Veendam to Bermuda?

[Kyana]

Saw this somewhere that Holland America will for the first time since the 80s' will have a BERMUDA itinerary. Can anyone verify that this is so. Would love to Book either Boston Bermuda or NYC Bermuda Cruise.:)

[Vic The Parrot]

It's true ... HAL is returning to the Bermuda run.

 

1st sailing is in August 2010. :)

[West Coast]

Saw this somewhere that Holland America will for the first time since the 80s' will have a BERMUDA itinerary.

 

Maybe you saw it on cruise critic?

There is a news article here:

http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=2769

[Sundagger]

Yes, there is a lengthy thread about it (although the title was about returning to NYC):

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=836279

[Krazy Kruizers]

Holland America Line Returning to Bermuda Roundtrip Cruises from New York City to Start in 2010

 

 

 

 

Seattle, WA, August 30, 2008 - Beginning in 2010, Holland America Line will once again sail on regularly scheduled cruises between New York City and Bermuda. Holland America is the only major cruise line that calls on both Hamilton and St. George's, Bermuda's cultural and shopping hubs. Additionally, guests of Holland America Line will have an opportunity to fully experience Bermuda's British charm and its unique island culture by day and by night with multi-day stays in each port.

 

When the 1,350-guest ms Veendam sails in late August 2010 on the first of 10 roundtrips to the island, it will mark Holland America Line's return to New York City as a home port and to Bermuda as a destination.

 

Holland America Line worked closely with the Bermudian government to form the partnership that takes Holland America Line back to the island that it first visited more than 70 years ago. In 1926, Veendam II, with a guest capacity of approximately 500, left New York on the company's first Caribbean cruise. During the summers of 1930 and 1931, Veendam II sailed on five-day roundtrip cruises between New York and Bermuda.

 

"We are thrilled to homeport a ship in New York City again and especially to be returning to Bermuda," said Richard D. Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs, "and it's particularly relevant to be doing so on a ship with the same name as the one that sailed to Bermuda so many years ago".

 

"Veendam is ideal for this itinerary," Meadows noted. "She is a premium mid-size ship, the perfect size to navigate the narrow entrances to the harbors in Hamilton and St. George's. Veendam's guests are able to step off the ship right in the center of each town. Ships larger than Veendam must tie up at the Dockyard facility a considerable distance from both towns.

 

"With overnight stays in Hamilton and St. George's, guests will truly have the time to explore Bermuda and gain an appreciation of its culture, its people and its history as well as the time to relax on the island's beaches, play a full round - or two - of golf on its world-renowned golf courses or partake of the many activities offered."

 

The clean and friendly historic island, with its forts to discover, horses to ride, kayaks to paddle and oceans to explore, is an excellent destinations for families. "Cruising to Bermuda with Holland America Line is also an outstanding value when compared to staying in land-based resorts," Meadows noted.

 

"We are looking forward to our new relationship with Holland America Line," said Bermuda's Premier, the Hon. Dr. Ewart F. Brown, JP, MP. "When Veendam's passengers disembark in Bermuda they will be treated as warmly as they are on board. We believe Bermudians are among the friendliest people in the world and we can't wait to extend that hospitality to Veendam in 2010 and 2011. Holland America Line is one of the world's most recognized and highly regarded cruise brands and we look forward to our partnership."

 

In addition to the ten sailings between late August and October in 2010, Holland America Line will visit the island and its towns for a full season beginning in May the following year, with 20 or more sailings anticipated.

 

Founded in 1609, the town of St. George's in the northeast area of Bermuda is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the second oldest settlement in North America. Only Jamestown in the United States is older. Narrow, twisting streets and pastel-painted houses create a European feel. The oldest Anglican Church in North America is in St. George's and many other historic buildings, most made of stone, have been preserved. More than a dozen forts dating to the 17th century are scattered in the hills surrounding the town.

 

Hamilton, the major commercial hub and seat of government, is in the geographic center of the island and is close to south shore beaches. Veendam will dock at the town's front door just steps from Front Street and its colorful array of shops and restaurants. Hamilton is home to a massive 19th-century, neo-Gothic cathedral and the Georgian-style Sessions House dating to 1815.

 

For more information, consult a travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (877-724-5425) or visit Cruises to Alaska, Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico and the world on Holland America, one of the best cruise lines.

[Vic The Parrot]

Guess we scared the OP away ... :rolleyes: :D

[sail7seas]

Vic...... :D :D

[mamaofami]

Maybe I'm a bit premature, but I've already listed Bermuda under my future cruises.:D No way I won't be going.

[Vic The Parrot]

Maybe I'm a bit premature, but I've already listed Bermuda under my future cruises.:D No way I won't be going.

 

 

 

Well ??

 

 

Did you book it yet? :D ;)

[jrzebird]

Maybe I'm a bit premature, but I've already listed Bermuda under my future cruises.:D No way I won't be going.

 

What a great idea! It will give me something to look forward to! Right now I have too many family things in the next 15 months to book anything but a lunch date! :D

[sail7seas]

According to the info I got (upon inquiring), they are not yet taking bookings. Perhaps future cruise requests with deposit would put you 'head of the line'.

 

[herb]

I just emailed my TA and asked her when the booking process will begin for the general public. We'll see what she has to report....

[innlady1]

Maybe I'm a bit premature, but I've already listed Bermuda under my future cruises.:D No way I won't be going.

 

Same here, Carol. It's a no-brainer. A wonderful no-brainer! :D

[herb]

I just emailed my TA and asked her when the booking process will begin for the general public. We'll see what she has to report....

 

She emailed me saying she had no idea when the bookings for Bermuda/Veendam will begin, but she would keep me updated.

[Vic The Parrot]

According to the info I got (upon inquiring), they are not yet taking bookings. Perhaps future cruise requests with deposit would put you 'head of the line'.

 

 

 

And that's exactly what I did last week on board Eurodam.

 

1st in line ... 1st choice of cabin ... 1st choice of dining seating

Couldn't have timed it any better! ;)

[sail7seas]

Do they have firm sailing dates yet? When you put your deposit, Vic, was it for a specific sailing?

 

[Vic The Parrot]

Do they have firm sailing dates yet? When you put your deposit, Vic, was it for a specific sailing?

 

 

 

 

Yes ma'am

 

 

My deposits are confirmed for the 1st two sailings ... 7 Aug and 14 Aug.

 

Bliss! :D ;)

[sail7seas]

Thanks, Vic.

 

[mamaofami]

Sail, I spoke to someone yesterday in the future cruise deposit department and they checked for me and said no one is sure yet what the first date will be. Sometime in August. I would bet it's that second date since they said she will do ten trips in 2010. Does anyone know when she's scheduled to go into dry dock?

Just wondering...what if you book a first cruise after dry dock and a ship isn't ready to sail on time. What happens? Has that ever happened?

[Vic The Parrot]

Sail, I spoke to someone yesterday in the future cruise deposit department and they checked for me and said no one is sure yet what the first date will be. Sometime in August. I would bet it's that second date since they said she will do ten trips in 2010. Does anyone know when she's scheduled to go into dry dock?

Just wondering...what if you book a first cruise after dry dock and a ship isn't ready to sail on time. What happens? Has that ever happened?

 

 

So then my sail date could be a guesstimate ... :confused:

[herb]

Just wondering...what if you book a first cruise after dry dock and a ship isn't ready to sail on time. What happens? Has that ever happened?

 

Isn't the drydock taking place in 2009? Bermuda starts in 2010.

[sauvichick]

Maybe I'm a bit premature, but I've already listed Bermuda under my future cruises.:D No way I won't be going.

 

Great Idea! I'll be doing the same, but I'm not sure if it will have to wait until 2011. I do not like to sail during hurricane season. It will be our next big vacation. We have work to do on the house in 2009.

[Williebill]

Maybe I'm a bit premature, but I've already listed Bermuda under my future cruises.:D No way I won't be going.

 

I totally agree!!

[spcl4cs_gal]

My TA spoke with HAL the other day when I was in to see her. They told her that you can put a future cruise deposit of $100 down on a Bermuda cruise and when they get things organized in Seattle that they will call the passengers/TAs and let them know what is available and make firm bookings then.

[dsawyer]

I sail on Princess mainly for the benefits but I really like HAL almost as much. I really miss sailing on Holland (and you guys) and this could be my time to come back. I love sailing from New York as its a fairly easy one day drive from Virginia. I do hate flying these days.

 

2 Questions:

 

Anyone think The Veendam might use the Brooklyn port that Princess uses? I found it to be a less hectic terminal.

 

Also, with so many waiting to book this cruise, I am really thinking there are going to be some Premium fares for this cruise. Anyone have any idea?