and Brussels, and now Holland America Line guests can enjoy his captivating art.

 

  • Yongsun Jang, from Republic of Korea, welds cross sections of stainless-steel pipes to configure clusters of “cells,” then puts it all together to represent different organic beings. For Rotterdam, he created cello and pan flute sculptures for the B.B. King’s Blues Club/Lincoln Center Stage space.

 

  • The vibrant work of Lisa Krannichfield is on display in the Club Orange specialty restaurant. Her pieces meld the border between masculine and feminine and explore what it means to be fashionable and make a statement.

Art in Club Orange Restaurant.

Art in Club Orange Restaurant

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guests can admire the decks inside and out and discover inspired works from a global assembly of emerging artists who share the spaces alongside some of the most renowned talent in the world.

 

Japanese Dress

 

Strawhouses

 

Dubai

Musical note

2021 Oct. 15; Prinses Margriet will christen the ms Rotterdam (VII) in 2022

Fresh from the Press: Press Release by HAL this morning.

Holland America Line Names Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands Godmother of Rotterdam


Rotterdam marks the 13th ship for the cruise line to be named by a Dutch Royal

Her royal Highness Prinses Margriet of the Netherlands and God mother of the whole Dutch Merchant fleet.

 Seattle, Wash., Oct. 15, 2021 — Holland America Line announced today that when Rotterdam is named next spring, Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands will be the ship’s godmother, carrying on a tradition that began in the 1920s.

Holland America Line’s connection to The House of Orange goes back nearly a century to Prince Hendrik launching Statendam III in 1929. Since then, members of the Dutch Royal Family have launched 11 more Holland America Line vessels throughout the years, including Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet who named Prinsendam (1972), Nieuw Amsterdam III (1983), Rotterdam VI (1997) and Oosterdam (2003).

“We are deeply grateful that Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet will once again act as godmother to a Holland America Line ship, carrying on a long tradition with the Royal Family that continues to honor our Dutch roots,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. “Rotterdam will be named in Rotterdam next year, celebrating its namesake city and our historic connection with the Netherlands. We look forward to commemorating the occasion where it all started for Holland America Line.”

The ms Rotterdam VII arriving in Rotterdam.

Rotterdam arrives for the first time in the port of Rotterdam on the morning of October 14. 

Additional members of the Dutch Royal Family who are godmothers include Queen Máxima, who named Koningsdam in 2016 and Nieuw Amsterdam in 2010. Then-Queen Beatrix served as Eurodam’s godmother in 2008. Rotterdam V was launched in 1958 by Queen Juliana. Then-Princess Beatrix named Statendam IV in 1957 and Prinses Margriet in 1960. Nieuw Amsterdam II was launched by Queen Wilhelmina in 1937.

 Rotterdam’s maiden cruise departs Oct. 20, 2021, from Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and embarks on a 14-day transatlantic journey to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. During its inaugural Caribbean season from November to April, Rotterdam will sail a variety of five- to 11-day itineraries that span the southern, western, eastern and tropical regions, all roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale. In mid-April, the ship makes a 14-day Atlantic Ocean crossing back to Europe to spend the summer in Norway, the Baltic, British Isles and Iceland, all sailing roundtrip from Amsterdam.

Rotterdam was delivered by the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy July 30, 2021. The date for naming the ship in Rotterdam will be announced in the coming months.

For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.

 

2021 Oct 10; Koningsdam returns to service. Press Release.

Dear Readers,

Incase you missed it, please find below. Another company ship has returned to service.

 Koningsdam Marks Holland America Line’s Return to West Coast Cruising with First Sailing Departing Today from San Diego 


Click to Tweet: .HALcruises resumes #cruising from the West Coast. Koningsdam departs San Diego Oct. 10 and will sail roundtrip cruises to Mexico and the California Coast through April 2022. Three additional HAL ships also to cruise from San Diego in the coming months.

 

Seattle, Wash., Oct. 10, 2021 — Waving flags, cheering team members and a “Welcome Home” sign greeted guests as they joined Holland America Line’s Koningsdam at the Port of San Diego today for the cruise line’s first West Coast departure since the start of the industry-wide pause.

The Pinnacle Class vessel is the largest Holland America Line ship to be sailing from the West Coast, and Oct. 10 is the first in a series of 23 seven-day cruise to the California Coast or Mexico that run through April 3, 2022.

“We are thrilled to get back to cruising from San Diego and to supporting this wonderful city and the ports we visit along the West Coast — from Mexico to Washington,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. “Our guests are eager to be back on board and our team members look forward to reconnecting with them and providing a memorable vacation. We’re ready for a successful season of cruising.”

In addition to KoningsdamZuiderdam also will sail roundtrip cruises from San Diego on longer Mexico explorations, a grand monthlong voyage to Tahiti, and Panama Canal departures. Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam each make one call in spring 2022.

Holland America Line Cruises from San Diego in 2021-2022:

Koningsdam

  • 23 seven-day cruise departures to Mexico or the California Coast.

Zuiderdam

  • Four 9-, 10- or 14-day “Mexico and Sea of Cortez” cruises from December 2021 through April 2022.
  • Two 14-day Panama Cruises in January 2022.
  • A 35-Day Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas voyage departing Feb. 27, 2022.
  • One five-day Pacific Coastal cruise from San Diego to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, departing April 22, 2022.

Eurodam

  • One four-day Pacific Coastal cruise from San Diego to Vancouver, departing April 25, 2022.

Nieuw Amsterdam

  • One five-day Pacific Coastal cruise from San Diego to Vancouver, departing
    April 26, 2022.

About Holland America Line in San Diego:

Holland America Line has been homeporting out of the Port of San Diego since the 1990s. For the upcoming 2021-2022 season, the cruise line will bring more than 81,000 guests to the city, which will result in more than $35 million in direct spending.

Operationally, each ship visit directly contributes $364,000 to the local economy in provisioning (fuel, food, flowers, piano tuning, supplies), port taxes, and spending. When Koningsdam and Zuiderdam call at San Diego, both ships will be using shore power, reducing the ships’ carbon footprint.

Throughout the years, Holland America Line has been actively involved with more than 30 nonprofits in San Diego County through giving, shipboard lunches and cruise donations, including La Jolla Playhouse, San Ysidro Health and Girl Scouts San Diego.

For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.

2021 Sep. 09; HAL press release. More ships to return to service.

Dear Readers,

I just found out that these releases – which are in  the public domain do not always reach the general public. so here a little help from my side. Good news. It might take awhile but more ships are coming back.

The following press release will go to North America consumer and trade media this morning.

 

Holland America Line Announces Spring 2022 Return-to-Service Dates for Final Three Ships in the Fleet


Noordam, Oosterdam and Westerdam to resume cruising with plans for Japan, the Mediterranean and Alaska, respectively

 Seattle, Wash., Sept. 8, 2021 — By late spring 2022, Holland America Line will have a complete fleet back to cruising with the restart of operations for Noordam, Oosterdam and Westerdam. Noordam will restart with a March 14, 2022, cruise in Japan; Oosterdam will begin cruising May 1 in the Mediterranean, and Westerdam will return to service May 8 in Alaska.

The ships will join Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam and Zuiderdam, which have returned to service or are slated to restart cruising by December 2021. Volendam and Zaandam will return in May 2022.

“We’ve been working intensely to get all of our ships back into service, and to have final restart dates that will complete the fleet is rewarding for everyone who has put their all into making this happen,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. “Our progressive rollout plan allows us to be back in full service over the next several months, and we look forward to welcoming guests on all 11 ships cruising in different regions around the world.”

Noordam Plans Return to Service in Japan

Holland America Line is working with Japanese authorities to begin cruising for Noordam next spring in Japan with four sailings scheduled.

When Noordam sets sail in March, the ship plans to offer three 14-day cruises that deeply explore Japan. Sailing roundtrip from Yokohama (Tokyo), Japan, the ship makes several calls around the exotic country and with a one- or two-day visit on each itinerary to South Korea, Taiwan or Russia. The 14-day journeys can be combined to form 28-day Collectors’ Voyages.

In April, Noordam will cross the Pacific Ocean and sail a season in Alaska with cruises between Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and Whittier, Alaska.

Oosterdam Returns to the Mediterranean

Guests eager to visit the Med next year can embark Oosterdam beginning with the May 1 departure. The ship will sail the season in the region, cruising between Civitavecchia (Rome) and Venice, Italy; and Barcelona, Spain, and Venice; or roundtrip from Venice on seven- and 12-day itineraries. Oosterdam will explore ports in Italy, Greece, Turkey, Montenegro, Croatia, Albania, France, Malta and Israel.

Following a transatlantic crossing in November 2022, the ship will transit the Panama Canal and take a southerly route to offer a series of South America and Antarctica expeditions ranging from 14 to 22 days between Buenos Aires, Argentina, and San Antonio (Santiago), Chile.

 Westerdam Sets Sail for Alaska

When Westerdam returns on May 8, the ship will embark on a season of seven-day Alaska cruises roundtrip from Seattle, Washington. Come September, the ship will cross the Pacific Ocean and begin a season in the Far East offering a variety of 14-day itineraries from Singapore; Hong Kong, China; and Yokohama (Tokyo).

Guests on January to May 2022 Cruises Will Move to 2023

With these restart dates for Noordam, Oosterdam and Westerdam, cruises in Asia, Australia and New Zealand, and South America and Antarctica from January 2022 through the return-to-service departures will be cancelled.

Guests on Westerdam’s cancelled transatlantic crossing departing April 18, 2022, will be moved to a comparable crossing on Nieuw Statendam departing April 17.

Guests on Noordam’s affected Asia departures in 2022 will be moved to the same itinerary in 2023 aboard Westerdam; guests on Oosterdam’s cancelled Australia and New Zealand voyages will be moved to the same itinerary in 2023 aboard Noordam; and guests on Westerdam’s cancelled South America and Antarctica Voyages will be moved to the same itinerary aboard Oosterdam in 2023. Guests also may choose to receive a 100% refund of monies paid to Holland America Line.

The above options are not applicable to guests booked on a charter sailing. Other booking and cancellation conditions and policies may apply if the cruise was not booked through Holland America Line.

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Find Holland America Line on Twitter, Facebook and the Holland America Blog.  Access all social media outlets via the home page at hollandamerica.com.

 

About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE:  CCL and CUK)]
Holland America Line has been exploring the world since 1873 and was the first cruise line to offer adventures to Alaska and the Yukon nearly 75 years ago. Its fleet of premium ships visits nearly 400 ports in 114 countries around the world, offering an ideal mid-sized ship experience. A third Pinnacle-class ship, Rotterdam, joined the fleet in July 2021.

The leader in premium cruising, Holland America Line’s ships feature innovative initiatives and a diverse range of enriching experiences focused on destination exploration and personalized travel. The best live music at sea fills each evening at Music Walk, and dining venues feature exclusive selections from Holland America Line’s esteemed Culinary Council of world-famous chefs.

In light of COVID-19, Holland America Line is currently enhancing health and safety protocols and how they may impact future cruises. Our actual offerings may vary from what is displayed or described in marketing materials. Review our current Cruise Updates, Health & Safety Protocols and CDC Travel Advisories.

 

 

 

PUBLIC RELATIONS

1-800-637-5029

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450 Third Avenue West, Seattle, WA 98119

Hollandamerica.com

 

26 Aug. 2021; ms Amsterdam revisited.

My wife and I had the chance to sail on the 3 day maiden voyage with the ms Bolette, ex Amsterdam from 16 to 18 August. Sailing from Dover and going nowhere, apart from having a leisurely look at the Scilly Isles and at the Channel Isles. Hence here a little update about what the ship now looks like sailing for Fred Olsen Lines. You might find the text somewhat similar to that of the Rotterdam / Borealis but they are sister ships so also a sister ship text. Continue reading

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