THE Zaandam cruise vessel made its maiden arrival at the Port of Durban shores on Sunday, 20 November 2022. The voyage follows the launch of the 2022/23 cruise season embarked on throughout the port system during October 2022. As per port tradition, a plaque exchange between the vessel and Port captains formed part of the day’s commemoration.
The Zaandam is owned and operated by Holland America Line and was welcomed with a tug spray by Transnet National Ports Authority’s (TNPA) Port of Durban Harbour Master’s office representative, Captain Eric Durr. As a tradition, the cruise liner was introduced to the port’s shores with a tug spray and Captain Durr presented a plaque to the ship’s master
“COVID-19 has impacted the tourism industry a great deal over the past few years, so receiving a cruise vessel of Zaandam’s stature at the Port of Durban is another feather in our cap. This affirms the port and the City of Durban as a cruise destination of choice, as reflected in our previous nominations as finalists in the World Travel Awards category of Africa’s Leading Cruise Port,” said Captain Durr.
Zaandam décor is inspired by music and features musical instruments including signed guitars from Queen, Iggy Pop, Eric Clapton, and the Rolling Stones and a Baroque-style pipe organ. It has the capacity of handling 1 432 guests with a length of 781 ft and a width of 105.8 ft.
