Farewell, old friend!
Holland America Line’s magnificent cruise ship Prinsendam retires this weekend (June 30, 2019) from regular cruise service.
She’s reached the venerable age of 31 years -- “old” for a cruise ship. She’s been purchased by a German specialty cruise line for chartering....and a few more years at sea in retirement....before, likely, heading to the scrapyard.
She was aptly-nicknamed “The Elegant Explorer.”
She was a small enough vessel (only 39,000 tons....and 700 passengers) that she could cross vast oceans, but still sail up the Amazon River, visit ports unable to accommodate many of today’s behemoth cruise ships, and indulge wonderful adventures to the Arctic, Antarctic and inland seas.
She was intimate, luxurious and classy.
She was beloved by most who sailed aboard her.
She will be deeply missed....
* * * *
The last time I sailed aboard Prinsendam was to take my Mom on a Holiday Season cruise in the Caribbean not long after she was widowed from my Dad -- her husband of over 50 years.
The peace, joy and pampering of this beautiful little ship and her awesome crew was a turning point in my Mom’s recovery from such tragedy and grief.
I will never forget what good Prinsendam did for my Mom (and myself)!
Farewell, old friend!
