HAMILTON, Bermuda – Holland America Line’s previously announced schedule of ten cruise visits to Bermuda in 2010 is being increased to 24, Premier Dr. Ewart F. Brown announced today. Holland America’s Veendam will call on Hamilton and St. George’s from New York City beginning April 25, 2010.
Premier Brown, who is also Minister of Tourism and Transport said, “We were thrilled to get Holland America back to Bermuda for ten visits, so naturally we are ecstatic about 24. It’s another vote of confidence in our island as a premier vacation destination and more proof of our team’s hard work.”
“It has been increasingly difficult in this part of the world to arrange itineraries for cruise ships small enough to visit Hamilton and St. George’s. The Veendam at 720 feet is a perfect fit.”
Holland America announced its return to Bermuda with ten visits this past August and later added an eleventh visit. Today the cruise line further upped the ante to 24. The roundtrip visits will take place between April and October.
The Veendam is expected for a full season of visits in 2011 as well.
“This is a wonderful development for Holland America Line and Bermuda,” said Richard D. Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. “We are thrilled to homeport a ship in New York City to sail to Bermuda and our extended season to the islands will be very exciting to our guests.”
The Veendam carries about 1,300 guests at capacity.
The Bermudian Government worked closely with Holland America to form the partnership that brings the cruise line back to the island it first visited more than 70 years ago. In 1926, Veendam II, with a guest capacity of approximately 500, left New York on the company’s first Caribbean cruise. During the summers of 1930 and 1931, Veendam II sailed on five-day roundtrip cruises between New York and Bermuda.
