Our Crew Celebrates a Holland America Line Love Story
Love was in the air for Holland America Line crew members, Ammar and Faye, when they met aboard Koningsdam in 2023. Ammar had recently joined the team as the onboard crew doctor, and Faye was the hotel executive assistant. Intrigued by one another, they decided to go on a date – a date that was anything but ordinary. After all, how many people fall in love on their first date…in Tahiti?
First date in Tahiti.
Their love continued to bloom over the following months as they cruised around the globe. Faye loved the way he genuinely cares about people, and though caring for others is what he loves most about his job, she said it’s just in his nature.
Ammar was captivated by Faye’s sincerity and honesty. “The way she shows her faith and belief in our relationship is beyond everything, and she continues to amaze me every day. Plus, whenever I feel stuck on something, her opinion matters a lot.”
Faye’s opinion especially mattered one day in the fall of 2023. While cruising the Mediterranean, Ammar got down on one knee and asked her to marry him. It was an instantaneous “yes!”
Faye and Ammar celebrate their engagement while sailing the seas with Holland America Line.
The Big Day
The couple began planning their wedding right away, selecting Jan. 10 for the big occasion. Both were assigned to work aboard Westerdam in early 2024. This would allow Faye’s father, who also works on ships, to be there. It would also take place during an extended stay in the Philippines.
Though they wanted a shoreside wedding, things didn’t go as planned and they weren’t sure what to do. That’s when the Holland America Line crew stepped in.
Cue Operation Wedding Bells. Their mission: To quickly organize the most breathtaking ceremony and celebration for their friends, Ammar and Faye.
Wedding Checklist
- The Dress: Gifted to Faye by Ammar’s parents.
- The Guests: Faye’s family joined them on board and Ammar’s family tuned in via livestream. Crew members also attended as witnesses to the event.
- The Ceremony: Beautifully decorated and hosted in the Crow’s Nest.
- The Food: Curated in the main Dining Room.
- The Vibe: Unforgettably romantic.
Though they were nervous to share their impromptu vows, they spoke from the heart and felt not only the love from one another but also from their family, friends and fellow crew.
When asked about their plans for a honeymoon, Faye playfully noted that every day feels like a honeymoon. After all, they get to sail around the world for a living! Right now, they’re just focused on making the most of every day with each other, working for a company they love with a crew they consider family.
“We feel so honored to have been helped by the crew,” Faye said. “We would like to say a special thanks to senior management for making all of this possible. Without their support and genuine care, it wouldn’t have been this successful. Even if we wanted to do a small celebration, they were the ones making it extra special in every way possible.”
To Ammar and Faye, we wish you many years of love and happiness. Thank you for sharing your Holland America Line story with us.
Have you ever experienced love at first sight or met your match on a Holland America Line cruise? Share your story in the comments below.
Congratulations to the happy couple and to captain and crew who made this possible. May I say that this is exemplary for the way Hollandamerica crews are always there for you, be it passenger or crew. We were on the Westerdam a few weeks before this festive occasion and as 5 star mariners, sailing on HAL since 2005 are not surprised at all that everybody on the ship was happy to organize this. We wish we could have attended this magnificant wedding! Margreeth and Frans Evers
Congratulations and best wishes on your on-board wedding.
Enjoy everyday…
Bruce
What a great story of how they met and fell in love. Love it! Congrats to the newlyweds!!!!!
Meet my wife on the Westerdam as well back in 2018 sailing in the Mediterranean and we were both working as Beverage Staff.Now we are 6 years married with a lovely 5 year old daughter
Met my now husband on the Amsterdam world cruise back in 2016 officer/spa girl
Still happily married and sailing together to this day 🫶🏼
Regarding our nuptials, I appreciate your unwavering support and best wishes. Holland America Line Staff’s contributions made it possible for this to occur.
Even after a hectic schedule, everyone is traveling from a great distance to be here. We appreciate HAL making this day remarkable for us. We shall undoubtedly cherish each day for the duration of our lives.
Wow! HAL’s official website featured our love story? It is unfathomable! Undoubtedly, it is a discovery. This is not the kind of day I ever envisioned brightening my life, and I am ecstatic. Please continue to pray for us.
Your affection is greatly appreciated. We are profoundly grateful. Holland America Line captured the ideal present above and beyond.
Our appreciation for this has rendered it an invaluable occasion that we shall perpetually savor.
The hosts deserve full recognition. Their utmost effort was invested in rectifying the situation. Much obliged, all.
This is amazing life is full of surprizes . Happy married life to the couple and kudos to thr HAL team onboard Westerdam .