HAL returns to San Diego

HOLLAND America Line (HAL) has marked its return to the West Coast of the United States with its first sailing from San Diego on Sun aboard Koningsdam.

Guests were greeted by waving flags, cheering team members and a “Welcome Home” sign (pictured) as they joined Holland America’s Koningsdam at the Port of San Diego for the cruise line’s first West Coast departure since the start of the industry-wide pause.

The Pinnacle-class vessel is the largest Holland America ship sailing from the West Coast, and the 10 Oct cruise is the first in a series of 23 seven-day sailings to Coastal California and Mexico that run through to 04 Apr.

In addition to Koningsdam, Zuiderdam will also sail roundtrip cruises from San Diego on longer Mexico explorations, a monthlong voyage to Tahiti, and Panama Canal departures, while Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam will each make one call in the city next northern spring.

When Koningsdam and Zuiderdam call at San Diego, both ships will utilise the port’s shore power, reducing the ship’s carbon footprint.

“We are thrilled to get back to cruising from San Diego and to supporting this wonderful city and the ports we visit along the West Coast, from Mexico to Washington,” said President Gus Antorcha.

“Our guests are eager to be back on board and our team members look forward to reconnecting with them and providing a memorable vacation.

“We’re ready for a successful season of cruising.”

Holland America has been homeporting out of the Port of San Diego since the 1990s, and for the upcoming 2021-2022 season, the cruise line will bring more than 81,000 guests to the city, which will result in more than USD$35 million in direct spending.

Each ship visit directly contributes USD$364,000 to the local economy in provisioning, port taxes, and spending.