A major cruise ship line and the City of St. John’s expressed mutual appreciation for each other during an event on the waterfront today.
Holland America cruise line is celebrating its 150th anniversary of sailing the high seas, and they’re thanking their popular ports of call along the way.
Today’s event was held in the large shadow of Holland America’s Zaandam cruise ship, with the STEP Fiddlers entertaining many its 2,000 passengers and crew as they came and went.
On the St. John’s waterfront this beautiful afternoon for a big reason. Spoiler alert: It’s not just the ship. @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/IistJEiUJh
— Brian Callahan (@briancallahan67) September 9, 2023
Capt. Michiel Willems presented St. John’s Coun. Jill Bruce with a plaque to mark the occasion.
He later told reps with the port authority and cruise association that the city plays no small part in keeping Holland America afloat.
“Since our first call to the port of St. John’s, the port has played a role in the success of Holland America line, serving as a wonderful port to showcase its unique history and culture for our guests,” he said.
About 5,000 passengers from Holland America ships alone will visit St. John’s this year.
Capt. Willems, who is himself from Holland, says that number will increase to 7,000 next year.
