Another Holland America ship is back in passenger service.
On Sunday, Nieuw Statendam set sail from Port Everglades, marking the vessel’s first voyage since the cruise industry shutdown in 2020. It is the line’s fifth ship to resume service, joining Rotterdam, Koningsdam, Eurodam, and Nieuw Amsterdam.
To celebrate the occasion, Holland America held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the terminal to kick off embarkation, and team members greeted guests by waving flags as they boarded the ship.
“Today is another milestone in our return to service, with Nieuw Statendam starting operation just in time for Thanksgiving, and we have a lot to be thankful for this year that we’re getting back in the water,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. “Today is a great day for Holland America Line, and our team members can’t wait to welcome guests on board.”
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Nieuw Statendam is now on a seven-night western Caribbean voyage that will call in Nassau, Bahamas; Ocho Rios and Port Royal, Jamaica; and Half Moon Cay — the line’s private island in the Bahamas.
From now through April, the ship will sail seven to 11-night voyages in the Caribbean, all roundtrip from Port Everglades. Those looking to take a longer cruise can embark on a Collectors’ Voyage — back-to-back cruises that explore more than one part of the Caribbean region.
Holland America has been homeporting in Port Everglades since the 1990s. Operationally, each ship visit contributes $364,000 directly to the local economy in provisioning (fuel, food, flowers, piano tuning, supplies, etc.), port taxes, and spending.
The cruise line works with nearly 100 South Florida vendors who supply the company and its ships with goods and services.
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