Holland America Line has commenced its first UK season in 10 years, with the 2,666-guest Nieuw Statendam setting sail from Dover on a 14-night itinerary to the Canary Islands, Morocco and Portugal.
The Pinnacle-class ship celebrated the sold-out sailing with a British-themed dinner for guests, the majority of whom hail from the UK, Netherlands and US.
Nieuw Statendam will make 10 roundtrip departures from Dover this year, through to September, with sailings ranging from 14 to 42 days to the British Isles, Norway, Iceland, Greenland, Iberia and the eastern Mediterranean.
To mark the occasion, Holland America Line donated 200 Lindt Easter bunnies to the local charity, Dover SmART Project. The charity provides creative opportunities for disadvantaged children, mainly young carers.
Holland America Line has a partnership with Lindt across its fleet, which features branded chocolate on dessert menus, in onboard shops and as part of special events and gifting options.
Nieuw Statendam will also return to Dover from April to October 2026, on a series of seven-and 14-day European cruises including to the Norwegian fjords, Iceland and Canary Islands.
Karen Farndell, UK Director of Sales and Marketing at Holland America Line, said: “Returning to the famous white cliffs marks an exciting new chapter for us, and reflects the growing demand we’re seeing from guests to set sail from the UK.
“We’re thrilled to offer a rich variety of itineraries on our doorstep over both 2025 and 2026, as part of a wider, long-term investment in the local market.”
Peter Wright, Head of Cruise at the Port of Dover, said: “We are delighted to be the home port for Holland America Line’s first UK season in 10 years and to embark on this journey with the wonderful HAL team.
“Dover provides an unforgettable and convenient start to a cruise, whilst presenting the best of Kent’s landscape and culture to guests from all around the world.
“Nieuw Statendam will bring thousands of people into the region this year to visit local attractions and is already creating excitement within the community when she sails in.”
Holland America Line will sail from nine ports across Europe in total this year, with 68 departures and 62 overnight or late-night calls.
For more information on Holland America Line, visit hollandamerica.com or call 0344 338 8607.
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