Regal new design and rich Dutch history reflected in name of new class of ship
SEATTLE -- Holland America Line revealed the name of its new 99,500-ton cruise ship slated for delivery in February 2016 will be ms Koningsdam.
While the name pays homage to the company's rich heritage and deep roots in the Netherlands, it also reflects a new era with a bold name that is an original in Holland
America Line's 141-year history. The 2,650-passenger ship is an
evolution in design for the line — a new Pinnacle Class — and is being
built at Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri's Marghera shipyard.
Since 1883 every Holland America passenger vessel has borne the "dam" suffix, and ms Koningsdam carries on that tradition. The word koning means "king" in Dutch, and the name celebrates the majestic new ship. The name also pays honor to His Majesty King Willem-Alexander, the first king of the Netherlands in over a century.
Holland America Line has a long, proud history with the Netherlands.
All 15 premium cruise ships fly the Dutch flag as they sail throughout
the world, to more than 400 ports of call. The historic greatness of the
line's Dutch heritage is shared with nearly one million guests each
year. And the line has many Dutch employees, including most of the
fleet's captains and officers.
Many
of Holland America Line's ships have been christened by members of the
Dutch Royal Family over the past 75 years. Most recently, ms Nieuw Amsterdam was christened by Her Royal Highness Princess Maxima in 2010. And in 2008 ms Eurodam was christened by Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands.
"In choosing the name Koningsdam, we are honoring our rich Dutch heritage while reflecting that we're entering a new era as a company," said Stein Kruse,
chief executive officer of the Holland America Group. "This new
Pinnacle Class ship will be our largest, most contemporary vessel, and
it was only fitting to give it a name that embodies great achievement
for the future, while embracing timeless tradition."
Holland America Line was founded in the Netherlands in 1873 as the Netherlands-American Steamship Company headquartered in Rotterdam.
The original headquarters building still stands today as the Hotel New
York on the Wilhelmina Pier, with the company's European headquarters
located nearby.
New design for a new class of ship
When it debuts in February 2016, ms Koningsdam will
be a new type of ship for Holland America Line. At 99,500 gross tons
and carrying 2,650 guests and 1,025 crew members, the vessel is the
largest ever built for the company. The increased size provides more
opportunities to add new public spaces and venues, and several
innovative features will debut on ms Koningsdam. Familiar spaces and amenities currently featured across the Holland America Line fleet will also be found on the new ship.
To bring a fresh vision to ms Koningsdam,
Holland America Line tapped Adam D. Tihany, one of the world's
pre-eminent hospitality designers. Tihany joins distinguished maritime
designer and architect Bjorn Storbraaten who worked with Holland America
Line on ms Nieuw Amsterdam and ms Eurodam. The two firms will create a modern and contemporary ambiance while incorporating Holland America Line's classic hallmarks.
For more information about Holland America Line, contact a travel professional or call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.
Holland America Line's
fleet of 15 ships offers more than 500 cruises to 415 ports in 98
countries, territories or dependencies. One- to 110-day itineraries
visit all seven continents and highlights include Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; four annual Grand Voyages; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal. The line currently has a new ship on order from Fincantieri shipyard for delivery in February 2016.
Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, a commitment totaling more than $500 million,
that showcase the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine
magazine — a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen where more than 60
celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts provide cooking
demonstrations and classes — Explorations Cafe powered by The New York Times,
Digital Workshop powered by Windows, teens-only activity areas and all
new stateroom amenities highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-top
Mariner's Dream Beds.
World's Leading Cruise LinesHolland America Line
is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive
alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Cunard Line, Princess
Cruises, Costa Cruises and Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each
guest and a commitment to quality and value, World's Leading Cruise
Lines inspires people to discover their best vacation experience.
Together, we offer a variety of exciting and enriching cruise vacations
to the world's most desirable destinations. Visit us at www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com.
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