Holland America has agreed to transfer the 55,819grt Statendam and her sistership Ryndam to sister brand P&O Cruises Australia.
The two ships are are from the original Statendam class of ships that essentially launched Holland America as it is today. The Statendam started sailing in 1993 so she’s getting up there in age. Both ships went through a drydock in 2010, but they can be ‘lacking’ when compared to whats in store for HAL’s new Pinnacle Class, set to debut in early 2016.
P&O Australia has been in desperate need to modernize their fleet. Right now it’s currently second hand ships from the original Princess fleet. The Pacific Dawn (ex Regal Princess) and Pacific Jewel (ex-Ocean Village Two, AIDAblu, A’Rosa Blu, Crown Princess) have both had extensive careers. Then there’s the 1989-built Pacific Pearl (ex- Ocean Village, Arcadia, Star Princess). The two Holland America ships will be a welcome addition down under.
Both ships will undergo drydocks to update and customize their interiors before they start their new careers in November 2015.
Holland America CEO Stein Kruse:
The Australian market is a world leader in terms of growth in cruising, yet only around 3 percent of Australians have sailed, so there is tremendous opportunity for further expansion. Based on the growth potential and P&O’s success sailing in the region, their team is well-poised to add this new capacity.