Holland America Line has accepted delivery of its first Pinnacle Class ship, ms Koningsdam, during a traditional handing over ceremony at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard in Italy. The new ship was officially delivered to Holland America on March 31 and will soon be christened in the “home country” of Holland America Line, the Netherlands.
During the handing over ceremony, Fincantieri executives officially signed over ms Koningsdam to a number of Holland America Line and Carnival Corporation executives, who then, accompanied by a few members of the ship’s crew, raised the Dutch flag over the ship, signifying her official entrance into the Holland America Line fleet.
“Today is a day of celebration for the entire Holland America Line family, and a milestone in our company history. We all share in this proud moment as we welcome Koningsdam to our fleet,” said Orlando Ashford, president, Holland America Line. “Koningsdam looks spectacular, beyond our expectations, and we thank all those involved for their dedication and commitment in bringing our vision to life.”
ms Koningsdam is the first in Holland America Line’s Pinnacle Class of ships, flaunting the line’s new brand evolution. The 2,650 guest ship is not only the largest ship for the line, but also debuts a number of new and innovative spaces and amenities for her guests, including Sel de Mer, a French seafood brasserie; Lincoln Center Stage, a new entertainment venue offering nightly chamber music and afternoon recitals; an expanded Queen’s Lounge, spanning two decks and featuring a traditional ballroom dance floor; World Stage, a cutting edge main theater offering an immersive visual experience with 270-degree LED projection walls; and many other new venues, partnerships, and brand innovations.
ms Koningsdam will sail on her Premiere Voyage April 8 from Civitavecchia, Italy, calling on a number of ports throughout the Mediterranean. Following her initial Mediterranean sailings, ms Koningsdam will make her way north to Rotterdam for her christening and dedication on May 20. Once christened, ms Koningsdam will sail to Amsterdam to begin her summer sailings to northern Europe and the Baltics before returning to the Mediterranean in September. From Fall 2016, ms Koningsdam will reposition to Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale for a winter season of sailing to throughout the Caribbean.
Cruise Currents Senior Editor, Mike Faust, will be covering ms Koningsdam’s christening from Cruise Currents and our social media outlets on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. @cruisecurrents @mikewfaust
One reply on “ms Koningsdam Joins The Holland America Line Fleet”
great looking ship-can’t wait to sail in here..