[By: Holland Norway Lines]

Hotel and catering specialist COLUMBIA signature entered the passenger ferry business after being appointed hotel manager of MS Romantika, a RoPax ferry operated by Holland Norway Lines (HNL).

This first direct cruise ferry connection between Holland and Norway, which will have 700 guest cabins on board ranging from exterior suites to comfortable four-bed accommodations, will be managed by COLUMBIA signature. The company, owned by Hamburg-based leisure group COLUMBIA blue, will also operate a buffet restaurant, à la carte restaurants, nightclub, cafeteria, pub, grill and healthy fast food outlet.

HNL was founded in 2020 to establish the first direct connection between Eemshaven in the Netherlands and Kristiansand in Norway. The maiden voyage of MS Romantika on this route is scheduled for April 7, 2022.

“We view COLUMBIA’s signing as one of our key partners in our mission to become the Netherlands’ largest shipping line for international passengers, cargo and freight between Holland and Norway, and one of the major short sea shipping companies in Europe,” said Bart Cunnen, head of HNL. Director and co-founder.

Julia Siebert, Managing Director of COLUMBIA signature, added: “The ferry industry is an exciting step in our diversification strategy, with the company launching into the cruise industry and more recently setting up operations offshore hospitality. HNL has created a unique cruise ferry concept with a modern feel which we are very excited to bring to our joint customers on board.

The recruitment process for the entire hotel range has already begun. Job postings can be accessed on COLUMBIA signature’s recently launched columbiasignature.blue webpage.

The products and services described in this press release are not endorsed by The Maritime Executive.