Durban — A cruise ship owned and operated by Holland America Line made its maiden arrival at the Port of Durban on Sunday.
The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) said that the Zaandam cruise ship’s voyage follows the launch of the 2022/23 cruise season embarked on throughout the port system during the month of October.
TNPA said that Zaandam’s décor is inspired by music and features musical instruments, including signed guitars from Queen, Iggy Pop, Eric Clapton and The Rolling Stones and a Baroque-style pipe organ. It has the capacity of handling 1 432 guests with a length of 781ft and a width of 105.8 ft.
The ports authority said that as per port tradition, a plaque exchange between the vessel and port captains formed part of the day’s commemoration.
The Zaandam is owned and operated by Holland America Line and was welcomed with a tug spray by TNPA Port of Durban Harbour Master’s office representative, Captain Eric Durr.
Traditionally, the cruise liner was introduced to the port’s shores with a tug spray and 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 on our cap. This 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 with Port to Table. Rejuvenate at the Greenhouse Spa and Salon, and indulge in any of their fine dining venues.
Daily News