MS Veendam

MS Veendam is a cruise ship operated by Holland America Line. Named after the municipality of Veendam in the Netherlands, she has been in service since 1996. In 2020 the vessel was sold to an undisclosed buyer and renamed Aegean Majesty.

MS Veendam in Juneau, Alaska, United States prior to aft addition.
History
Name:
  • MS Veendam (1996–2020)
  • Aegean Majesty (2020–onward)
Namesake: Veendam
Owner: Carnival Corporation & plc
Operator: Holland America Line
Port of registry:  Netherlands, Rotterdam
Builder: Fincantieri, Monfalcone, Italy
Yard number: 5954
Launched: 24 June 1995
In service: 1996
Refit: 2009
Homeport: Boston
Identification:
Status: In Service
General characteristics
Class and type: S-class cruise ship
Tonnage: 57,092 GT[1]
Length: 219 m (719 ft)
Beam: 31 m (101 ft)
Decks: 13
Installed power: 2 × 12-cylinder 8640 kW, 3 × 8-cylinder 5760 kW diesel generators
Speed: 20.9 knots (38.7 km/h; 24.1 mph)
Capacity: 1,350 passengers
Crew: 568

Construction and career

Veendam is a member of the line's Statendam class, otherwise known as S class. She was ordered following the success of her three elder sister ships, and was designated Hull Number 5954. Her keel was laid by Fincantieri in 1994.[2] Throughout 1995 and 1996, the ship was completed and underwent sea trials. Actress Debbie Reynolds served as the ship's godmother, and she set sail on her maiden voyage on 15 May 1996.[3] Upon her maiden voyage, she became the fourth Holland America Line ship to bear the name Veendam,

In April 2009, Veendam underwent dry dock renovations at Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport, Grand Bahama which included significant changes to her stern. Two new decks of verandah accommodation were added which necessitated the removal of a significant portion of her upper decks. To structurally support the ship's new change in weight, a ducktail was added to her hull, and the bridge's wings were extended.[4]

During winter months Veendam operates from South American ports and during the summer season, she sails from New York City, New York.[5]

On 25 January 2015, Veendam was called by the United States Coast Guard to rescue Louis Morton, a pilot who had ditched his plane after experiencing a mechanical failure 225 nautical miles (417 km; 259 mi) from the coast of Maui. Coordinating with the U.S. Coast Guard, Veendam launched Lifeboat 2 in a successful rescue operation.[6]

In July 2020 it was announced that the ship was sold to an undisclosed buyer with a planned delivery in August 2020.[7][8] In August 2020 she was renamed Aegean Majesty. Her flag was changed from Netherlands to Bermuda.

References
  1. "Cruises on ms Veendam, a Holland America Line cruise ship". Hollandamerica.com. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
  2. "Fincantieri | Veendam". www.fincantieri.com. Retrieved 25 March 2020.
  3. "140 Years Young: Welcome Veendam | Holland America Blog". Retrieved 25 March 2020.
  4. "Veendam Dry-Dock Update: March 30, 2009". Holland America Blog. Retrieved 25 March 2020.
  5. "Cruises to Alaska, Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico and the world on Holland America, one of the best cruise lines". Hollandamerica.com. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
  6. "Veendam Rescues Pilot Who Ditched His Plane in the Pacific Ocean". Holland America. 26 January 2015.
  7. "Holland America Sells Ships With Two to Olsen in Carnival's Downsizing". Maritime Executive. Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 15 July 2020. Retrieved 21 July 2020.
  8. "Four Holland America Line Ships Sold". Cruise Industry News. New York, New York. 15 July 2020. Retrieved 21 July 2020.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.