Nieuw Statendam Cruises Begin Again from South Florida

When Holland America Line’s Nieuw Statendam recently departed from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the eventful sailaway marked the ship’s first cruise since the cruising shutdown last year.

Nieuw Statendam is the fifth Holland America Line ship to reenter service, along with Rotterdam, Koningsdam, Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam.

Launched in 2018, Nieuw Statendam is sister ship to Koningsdam (2016) with both ships accommodating 2,666 and 2,650 passengers, respectively.

Holland America’s Nieuw Statendam Cruises Begin

To celebrate the event, Holland America Line held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the terminal to commence embarkation. The ship’s crew greeted guests with applause and cheers as they boarded the ship.

Nieuw Statendam set out on a seven-day western Caribbean itinerary that included a visit to Nassau, Bahamas; Ocho Rios and Port Royal, Jamaica. Plus a day at Half Moon Cay, Holland America’s private island in the Bahamas.

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

Nieuw Statendam cruises from November through April in the Caribbean ranging from seven to 11 days. All departures are roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades.

Those looking for longer cruises aboard Nieuw Statendam, can book one of the the cruise line’s Collectors’ Voyages. These cruises feature back-to-back itineraries that include ports in more than one region of the Caribbean.

Remember, Caribbean cruises actually cover three regions; Eastern, Western and on longer cruises, Souther Caribbean. This makes HAL’s Collectors’ Voyages very appealing because you’ll get to visit more ports as you travel further into the Caribbean.

Plus, you don’t have to change staterooms as you might have to if you simply booked back-to-back cruises with other cruise lines.

Every Caribbean cruise includes a call at Half Moon Cay. Here you’ll find a tropical playground reserved just for cruise guests. The white-sand beach destination includes two-story villas and private cabanas to rent, restaurants like Lobster Shack and a children’s waterpark. 

There is also a selection of tours for those interested in nature walks, or more choices for adventure seekers.

If you didn’t know, Holland America has been cruising from Port Everglades since the 1990s. Over the years, Holland America has been actively involved with more than 30 nonprofit organizations in South Florida through giving, shipboard lunches and cruise donations.

The recipients of the cruise line’s donations include Seafarers’ House, Henderson Behavioral Health, Coast Guard Women’s Leadership Initiative, Symphony of the Americas, The Opera Society and more.