Holland America Line Gets the Keys to Koningsdam

On March 31st Holland America Line took delivery of ms Koningsdam, officially launching it as the first Pinnacle-Class ship in the fleet. The signing ceremony took place at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard in Italy, after which the Dutch flag was raised on the ship for the first time. Koningsdam will soon make its way to Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, for its Premiere Voyage departing April 8. Following a series of premiere Mediterranean voyages, Koningsdam’s official naming ceremony will take place in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, on May 20. Cruise Diva will be there to share the excitement with readers.

“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.”

Following the naming festivities in May, the ship will head to its summer home port of Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and sail a series of northern Europe and Baltic cruises before returning to the Mediterranean in September. In the fall, the ship will head across the Atlantic Ocean to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where it will homeport at Port Everglades and spend the season exploring the Caribbean. Cruise Diva will also be on board then to delve further into the Pinnacle-Class experience.

The ultimate expression of Holland America Line’s brand evolution, the 99,500-ton vessel accommodates 2,650 guests and debuts several innovative concepts and new public spaces and venues while still featuring popular amenities guests associate with the cruise line. Koningsdam will feature Holland America Line’s first purpose-built staterooms for families and solo travelers among its 1,331 guest accommodations.

Guests will discover new fine-dining options at alternative restaurants Sel de Mer, a French seafood brasserie, and an immersive farm-to-table concept dinner experience in the Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine magazine. Grand Dutch Cafe debuts onboard with traditional Dutch treats and European beer, while a redesigned Lido Market with themed serving stations revolutionizes the buffet experience. A stunning main dining room is a focal point of the ship, and favorites return such as Pinnacle Grill, Canaletto Italian restaurant, and pan-Asian Tamarind.

Onboard entertainment will be taken to a new level with the energetic Music Walk area featuring all genres of music showcased in venues including Lincoln Center Stage, offering chamber music nightly; Billboard Onboard, where live musicians rock the crowd with chart-topping hits; and the popular B.B. King’s Blues Club in the Queen’s Lounge (Cruise Diva’s personal favorite!), bringing the best of Memphis music to sea. With the 270-degree LED projection at World Stage, new concepts for show-time performances will immerse the audience in panoramic visual and sound effects.

Image Courtesy Holland America Line