As part of the announced plan by Carnival Corporation for “capacity optimization”, Holland America Line has officially announced that four of its ships have been sold and will be transferring to two buyers in the following months

Holland America Line sold two out of four R Class mid-size ships, ms Amsterdam and ms Rotterdam, as well as the remaining Statendam class ships the Rotterdam and Veendam.

According to Cruise Industry News, the vessels have been sold in pairs, with the Maasdam and Veendam transferring to a new cruise brand in August 2020. In September 2020 the Amsterdam and Rotterdam are expected to join Fred. Olsen fleet, and will be renamed MS Bolette and MS Borealis, the company said.

“It’s always difficult to see any ship leave the fleet, especially those that have a long and storied history with our company,” said Stein Kruse, chief executive officer of Holland America Group and Carnival UK. “However, Holland America Line has a bright future ahead that includes recent Pinnacle-class additions, with a third sister ship next year that will continue to maintain our overall capacity in the marketplace.”

Indeed, HAL has a bright future once cruise ships resume sailings, and with the new 3210 passenger vessel, ms Nieuw Ryndam to join the fleet in 2021 the company will be more efficient. However many loyal Holland America Line passengers will be disappointed with the company’s decision to sell four midsize ships that defined the HAL brand.