Cruise Ship for Refugees
More cruise lines are turning their ships into temporary housing for Ukranian refugees. Holland America‘s Volendam is the latest. It’s part of an agreement announced by the Netherlands and the City of Rotterdam government officials. The ship will dock in Rotterdam for three months to provide a temporary home for approximately 1,500 Ukrainians, part of a larger commitment from the Netherlands to accommodate 50,000 people who fled the war in their homeland.
To support this good corporate citizen, consider booking one of their east or west coast Canadian cruises, which are discounted for Canadian passengers on many departures this year. Cruise from Vancouver to Alaska or from Boston to Montreal.
“We are in a unique position to accommodate the immediate need for food and housing, so we felt it was very important to work with the City of Rotterdam and charter this ship,” said Gus Antorcha, president, Holland America Line. “Our company was founded in Rotterdam around the mission of helping immigrants find a better life. So today we’re proud to be a small part of a similar mission for Ukrainians who have tragically been displaced.”
Under the agreement, Holland America Line will provide food and shelter as well as internet access, and other necessities. Volendamwill be staffed with approximately 650 crew members.
Captain Ryan Whitaker said, “It will truly be an honor for us to make Volendam a comfortable and caring environment for these families who have been through so much.”
Volendam was scheduled to return to service May 15, with voyages from Rotterdam to Norway, the British Isles and Iceland. To accommodate the three-month commitment, Holland America Line will cancel three of those voyages and resume service on July 3 instead. Volendam will be docked at Merwehaven, a cargo port in Rotterdam. Remaining docked will ensure Ukrainian families can transit easily to and from services in Rotterdam.
Holland America Group has already been working with its own team members who are Ukrainian. A $1 million emergency assistance fund provides direct financial support. Team members from the region also receive counseling assistance, free internet service to communicate with family, and scheduling accommodations such as early disembarkation or an extension to remain on board as needed.
The family foundation of parent company Carnival Corporation’s chairman Micky Arison and his wife Madeleine also announced a pledge of $3 million to charities helping Ukrainian refugees. In addition, Holland America Line will look to raise awareness and funds through its On Deck for a Cause program, in which guests on every cruise may take part in a non-competitive 5K fundraising walk. The money raised will go to Direct Relief.
“We stand for peace and our hearts go out to everyone whose lives have been upended by the invasion of Ukraine,” said Arnold Donald, president and chief executive officer of Carnival Corporation & plc. “We have crew members from 145 countries and we sail with guests from nations around the globe, so we feel deeply the impact of this humanitarian crisis and we join many others in supporting relief efforts.”
