Nieuw Statendam Is Sailing From South Florida

Holland America Line’s Nieuw Statendam set sail from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, marking its first cruise since the industrywide pause last year. The ship marks the fifth Holland America Line vessel to reenter service, joining Rotterdam, Koningsdam, Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam.

To mark the occasion, Holland America Line held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the terminal to open embarkation, and team members greeted guests with flag-waving fanfare as they boarded the ship.

Nieuw Statendam set sail on a seven-day western Caribbean itinerary visiting Nassau, Bahamas; Ocho Rios and Port Royal, Jamaica; and Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line’s private island in the Bahamas.

Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line, observed that: “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. Today is a great day for Holland America Line, and our team members can’t wait to welcome guests on board.”

Nieuw Statendam will spend from November through April in the Caribbean on cruises ranging from seven to 11 days, all roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades.

Guests looking for a longer getaway can embark on a Collectors’ Voyage — combined back-to-back itineraries that offer an in-depth exploration covering more than one part of the region.

Sail on over to www.hollandamerica.com for more.