Holland America Line celebrates historic UK sailing event in Dover

Friday 8th September Holland America Line celebrated Nieuw Statendam’s inaugural visit to the port of Dover with port officials, travel partners, local officials and media at a shipboard ceremony. The event also comes as for the first time in 10 years, British travellers will be able to conveniently embark on a full season of roundtrip itineraries from Dover, demonstrating Holland America Line’s commitment to the UK market.

Nieuw Statendam arrived in Dover accompanied by water cannons and the stunning backdrop of the White Cliffs. Prior to boarding for the celebration, guests were treated to exclusive entertainment at the cruise terminal, with Morris Dancers, a pianist and local delicacies from the Produced in Kent market.

During the plaque exchange Nico Bleichrodt, Managing Director Continental Europe for Holland America Line, gave a speech on the importance of adding Dover as a homeport for the UK market and introduced the new 2025 itineraries.

The 2025 UK Nieuw Statendam’s voyages will range from 14 to 42 days sailings to the Canary Islands, British Isles, Norway, Iceland, Greenland, Iberia and the eastern Mediterranean. Currently Holland America Line departs from nine homeports throughout Europe, with an increase in cruises over 10 days, more sailings to Iceland and a combined 62 overnight calls or late-night departures in leading cities.

“Adding Dover as a homeport is ideal for our British guests who can conveniently embark in England and explore several regions around Europe on a variety of itineraries,” said Karen Farndell, Director of UK Sales and Marketing. Beyond Dover, our 10 homeports span Europe, and in 2025 we’re offering the most diverse range of itineraries that include everything from week long holidays to the Med to month-long explorations up to the Arctic.”

After the exciting event, Christian Pryce, Chief Commercial Officer at the Port of Dover said: “It’s been a special morning celebrating Nieuw Statendam’s inaugural call to Dover as we become her UK homeport with ten calls in one season for 2025. Nearly 30 years since we first welcomed the previous Statendam to the Port, it’s fantastic to see our partnership with Holland America Line reach a new level as we become their UK cruise destination of choice.

"With the dramatic and unrivalled views of the White Cliffs and Dover Castle, inspiring local culture and heritage, plus a vibrant new waterfront surrounding the cruise terminals, Dover provides the perfect welcome to the Garden of England for hundreds of thousands of cruise passengers each year.”

For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel agent, or visit hollandamerica.com.