Veendam to tender to St George
December 16th, 2009Today, the Ministry of Tourism and Transport announced The Holland America Line ‘Veendam’ cruise ship that had been scheduled to come into St. George and Hamilton in 2010 will not dock at Pennos’s Wharf but will instead go to anchor at Murray’s Anchorage.
Premier and Minister of Tourism and Transport Ewart Brown said, “We had hoped the ‘Veendam’ would be able to navigate Town Cut and dock in St. George’s in 2010, however simulations have shown this will not be possible. This situation illustrates the challenge we have in regards to St. George’s.” The Premier went on to say, “Although the ‘Veendam’ will not physically dock in St. George’s in 2010, the tendering arrangement will still provide their guests with a St. George’s experience during their stay in Bermuda. It is often the case that cruise passengers who tender rather than dock stay longer in the destination, including having lunch and participate in activities. This also shows our commitment to keeping a cruise ship presence in St. George’s.”
The Ministry will implement a ferry service on Tuesdays from Murray’s Anchorage. The ‘Veendam’ will continue to Hamilton on Wednesdays as currently scheduled, and will depart Bermuda on Fridays. The ‘Veendam’ is scheduled to make 24 cruises to Bermuda in 2010 and will contribute an estimated $7 million to Bermuda’s economy. The ferrying from Murray’s Anchorage will be weather permitting.
In 2008, a computer simulation of the ‘Veendam’ was conducted and Holland America Line commenced with marketing and selling the twin-port Bermuda cruises. Although Holland America was confident the ‘Veendam’ could safely navigate Town Cut Channel, it was decided to conduct additional simulations of the ship. Two other simulations were conducted in July and November 2009 and it was concluded that it would be unsafe for the ‘Veendam’ to navigate Town Cut in 2010.
The Ministry is discussing specific plans with Holland America Line to ensure their cruise passengers participate in shore excursions and other activities.
Tags: Ewart Brown, Hamilton, Holland America Line, Ministry Of Tourism And Transport, Murrays Anchorage, Pennos Wharf, St George, Veendam
March 2nd, 2010 at 2:37 pm
Hello
I will be a crew on the veendam and have never been to the Bermuda. I know my question may seem very simple but it is very important for us crew. I would like to know if there are closeby supermarkets, banks and internet cafes near the ports of Hamilton and St. George?
Thank you for your time.
April 22nd, 2010 at 4:00 pm
I haven’t been to Bermuda in almost 60 years. Was there twice before in 1937 and 1950.
Rode the Burmuda Railway the first time but it was gone the next time. Looking foreward to a great time this time.
Bob
April 27th, 2010 at 5:50 pm
The town of St. George’s has two banks and a grocery store. I think the Cafe Latte coffee shop might have internet?
In Hamilton there are two Banks on Front Street and grocery stores only a block away.
April 27th, 2010 at 5:51 pm
I forgot yes there are internet places in town about a block from from street
April 29th, 2010 at 3:37 am
This is unfortunate! I only chose Holland America b/c of the 2 port itinerary and wish we were not going to have to tender…that makes it inconvenient!
May 30th, 2010 at 3:59 pm
I agree with K.D., when I booked this cruise it was b/c of the conviniency of been on port as I like to hop on my scooter at any time of day/night and there was NO mention that in St. George we would be tendered. I’ve been on enough cruises to know that tendering is a SLOW pain in the a$$. Also could’ve gone on Norwegian Dawn for 1/2 price of HAL, docked in port of Kings Wharf.
March 8th, 2011 at 10:08 pm
Just booked our annual cruise with my grandchildren. Last fall we didn’t make it because of the hurricane and the Veendam sailed to the Bahamas instead. Big disappointment – now I find out that we cannot dock in St. George’s which is our favorite town in Bermuda. We used to walk to Tobacco Bay, St. Catherine’s to go swimming, hop off the ship to walk around town at night. Holland America caters to the senior cruisers and they won’t be able to get off the ship when tendered. We have seen this on other cruises. Too bad.