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Holland America Line said it will move the Oosterdam next summer from its currently scheduled deployment in the Mediterranean to sail in Alaska instead.
HAL attributed the change to “the increasing demand for more Alaska cruises.”
Demand for Mediterranean sailings, particularly the eastern Med, have been weaker this year at many cruise lines because of a variety of geopolitical problems there, including terrorist attacks in France and Turkey.
Earlier this year, Celebrity Cruises said it would move the Celebrity Equinox next summer from the Med to the Caribbean for year-round deployment.
With the addition of Oosterdam, HAL will have seven ships cruising in Alaska next summer.
A search for Mediterranean cruises next July on HAL’s website shows only the Westerdam on those itineraries.
Booked guests and their travel professionals are being notified of the decision.
HAL said prices would be protected for Oosterdam guests rebooking on another Europe or transatlantic cruise, and that an onboard credit would be issued “transferable to any new Holland America Line itinerary.”
Travel sellers will get a bonus commission if the guest rebooks, HAL said.
Source: travelweekly.com
