Koningsdam is the First Cruise Ship to Return to Canada

It’s been more than two years since cruise ship visited Canada, and on Saturday, April 9, that all changed. Koningsdam called at the port of Victoria, marking a return to Canadian cruising! On Sunday, the ship ended it’s seven-day cruise at Vancouver, and the celebrations continued as it became the first ship back in Vancouver in more than 800 days.

Koningsdam’s call at Victoria marked 905 days since a cruise ship has visited the port, and it also was a maiden call for the ship. To mark the milestones, Antorcha and local government officials were on hand in both Victoria and Vancouver to celebrate the return to Canadian cruising and address the importance Canada and Alaska to Holland America Line.

VICTORIA:

Gus Antorcha with Koningsdam in the background.

Koningsdam’s Captain Kan and local officials exchange plaques to mark the ship’s maiden call at Victoria.

VANCOUVER:

Gus Antorcha remarking on Holland America Line’s return to Canada.

Antorcha, right, and local officials in Vancouver.

The Plaque and Keys ceremony celebrates the ship’s maiden call at Vancouver.

In 2022, six Holland America Line ships will call at Victoria and Vancouver for the Alaska cruise season. In total, the six ships will make 45 calls at Victoria and bring nearly 75,000 guests to the port, and 76 cruises begin or end at Vancouver, welcoming approximately 140,000 guests.

For Canada and New England cruising on the East Coast, two ships return in May and cruise between Boston, Massachusetts, and Quebec City or Montreal, Quebec. Nieuw Statendam and Zaandam offer itineraries ranging from seven to 24 days to more than 12 Canadian ports.

In total for 2022, Holland America Line operates 141 cruises on eight ships in Canada with more than 250,000 guests visiting both coasts.

(Main photo by @hottotravelbest.)