Cruise ships are anchored off the coast from Scheveningen to Noordwijk. Various cruise ships brought their personnel to Rotterdam because of the corona virus. This includes the ship De Nieuwe Statendam from HAL. Holland America Line president, Orlando Ashford, has announced that he will leave the company in late May.
The news follows an earlier announcement that Rick Meadows was leaving sister brand Seabourn as president. Since November 2014, Ashford has served as President of Holland America Line, leading the cruise line's brand and operations, including its fleet of 14 ships.
Holland America Line extends the break from cruise operations
Holland America Line (HAL) decided to cancel all cruises in Alaska, Europe and Canada / New England in 2020. As travel restrictions continue to exist in the near future due to global health concerns, Holland America Line has decided to extend the break from global cruise operations and cancel all cruises to Alaska, Europe and Canada / New England by 2020.
In addition, Amsterdam will not operate the 79-day Grand Africa Voyage from Boston, Massachusetts to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, scheduled to depart on October 3, 2020. Holland America Line had previously canceled all 2020 Land + Sea Journeys, which combine an Alaskan cruise with an overland tour to Denali and the Yukon.
"As we continue to navigate these unprecedented and challenging times, the best decision right now is to extend our break from cruise operations into the fall," said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. “While this is very disappointing and we never want to abandon our guests, once it makes sense we will cruise again and give our guests the unforgettable travel experiences they continue to dream of.”
All guests, or their travel advisers, will be automatically notified if their cruise departure is canceled.
Also read: Will we ever take a cruise vacation again after the corona crisis?
