Holland America Line has sold the Prinsendam to Germany's
Phoenix Reisen for an undisclosed price.
The sale, which had been rumored in recent weeks, has
already taken place. Phoenix Reisen will lease the Prinsendam to HAL through
July 1, 2019, when it will leave the fleet.
The Prinsendam was beloved by some HAL passengers but was
increasingly an anomaly in the fleet. Built for Royal Viking Line in 1988 as
the Royal Viking Sun, the luxurious ship sailed for Cunard Line for 10 years
after Royal Viking Line folded, and was moved to Seabourn for a few years
before joining HAL 16 years ago.
At just 832 passengers, it was easily the smallest ship in
the HAL fleet. It mostly sailed longer, exotic itineraries.
"Prinsendam has proudly served our guests since 2002,
and we share in the fondness that many of our loyal cruisers have for this
special ship," said HAL president Orlando Ashford.
HAL said the Prinsendam's itineraries from July 1, 2019,
onward are scheduled to be assimilated by the Rotterdam, Volendam and Veendam.
It is contacting booked guests and their travel professionals to re-accommodate
guests on these cruises.
Phoenix Reisen operates in German-speaking travel markets.
Its ships include the Amadea, Artania, Albatros and Deutschland.