8 September 2023
Holland America Line has celebrated the Nieuw Statendam’s inaugural visit to the Port of Dover. The event comes as, for the first time in 10 years, British travellers will be able to conveniently embark on a full season of roundtrip itineraries from Dover, demonstrating Holland America Line’s commitment to the UK market.
Nieuw Statendam arrived in Dover accompanied by water cannons and the stunning backdrop of the White Cliffs. Prior to boarding for the celebration, guests were treated to exclusive entertainment at the cruise terminal, with Morris Dancers, a pianist and local delicacies from the Produced in Kent market.
Launching in 2025 the ex-UK Nieuw Statendam’s sailings will range from 14 to 42 days to the Canary Islands, British Isles, Norway, Iceland, Greenland, Iberia and the eastern Mediterranean. Currently Holland America Line departs from nine homeports throughout Europe, with an increase in cruises over 10 days, more sailings to Iceland and a combined 62 overnight calls or late-night departures in leading cities.
“Adding Dover as a homeport is ideal for our British guests who can conveniently embark in England and explore several regions around Europe on a variety of itineraries,” said Karen Farndell, Director of UK Sales and Marketing. ”Beyond Dover, our 10 homeports span Europe, and in 2025 we’re offering the most diverse range of itineraries that include everything from weeklong holidays to the Med to month-long explorations up to the Arctic.”
Christian Pryce, Chief Commercial Officer at the Port of Dover said, “It’s been a special morning celebrating Nieuw Statendam’s inaugural call to Dover as we become her UK homeport with ten calls in one season for 2025. Nearly 30 years since we first welcomed the previous Statendam to the Port, it’s fantastic to see our partnership with Holland America Line reach a new level as we become their UK cruise destination of choice.
With the dramatic and unrivalled views of the White Cliffs and Dover Castle, inspiring local culture and heritage, plus a vibrant new waterfront surrounding the cruise terminals, Dover provides the perfect welcome to the Garden of England for hundreds of thousands of cruise passengers each year.”