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Captain Emiel de Vries Discusses Sea Trials in Holland America Line’s Sixth ‘Countdown to Koningsdam’ Video

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Seattle, Wash., March 1, 2016 –Holland America Line has debuted the sixth “Countdown to Koningsdam”video, which takes viewers to the shipyard and shows aerials of the ship’srecent sea trials. The short videos in the series were created to provideupdates and share the excitement as ms Koningsdam nears delivery inApril 2016.

Hostedby Johnathan Rogers, Koningsdam’s cruise director, the video, “Countdownto Koningsdam: Episode 6,” features Captain Emiel de Vries, inauguralmaster of the ship, talking about sea trials and his future “office” —the bridge.

“Theship’s sea trials were a huge milestone in construction, and we’reexcited to share video footage of the beautiful Koningsdam sailing,”said Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line’s president. “Watching the ship moveso gracefully across the water really brings Koningsdam to life. Thedelivery is not far away now, and we’re looking forward to officially welcomingKoningsdam to the fleet.”

Inthe video, viewers set sail with Koningsdam as it takes to the openocean for the first time. The two sets of sea trials occurred in January offthe coast of Italy with Captain de Vries participating and observing as theship made its way from Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard to dry dock at Trieste.The ship then returned to Marghera where finishing touches will be completedbefore its April delivery.

Captainde Vries also provides a glimpse of the bridge, which is still underconstruction, sharing that it has “the latest and the greatest” technology.

“Itwas a thrill to take the ship to sea and give her a test run,” added de Vries.“The maneuvering trials were particularly exciting for me, and the ship behavedvery well.”

‘Countdownto Koningsdam’ Videos Offer Insights

Each“Countdown to Koningsdam” video features one of the ship’s officers or aHolland America Line executive who shares ongoing developments on board theline’s newest vessel, currently being built at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyardin Italy.

“Countdown to Koningsdam:Episode 1” featured Hotel Director Stan Kuppens, who showed off the progress ofthe ship’s atrium and spoke about his move to the yard and what’s coming nextfor his team. “Episode 2” featured Vice President Deployment and Tour MarketingLinda Springmann detailing the ship’s inaugural sailing seasons in theMediterranean, northern Europe and Caribbean.

“Episode3” focused on the ship’s main theater and World Stage and featured HollandAmerica Line’s Director of Entertainment Bill Prince. The focus of “Episode 4,”featuring Deputy Director of Interior Operations My Nguyen, was on the ship’sstaterooms and suites. “Episode 5” featured Holland America Line’s Senior VicePresident of Guest Experience Product Development Michael Smith, who tookguests inside The Dining Room, the ship’s primary dining venue.

Future videos include Kuppensdiscussing crew arrivals and Prince showcasing the new Music Walk entertainmentarea.

About ms Koningsdam

Koningsdamrepresents a newPinnacle Class of ship for Holland America Line. The vessel will debut severalinnovative concepts and new public spaces and venues while still featuringpopular amenities guests associate with Holland America Line.

Guestswill enjoy fine dining in several alternative restaurants including Sel de Mer,a new French seafood brasserie; a new immersive farm-to-table concept dinnerexperience in the Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Winemagazine; a redesigned Lido Market with themed serving stations; a stunningmain dining room; and favorites such as Pinnacle Grill, Canaletto Italianrestaurant and pan-Asian Tamarind. The ship also will feature Holland AmericaLine’s first purpose-built staterooms for families and single staterooms amongits 1,331 guest accommodations.

Onboard entertainment will be taken toa new level, with the energetic Music Walk area featuring all genres of musicshowcased in venues including Lincoln Center Stage, offering chamber musicnightly; Billboard Onboard, where live musicians rock the crowd withchart-topping hits; and the popular B.B. King’s Blues Club in the Queen’sLounge, bringing the best of Memphis music to sea. With the 270-degree LEDprojection at World Stage, new concepts for show-time performances will immersethe audience in panoramic visual and sound effects.

For more information about Holland America Line and Koningsdam,consult a travel professional, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.

Editor’s note: VideoSix can be viewed at #All videos as they are released are available at cruiseimagelibrary.com/c/qyvq3wud.