Maiden arrival at the Port of Durban
A CRUISE ship owned and operated by the Holland America Line made its maiden arrival at the Port of Durban on Sunday.
The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) said the Zaandam’s voyage followed the start of the 2022/23 cruise season at the port last month.
The ports authority said the
Zaandam’s décor was inspired by music and featured musical instruments, including signed guitars from Queen, Iggy Pop, Eric Clapton and The Rolling Stones and a baroquestyle pipe organ.
The ship measures 781 feet (238m) in length and 105.8 ft in width and can accommodate 1432 guests.
In keeping with tradition, a plaque exchange between the vessel and port captains formed part of the day’s commemoration, the ports authority said.
The Zaandam was welcomed with a tug spray by the TNPA Port of Durban harbour aster’s office representative, Captain Eric Durr.
Durr presented a plaque to the ship’s master.
“Covid-19 has impacted the tourism industry a great deal over the past few years, so receiving a cruise vessel of Zaandam’s stature at the Port of Durban is another feather in our cap.
“This arrival affirms the port and
the City of Durban as a cruise destination of choice, as reflected in our previous nominations as finalists in the World Travel Awards category of Africa’s Leading Cruise Port,” Durr said.
According to the Holland America Line website, while on board the Zaandam, one can enjoy regional cooking demonstrations and food and wine tastings, rejuvenate at the Greenhouse Spa and Salon, and indulge at any of the ship’s fine-dining venues.