By Mark Edward Nero
Seattle-based Holland America Line says it is redeploying ms Oosterdam from Europe to Alaska for the 2017 summer season in order to support the increasing demand for summer cruises.
The addition brings the number of Holland America Line ships in the region to seven, with Oosterdam joining ms Amsterdam, ms Eurodam, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, ms Noordam, ms Volendam and ms Zaandam for a total of 135 Alaska departures.
Also in 2017, Holland America celebrates its 70th year exploring Alaska. During the year, the cruise ship Eurodam will replace ms Westerdam sailing from Seattle. The addition of another Signature Class ship means more new restaurants and venues will be available for guests to enjoy on Alaska sailings, the cruise line said.
“Adding Oosterdam to the region in 2017 will allow even more guests to join in celebrating the exciting milestone of our 70th year in Alaska,” Holland America Line President Orlando Ashford said. “As Seattle’s hometown cruise line, we’re thrilled to be sailing three ships from our local home port for the next Alaska season.”
Oosterdam is slated to sail 21 seven-day cruises round trip from Seattle, from April through September. Eurodam will depart Seattle on 22 round trip seven-day cruises, while Amsterdam is scheduled to sail one seven-day itinerary from Seattle followed by nine 14-day voyages.
Oosterdam’s seven-day round trip Seattle itineraries will call at Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan, Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia.
