Cees Deelstra ~ Director, Nautical Operations

Cees Deelstra is currently Director, Nautical Operations, for Holland America Line-Westours Inc., a subsidiary of the Carnival Corporation.

Deelstra joined Holland America Line over 30 years ago as a cadet officer and worked in his early years on the cargo ships of the company. In 1974 he was assigned to the passenger ships and worked through the deck officers’ ranks to become a Captain. After sailing the high seas worldwide for over 18 years, he accepted the position of Superintendent, Nautical Operations ashore at the company’s headquarters in Seattle, Wash. in 1990. Since 1991, he has been Director of Nautical Operations.

As Director of Nautical Operations, he is responsible for both the Holland America Line fleet and the Windstar fleet. He oversees the safe navigation of the ships, the certification and maintenance of the ships’ safety and life saving equipment, ships’ security and the functioning of the ships’ deck. In short, makes sure that ships always navigate safe and secure port to port.

Captain Deelstra has extensive experience in dealing with maritime safety and navigational matters. He serves as Chairman of the Marine Safety Task Force in Alaska. This task force is made up of representatives of the marine pilots, maritime shipping companies, United States Coast Guard and others who have an interest in the safe navigation of the Alaskan waterways. He also serves as Chairman of the Technical and Operational Committee of the NorthWest Cruise Ship Association representing the cruise ship industry in Alaska and British Columbia.

Deelstra, born in the Netherlands, graduated from the Nautical College in Rotterdam in 1972 and completed his studies in 1980, receiving his unlimited master’s license. That same year, he moved to the United States and has been an U.S. citizen since 1987.