The ship’s arrival forms part of an ongoing strategy to promote La Palma internationally, strengthen relationships with cruise lines and create new opportunities for local small businesses.
The Port of Santa Cruz de La Palma welcomed Holland America Line’s Nieuw Statendam on 8 October 2026. The call was marked by the traditional presentation of a commemorative plaque to the ship’s Captain.
The plaque was presented by Luz Marina Espiau Moreno, Commercial and Business Development Director of the Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and member of the MedCruise Board of Directors, together with the Head of Port Operations in Santa Cruz de La Palma. Representatives of the Cabildo de La Palma, the island’s governing authority, also attended the ceremony.
The call forms part of a broader strategy to revitalise cruise tourism and strengthen La Palma’s international positioning, developed over the past two years by the Port Authority’s commercial team in collaboration with local institutions and tourism stakeholders. This work has focused on building trusted relationships with cruise lines, understanding their operational and commercial requirements, identifying new opportunities and consolidating La Palma’s presence in international cruise itineraries.
Nieuw Statendam, part of Holland America Line’s Pinnacle Class, provides an opportunity to showcase the port’s operational capabilities and the appeal of a destination offering volcanic landscapes, natural and cultural heritage, local gastronomy and distinctive visitor experiences.
Cruise tourism contributes to La Palma’s economic and social development through demand for port services and the business generated for local shops, restaurants, transport providers, excursion operators and tourism professionals. The port’s proximity to the historic centre of Santa Cruz de La Palma encourages visitors to explore the city, while excursions extend economic opportunities to other municipalities across the island.
A key initiative within this strategy is the development of small local businesses offering tourism experiences, promoted by Luz Marina Espiau Moreno and the Port Authority’s commercial team in collaboration with the Cabildo de La Palma team. The project aims to encourage entrepreneurs and small businesses to participate in cruise tourism by diversifying the range of experiences available to visitors, including activities related to local culture, gastronomy, traditions, heritage and natural attractions.
The objective is to connect opportunities within the international cruise market with La Palma’s local business community, support employment and help ensure that the economic and social benefits of cruise calls reach different sectors and municipalities. This approach recognises port promotion not only as a means of attracting ships, but also as an opportunity to support the wider development of the destination.
Cruise itineraries are planned well in advance. Strengthening cruise lines’ confidence and improving a destination’s competitiveness therefore require consistency, market knowledge and long-term commercial relationships. The Port Authority’s commercial team has adopted this long-term approach, focusing on building lasting partnerships with cruise lines and creating sustainable opportunities for La Palma.
The Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife will continue working through its commercial and operational teams, in cooperation with local institutions and stakeholders, to strengthen relationships with cruise lines, enhance the destination’s competitiveness and promote initiatives that create lasting value for La Palma’s economy and local communities.
The arrival of Nieuw Statendam represents another step forward in this process. Its significance extends beyond a single port call, reflecting the value of a sustained strategy that connects international port promotion with local business development, employment and future opportunities for the island’s communities.
