Maasdam to be replaced by other cruise ships this year in P.E.I.

The cruise ship the Maasdam won't be returning to Charlottetown this summer, but will be replaced by otherHolland Americavessels includingthe Veendam, which has been aregular visitor to the city.

Holland America will also deploy the just-renovated Zuiderdam and the Rotterdam to P.E.I.

• Cruise ships staying overnight good for P.E.I. business
• Cruise ship trio brought 5,000 tourists to P.E.I. Tuesday
• Record cruise ship traffic expected in Charlottetown

"We've known that for a while," saidCorrynMorrissey, business development manager for the Charlottetown Harbour Authority."She's basically beenredeployedto the west coast and then over to Australia for the season."

There will be little or no net effect on the port of Charlottetown, said Morrissey. Holland America will bring about the same number of passengers to the city.

"They've changed some of the sailings, but it should work out to pretty close to what we've had in the past from Holland America," Morrissey said.

TheVeendamcarries 1,930 passengers and crew, to theMaasdam's1,838. TheZuiderdamand the Rotterdam each have a capacity of more than 2,000 people.

"We were sad to see theMaasdamgo. She's called us longer than anyone," said Morrissey.

"I think we'll see her again in our future."