In total, HAL will host 530 agents across seven ship visits – 23% more than in 2024. Agents will be able to get onboard two of HAL’s pinnacle class ships between April and August – Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam.
The visits will get under way in Southampton in late-April with 150 agent places onboard the 2,668-passenger Rotterdam up for grabs. it will be the first time HAL has offered agent ship visit places in Southampton.
Other visits will take place in Newcastle, Belfast, Greenock, Dover and Liverpool. The first event on 24 April will be held shortly before King’s Day (27 April), a Dutch holiday celebrating King Willem Alexander’s birthday.
After the Rotterdam showcases, the visits will then continue onboard the 2,666-passenger Nieuw Statendam will from from 6 May through to 3 August. The programme coincides with HAL’s first ex-UK season for 10 years, which will operate out of Dover this summer.
HAL’s sales and marketing director Karen Farndell said: “We’re especially excited this year’s programme will see the first Southampton-based ship visit on Rotterdam – our newest ship in the fleet – and an inaugural Pinnacle class ship visit in Belfast.
“It’s a great way for agents to get familiar with this class of ship ahead of the return of Nieuw Statendam for our 2026 ex-UK season.”
The visits will consist of a presentation and business update from the Holland America Line trade team followed by a guided tour and lunch.
“Feedback from last year’s visits showed overwhelmingly positive scores across all aspects, including brand presentations, tours and our hosts,” Farndell added.
“These insights are invaluable as we continuously refine the programme to ensure it meets the needs of our agent partners.”
The full programme runs:
- Rotterdam, Southampton – April 24
- Nieuw Statendam, Newcastle – May 6
- Nieuw Statendam, Belfast – May 10
- Nieuw Statendam, Greenock – May 11
- Nieuw Statendam, Dover – June 14
- Nieuw Statendam, Dover – July 26
- Nieuw Statendam, Liverpool – August 3
