Hospitality and catering specialist Columbia signature has entered the passenger ferry sector.
This follows its appointment as hotel manager of ‘Romantika’, a ropax ferry, due to be operated by Holland Norway Lines (HNL).
HNL will be the first direct cruise ferry connection between Holland and Norway.
‘Romantika’ has 700 guest cabins on board, ranging from outside suites to four-bed accommodation.
The management company, owned by Hamburg-based leisure group Columbia blue, will also operate the buffet, à-la-carte restaurants, night club, cafeteria, pub, grill house and a fast and healthy food outlet.
HNL was founded in 2020 to establish the first direct connection between Eemshaven in the Netherlands and Kristiansand, Norway. ‘Romantika’ is due to start operating on the route on 7th April, 2022.
“We see Columbia signature as one of our key partners on our mission to becoming Holland’s largest shipping line for international passengers, goods and freight between Holland and Norway and one of Europe’s leading shortsea shipping lines,” said Bart Cunnen, HNL CEO and Co-founder.
Julia Siebert, Columbia signature General Manager, (pictured) added: “The ferry industry is an exciting step in our diversification strategy, with the company launching in the cruise sector and more recently establishing offshore hospitality operations.
“HNL has created a unique modern-minded cruise ferry concept that we are very enthusiastic about delivering to our common guests on board,” she said.
The recruiting process for the entire hotel line-up has already begun, Columbia said.
