Holland America Line has confirmed it will host 430 travel agents across eight trade-focussed ship visits this year, representing an increase of 23% compared with 2023

Events will take place in Dover, South Queensferry, Liverpool, Belfast, Newcastle and Cork – the latter two new for 2024.

There are four opportunities to explore Nieuw Statendam ahead of its programme of ex-UK sailings from Dover in 2025, as well as tours of Rotterdam and Zuiderdam.

The visits will comprise a welcome by the Holland America Line trade team, a guided tour and lunch. Details of how agents can register their interest will be released soon.

Holland America Line ship visits ‘crucial’ in helping expand agents’ knowledge

Karen Farndell, director of sales and marketing for HAL, said: “Following the fantastic feedback we received regarding our 2023 ship visit programme, we have decided to go one better and provide even more opportunities for agents to get onboard this year.

“These visits are crucial in helping the trade broaden their knowledge and understand what makes Holland America Line unique in the market. As we prepare to offer ex-UK sailings from Dover in 2025, it’s even more vital we give agents the information they need to confidently sell these itineraries.”

The dates and locations comprise:

• Nieuw Statendam, 20 April, Dover
• Rotterdam, 26 April, Dover
• Nieuw Statendam, 19 June, South Queensferry
• Rotterdam, 21 June, South Queensferry
• Nieuw Statendam, 26 June, Liverpool
• Nieuw Statendam, 18 July, Newcastle
• Zuiderdam, 8 August, Cork
• Zuiderdam, 10 August, Belfast