Line's largest-ever ship will sail a series of cruises before her 20 May christening in Rotterdam
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri delivered Holland America Line’s (HAL) first Pinnacle-class ship, the 99,500gt Koningsdam, at its Marghera yard in Italy on 31 March.
The Dutch-flagged newbuild will soon head to Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy for her ‘Premiere Voyage’, which will depart on 8 April. She will then offer a series of Mediterranean voyages ahead of her 20 May christening in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Once christened, Koningsdam will head to her summer homeport in Amsterdam, Netherlands and sail a series of northern Europe and Baltic cruises before returning to the Mediterranean in September. In autumn, the ship will homeport at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and sail Caribbean departures.
“Today is a day of celebration for the entire Holland America Line family, and a milestone in our company history,” said Orlando Ashford, the company’s president. “We all share in this proud moment as we welcome Koningsdam to our fleet. Koningsdam looks spectacular, beyond our expectations, and we thank all those involved for their dedication and commitment in bringing our vision to life.”
As the line’s largest-ever ship, Koningsdam will accommodate 2,650 guests and 1,025 crew members and feature the line’s first purpose-built family and single-traveller staterooms.
In addition, the ship will offer a range of new innovative features and reimagined interiors created by hospitality designer Adam Tihany and designer and architect Bjorn Storbraaten.
Meanwhile, guests will be able to enjoy new dining concepts and venues, including restaurants such as the French seafood restaurant Sel de Mer; a new immersive farm-to-table dinner experience in the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine; a casual Lido Market with themed serving stations and more.
The ship will also offer popular HAL dining venues such as the Pinnacle Grill, Canaletto Italian restaurant and the pan-Asian Tamarind.
Onboard entertainment will include the Music Walk area, the Lincoln Center Stage, Billboard Onboard, B.B. King’s Blues Club in the Queen’s Lounge and World Stage, which will feature a 270-degree LED projection in the main showroom.