Holland America Line Ship Will Become Temporary Home for Ukrainian Refugees in the Netherlands
Holland America Line's cruise ship, Volendam, will accommodate up to 1,500 Ukrainian refugees in Rotterdam, Netherlands, for three months, as part of the government's commitment to support displaced families. This initiative reflects an effort to assist 50,000 refugees fleeing the war. The ship will provide full amenities including meals and housekeeping, staffed by around 650 crew members. In addition, Holland America Line has committed $1 million in emergency support for its Ukrainian team members and aims to raise further funds through its charitable initiatives.
- Chartering Volendam enhances brand image by participating in humanitarian efforts.
- $1 million emergency assistance fund for Ukrainian team members demonstrates commitment to staff welfare.
- Plans to raise additional funds through On Deck for a Cause program may improve community relations.
- Cancellation of three scheduled voyages may lead to revenue loss and customer dissatisfaction.
- Temporary operational disruption could impact overall service and booking capacity.
Volendam will house and feed up to 1,500 people as part of government's commitment to help families
ROTTERDAM, Netherlands, April 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Holland America Line's Volendam will be used to accommodate Ukrainian refugees as part of an agreement announced by Netherlands and City of Rotterdam government officials. The ship will dock in Rotterdam for three months to provide a temporary home for approximately 1,500 Ukrainians, part of a larger commitment from the Netherlands to accommodate 50,000 people who fled the war in their homeland.
"We are in a unique position to accommodate the immediate need for food and housing, so we felt it was very important to work with the City of Rotterdam and charter this ship," said Gus Antorcha, president, Holland America Line. "Our company was founded in Rotterdam around the mission of helping immigrants find a better life. So today we're proud to be a small part of a similar mission for Ukrainians who have tragically been displaced."
Under the agreement to charter Volendam, Holland America Line will provide three hot meals per day, private stateroom accommodations, housekeeping services, use of public spaces, fitness facilities, internet access, and other necessities. Volendam will be staffed with approximately 650 crew members.
"We are known for our service and hospitality, and our team is ready to welcome our new guests as we would welcome guests into our own home," said Captain Ryan Whitaker. "It will truly be an honor for us to make Volendam a comfortable and caring environment for these families who have been through so much."
Volendam was scheduled to return to service May 15, with voyages from Rotterdam to Norway, the British Isles and Iceland. To accommodate the three-month commitment, Holland America Line will cancel three of those voyages and resume service on July 3 instead. Guests on canceled cruises are being notified today and will be accommodated on similar itineraries.
"We are very sorry for the inconvenience this will cause to guests booked on the three canceled cruises," Antorcha said. "We hope they understand the unprecedented nature of this situation and why we felt it was important to work with the government on this initiative in support of these families in need."
Volendam will be docked at Merwehaven, a cargo port on the north side of the River Maas in Rotterdam. Remaining docked will ensure Ukrainian families can transit easily to and from services in Rotterdam.
Holland America Group has already been working with its own team members who are Ukrainian. A
The family foundation of parent company Carnival Corporation's chairman Micky Arison and his wife Madeleine also announced a pledge of
"We stand for peace and our hearts go out to everyone whose lives have been upended by the invasion of Ukraine," said Arnold Donald, president and chief executive officer of Carnival Corporation & plc. "We have crew members from 145 countries and we sail with guests from nations around the globe, so we feel deeply the impact of this humanitarian crisis and we join many others in supporting relief efforts."
Editor's Note: Photos and video of Volendam and its identical sister ship are at https://www.cruiseimagelibrary.com/c/yt01nihs.
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.
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SOURCE Holland America Line
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