Former Veendam Marks 30 Years While Laid Up in Greece

Veendam

The former Veendam recently celebrated its 30th anniversary while laid up at the port of Aigio in Greece.

Currently owned by Seajets, a Greek ferry operator, the 1,350-passenger ship was originally built for Holland America Line at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy.

The fourth vessel in the company’s Statendam class, the 55,819-ton ship was delivered on May 1, 1996.

As the fifth ship in Holland America’s fleet to carry this name, the Veendam then sailed to Florida without guests onboard to kick off its maiden season in Port Everglades.

Actress and singer Debbie Reynolds served as the vessel’s godmother during a special ceremony at the port, which took place on May 25, 1996.

The Veendam then embarked on its official maiden voyage: a ten-night cruise to the Caribbean.

After spending most of its first year of service sailing in the region, the vessel repositioned to Alaska for the summer of 1997.

After spending 24 years sailing for Holland America, the Veendam was sold to Seajets in July 2020, along with its fleetmate, the Maasdam.

Both ships were placed in cold layup at different locations in Greece while waiting for resale opportunities.

While the Maasdam was later acquired by CFC and resumed service as the Renaissance in late 2023, the former Veendam is still sitting in limbo.

Renamed Aegean Majesty, the vessel has been laid up at the port of Aigio, in the Gulf of Corinth, for the past couple of years.

In addition to the former Veendam, Seajets currently owns two other cruise ships: the former Oceana and the former Majesty of the Seas. All of the company’s vessels are sitting in Greece while waiting for decisions regarding their future.

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