Fincantieri Delivers Koningsdam to HAL

Holland America Line has taken delivery of its latest cruise ship Koningsdam during a ceremony held on May 20 in Rotterdam. 

As the first of a new Pinnacle class of ships for Holland America Line, the 2,650-guest capacity Koningsdam becomes the 14th and largest ship in the brand's fleet. Koningsdam will homeport in Amsterdam for the European summer season and in Fort Lauderdale for winter and spring Caribbean cruises.

Koningsdam is named to honor King Willem-Alexander, the first king of the Netherlands in a century. "Koning" is Dutch for king, and the naming convention of "dam" on Holland America Line ships dates back to 1883. Queen Máxima of the Netherlands serves as godmother for the ship.

Built at Fincantieri's Marghera shipyard, the 296 meter (970 foot), 99,500 gross ton Koningsdam combines classic Holland America Line features with new venues and experiences, including new dining options such as an immersive farm-to-table dinner experience and a 270-degree LED screen to enhance entertainment performances.

Holland America Line is set to receive its second ship in the Pinnacle class series in November 2018. Koningsdam's sister ship will be named Nieuw Statendam, the sixth ship in Holland America Line's history to bear the Statendam name.

Carnival Corporation now has three of its four new 2016 ship deliveries in service – Koningsdam, AIDA Cruises' AIDAprima and Carnival Cruise Line's Vista. The fourth new ship arrives when the Seabourn Encore joins the global fleet in December. Including Seabourn's new Encore ship, Carnival Corporation has a total of 15 new ships scheduled to be delivered between 2016 and 2020.

Queen Máxima of the Netherlands participated in the ceremonial blessing of the ship's bell.