It's been an emotional day for the people of Torbay and the skeleton crew on board Holland America Line ms Oosterdam as the ship prepares to depart the bay. For the past year during the global shutdown of the cruise industry ms Oosterdam was anchored off the coast of Torbay, and the crew received a warm welcome. Local residents developed a special relationships with the crew through social media, as well as cheering up the crowd with the ship's horn for Remembrance Day and New Year. Last night the ship was lighting the message: "Torbay We Love you."
The Oosterdam giving its final farewell message to Torbay as it prepares to leave tomorrow for the final time. Torbay we Love U pic.twitter.com/myCIPalbkQ
— Gail-Marie (@GailMarieMrsB2B) June 2, 2021
In a video interview for Heart Radio ms Oosterdam Captain Daniel Bolton said he will have a lump in his throat as he blows farewell horns and sails today.
The last @HALcruises ship will leave #Torbay at 4pm with a farewell whistle to the community who have welcomed the Covid-stranded crew.
The Oosterdam’s departure will mark the end of a year-long connection between the cruise line and the bay.
Captain Daniel Bolton #HeartNews pic.twitter.com/o7DWGcCHZ3
— Heart South West News (@HeartSWNews) June 3, 2021
"They say captains don't cry because in this transient lifestyle we come and we go all the time - but I would be lying if I didn't say there will be a lump in my throat as we sail away today," Capt Bolton said.
