HAL’s Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam returning to Dover

Both Holland America Line vessels will arrive at the destination on April 20 and 26, respectively, during their transatlantic voyages. 

Rotterdam was last in Dover on April 17, 2023 as part of a commemorative 150th anniversary voyage, while Nieuw Statendam’s inaugural call to the port took place last year on September 8. 

Nieuw Statendam homeporting in Dover next year

Dover will be Nieuw Statendam’s UK homeport in summer 2025, from where it will launch 10 sailings – HAL’s largest set of UK calls in 10 years. The ship will operate various itineraries including to the Canary Islands, British Isles, Norway, Iceland, Greenland, Iberia and the Eastern Mediterranean.

Karen Farndell, Holland America Line’s director of sales and marketing explained, ‘Nieuw Statendam will be a regular fixture next year, as she will spend a full season sailing out of Dover, providing our guests with an even greater choice of destinations and the option to sail with us without the need to fly. So the visit gives us the ideal opportunity to prepare for 2025 and all the benefits and opportunities it will bring.’ 

Historic partnership

Dover’s partnership with HAL dates back over one and a half centuries: it was a port of call during the original Rotterdam’s first ever sailings in 1872. 

Peter Wright, head of cruise at the Port of Dover said, ‘… The upcoming return of Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam will give us another fantastic opportunity to celebrate our unique history together, whilst adding another chapter to the story. We are excited for the future and look forward to presenting the very best of Kent alongside Dover’s much-loved scenery and heritage when Nieuw Statendam sails in for many more port of call visits.’

The Port of Dover’s cruise team will be attending Seatrade Cruise Global (April 8-11) at the Miami Beach Convention Center, located at stand #1613.