Canada cruises a hit for Holland America line
If you know somebody who is from Holland and of a certain vintage, as I do, then you know how much Canada means to the Dutch. The same kind of sentiment is reflected in the relationship between Holland America and Canada. This country could be called the cruise line’s “home port.”
When you add its Quebec departures for the Maritimes to its Vancouver departures for Alaska, it makes Holland America “Canada’s leading departure cruise line.”
Many competitors focus on Quebec and the Maritimes in the fall for Mother Nature’s changing colours, but Holland America ships also spend a lot of time in those waters in the spring and summer. And 2014 will be its most prolific year, with 48 departures.
If you’re wondering where the passengers are from, an estimated 75 per cent are Americans with the balance from Canada, Europe and Asia.
The modest size of Holland America ships has a lot to do with the extended season and the frequency. Maasdam and Veendam are intimate ships, carrying 1,250 to 1,350 passengers. Even the fleet’s biggest ships, Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam (2,106 passengers), are medium-sized by today’s standards.
In 2014, the Canadian workhorses will be Maasdam and Veendam, with Eurodam arriving in September after summering in Europe. Holland America will offer nine different itineraries. Among the more interesting ones is the positioning of ships into Eastern Canada from places like Florida and their return after the fall foliage season.
Canada- New England cruises deliver a history of our country at culturally diverse ports. Holland America asked customers to name their favourite port and Quebec City was the handsdown winner. Reflecting its status is the fact that cruise lines offer many overnights in the provincial capital.
My first cruise there was an eye-opener. I hadn’t been to the Maritimes in two decades and I’d forgotten how beautiful it is. Throw in Quebec City and the cruise along the St. Lawrence River, and it still ranks as one of my all-time favourites.
On my last cruise there, I noticed a large group of Japanese passengers and asked their leader, “Why this cruise?”
“Anne of Green Gables,” was the reply. Apparently, the signature Canadian story has been part of Japan’s school curriculum since 1952. The group leader believed many of his customers had an empty suitcase to load up on Anne souvenirs in Cavendish, P.E.I.
Maasdam will be offering primarily seven-day, oneway cruises between Montreal and Boston from May 24 through Oct. 11, with calls at Quebec City, Charlottetown, Sydney, Halifax and Bar Harbor.
Veendam, from May 10 through Oct. 11, will sail 17 seven-day itineraries between Quebec City and Boston, with an overnight in Quebec. Ports include Charlottetown, Sydney, Halifax and Bar Harbor.
Eurodam will operate a few one-way cruises between Quebec City and New York, again with an overnight in Quebec City.
Other lines are also in the mix with some unique itineraries. Norwegian has a combo Canada-New England-Bermuda cruise, among others. Oceania is offering a Montreal departure to parts of Canada, Bermuda and the Caribbean. Royal Caribbean and Princess (including the new Royal Princess for a few departures) are also in the market.
There are many choices in 2014, and it’s best to check with an experienced cruise travel agent or the cruiseline websites.
Phil’s Pick of the Week:
Obviously, it has to be a Canada-New England cruise. This one, this year on Holland America’s Eurodam, was available at the time of writing: 10 days, New York to Quebec City, departing Oct. 2.
The Eurodam stops at Boston, Bar Harbor, Halifax, Sydney, Charlottetown, Saguenay, and cruises the Saguenay fiord area before finishing with an overnight in Quebec City. Starting price is $696. Visit portsandbows.com for daily updates on the latest cruise news, best deals and behind-the-scenes stories from the industry. You can also sign up for an email newsletter. Phil Reimer may
be contacted directly at portsandbows@gmail.com.