After a long pause Holland America Line's Niew Statendam departed on its first cruise from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The ship, built in Italy in 2018 joined the other four ships in the fleet already in service: Rotterdam, Koningsdam, Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam. 

Nieuw Statendam's capacity is 2,666-guests and is very stylish, according to Holland America Line. It's first cruise of the winter program in the Caribbean is seven-night cruise with four Ports in Bahamas and Jamaica: Nassau, Ocho Rios, Port Royal and Half Moon Cay, a private Bahamian island that has won an award. The other itineraries from the winter program will be from November to April, including from 7 to 11-day cruises, all roundtrip from Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale.

This event was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the terminal to open embarkation, with team members welcoming guests with flag-waving fanfare while boarding.

“Today is another milestone in our return to service, with Nieuw Statendam starting operation just in time for Thanksgiving, and we have a lot to be thankful for this year that we’re getting back in the water,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line.

“Today is a great day for Holland America Line, and our team members can’t wait to welcome guests on board.”

So far, HAL has been active, cooperating with more than 30 nonprofit organizations in South Florida through giving, shipboard lunches and cruise donations, including Seafarers’ House, Henderson Behavioral Health, Coast Guard Women’s Leadership Initiative, Symphony of the Americas, The Opera Society and more.