Showing posts with label History. Show all posts
Showing posts with label History. Show all posts

Monday, 27 July 2026

Zuiderdam Sets Sail on Holland America’s Voyage of the Vikings

Zuiderdam Sets Sail on Holland America’s Voyage of the Vikings


The Zuiderdam sailed from Boston recently to kick off Holland America Line’s 35-night “Voyage of the Vikings.”

The 2002-built ship is now scheduled to visit destinations in Canada, New England, Greenland, Iceland, the United Kingdom and Scandinavia before returning to its homeport in North America.

As part of Holland America’s Legendary Voyages program, the cruise is highlighted by an overnight call to Rotterdam in the Netherlands, as well as stops in off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Among the lesser-visited ports welcoming the Zuiderdam are Red Bay in Canada, Paamiut in Greenland, Husavik in Iceland and Douglas in the Isle of Man.

After visits to a total of 20 destinations, the 82,305-ton ship is scheduled to return to Boston, ending the Legendary Voyage on August 20, 2026.

Following the cruise, the Zuiderdam is scheduled to spend the remainder of the summer season offering itineraries in Canada and New England.

With cruises sailing between Boston and Quebec City, the deployment runs through late October, when the ship is scheduled to reposition to Florida.

Before the end of the year, the vessel offers a series of seven- to 10-night cruises to the Caribbean departing from PortMiami.

In early 2027, the ship repositions to the West Coast for cruises to the Mexican Riviera and Baja Peninsula regions.

Holland America recently confirmed that the Zuiderdam will be the second ship to undergo a refurbishment as part of the company’s Evolution refit program.

Following the Oosterdam, the Vista-class ship will introduce new and updated features, including a series of solo staterooms with balconies.

The 1,900-passenger ship will also welcome a Grand Dutch Café, a coffee shop inspired by the European café culture that first debuted on Pinnacle-class ships.

Described as the largest fleet investment in the company’s 153-year history, the Evolution program will also include refits for four additional vessels: the Westerdam, the Noordam, the Eurodam and the Nieuw Amsterdam.

Friday, 20 May 2022

American Queen Voyages Ocean Navigator Welcomed to Chicago's Navy Pier

American Queen Voyages Ocean Navigator Welcomed to Chicago's Navy Pier


American Queen Voyages has celebrated the maiden arrival of the Ocean Navigator at Chicago's Navy Pier.

Through a partnership with sister company City Experiences, American Queen Voyages is the only overnight cruise line to dock at the downtown Chicago destination, the company said, in a press release.

Sister ship Ocean Voyager will also call on Chicago’s Navy Pier for the first time on June 8, as the two boutique coastal ships offer unique Lakes & Oceans experiences designed to navigate the locks of the St. Lawrence Seaway and all five Great Lakes.

City and state leaders including Choose Chicago CEO Lynn Osmond, Navy Pier President & CEO Marilynn Gardner, and Magnificent Mile Association President & CEO Kimberly Bares welcomed American Queen Voyages executives and Captain Gary Kerr to Chicago.

“Today, we celebrate the arrival of American Queen Voyages’ Ocean Navigator and Chicago as a cruise destination,” said Lynn Osmond, chief executive officer, of Choose Chicago. “Chicago’s tourism industry plays a large role contributing to the vibrancy of the city, and we are thrilled to have partners like American Queen Voyages who offer extraordinary experiences for our locals and tourists alike.”

“Travelers are ready to make up for lost time and are eager to deeply discover North America now – and Chicago is a stunning backdrop to embark on that journey,” shared Isis Ruiz, chief commercial officer, American Queen Voyages. “Ocean Navigator’s arrival at Navy Pier is a fitting way to celebrate tourism in Chicago, exploring the city’s bounty of culture and history. We look forward to an exciting season showcasing the many treasures across the Great Lakes.”

American Queen Voyages Great Lakes voyages of 11 to 16-days call on North America’s historic five Great Lakes and the storied St. Lawrence River. Port highlights include exploring the Victorian-era charm of Mackinac Island, historic Soo Locks, breathtaking Manitoulin Island, the largest freshwater island in the world, the Horseshoe Falls of Niagara Falls, the Henry Ford Museum in Detroit and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.

Photo: From left: Kimberly Bares, Dan Russell, Lynn Osmond, Captain Gary Kerr, Bill Annand, Marilynn Gardner