From Eurodam News Blog
Captain Jeroen van Donselaar
Captain Jeroen van Donselaar has been named master of Eurodam and will take the helm when the ship debuts next July. Currently he is the captain of Zuiderdam.
Capt. Van Donselaar started with Holland America Line in 1986 as an apprentice officer aboard Noordam. After completing his studies at the De Ruyter Maritime University in Vlissingen, The Netherlands, he became fourth officer in Nieuw Amsterdam. He continued to rise through the ranks until he was appointed master in 2002.
Born in Kampen, The Netherlands, Capt. van Donselaar said he always has admired the sea. When he was a teenager he was invited onto the bridge of a ferry sailing across the North Sea, and he said the experience made such an impression that he decided to pursue a seafaring career. He noted that the highlight of his tenure with Holland America to date was the nautical supervision of the building of Zaandam in 1999.
When not at sea, Capt. van Donselaar lives on the waterfront in Vlissingen along an estuary of the Schelde River. He said he likes to keep his vacation days filled working on various home-improvement projects.
I was in the same class at highschool with Jeroen van Donselaar in the early 1980’s in Maastricht, The Netherlands.
I remember that I collected some articles for him about European ferryships, which he much appreciated.
Although his appearance changed a bit since the 1980 (no more curly hair), I recognised him immediately.
Some years ago I saw him again on Dutch television in a program called “Jongensdromen”.
It’s nice to see that he has pursued his dream to be a ship’s captain!
Well done Jeroen !
Greetings from an old classmate from the “Stedelijk Lyceum” in Maastricht.
Dear Mr. Bruijnzeels
Thank you for your above comments. So much of this blog is, by nature, just facts.
Your blog has brought a personal perspective.
John Lang
The Cruise People, Ltd.
Hi Captain.
Congratulations on your Eurodam appointment. I was onboard just recently for the charter your company did in Late February, wonderful perfect time, I enjoyed the one day of rough seas, you did a great job with that.
I had been on the Z when it was brand new in 2002.
Thanks for making our cruise a big success, and we look forward to sailing with you again next February.
John
We saw your picture in the Boston Globe last week. It was an article about your new ship and the local pilot.
It was good to see that you have become a Captain and are still with Holland American.
We remember your visit to us in NH many years ago. Next time you are in Boston let us know and we will come down and have a night out in Boston.
Best wishes Desmond and Maryke