The city of Rotterdam has extended its charter agreement for Holland America Line's Volendam until September 14, 2022, to house Ukrainian families. The ship has taken in some 1,200 Ukrainians since docking in Rotterdam (Netherlands) in early April and will accommodate up to 1,500 refugees thanks to the charter extension, which is part of a larger commitment by the Netherlands to host 50,000 people who have fled the war in their country.
The government originally chartered the ship until the end of June, but has requested a 10-week extension. Under the agreement, Holland America Line provides hot meals, accommodations in private cabins, housekeeping, laundry services, use of public spaces, fitness facilities, internet access, and other necessities. The Volendam has a crew of approximately 650.
To allow the charter mission to continue, Holland America Line is canceling six additional sailings of the Volendam, including cruises to Norway, the British Isles, and the Mediterranean. Guests on the canceled cruises will be automatically rebooked on similar itineraries and do not need to contact Holland America Line, as the cruise line will contact them directly with their options.
“We regret any inconvenience this will cause to guests who have booked on the Volendam for the summer,” said Beth Bodensteiner, Chief Commercial Officer of Holland America Line. “We appreciate their continued understanding as we work with the City of Rotterdam on this important mission.”.
The Volendam's first scheduled voyage is a 14-day Holy Land and Ancient Kingdoms Explorer departing from Venice, Italy, on September 24, 2022.
