Westerdam Embarks on Cruise to Alaska and Arctic Circle

Westerdam Embarks on Cruise to Alaska and Arctic Circle

The Westerdam set sail from Seattle earlier this month for the second annual edition of Holland America Line’s “Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice” itinerary.

Cruising round-trip from the Pacific Northwest, the 28-night voyage will sail all the way to the Bering Strait while visiting 14 destinations in Alaska and Canada.

Described by the company as its most exclusive itinerary in the region, the month-long cruise sails to unique destinations, such as Nome and Dutch Harbor.

Other highlights of the itinerary include an overnight visit to Anchorage, as well as stops in Valdez and Kodiak.

Before returning to Seattle, the Westerdam is also scheduled to visit Haines, Juneau, Sitka, Wrangell, Ketchikan and Prince Rupert.

The voyage features scenic cruising as well, sailing across the Inside Passage, the Hubbard Glacier, Tracy Arm Fjord and Glacier Bay National Park.

A similar summer solstice itinerary to the Arctic Circle is set to be offered by the Noordam in early June 2026.

Part of Holland America’s six-ship season in Alaska, the Westerdam is set to offer seven-night cruises from Seattle after completing its summer solstice voyage.

Offering the company’s “Alaska Explorer” itinerary, the vessel sails from its homeport every Sunday for cruises that visit Victoria, Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau and Tracy Arm Fjord.

The 2004-built ship also offers a unique month-long cruise that combines visits to destinations in Alaska and Hawaii.

Offered in partnership with the History Channel, the “Legendary Glaciers & Volcanoes” cruise is scheduled to sail round-trip from Seattle on August 31, 2025.

The 28-night cruise features four destinations in Hawaii, including Honolulu, where the ship is set to spend two days docked.

Other ports of call set to be visited include Vancouver, Dutch Harbour and Kodiak, as well as Valdez and Anchorage.

In addition to the Westerdam, other Holland America Line ships sailing in Alaska in 2025 include the Eurodam, the Koningsdam, the Nieuw Amsterdam, the Noordam and the Zaandam.

Holland America: ’Free of Amusement Parks and 2,000 Extra Guests’

Holland America: ’Free of Amusement Parks and 2,000 Extra Guests’

In its new marketing campaign, Holland America Line is taking a unique approach to differentiation by highlighting the qualities it doesn’t possess.

The promotion plan is focused on the Caribbean and aims to highlight the company’s product, which is based on relaxed premium experiences onboard mid-sized cruise ships.

Launched earlier this month, the “Refreshingly Free” campaign was based on research and customer feedback, the company’s Chief Marketing Officer, Kacy Cole, explained.

“As we start to go to market and think about how we want to communicate to guests, we really discovered an opportunity,” she said during a press conference.

“We found that there are a lot of travelers who look at Caribbean cruising and don’t really want the amusement park-like experience,” she continued.

“They are looking for service, relaxation and cultural enrichment,” Cole added, noting a growing preference for cruise experiences that prioritize relaxation, personalized service and cultural enrichment over a high-energy environment.

“Guests also expressed some dissatisfaction with oversized ships, citing issues with overcrowding, long lines, etc.,” Cole added.

As a result, the new Holland America Line campaign is aimed at showing that the company’s vessels and product are “a real alternative for people to invest in and get excited about,” she explained.

“We really want to own differentiation. In putting this campaign together, we’re thinking about this idea of refreshingly free,” Cole continued.

She said that the Caribbean is dominated by short and weeklong cruises onboard large ships.

“That’s really not what we’re known for,” she added. “Holland America has been a trusted brand for more than 150 years, perfecting the art of leisurely travel. No water parks, no roller coasters, no amusement parks at sea.”

Mentioning the company’s “Savor the Journey” slogan, Cole said that the company offers an alternative to conventional Caribbean cruises with “experiences too good to hurry through.”

“That introduces ‘Refreshingly Free.’ It’s the idea that, from what you typically expect of the Caribbean, we are a little different.”

Calling the company’s ships mid-sized, Cole added that Holland America’s fleet carries an average of 50 percent fewer passengers than other ships in the Caribbean.

One of the materials developed by the company will highlight the fact that Holland America ships are “refreshingly free” of 2,000 additional people to spotlight the company’s 1:2 crew-to-guest ratio.

“We are really creating an experience in the Caribbean where you can unwind and be taken care of with our long tradition of genuine service,” Cole said.

The campaign is based on three main pillars, including the relaxed onboard experiences and the fleet’s smaller average size.

“Refreshingly Free” also focuses on Holland America’s culinary offerings with a pillar that highlights the company’s unique and fresh choices.

Cole called the company’s Fresh Fish and Destination Dining Programs “huge differentiators,” noting that Holland America developed options that celebrate the best ingredients and flavors of the region.

“The idea is really to connect the things that we aren’t and how that’s actually a really strong differentiator for Holland America and the Caribbean.”

Holland America’s Zaandam Enters Drydock in Freeport

Holland America’s Zaandam Enters Drydock in Freeport

Holland America Line’s Zaandam recently arrived in Freeport to undergo routine maintenance at the Grand Bahama Shipyard.

After concluding a cruise in Fort Lauderdale, the ship entered one of the drydocks of the facility on Jan. 25, 2025.

As part of its two-week shipyard stay, the Zaandam is now undergoing a series of technical overhauls, as well as class work and general maintenance.

Upon completion of the drydock, the vessel is scheduled to welcome guests back in Florida on Feb. 8, 2025.

The 2000-built ship will then kick off a month-long cruise to the Caribbean, South America and the Amazon.

Sailing roundtrip from Miami, the “Amazon Explorer” itinerary is part of Holland America’s Legendary Voyages program and features visits to 13 destinations.

The sailing is highlighted by an overnight stay in Manaus, as well as scenic cruising on the Amazon River.

After the cruise, the Zaandam is scheduled to offer a Panama Canal cruise before kicking off a series of cruises to the Mexican Riviera.

The seven- to ten-night itineraries from San Diego will be followed by a summer deployment in Alaska and Canada.

In September, the 1,440-guest ship is also scheduled to offer a 56-night cruise to the South Pacific and Hawaii.

The vessel continues to sail in the Pacific during the 2025-26 winter, with itineraries to the Mexican Riviera, Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, French Polynesia and more.

Extensively refurbished over the years, the Zaandam underwent a major refit in 2018 as part of a $300-million fleet upgrade program.

At the time, the vessel saw significant suite and stateroom enhancements and updates to its public areas.

New additions included USB outlets to the bedside headboards, as well as LED lights to facilitate late-night reading and upgraded electrical outlets. A fully new interactive television system was also installed in all cabins.

Holland America Line 2024 Cruise Capacity Breakdown

Holland America Line 2024 Cruise Capacity Breakdown

HAL Westerdam in Glacia Bay Alaska photo credit Spacejunkie2 flickr images

According to the 2024 Cruise Industry News Annual Report, Holland America Line is offering a balanced deployment mix in 2024 across its 11-ship fleet.

Alaska continues to concentrate most of the company’s offerings, with a total of six ships sailing in the region this summer.

Offering seven-night cruises from Vancouver, the Koningsdam is Holland America’s largest vessel in Alaska this year.

Other ships sailing in the region include the Nieuw Amsterdam, the Eurodam, the Noordam, the Westerdam and the Zaandam.

Holland America Line is also building up its Caribbean offering in 2024, with roughly a 15 per cent increase in capacity compared to 2023.

Mostly sailing from Port Everglades, seven ships are set to offer week-long or longer cruises in the region this year.

The Caribbean deployment is highlighted by a 21-night cruise that sails roundtrip from the Port of Boston.

Scheduled for October, the unique itinerary sails onboard the Zuiderdam and features visits to destinations in the Southern and Eastern Caribbean, as well as the Bahamas and Bermuda.

After seeing a significant capacity increase in 2023,  Northern Europe completes the brand’s top three cruise capacity regions.

Other regions with significant cruise capacity from Holland America Line include the West Coast, the Mediterranean and Canada/New England.

With summer and fall programs onboard the Volendam and the Zuiderdam, the latter is seeing an 18 per cent capacity spike in 2024.

The Holland America fleet is also offering itineraries to South America, Australia, Hawaii, the Panama Canal, the Canaries, and the Asia/Pacific region, as well as a full world cruise and repositioning trans-Atlantic sailings.

Australia Set for Record-Breaking Cruise Capacity in 2024

Australia Set for Record-Breaking Cruise Capacity in 2024

According to the 2024 Cruise Industry News Annual Report, the Australian cruise market is poised for record-breaking cruise capacity in 2024.

Building on a strong 2023, the region will see 57 different cruise ships from various brands.

Accounting for approximately four per cent of the global cruise market share, some of the big deployment moves include the arrival of the Crown Princess.

Joining Princess Cruises’ lineup in Australia and New Zealand for the 2024-25 season, the 3,100-guest vessel will offer cruises departing from Sydney, Auckland, Brisbane and more.

Taking over the program currently offered by the Coral Princess, the Crown is also scheduled to offer longer cruises, including sailing to the South Pacific and Europe.

Cruise Industry News independent research shows that P&O Australia continues to serve as the market leader, with three ships operating year-round from ports in Australia and New Zealand.

The company’s fleet includes the Pacific Encounter and the Pacific Adventure, which are among the largest ships sailing in the region.

Other brands with significant capacity in the Australia and New Zealand regions include Royal Caribbean International and Carnival Cruise Line.

Royal Caribbean is deploying three ships to the region in 2024, offering seasonal programs from Sydney and Brisbane.

In addition to the Carnival Splendor operating a year-round schedule out of Sydney, Carnival is once again deploying the Carnival Luminosa to Australia in 2024.

After joining the company’s fleet in 2022, the 2,260-guest ship has been offering seasonal programs from Brisbane.

Australia and New Zealand’s 2024 lineup is also highlighted by Disney Cruise Line, which is returning to the region for a second consecutive season in late 2024.

Following a successful debut in 2023, the Disney Wonder will return to the market in late October for an extended program that features itineraries departing from Brisbane, Auckland, Melbourne and Sydney.

Holland America Presents ‘Cake Me Away’ Dessert Extravaganza

Holland America Presents ‘Cake Me Away’ Dessert Extravaganza

Holland America’s pastry chefs across the fleet will showcase their favorite desserts during Cake Me Away, a new Lido Market dessert celebration.

Launching in time for National Cake Day on Nov. 26, Cake Me Away presents over 22 five-layer cakes in 16 flavors, according to a press release. 

The cruise line’s international pastry team has also crafted a selection of mini-jar cakes to be added to the daily dessert rotation at Sweet Spot in Lido Market.

 “Our pastry team has some of the most talented chefs in the world, and Cake Me Away allows us to bring flavors from their home countries to our guests,” said Michael Stendebach, vice president of food, beverage and guest services at Holland America Line. “The culinary team is always developing new ideas, and Cake Me Away gives them the opportunity to share their favorites and introduce new original cakes for our guests to enjoy.”

Cake Me Away desserts include gluten-free, vegan and no-sugar added options.

 Featured flavors include:

• Mille Crepe Cake with layers of cream and crepes;
• Heaven and Hell Cake with peanut butter frosting;
• Concorde Cake, a gluten-free option made from chocolate meringue.
• Almond Roca Cake with homemade almond roca (a hard toffee with chopped nuts and chocolate);
• Sans Rival Cake with buttercream, meringue and chopped cashews;
• Carrot Cake with warm spices, chopped nuts and cream cheese frosting;
• Cookies and Cream Cake with crushed chocolate cookies;
• Crème Brûlée Cake, with vanilla cake, creamy custard and pastry cream.

 

The mini-jar cakes offered daily will feature flavors such as Black Forest, Carrot Cake, Key Lime Pie, Red Velvet and S’mores.

Holland America: Full Fleet Shore Power Ready

Holland America: Full Fleet Shore Power Ready

Following the shore power installation on the Volendam, Holland America Line’s entire fleet is now equipped for shore power connectivity.

The Volendam recently completed its installation in Vancouver, British Columbia, and was connected to the port’s shoreside electricity for a full day on September 27.

“At Holland America Line, our legacy of exceptional onboard care extends to caring for the planet, and having our entire fleet capable of shore power connection is a tremendous milestone in our sustainability efforts,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. “We have committed to reducing our carbon emission intensity by 20 per cent by 2030 from our 2019 baseline, and we’re on our way to reaching that goal through a variety of initiatives that include shore power. We look forward to more global ports embracing shore power capability in the future and are ready to work with them to connect.”

Ports that the cruise line’s ships visit with shore power include Juneau, Alaska; New York; San Francisco and San Diego, California; Seattle, Washington; Halifax, Montreal and Vancouver, Canada; Bergen, Ålesund and Kristiansand, Norway; Kiel, Germany; and Shanghai and Xiamen, China.

Holland America Line began converting ships for shore power connectivity in 2006 with its four Vista Class ships.

The cruise line’s Pinnacle Class ships (the Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam and the Rotterdam) all were built with shore power systems installed, while the Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam were launched with a partial installation that has since been completed.

In addition to shore power, the company has also adopted a variety of environmental practices such as banning single-use plastics onboard and using biodegradable or paper-based alternatives.

“We’ve made our packaging changes in a thoughtful manner to ensure that we can both reduce our footprint and also maintain our outstanding guest experience,” added Antorcha.

 

Holland America Line to cruise from Dover for the first time in 10 years

Dover photoed from a leaving cruise line photo credit Spacejunkie2 (Flickr)

Holland America Line will sail a full season of round-trip itineraries from Dover for the first time in more than 10 years.

The line will base Pinnacle-class ship Nieuw Statendam out of the UK port for 10 departures in the summer of 2025.
 
From Dover, the vessel will sail itineraries ranging from 14 to 42 days to the Canary Islands, British Isles, Norway, Iceland, Greenland, Iberia and the eastern Mediterranean.
 
In addition to Dover, HAL will depart from nine homeports throughout Europe, with an increase in cruises over 10 days, more sailings to Iceland and a combined 62 overnight calls or late-night departures in leading cities.
 
"We’re really excited about Nieuw Statendam homeporting in Dover for a whole season in 2025 and the additional opportunities this provides to the trade, as well as our guests," said Karen Farndell, director of UK sales and marketing.
 
"The itineraries look incredible and varied, offering something for everyone – beyond Dover, our 10 homeports span Europe, and in 2025 we’re offering the most diverse range of itineraries that include everything from week-long holidays to the Med to month-long explorations to the Arctic."
She praised the line’s travel agent partners for their continued support and commitment throughout the company’s milestone 150th year.
 
Other highlights of HAL’s 2025 Europe cruising season include seven-day Norway and Denmark and Norwegian Fjords itineraries onboard Rotterdam, while Oosterdam will sail its entire season in the Mediterranean on cruises from Piraeus, Barcelona, Civitavecchia and Trieste.
 
Nieuw Statendam visits the Canary Islands on a 14-day Canary Island Enchantment with Morocco and Portugal cruise departing on 20 April 2025, and the Voyage of the Vikings itinerary returns in 2025 onboard Zuiderdam.

Holland America’s Westerdam Returns to Japan for Spring Season

Holland America’s Westerdam Returns to Japan for Spring Season

The Westerdam is marking Holland America Line’s return to Japan today after a three-year gap.

Following a short season in Southeast Asia, the 1,900-guest vessel arrived in Yokohama to kick off a spring program in the country.

Sailing roundtrip from the port – which is located near Japan’s capital city, Tokyo – the Westerdam is set to offer a series of 11- to 14-day cruises to different ports including Kobe/Osaka, Tokushima, Kagoshima and Shimizu.

For its first cruise in the region since early 2020, the ship is offering a 14-night itinerary named “Japan Explorer.”

The voyage features visits to a total of ten ports in the region, such as Hiroshima, Kochi and Sakaiminato.

Through April, the program also includes visits to Ishigaki, Naha and other destinations in Japan, as well as ports of call in Taiwan and South Korea.

After completing its Asia schedule, the ship offers a 14-day North Pacific Crossing to Seattle – its homeport for the upcoming summer season in Alaska.

Part of Holland America’s four-ship Vista Class, the Westerdam first entered service in 2004. Extensively refurbished over the years, the 82,000-ton ship underwent a drydock in January 2023 for routine maintenance and class work.

Offering a premium cruise product, the vessel was designed with an array of dining, entertainment and bar venues that include the Exploration’s Café – a lounge that provides travel resources and enrichment opportunities for guests.

Other features comprise the Billboard Onboard, where two pianists perform shows centred around facts and figures of the music industry, and the Lincoln Center Stage, which showcases a nightly ensemble of musicians performing chamber music.

The ship also offers an extensive dining lineup that includes Holland America Line’s signature venues, such as the Pinnacle Grill steakhouse and the Italian Canaletto Restaurant.

Fred. Olsen’s Bolette Completes Refurbishment

Fred. Olsen’s Bolette Completes Refurbishment

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Bolette has recently completed a refurbishment at the A&P Falmouth shipyard in England.

According to the company, the drydock was supported by 500 members of the facility’s workforce, including 32 apprentices.

“We are really pleased to further support the Falmouth economy by working with the team at A&P to maintain and refurbish our ships, and in particular providing their apprentices with new experience and opportunity,” said Peter Deer, Managing Director of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.

After entering drydock in late February, the Bolette spent two weeks at the A&P Falmouth shipyard to undergo a program of works that comprised underwater painting, servicing of lifeboats, maintenance of stabilizers and more.

Other technical interventions included the exchange of the ship’s bow thrusters, which were replaced with newly overhauled ones.

The 2000-built ship also underwent a full underwater hull cleaning before receiving fresh antifouling paint.

According to Fred. Olsen, the new coat of paint helps reduce friction in the water while keeping the hull clear of barnacles and other marine life.

The crew cabins onboard were also refurbished, the company added, and all of the vessel’s lifeboats and davits underwent a main overhaul and overload test.

The Bolette’s Azipod propellers were removed for maintenance as well, while a new autopilot system was installed at the ship’s bridge.

On the guests’ side, Bolette also saw improvements to its photo gallery, which received digital screens for selecting and ordering pictures, according to Fred. Olsen, the new format saves time and paper.

A small studio where passengers are able to take professional, portrait-style shots was also installed in the photo gallery area.

Following the work, the 62,735-ton vessel resumed service on March 9. Sailing from the port of Newcastle, the Bolette is now offering a series of five- to ten-night itineraries to the UK, Norway, Iceland, the Baltic, Western Europe and more.

Originally built for Holland America Line as the Amsterdam, the Bolette was acquired by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines in 2020.

Celestyal Acquires Former Ryndam

Celestyal Acquires Former Ryndam

Celestyal has acquired the former Ryndam. The 1993-built vessel is currently laid up in Greece.

The ship most recently operated for P&O Australia and will now become the 1,260-guest Celestyal Journey and will undergo an extensive, €20 million (approximately $21 million), refurbishment and technical maintenance overhaul before entering service.

“While the global events of the past few years have placed our growth plans on pause, the positive industry outlook along with strong bookings for the coming season, provides Celestyal with the opportunity to recommence the process of renewing our fleet with new vessels,” said Chris Theophilides, CEO. “In addition to her expansive open decks, numerous bar and dining options as well as spacious public areas and staterooms, the Celestyal Journey provides our guests with a significant increase in premium and balcony staterooms, which continue to be in high demand on all of our voyages. We look forward to welcoming her to the Celestyal fleet!’’

The Celestyal Journey will undergo its capital expenditure program in the wider Piraeus ship repair zone area.

Details regarding the onboard experience and itineraries will be forthcoming.

Fort Lauderdale: LGBTQIA+ Cruises Deliver Key Economic Impact

Fort Lauderdale: LGBTQIA+ Cruises Deliver Key Economic Impact

Greater Fort Lauderdale is preparing to set a new record in February 2023 with four sold-out LGBTQIA+ cruises bringing in more than $8 million in economic impact, according to Visit Lauderdale, the destination marketing organization.

“With demand for travel to LGBTQIA+ friendly destinations at an all-time high, our reputation for welcoming  ‘everyone under the sun’ has delivered a record-breaking booking of four consecutive LGBT+ cruises of this magnitude,” said Richard Gray, Visit Lauderdale’s senior vice president of inclusion and accessibility.

The four sold-out cruises will bring in a total of 11,500 visitors to Fort Lauderdale, according to a statement. 

In October 2022, Visit Lauderdale launched its new brand campaign titled “Everyone Under the Sun,” aimed at emphasizing Greater Fort Lauderdale’s welcoming atmosphere and its inclusive community. The ads feature locals of all ethnicities and disabilities and members of the area’s LGBTQIA+ community.

Gray worked with LGBTAIA+ cruise operators including Atlantis, VACAYA and Olivia for the past year promoting four sailings on Visit Lauderdale’s website.

The sold-out LGBTQIA+ cruises include:

• Atlantis’ voyage on Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas (February 4-12, 2023);
• VACAYA’s cruise package on Celebrity Reflections (February 12-19, 2023) 
• Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam two cruises (February 19-26, 2023 and February 23-March 5, 2023) 

“Beyond our appreciation for the major economic boost to our economy, we want LGBT+ travellers to know they are truly welcome in our community,” concluded Gray.

 

Preview: The 2023 Cruise Industry

Preview: The 2023 Cruise Industry

With the COVID-19 pandemic now in the past, Cruise Industry News looked into the trends and the highlights that are set to headline the cruise industry in 2023.

New Ships

According to Cruise Industry News’ Orderbook data, lots of new builds are set to hit the market in 2023.

The vessels will expand the fleet of 20 operators, including major brands such as Carnival and MSC Cruises, as well as niche cruise lines including American Cruise Line and Swan Hellenic.

Virgin will be the brand adding the most ships, with the Resilient Lady and the Brilliant Lady scheduled to enter service during the year.

Start-Ups

More start-ups are entering the market in 2023 while other new brands are also expanding their fleet.

New brands launching services include Compagnie Française de Croisières and Exploris, as well as Explora Journeys and Adora Cruises.

After debuting in 2022, other start-up operators – including Ambassador and Emerald – are set to add ships to their fleets over the next 12 months.

Additional brands that could debut in 2023 include Foresee Cruises, who acquired the former Sea Princess for a local operation in China.

New Crystal Cruises

Crystal Cruises is making a return in 2023, under new management and ownership.

The brand, along with two former ships, the Serenity and the Symphony, was bought by the A&K Group after the collapse of the luxury cruise line in early 2022.

With details still to be confirmed, the new luxury cruise line plans to launch operations early in the year.

First China-Built Large Ship

The first large cruise ship built in China is going to enter service in late 2023. Currently, in the final stages of construction in Shanghai, the still-unnamed vessel is set to offer year-round cruising in Asia for Adora Cruises.

With a design similar to the one used by Carnival’s Vista-Class ships, the 135,000-ton ship will have a capacity for 5,000 guests, as well as custom-designed features and public areas.

A joint venture between China State Shipbuilding Corporation and Carnival Corporation, the brand also has a sister ship currently under construction at the same shipyard.

Explora Journeys

The MSC Group is debuting a new cruise line in 2023 with Explora Journeys. As part of its expansion, the new brand will offer a luxury experience, with a fleet of purpose-built ships.

Scheduled to enter service in July, the Explora I is the first of the new mid-sized vessels.

The 922-guest ship will debut in Northern Europe, before offering itineraries in North America, the Caribbean, South America and the West Coast.

Japan Reopening

One of the most important markets in Asia, Japan is set to welcome international cruising back in early 2023.

Cruise Lines returning to the country include Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and Silversea, which are set to offer full seasons in the region starting in March.

Secondhand Market

With several ships looking for new operators, the secondhand market is set to continue warm in 2023.

Vessels like Fred. Olsen’s Braemar, the Astoria, the Pacific Venus and the Birka Stockholm are currently on the market. Meanwhile, Carnival Corporation said it would sell three more ships, including two Costa ships, on this year-end and fourth-quarter earnings call in December.

Other ships potently looking for new owners include the Seajets fleet, which currently includes five ships and remains laid up in Greece, and the former AIDAvita, which remains laid up in Estonia.

Vessels formerly operated by Genting, such as the Explorer Dream, are also present in limbo.

Expedition Market

The expedition market will welcome five new vessels in 2023 as vessels are set to enter service for various brands, including Swan Hellenic, Scenic and Oceanwide according to the orderbook.

Seabourn is also continuing its expansion into the niche with the addition of the Seabourn Pursuit, its second purpose-built exploration ship.

Concluding SunStone’s Infinity class of ships, the Ocean Albatros is also scheduled to debut during the year.

Disney Expansion

Disney Cruise Line is growing its operations in 2023. With the new Disney Wish sailing its first full year, the brand is set to add a new homeport in North America and also debut in Australia and New Zealand.

Starting in November, the brand is set to expand to Port Everglades, offering four- and five-night cruises onboard the Disney Dream.

A few days before that, however, Disney is also arriving in Australia and New Zealand for the first time, with the Disney Wonder offering a local program that includes itineraries sailing from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland.

In 2023, Disney is also expected to reveal its plans for the former Global Dream, which was acquired by the brand last November.

 

Carnival Corporation to Trim Down Cruise Newbuilding Pace

 to Trim Down Cruise Newbuilding Pace

Carnival Corporation will decelerate its new building pace in an effort to not only moderate supply growth, but keep spending down, according to Josh Weinstein, president and CEO, speaking on the company’s year-end and fourth-quarter earnings call.

Weinstein said that the company didn’t expect to take delivery of any new ships in 2026, and beyond that, would only build two ships a year going forward.

“Going forward, we are committed to using our expected cash flow strength to repair the balance sheet over time, and we’ll be disciplined and rigorous in making newbuild decisions accordingly,” he said.

“We have just four ships on order through 2025, plus our second incredible Seabourn luxury expedition ship to be delivered in 2023.

“This is our lowest order book in decades,” Weinstein continued. “We don’t expect any new ships in 2026 and anticipate just one or two new builds each year for several years thereafter.”

Left on the Carnival orderbook through 2025 are the Carnival Jubilee, Cunard’s Queen Anne, the Sun Princess, another Princess newbuild that has yet to be named and the Seabourn Pursuit.

No new builds are on order for the company’s other brands including Holland America Line, AIDA Cruises, P&O Cruises and P&O Cruises Australia. Carnival’s joint venture with China State Shipbuilding Corporation was not mentioned.

With more old ships exiting combined with recent deliveries and the upcoming new build schedule, the company expects about 25 per cent of its capacity to be what it considers new ships in 2023.

That means an eight-percentage point increase in balcony cabins across the fleet, and differentiated onboard experiences resulting in greater onboard revenue.

Holland America Line will return to Japan in the new year

Holland America Line will return to Japan in the new year

Nieuw Amsterdam in Vancouver Photo Credit Spacejunkie2 (Flickr)

HAL will deploy Westerdam to Japan early next year off the back of a stint in Australia and New Zealand; the ship will start its Asia season on 3rd February after a January dry dock in Singapore.

 

Japan lifted its curbs on cruising last month. Westerdam will sail roundtrip from Yokohama or Singapore, or between the two destinations.

 

Cruises range from 11 to 14 days and can be combined to create non-repeating Collectors’ Voyages. Across five itineraries, guests will be able to visit Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia, with overnight calls in Singapore, Kobe, Osaka and Phuket.

The season will conclude with a 14-day North Pacific Crossing from Yokohama to Seattle departing on 24th  April when Westerdam redeploys for its Alaska season.

"We’re grateful for the work that the Japanese authorities have done to allow for a return to cruising," said HAL president Gus Antorcha.

"Holland America Line’s guests love longer voyages to unique parts of the world, and we’ll be sailing to some incredible locations as our season in Japan and the rest of Asia begins."

HAL will provide details of any specific health protocols for each departure in advance via its voyage lookup tool.

Holland America Line (HAL) has removed the need for guests on "most voyages"

Holland America Line (HAL) has removed the need for guests on "most voyages"

MS Nieuw Amsterdam arriving early morning into Vancouver, photo credit Spacejunkie2 (Flickr)

Effective immediately, unvaccinated guests sailing on “standard protocol” voyages will no longer need a test prior to disembarkation.

 

Guests will also not have to provide evidence of vaccination unless they are required to do so by a destination.

 

"Our guests continue to show their excitement to return to cruising, and this is another step toward making it as easy as possible for them to safely explore the world in a way they love," said Gus Antorcha, president of HAL.

 

"Standard protocol" voyages now also include Panama Canal transits up to 15 nights and guests on "enhanced protocol" voyages will be provided additional information about protocols based on ports visited. 

New Rotterdam Completes First Year in Service

New Rotterdam Completes First Year in Service

The Rotterdam VII is completing its first year in service.

After being delivered a few months earlier, the new Holland America Line flagship welcomed its first guests on October 20, 2021.

On that day, the 2,650-guest vessel departed the Netherlands for a 14-day transatlantic to the United States.

Sailing from Amsterdam to Fort Lauderdale, the one-way voyage featured visits to five destinations, including the Azores, a Portuguese archipelago located in the middle of the Atlantic, and Brest, in France.

Upon arriving in North America in November, the Rotterdam began its inaugural season in the region, which included five- to 11-night itineraries to the Southern, Western and Eastern Caribbean, as well as the Bahamas.

During its first year in service, the vessel also sailed a summer program in Northern Europe – where it was christened by Princess Margriet of the Netherlands in May.

Currently sailing Holland America’s 150th-anniversary transatlantic crossing, the Rotterdam is now set to offer a second season of Caribbean and Bahamas cruises starting on October 30, 2022. 

The program includes ten- and 11-night itineraries to the Southern and Eastern Caribbean departing from Fort Lauderdale to popular destinations such as Curaçao, Grand Turk and Martinique.

A sister to the 2016-built Koningsdam and 2018-built Nieuw Statendam, the new Rotterdam is part of Holland America's Pinnacle class.

The seventh ship to carry the name of the company, it offers enhanced amenities and features, such as the Rolling Stone Rock Room, where guests are able to relive rock history with iconic hits performed by live bands.

The Rotterdam also offers 11 different dining experiences, including the Grand Dutch Café, a nod to Holland America Line’s heritage, as well as Italian, Asian and French speciality options.

Another highlight of the ship’s public areas is the theatre. Named World Stage, the showroom is equipped with a round stage and a two-story LED screen that creates a wraparound display.

Holland America Line Celebrates 150th Anniversary Crossing

Holland America Line Celebrates 150th Anniversary Crossing

Holland America Line’s Rotterdam VII departed Rotterdam last week for the cruise line’s 150th-anniversary transatlantic crossing, according to a press release.

The 15-day voyage was designed to recreate Holland America Line's first voyage onboard the Rotterdam I and the route follows the original route to New York, with stops in Le Havre, France, and Plymouth, England, according to Holland America Line.

“Today is historic for our brand as we depart 150 years to the day that Holland America Line’s very first ship began its journey to New York,” said Gus Antorcha, president, of Holland America Line.

“In that time, we’ve carried immigrants and cruising vacationers, soldiers and refugees and earned a reputation for the extraordinary care and welcoming all those guests as if into our own homes. As we sail into our next 150 years, that environment of service will be our hallmark as we create exceptional experiences for guests around the world,” he added.

Guests will travel through Holland America Line's history with onboard enrichment programming, culinary recreations of dishes served in the original sailing, and other forms of entertainment. The celebrations will continue on October 26 with a commissioned performance on the World Stage by past and present Lincoln Center Stage performers.

The cruise line will offer its anniversary sailing again on April 6, 2023, setting sail from New York and ending in Rotterdam on April 18.