Holland America Line is welcome passengers onboard the Oosterdam today, as part of its ongoing efforts to relaunch the company. The ship, which was completed in 2003, is the ninth vessel to return to duty for the company, and it will be sailing in the Mediterranean this summer.
A 12-night route will take passengers to the Eastern Mediterranean and the Holy Land, marking the ship’s maiden voyage after a 26-month sabbatical from the sea.
In addition to Haifa, where it is expected to spend two nights moored after sailing roundtrip from Trieste, Italy, the Oosterdam will make calls in Greece and Israel. Ports of call include Argostoli, Argostolia, Katakolon, Chania, Rhodes, and Piraeus, among others.
Following the maiden trip, the ship will go on a series of seven- to 14-night voyages around the Western Mediterranean, the Aegean, the Adriatic, and other destinations.
The ship will return to the United States in late October before embarking on a repositioning journey to South America, where it will spend the winter.
Among the cruises scheduled for 2022-2023 are trips to Patagonia and the Andes, as well as three exceptional 22-night voyages to Antarctica in December, January, and February of the following year.
The Oosterdam, which was constructed in Italy, first entered service in 2003. The vessel, which is part of Holland America’s Vista-Class, is 82,000 tons in weight and can accommodate roughly 2,000 passengers.
According to the firm, the ship was designed to capitalize on its inherent advantages. Among the many amenities will be significant art collections valued in the millions of dollars as well as a diverse selection of eating choices, ranging from formal full-service restaurants to informal self-service eateries.
The Explorers Lounge, the Ocean Bar, an exterior promenade deck that wraps around the whole ship, a big Lido pool with a retractable dome, and the “Crow’s Nest,” which is Holland America’s iconic observation lounge, are all on board the 82,000-ton ship.
Holland America has re-opened its revenue service with the addition of eight ships since the company initially welcomed customers in July 2021.
Additionally, in addition to the Oosterdam, the Koningsdam, the Nieuw Amsterdam, the Eurodam, the Rotterdam, the Nieuw Statendam, the Zuiderdam, and the Noordam are presently sailing with passengers once again.
The Zaandam will resume operation on May 12 and will begin a season of cruises to Canada and New England, which will be her first voyage since retirement.
