Holland America Line has confirmed the sale of four of its ships.
Amsterdam, Maasdam (pictured), Rotterdam and Veendam will leave its fleet having been sold in pairs.
S-Class Maasdam and Veendam will depart in August 2020 to an unnamed buyer, while the R-Class Amsterdam and Rotterdam will join Fred Olsen Cruise Lines as Bolette and Borealis later in the year.
Cruises scheduled onboard for the ships will be cancelled, with some selected itineraries assumed by other vessels in the Holland America fleet.
The 2021 Grand World Voyage onboard Amsterdam will be postponed until 2022 and sail onboard Zaandam, while the line’s Grand Africa Voyage, departing 10 October 2021 onboard Rotterdam, will also be operated by Zaandam on the same dates.
Guests with bookings on impacted future sailings will be notified and travel agents will receive information if a client’s cruise will operate with a different ship or information and special offers on how to book another cruise when operations resume. Guests also have the option of a refund.
Stein Kruse, chief executive officer of Holland America Group and Carnival UK, said: “It’s always difficult to see any ship leave the fleet, especially those that have a long and storied history with our company.
“However, Holland America Line has a bright future ahead that includes recent Pinnacle-class additions, with a third sister ship next year that will continue to maintain our overall capacity in the marketplace.”
Holland America Line president Gus Antorcha added: “I recognise and appreciate the deep affection our guests have toward our company and the ships in our fleet.
“While streamlined, our diverse fleet continues to offer exceptional options for cruisers looking for a mid-sized ship experience to destinations all around the world. I look forward to carrying on those beloved shipboard offerings while cultivating new ideas to bring to our guests.”