Holland America Koningsdam Officially Joins the Fleet
Holland America Koningsdam begins inaugural cruise season.
In traditional, gala ceremonious style, the Italian shipyard, Fincantieri, officially handed over the ms Koningsdam to Holland America Line. The Koningsdam is the first Pinnacle-Class ship in the the Holland America fleet.
Located near Venice Italy, the Marghera shipyard was the backdrop on April 2, 2016. A Handover Ceremony is still a major milestone and event in maritime history.
In attendance for the Koningsdam transfer of owners was Graziano Delrio, Italy’s Minister of Infrastructures and Transport, Giuseppe Bono, CEO of Fincantieri and CEO of Carnival Corporation, Arnold Donald.
After the ceremony, all the shipyard employees who helped build the Koningsdam, along with their families, were invited on board the ship to dine in the Lido Market.
After dinner, everyone headed to the World Stage main showroom to experience the new 270-degree LED projection light and sound performance. The gala event wrapped up with a tour of the ship that included shipyard employees and their families.
Koningsdam cruises begin.
On April 3, the Koningsdam sailed to Civitavecchia, the port city for Rome, to prepare for its Premiere Voyage departing on April 8. After several Mediterranean voyages this spring, the Koningsdam will cruise to Rotterdam, Netherlands for the official naming ceremony on May 20.
Caribbean Itineraries
The Koningsdam will cruise transatlantic from Civitavecchia to Fort Lauderdale, departing on October 24. From the ship’s homeport at Port Everglades, the Koningsdam will cruise one Bahamas trip followed by a series of 7- to 11-day Caribbean itineraries from November 2016 through March 2017.
After the first four-day Bahamas cruise on Nov. 9, 2016, beginning on Nov. 13 the Koningsdam sets out on its first 10-day cruise to the southern Caribbean.
The 7-day Caribbean cruises alternate eastern and western itineraries, while the remaining 10- and 11-day cruises reach all the way to the deep eastern and southern Caribbean islands of Barbados or Aruba.
Transatlantic Voyages
On April 2, 2017, the Koningsdam will head back to Europe on a 14-day transatlantic crossing from Fort Lauderdale to Civitavecchia. At the end of the European cruise season, the ship will return westbound across the Atlantic on Oct. 25 for a 14-day voyage from Rome to Fort Lauderdale.
For more information about the new Koningsdam, visit Holland America.
