Holland America’s ship Zuiderdam resumed service today from the Port of San Diego in California — the second vessel in the fleet to return to cruising in San Diego since the cruise industry shutdown.
Zuiderdam‘s crew celebrated the return in holiday spirit, with sleigh bells ringing and Santa and his elves on hand to officially open embarkation and welcome guests back onboard.
The ship is joining Koningsdam in San Diego, which resumed service there on October 10.
“San Diego is an important homeport for us, and we are excited to have two ships back in full-time operation here with the restart of Zuiderdam today,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line.
“We are proud to be part of the San Diego community, which has continued to show us tremendous support throughout our restart. There’s no better way to kick off Zuiderdam’s season than with a holiday cruise full of joyful guests and our grateful crew who are happy to have them back on board.”
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Zuiderdam‘s first voyage is a 10-night “Mexico and Sea of Cortez” sailing, which will be followed by some one-way Panama Canal cruises between San Diego and Fort Lauderdale. After those, the ship will embark on a grand 35-night South Pacific sojourn and Pacific cruise.
Koningsdam, meanwhile, is currently operating seven-night cruises to the California Coast and seven-night cruises to Mexico. From San Diego, the ship will also operate two longer Hawaii voyages.
In the spring, other Holland America ships Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam will each make one call in San Diego.
On December 19, Zuiderdam took part in the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights with an illuminated “Ho Ho Ho” on the ship’s side while at San Diego’s B-Street Cruise Terminal.
Holland America Line now has six ships back in service in the Caribbean, Mexico, and along the United States’ Pacific Coast.
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