Au revoir Rotterdam, adieu Amsterdam, vaya con dios Veendam, we’ll miss you, Maasdam. Holland America Line is saying goodbye to four ships, selling the vessels in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic and reducing its fleet size to 10.
The cruise line made the announcement late last week after the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday extended a ban on cruises in US waters until the end of September to limit the spread of COVID-19.
All cruises booked on the ships will be cancelled, including:
• Canada/New England and Grand Voyages on Amsterdam;
• Mexico, South Pacific, Australia and Asia itineraries on Maasdam;
• Caribbean, Europe, Panama Canal, South America and Hawaii sailings on Rotterdam; and
• Caribbean and Europe itineraries on Veendam.
Some select itineraries, however, will assumed by other ships in the fleet:
• The 2021 Grand World Voyage aboard Amsterdam will be postponed until 2022 and will now sail aboard Zaandam.
• The Grand Africa Voyage departing Oct. 10, 2021, aboard Rotterdam will also sail aboard Zaandam on the same dates.
Holland America says guests with bookings – and their travel advisors – will be notified and will receive information if the cruise will operate with a different ship or special offers on how to book another cruise when operations resume. Guests who prefer a refund will be accommodated.
“It’s always difficult to see any ship leave the fleet, especially those that have a long and storied history with our company,” said Stein Kruse, CEO of Holland America Group and Carnival UK.
“However, Holland America Line has a bright future ahead that includes recent Pinnacle-Class additions, with a third sister ship next year that will continue to maintain our overall capacity in the marketplace.”
The ships have been sold in pairs to undisclosed buyers, with the S-Class Maasdam and Veendam transferring to one company in August while the R-Class Amsterdam and Rotterdam will move to another company in the fall.
“I recognize and appreciate the deep affection our guests have toward our company and the ships in our fleet,” said Holland America Line president Gus Antorcha. “While streamlined, our diverse fleet continues to offer exceptional options for cruisers looking for a mid-sized ship experience to destinations all around the world.”
Here’s a quick look at the four former favourite vessels:
• Maasdam joined the fleet in 1993 as the second of four S-Class ships. Carrying 1,258 guests, it is the fourth HAL ship to bear the Maasdam name. Most recently, the 55,575-ton ship sailed longer South Pacific and Alaska voyages.
• Veendam, the final S-Class ship was delivered in 1996. The fourth Holland America Line ship to bear the name Veendam, the 57,092-ton vessel carries 1,350 guests.
• The first ship in the R Class, 61,849-ton Rotterdam was introduced in 1997. Carrying 1,404 guests, it is the sixth HAL Line ship to be named Rotterdam.
• Amsterdam joined the fleet in 2000 as the final of four R-Class ships. Carrying 1,380 guests, it is the third Holland America Line ship to be named Amsterdam. Most recently, the 62,735-ton ship operated the line’s Grand World Voyage.