Holland America Line sells four ships as part of Carnival’s downsizing
Holland America Line has announced that Amsterdam, Maasdam, Rotterdam and Veendam will be leaving the fleet and transferring to “undisclosed buyers”.
The ships have been sold in pairs, with the S-Class Maasdam (pictured above) and Veendam transferring to one company in August 2020, while the R-Class Amsterdam and Rotterdam will move to another company in fall 2020.
The sale of four Holland America Line ships is part of Carnival’s downsizing plans, with the cruise giant hoping to offload 13 ships in total by 8 October 2020.
Holland America Line will cancel cruises for the four ships’ deployments, with some select itineraries being 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 10 October 2021 aboard Rotterdam will now also sail aboard Zaandam on the same date.
Holland America Line said guests with bookings on future sailings of these ships will be notified that these cruises will be cancelled or changed.
“Along with their travel advisors, guests will receive information if the cruise will operate with a different ship or information and special offers on how to book another Holland America Line cruise when operations resume,” the company said in a statement.
“Guests who prefer a refund will be accommodated.”
Cancelled cruises will include scheduled 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.
Stein Kruse, CEO of Holland America Group and Carnival UK, said: “It’s always difficult to see any ship leave the fleet, especially those that have a long and storied history with our company.
“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.”
Gus Antorcha, who was recently appointed as the new president of Holland America Line, said: “I recognise and appreciate the deep affection our guests have toward our company and the ships in our fleet.
“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.
“I look forward to carrying on those beloved shipboard offerings, while cultivating new ideas to bring to our guests.”
Featured image source: iStock/shaunl
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
amsterdam carnival cruise line cruise ships holland america line Maasdam Rotterdam VeendamLatest News
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