First Cruise Ship Set to Return to Canada as Country Reopens Cruising After Two-Year Absence

Rhea-AI Summary

Holland America Line's Koningsdam will be the first cruise ship to return to Canada in over two years, marking a significant step for the industry post-COVID. The ship will dock in Victoria on April 9 and Vancouver on April 10, with local events planned to celebrate this milestone. In 2022, six ships will operate 45 calls at these ports, bringing nearly 75,000 guests to Victoria and approximately 140,000 to Vancouver. The announcement underlines the importance of tourism for Canada and Alaska.

Positive

• Holland America Line is the first cruise line returning to Canada after a two-year hiatus.
• Koningsdam's call marks 905 days since a cruise ship visited Victoria.
• In 2022, six ships are scheduled to bring nearly 75,000 guests to Victoria and 140,000 to Vancouver.
• The cruise schedule includes 141 cruises on eight ships visiting Canada, benefiting local tourism.

Negative

• None.

Holland America Line's Koningsdam Calls at Victoria and Vancouver April 9 and 10 with local governments holding celebratory events

SEATTLE, April 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Holland America Line will be the first cruise line to return to Canadian cruising following a more than two year industrywide pause due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Koningsdam will call at Victoria, British Columbia, Saturday, April 9, restarting the cruise industry in Canada. The following day the ship will end its current seven-day cruise at Port of Vancouver, its homeport for the summer Alaska season.

Holland America Line's Koningsdam to be first ship to cruise Canada in more than two years.

"We are thrilled to be the first cruise line back into Canada after such a long absence, and we look forward to celebrating a great moment for everyone who loves to travel and for those in Canada and Alaska whose livelihoods depend on tourism," said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. "Holland America Line has a robust schedule of cruises that explore Canadian ports on both coasts with Alaska, Hawaii, transatlantic and Canada and New England itineraries."

Koningsdam's call at Victoria marks 905 days since a cruise ship has visited the port, and it also will be a maiden call for the ship. To mark the milestones, Antorcha and local government officials will be on hand in both Victoria and Vancouver to celebrate the return to Canadian cruising and address the importance Canada and Alaska to Holland America Line.

In 2022, six Holland America Line ships will call at Victoria and Vancouver for the Alaska cruise season. In total, the six ships will make 45 calls at Victoria and bring nearly 75,000 guests to the port, and 76 cruises begin or end at Vancouver, welcoming approximately 140,000 guests.

For Canada and New England cruising on the East Coast, two ships return in May and cruise between Boston, Massachusetts, and Quebec City or Montreal, Quebec. Nieuw Statendam and Zaandam offer itineraries ranging from seven to 24 days to more than 12 Canadian ports.

In total for 2022, Holland America Line operates 141 cruises on eight ships in Canada with more than 250,000 guests visiting both coasts. 

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

Editors note: Video from Koningsdam's current voyage to Canada, a soundbite from the ship's captain and photos are available at https://www.cruiseimagelibrary.com/c/lfa1asxe.

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.

CONTACT:	Bill Zucker, Erik Elvejord
PHONE:	800-637-5029, 206-626-9890
EMAIL:	pr@hollandamerica.com

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/first-cruise-ship-set-to-return-to-canada-as-country-reopens-cruising-after-two-year-absence-301520685.html

SOURCE Holland America Line

FAQ

What is the significance of Koningsdam's return to Canada?

Koningsdam's return marks the first cruise ship to visit Canada in over two years, symbolizing a revival of the cruise industry post-pandemic.

When will Koningsdam arrive in Victoria and Vancouver?

Koningsdam will dock in Victoria on April 9, 2022, and in Vancouver on April 10, 2022.

How many guests will visit Victoria and Vancouver in 2022?

In 2022, Holland America Line is expected to bring nearly 75,000 guests to Victoria and approximately 140,000 guests to Vancouver.

What are the plans for Holland America Line in Canada after the cruise restart?

Holland America Line plans to operate 141 cruises on eight ships visiting Canada's ports in 2022.

Which cities will the Holland America Line ships visit in 2022?

Holland America Line ships will visit multiple Canadian ports, including Victoria and Vancouver, with itineraries extending to Alaska and New England.