Holland America Line hosts largest-ever UK trade ship visit

Agents from across the country joined in Liverpool to explore the Pinnacle Class ship. The event, hosted by HAL’s dedicated UK trade team, saw guests welcomed onboard with a brand presentation, before receiving a guided tour and three-course restaurant lunch.

The 2,666-passenger Nieuw Statendam will sail from Dover in 2025, with a full season of 10 sailings throughout the summer. The ship will set sail on itineraries including to the Canary Islands, British Isles, Norway, Iceland, Greenland, Iberia and the Eastern Mediterranean.

Karen Farndell, director sales & marketing for Holland America Line, said: “We’re thrilled to have so many agents joining us onboard as part of our extensive ship visit programme. First-hand product experience is simply the best training tool we can offer our agent partners, and with Nieuw Statendam sailing from Dover next year, it’s the perfect opportunity to get the trade onboard.”

Emma Otter, Travel Counsellors, said: "I have excited guests looking forward to sailing from Dover on Nieuw Statendam next year and am so grateful I could spend the day onboard. This ship is perfect for guests who enjoy world-class live music, spacious indoor and outdoor spaces, immersive cruising and incredible food."

David Houghton, Hays Cruise, said: “It was an exceptional day, with everything really well organised. The ship had an understated elegance and the food was superb. I would definitely advise fellow agents to join a Holland America Line ship visit.”

HAL is offering eight travel agent ship visits this year, with a total of 430 places available, an increase of 23% on the 350 it had in 2023. Following the high demand for the Liverpool event, a second visit has been planned for the port, taking place August 12, onboard the 2,668-guest Rotterdam.

Visits are also taking place in Dover, South Queensferry, Belfast, Newcastle and Cork.