The Holland-America cruise ship Volendam is going off cruise duty to serve as a temporary home for 1,500 Ukrainian refugees in Rotterdam, part of the Netherlands commitment to take in 50,000 of the war refugees.
The ship, whose next three cruises have been canceled to make the assignment possible, is underway from Spain, and will anchor at a dock in Rotterdam, allowing the 'passengers' who will be living aboard to go ashore for jobs, shopping, medical care and more. A crew of 650 will be onboard, too.
Holland-America, headquartered in Seattle, is part of the Carnival cruise brands group, but was founded in Rotterdam in 1873 and makes its Dutch connections part of its brand image.
Under the agreement with Dutch authorities, the ship will provide three hot meals a day, private rooms, housekeeping service, fitness facilities and internet service.
Image: Volendam, in warmer waters (Holland-America Line photo)
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