Holland America Line (HAL) recently orchestrated its largest UK trade ship visit, welcoming over 100 agents aboard the Nieuw Statendam to offer first-hand product experience and insights about upcoming voyages.
- On 26 June, agents from diverse regions across the country assembled in Liverpool to board the Nieuw Statendam, part of HAL’s Pinnacle class fleet.
- The event unfolded with a comprehensive brand presentation, followed by a detailed tour and an exquisite three-course dining experience.
- Nieuw Statendam is scheduled to depart from Dover in 2025, setting sail on ten distinctive itineraries to destinations such as the Canary Islands, Norway, and the Eastern Mediterranean.
- Enthusiasm for the event was high, prompting HAL to arrange a subsequent visit to Liverpool on 12 August, featuring the Rotterdam.
Holland America Line successfully hosted its most expansive UK trade ship event on 26 June, facilitating an opportunity for more than 100 travel agents to engage directly with the Nieuw Statendam in Liverpool. Guests from various regions were present, emphasising the scope and ambition of the event organised by HAL’s UK trade team.
Upon arrival, attendees were introduced to a brand presentation that set the stage for the day. It was followed by an insightful guided tour, allowing agents to explore the ship’s amenities and offerings. The walkthrough was complemented by a three-course meal, ostensibly aimed at providing a taste of the culinary experiences available on board.
Looking ahead to 2025, the Nieuw Statendam is poised to commence a series of sailings from Dover. This series comprises ten voyages traversing diverse regions, including the Canary Islands, the British Isles, and parts of Northern Europe such as Norway and Iceland. The itineraries extend even further afield to Greenland, Iberia, and the Eastern Mediterranean, promising a comprehensive exploration of these areas.
Karen Farndell, HAL’s director of sales and marketing, expressed her enthusiasm for the visit, describing firsthand experience as the premier training tool available to agency partners, particularly as the Nieuw Statendam’s sailings from Dover are on the horizon.
The event’s success has led to a proactive response from HAL, leading to a second scheduled visit on 12 August on the Rotterdam, another vessel with a capacity for 2,668 guests. This decision underscores the heightened interest and demand witnessed during the Liverpool event.
Holland America Line’s strategic engagement with travel agents through ship visits underscores its commitment to providing valuable insights and fostering strong industry partnerships.
