Holland America Line Named ms Nieuw Amsterdam in Venice on Sunday, July 4
SEATTLE, July 6 /PRNewswire/ -- In a gala ceremony rich with Dutch heritage, Holland America Line named ms Nieuw Amsterdam in Venice, Italy, on July 4. Her Royal Highness Princess Maxima of the Netherlands officially named the premium line's 15th ship in front of invited dignitaries, cruise guests and media during the special celebration before the ship embarked on its maiden cruise.
"We are exceptionally honored to have Her Royal Highness Princess Maxima as the godmother of this beautiful ship and to continue a long and proud tradition of having members of the Dutch Royal Family name our ships," said Stein Kruse, president and chief executive officer, Holland America Line. "The second Signature-class ship in our fleet is elegant and the largest passenger ship to sail under the Dutch flag."
Fifteen fleet captains representing Holland America Line's ships participated in the festivities, welcoming Her Royal Highness as she arrived to the pier. Following the ship's blessing and traditional breaking of a champagne bottle across the ship's bow as the finale, company executives and senior staff officers led attendees in a toast of the occasion.
Built at Fincantieri's Marghera yard near Venice, the 2,106-guest Nieuw Amsterdam is the fourth to carry that name for the line and departed on its maiden voyage roundtrip from Venice to nearby Mediterranean ports following the naming. After a series of 12-day Mediterranean sailings, the ship embarks on a fall trans-Atlantic crossing to the Caribbean to sail seven-day eastern and western itineraries from November 2010 through March 2011.
For more information and cruise fares, contact a professional travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.
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About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)]
Holland America Line's fleet of 14 ships offers almost 500 cruises to 354 ports in nearly 100 countries, territories or dependencies. Two- to 108-day itineraries visit all seven continents, and highlights include Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; a Grand World Voyage; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal. A 15th ship, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, is scheduled to join the fleet on July 4, 2010.
Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, a commitment totaling more than $525 million, that showcase the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine -- a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen where more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and classes -- Explorations Cafe powered by The New York Times, teens-only activity areas and all new stateroom amenities highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-top Mariner's Dream Beds.
World's Leading Cruise Lines
Holland America Line is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Cunard Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises and The Yachts of Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, World's Leading Cruise Lines inspires people to discover their best vacation experience. Together, we offer a variety of exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations. Visit us at www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com
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SOURCE Holland America Line
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