Koningsdam to sail Norwegian cruises during inaugural season

Holland America Line said its Koningsdam ship will sail seven- and 14-day Norwegian cruises from Amsterdam in the summer of 2016, after its initial inaugural cruises in the Mediterranean.

The Norwegian season starts in late May, after a 13-day repositioning cruise from Civitavecchia, Italy. In addition to Norway, Koningsdam will sail the British Isles and in the Baltic.

At the end on the season, Koningsdam sails from Amsterdam to Civitavecchia (Rome) on a 12-day journey that visits England, Gibraltar, Portugal and four ports in Spain.

On Oct. 24, the ship repositions to Fort Lauderdale for a 14-day voyage that crosses the Atlantic following calls at Alicante, Malaga (Granada) and Huelva (Seville), Spain; and Funchal, Madeira.

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Holland America Line Announces Name For New Ship

 

Holland America Line’s new Pinnacle Class ship, set to debut in February 2016, will be named ms Koningsdam.

ms Koningsdam, Dutch for king, pays tribute to the line’s proud, Dutch heritage and King Willem-Alexander, the first king of the Netherlands in over a century. The name not only continues the Holland America Line tradition of naming ships with the dam suffix, but is the first time in Holland America Line’s 141 year history a ship will sail under the Koningsdam name.

“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 has also released a rendering of ms Koningsdam, showcasing her exterior and general layout. At first glance, the ship appears to share similar traits with the earlier Vista Class ships with the exception of a single funnel versus a double. On the upper decks, the tops of cabanas can be seen just aft of the radar, confirming the presence of the Cabana Club. It would appear that Holland America Line’s signature teak promenade will also have a place aboard the new ship.

ms Koningsdam is currently under construction at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard and is slated to debut with the line in February of 2016. The new 99,500 ton ship will launch a new class of ship for Holland America Line, introducing new dining experiences, entertainment, and other onboard venues. In addition to new venues and features, ms Koningsdam will also feature a more modern and contemporary interior design compared to her earlier fleetmates.