Holland America Line’s ms Koningsdam Reaches Milestone with Successful Completion of Sea Trials
Ship sails the open ocean for the
first time<?xml:namespace prefix="o" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office"?>
Seattle, Wash., Jan. 20, 2016 –
Holland America Line’s ms Koningsdam returned to Fincantieri’s Marghera
shipyard Saturday, Jan. 16, after successfully completing two sets of sea
trials off the Italian coast.
Koningsdam
left Marghera Jan. 2
and performed the first set of sea trials over three days before going into dry
dock at Fincantieri’s Trieste shipyard, where standard hull maintenance was
performed. The ship sailed its second sea trials Jan. 10 through 16, making its
way back to Marghera, where the finishing touches will be completed.
“Koningsdam
is a new class of ship for Holland America Line, so everyone was eager to get
the ship out in the open water for the first time on sea trials,” said Orlando
Ashford, Holland America Line’s president. "Koningsdam
delivered a strong performance and is now back at the ship yard for the final
phase of work in anticipation of the early April delivery.”
During
the sea trials, Koningsdam underwent a series of performance tests on
the ship’s systems, machinery and engines.
Captain
Emiel de Vries, Koningsdam’s master-designate, has not yet taken command
of the ship, but he participated in testing the ship’s maneuvering
characteristics and safety systems together with the shipyard’s team of naval
architects and builders.
In
its inaugural year, Koningsdam will feature a variety of itineraries in
the Mediterranean, northern Europe and the Caribbean. The ship’s naming
ceremony is scheduled for May 20, 2016, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
For
more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel professional,
call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.
Editor’s
note: Photos
are available at https://www.cruiseimagelibrary.com/c/nm86fvcb.
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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 13 ships offers more than 500
cruises to more than 400 ports in 98 countries, territories or dependencies
around the world. From shorter getaways to 115-day itineraries, the company’s
cruises visit all seven continents with highlights including Antarctica
explorations, South America circumnavigations and exotic Australia/New Zealand
and Asia voyages; four annual Grand Voyages; and popular sailings to the
Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Bermuda, Europe and the Panama
Canal. The line currently has a new 2,650-guest ship, ms Koningsdam, on
order for delivery in April 2016, as well as a second Pinnacle Class ship due
for delivery in November 2018.
The company recently announced $300 million in brand enhancements
to secure its position at the leader in premium cruising. Fleetwide, the ships
feature innovative initiatives and a diverse range of enriching experiences
focused on destination immersion and personalized travel. Guests can expand
their knowledge on board at the Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food &
Wine magazine; Explorations Café, powered by The New York Times; and Digital
Workshop powered by Windows. Outstanding entertainment fills each evening at
venues including Lincoln Center Stage, Billboard Onboard and B.B. King’s Blues
Club. The dining experience can be savored at a variety of restaurants with
menus that feature selections from Holland America Line's esteemed Culinary
Council that comprises world-famous chefs who design dishes exclusively for our
guests.
CONTACT: |
Sally Andrews |
PHONE: |
800-637-5029 |
EMAIL: |