Holland America Line will be the first cruise company to return to Canadian cruises after a hiatus of more than two years in the industry due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. The Koningsdam will call at Victoria, British Columbia, on Saturday, April 9, restarting the cruise sector in Canada. The following day, the ship will conclude its current seven-day cruise in the Port of Vancouver, its homeport for the Alaskan summer season.
“We are thrilled to be the first cruise line to return to Canada after such a long absence, and we look forward to celebrating a momentous occasion for all who love 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 cruise program that explores Canadian ports on both coasts with Alaskan, Hawaiian, transatlantic, and Canada and New England itineraries.”.
The Koningsdam's call in Victoria marks 905 days since a cruise ship has visited the port, and will also be the ship's inaugural call. To mark the milestones, Torch and local government officials will be present in both Victoria and Vancouver to celebrate the return of Canadian cruises and discuss the importance of 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 in Victoria, bringing nearly 75,000 guests to the port, and 76 cruises will either begin or end in Vancouver, welcoming approximately 140,000 guests.
As for cruises in Canada and New England along the East Coast, two ships return in May, sailing between Boston, Massachusetts, and either Quebec City or Montreal. The Nieuw Statendam and the Zaandam offer itineraries ranging from seven to 24 days, visiting 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.
