Alan Lam reports
More than 600 passengers and 450 crewmembers called at the Spanish port city of Huelva on Prinsendam, the oldest and smallest ship in the Holland America Line fleet, on 23 April and received a hearty Andalucian welcome.
Most of the passengers on board were from the USA, Canada and the United Kingdom. The ship’s previous port of call was Gibraltar; after Huelva, at 17.00 hours, she set sail for Lisbon, her next port of call.
The port and local tourism authorities pulled out all the stops in welcoming those maritime visitors. They organised free shuttle bus services between Muelle Sur (South Pier), where the ship docked, and Plaza del Punto, in the heart of the Huelva, to those who wished to see the city - where Columbus set sail in 1492 - and all its glories.
Huelva is among a number of smaller Spanish ports that are working hard to attract cruise tourism. The initiative receives strong support from local authorities and businesses. Huelva Cruise Network - an association made up of the city’s chamber of commerce, municipal government, the port and the tourist office, among others - welcomed the visitors with historical re-enactment, traditional music and local wine.
The chamber of commerce recently launched a Vive Huelva Cruises advertising campaign in associations with about 70 local businesses, promoting the city as a quality brand to the cruise world.
Upon arrival at the pier, cruise visitors are given leaflets and information about the city’s attractions. The port of Huelva also offers free WiFi at Muelle Sur to passengers and crew.