FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 30, 2023
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Holland America Line celebrates monumental anniversary with Port Charlottetown
Charlottetown, PE – Port Charlottetown welcomed Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam and Zaandam today to celebrate Holland America Line’s 150th anniversary. Captain Bart Vaartjes presented a plaque of commemoration for the occasion, to recognize the line’s long-standing relationship with the port.
‘As we celebrate our 150th anniversary, we’re so pleased we could mark the occasion alongside our sister Zaandam with our friends and partners at the Port of Charlottetown, the Province of Prince Edward Island and other stakeholders on the island.’ said Captain Bart Vaartjes, Master of ms Zuiderdam. ‘Since our first call to the Port of Charlottetown, it has played a role in the success of Holland America Line, serving as a gateway to Canada and beyond for countless travelers. We look forward to visiting for many years to come.’
As the passengers of the two ships arrived in Prince Edward Island, Anne of Green Gables greeted them with a wave and a photo opportunity. Passengers enjoyed an authentic Island welcome, where they enjoyed a taste of Canada’s Food Island, including lobster rolls, oysters and raspberry cordial. “This is a milestone that doesn’t come around often for most companies and the Province of Prince Edward Island congratulates Holland America on this significant achievement,” said Honourable Cory Deagle, Minister of Fisheries, Tourism, Sport and Culture. “Our province offers a unique and inviting experience for cruise ship passengers and we are happy to have been able to share our tourism product with Holland America passengers for many years. I want to thank Holland America, and the Port of Charlottetown, for the exceptional service and the tremendous growth and economic impact their partnership brings to our province.”
“It is an honour to celebrate this anniversary with our friends at Holland America Line,” said Kelly Murphy, Director of Marketing & Cruise Development for the Charlottetown Harbour Authority. “The crew members and passengers of both Zaandam and Zuiderdam have been an integral part of extending the tourism season on Prince Edward Island, as they support local artisans and businesses. Holland America Line’s continued commitment to our Island community underscores their position as not just a cruise line, but a true partner.”
Over the course of this 2023 cruise season, Holland America Line cruise has made a resounding impact on Prince Edward Island, with 22 scheduled calls and bringing an estimated total of over 50,000 passengers and crew members to the Island. The economic impact of these visits is estimated to be more than 3.99 million Canadian dollars.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Kelly Murphy
Port Charlottetown
Director of Marketing & Cruise Development
(902) 393-4327