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Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Netherlands Named Holland America Line’s New ms Koningsdam at a Ceremony in Rotterdam
Elegant event celebratedHolland America Line's rich Dutch history steps from where the company wasfounded more than 143 years ago
Seattle,Wash., May 23, 2016 — In a ceremony rich with history and meaning, Holland AmericaLine held a Dedication Ceremony for msKoningsdam May 20 in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Her Majesty Queen Máxima of theNetherlands officially blessed the bell and named Koningsdam on board the ship in front of invited dignitaries,cruise guests, travel partners and media.
The celebration began with Her MajestyQueen Máxima performing the ceremonial honors of blessing the ship's bell inthe Lido pool area by pouring a glass of champagne over the bell. Theblessing of the bell is a hallowed Holland America Line tradition when welcominga new ship to the fleet.Her Majesty also was the first to sign Koningsdam's commemorative wall thatwill become a permanent installation on the ship.
Next,the ship was officially christened during a ceremony in the World Stage theaterwhen Her Majesty Queen Máximapulled a rope to trigger the traditional champagne bottle break on Koningsdam'shull.
"It's an honor to have HerMajesty Queen Máxima asthe godmother to Koningsdam, and May 20 was a truly special daywith Her Majesty delivering the ceremonial traditions of welcoming our newestship to the fleet," said Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line's president. "As our company was founded in Rotterdam more than 143years ago, it was fitting to return to our roots for Koningsdam's royaldedication."
Alsoa traditional part of dedicating a new ship for the line is the appointment ofMariner Ambassadors to represent the important role of loyal repeatguests in the company's ongoing success. Serving as Koningsdam's Mariner Ambassadors were Enrique "Rick" Encarnacion andErnest Schenk. Both dedicated Mariners, the pair have sailed more than 1,650days each on Holland America Line cruises. Schenk first sailed with the line ona trans-Atlantic cruise aboard ss Ryndam.Encarnacion first sailed with Holland America Line in 1997 aboard an ms Statendam Panama Canal cruise.
Following the ceremony, agala luncheon was held onboard in addition to shipwide celebrations throughoutthe day. In the evening the ship set sail for Amsterdam, the Netherlands, andfireworks lit up the sky as Koningsdampassed Hoek van Holland.
Thousands of Dutchresidents came out throughout the day to join in Holland America Line's specialevents.
During its inaugural season in Europe, Koningsdam sails in the Mediterraneanand then repositions from Civitavecchia, Italy (the port for Rome), to itssummer homeport of Amsterdam. The ship will go on to sail roundtrip Amsterdamitineraries to Norway, the Baltic and Iceland.
Followingits Europe season, Koningsdam willhomeport at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The ship will sail onecruise to the Bahamas and then a series of Caribbean voyages from November 2016through March 2017.
For more information aboutHolland America Line and Koningsdam, consult a travel professional, call1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425)or visit hollandamerica.com.
Editor's note: Photos are available at # size="3"> A highlight video of the Dedication Ceremony can be viewed at # — # # # — Find Holland America Line on Twitter, Facebook and the HollandAmerica Blog. Access all social media outlets via the Online Communities quick link on the homepage at hollandamerica.com. About Holland America Line [a division ofCarnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCLand CUK)] Holland America Line's fleetof 14 ships offers more than 500 cruises to more than 400 ports in 98countries, territories or dependencies around the world. From shorter getawaysto 115-day itineraries, the company's cruises visit all seven continents withhighlights including Antarctica explorations, South America circumnavigationsand 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-guestship, ms Koningsdam, delivered in April 2016, as well as a secondPinnacle Class ship, ms Nieuw Statendam,due for delivery in November 2018. CONTACT: Sally Andrews PHONE: 800-637-5029 EMAIL: Kaleidoscope powered
The company recently announced$300 million in brand enhancements to secure its position as the leader inpremium cruising. Fleetwide, the ships feature innovative initiatives and adiverse range of enriching experiences focused on destination immersion andpersonalized travel. Guests can expand their knowledge on board at the CulinaryArts 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 CenterStage, Billboard Onboard and B.B. King's Blues Club. The dining experience canbe savored at a variety of restaurants with menus that feature selections fromHolland America Line's esteemed Culinary Council that comprises world-famouschefs who design dishes exclusively for our guests.