City of Rotterdam Extends Charter with Holland America Line Ship Through September 14 to House Ukrainian Families
Holland America Line will cancel additional voyages and reaccommodate booked guests to allow for the longer Volendam charter
Seattle, Wash., May 12, 2022 — The City of Rotterdam is extending its charter agreement for Holland America Line's Volendam through Sept. 14, 2022, to house Ukrainian families. The ship has been home to around 1,200 Ukrainians since docking in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, in early April and will house up to 1,500 refugees through the extended charter, part of a larger commitment from the Netherlands to accommodate 50,000 people who fled the war in their homeland.
The government originally chartered the ship through the end of June but has asked to extend for an additional 10 weeks. Under the agreement, Holland America Line is providing hot meals, private stateroom accommodations, housekeeping services, laundry, use of public spaces, fitness facilities, internet access and other necessities. Volendamis staffed with approximately 650 crew members.
To allow for the continued charter mission, Holland America Line is cancelling an additional six departures on Volendam, including cruises to Norway, the British Isles and Mediterranean. Guests on canceled cruises will automatically be rebooked on similar itineraries and do not need to contact Holland America Line, as the cruise line will reach out directly with options.
“We are sorry for the inconvenience this will cause to guests booked on Volendam through 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.”
Volendam’sfirst scheduled voyage is a 14-day Holy Land & Ancient Kingdoms Explorer departing Venice, Italy, Sept. 24, 2022.
For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.
Editors Note: Photos and video of Volendam are available at https://www.cruiseimagelibrary.com/c/yt01nihs.
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About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)]
Holland America Line has been exploring the world since 1873 and was the first cruise line to offer adventures to Alaska and the Yukon nearly 75 years ago. Its fleet of premium ships visits nearly 400 ports in 114 countries around the world, offering an ideal mid-sized ship experience. A third Pinnacle-class ship, Rotterdam, joined the fleet in July 2021.
The leader in premium cruising, Holland America Line’s ships feature innovative initiatives and a diverse range of enriching experiences focused on destination exploration and personalized travel. The best live music at sea fills each evening at Music Walk, and dining venues feature exclusive selections from Holland America Line's esteemed Culinary Council of world-famous chefs.
