Holland America Line Doubles Cruise Guests to San Diego in 2016/17; More Than 86,600 Expected with $116 Million Economic Impact to Community

WHAT:

Holland America Line's ms Westerdam arrives at the Port of San Diego on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016, marking the beginning of a robust Mexico cruise season for Holland America Line and the doubling of the cruise guests the company will bring to San Diego this year.

With 37 ship calls at San Diego, Holland America Line increases its local impact from 42,500 guests last season to more than 86,600 in this season. Larger ships and more departures from San Diego contribute to the increase.  Ten ships will visit San Diego, which is Holland America Line's gateway for sailings to Mexico, Hawaii, South Pacific, South America, Panama Canal and along the Pacific Coast.

The estimated economic impact for these visits is more than $116 million.    

Also enjoy a preview of the new dynamic shipboard cooking show from Holland America Line's exclusive culinary partnership with popular PBS TV show America's Test Kitchen. 

WHEN:

Saturday, October 22, 2015

10:15 a.m.:    Arrival at the terminal to register

10:30 a.m.:    Pierside remarks in front of terminal and ship by Chairman of the Board for the Port of San Diego Marshall Merrifield and ms Westerdam's Captain Mark Rowden.

11:15 a.m.:    One on one interviews and ship tours available following remarks.

11:30 a.m.:    Lunch follows the press remarks with a 1:00 p.m. America's Test Kitchen Demo.

WHERE: 

Port of San Diego

B Street Pier

1140 North Harbor Drive

BOARDING INFO:

No clearance required for the pierside press event.  For clearance to board the ship, media must provide full legal name, date of birth, citizenship and driver's license or passport number to PR@hollandamerica.com. Media must present a government-issued photo ID at time of arrival and undergo standard security screening to gain access to the pier and vessel.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Erik Elvejord, Holland America Line, cell: 425-501-7236.