Holland America Line to host 430 agents on ship visits in 2024

Holland America Line host eight travel agent ship visits this year, with 430 places available – up 23% on the 350 spots it had in 2023.

The Carnival Corporation-owned brand said the events will take place in Dover, South Queensferry (Edinburgh), Liverpool, Belfast, Newcastle and Cork – the latter two of which are new for 2024.

There are four opportunities to explore Nieuw Statendam (pictured), ahead of the ship’s programme of ex-UK sailings from Dover in 2025, as well as tours of Rotterdam and Zuiderdam.

Agents will be welcomed onboard by the Holland America Line trade team, then take a guided tour and have lunch. Details of how agents can register their interest will be released soon.

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The visits in April will take place in Dover on Nieuw Statendam (April 20) and Rotterdam (April 26).

There will be three in June: Nieuw Statendam (June 19) and Rotterdam (June 21), both in South Queensferry, then Nieuw Statendam in Liverpool (June 26).

Nieuw Statendam will be in Newcastle on July 18, then there will be two visits for Zuiderdam in August: Cork (August 8) and Belfast (August 10).

Karen Farndell, sales and marketing director for Holland America Line, said: “Following the fantastic feedback we received regarding our 2023 ship visit programme, we have decided to go one better and provide even more opportunities for agents to get onboard this year.

“These visits are crucial in helping the trade broaden their knowledge and understand what makes Holland America Line unique in the market.

“As we prepare to offer ex-UK sailings from Dover in 2025, it’s even more vital we give agents the information they need to confidently sell these itineraries.

“These ship visits complement the raft of trade-friendly tools we have available, ensuring we have everything in place to help generate enquiries and sales.”