Holland America Line celebrates as full fleet resumes service

Westerdam completed the brand’s return to operations, having departed for Alaska on 12 June

Holland America Line celebrates as full fleet resumes service

Holland America Line

Captain Wouter van Hoogdalem (right) placed the final piece of a puzzle with ‘Westerdam’ on it to signify the cruise line’s return back to full operations

By Alice Chambers |


Holland America Line now has its full fleet back in service, with Westerdam having departed from Port of Seattle in Washington, USA, for Alaska on 12 June 2022. The ship will provide its seven-day Alaska Explorer itinerary until the end of September.

The cruise line held a ceremony in the terminal, with the ship’s captain and senior officers greeting guests as they boarded the ship. Three guests also cut a ribbon to open embarkation and Captain Wouter van Hoogdalem placed the final piece of a jigsaw puzzle with ‘Westerdam’ on it to signify the full return to service.

“Today is an emotional day that's been more than a year in the making, and Westerdam is the final puzzle piece to make our fleet of ships in service complete,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. “Every ribbon cutting has brought us one step closer to today, and everyone in the Holland America Line family worked with passion and determination to achieve this milestone. We are excited to welcome guests and overwhelmed with what today means for our company.”

Following its season in Alaska, Westerdam will reposition from Seattle to Sydney, Australia, with a 36-day long trip. Westerdam will then offer a season of roundtrip itineraries from Sydney, visiting the North and South islands of New Zealand, as well as southern Australia.

In early 2023, the ship will offer cruises to Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, China and the Philippines before crossing back to North America for another season in Alaska.

Holland America Line’s complete fleet includes Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Noordam, Oosterdam, Rotterdam, Zaandam and Zuiderdam, along with Volendam, which has been chartered by the government of the Netherlands to accommodate Ukrainian families that are seeking refuge. Voldendam will sail Mediterranean voyages from Italy, starting in September.

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