The Cruise Association of Newfoundland & Labrador (CANAL) presented Holland America Line with its most prestigious award today during the Cruise Shipping Miami Conference at the Miami Beach Convention Center. The award, presented on an annual basis, recognizes an individual, group or business that has demonstrated a commitment to the cruise industry and has contributed significantly to the growth of the cruise industry in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada’s most easterly province.
Today, CANAL’s Chairperson Dennis O’Keefe presented the Cruise Vision Award to Holland America Line President and CEO Stein Kruse. “Holland America Line has been a friend of Newfoundland & Labrador for almost ten years. Not only have they introduced more than 75,000 visitors to our beautiful province, Holland America Line’s recognition of the province’s potential has helped to put us ‘on the map’ as a cruise destination,” said O’Keefe. “We look forward to continuing to work closely with Holland America Line to introduce new ports of call and ensure our cruise product is exceeding passenger expectations.”
“Holland America Line is proud to accept the Cruise Vision Award,” said Kruse. “Newfoundland and Labrador are an integral part of our Canada/New England and Northern Transatlantic cruises and we are very pleased with the diversity of ports in the region.”
Part of the Carnival Corporation & plc family, Holland America Line is the leader in the premium cruise segment with 14 ships offering nearly 500 cruises to 320 ports in more than 100 countries. Holland America was one of the first major cruise lines to consistently call on ports in Newfoundland and Labrador. The company’s first visit to the province was a port call by ms Amsterdam to the capital city of St. John’s s in 2001. Since then, Holland America has expanded its itineraries to include calls to other ports in the province, adding Corner Brook in 2004 and St Anthony in 2005. In 2009, HAL’s ms Maasdam has planned calls to Bonne Bay, in the heart of Gros Morne National Park, and to Red Bay in Southern Labrador. The visits will be significant milestones for each of the two ports; marking the first time a large ship will call on them.
In addition to the inclusion of Newfoundland & Labrador ports on various popular itineraries, Holland America has continuously ensured that the destination is well showcased through offering a diverse range of shore excursions. Visiting Holland America cruise ships have always welcomed special activities such as the Captain’s participation in the Freedom of the Seaports Ceremony at the Port of St. John’s or enjoying a pre-arranged soccer game between the crew and members of the local community at the Port of Corner Brook. Over the years, CANAL and its partners have developed a strong relationship with Holland America, a relationship which continues to evolve.
