| HAL welcomes Oosterdam

THE upcoming down under deployment of
Holland America Line’s ms Oosterdam is a big
jump in local capacity for the cruise line – but
the market can easily support the larger vessel,
says HAL director of sales, Tony Archbold.
Oosterdam carries 1900 passengers, up
about 33% on the 1400-pax ms Volendam
which will also return to Australasia this year.
Volendam will conduct a circumnavigation of
Australia, while Oosterdam will take over the
line’s trans-Tasman and South Pacific program.
Archbold told CW this week that “head office
is very happy” with the performance of the
fledgling Australian operation, which has this
week celebrated its first birthday.
He said HAL has seen consistent growth out
of Australia, with Aussie cruisers favouring
voyages in Europe and Alaska plus at home.
Archbold said that there’s still significant
potential for travel agents to grow their cruise
sales, with HAL offering a consistent popular
product encouraging strong repeat business.
“Lots of agents still aren’t selling cruise,” he
said, with Holland America offerings such as
Select Sailings offer significant opportunities
for agents to differentiate themselves.
HAL is also promoting its Alaska cruise-tours
which combine land content and voyages in
the ever-popular destination for Aussies.