HAL-Holland America Line is preparing for a comeback in the United States.
HAL's President Gus Antorcha said in a letter sent to the employees, that after CDC had issued a framework for conditional sailing, which allowed eventual resumption of cruising, the line would deploy 6 ships in the U.S. waters over the coming weeks.
In the letter, Gus Antorcha said that following in-depth discussions with the CDC, other government agencies, medical and science authorities, they had decided to start moving 6 Holland America ships "toward U.S. waters over the next several weeks to begin completing the requirements for conditional sailing."
The cruise liners moving to the USA's waters for the eventual resumption of passenger shipping will include ms Koningsdam, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, ms Nieuw Statendam, ms Noordam, ms Westerdam, and ms Zuiderdam. Arrival times and locations are yet to be announced.
“While there is still much to be done, this is an important first step toward our goal of resuming cruise operations. Holland America Line will continue to work with the CDC on our eventual return to guest cruise operations. We are fully aligned with the CDC on our top priorities for compliance, protecting the environment, and the health, safety, and well-being of our guests, the people in communities we touch, our crew, and shoreside employees.
“Until we are able to communicate a specific date, we ask for, and appreciate your patience. We are committed to sharing more details as soon as possible.”