Bookings Open Feb. 6 for 2016 Summer Europe Cruises on Holland America Line's Newest Ship ms Koningsdam

Guests can reserve summer cruises roundtrip Amsterdam and the ship's official Christening Cruise departing May 9

SEATTLE, Feb. 5, 2015 /CNW/ -- Starting Friday, Feb. 6, guests can make bookings for the summer 2016 European cruises of Holland America Line's newest ship, ms Koningsdam, launching in February 2016. In addition, the line has announced details of the ship's 13-day Christening Cruise, departing May 9, 2016, from Civitavecchia, Italy, to Amsterdam, the Netherlands, which also will be available to book Feb. 6. 

From May throughout the summer, the ship will sail roundtrip from Amsterdam on itineraries to Norway, the Baltic, British Isles and Iceland. The May 9 Christening Cruise will feature the ship's official naming celebration on May 21 in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, followed by an overnight at Amsterdam.

Koningsdam's Premiere Sailings in the Mediterranean that run February through early May 2016 opened for booking in December and have been very popular.

"We are excited to open the maiden European summer season of Koningsdam for booking and especially pleased to announce the Christening Cruise that will feature the official naming celebration of this special ship," said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. "The summer season cruises on Koningsdam offer unique itineraries, so we recommend guests book early to reserve their preferred sailing date and stateroom."

From its summer homeport of Amsterdam, Koningsdam will begin a series of seven- and 14-day cruises to Norway that showcase the country's stunning scenery and dramatic fjords.

In August, the ship sails a British Isles and Iceland itinerary that features three calls in Iceland and visits to ports in England, Scotland and Norway.

On two 14-day itineraries in June and September, guests can embark on a journey to the Baltic and visit historical and cultural sites in Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Russia, Finland and Sweden.

The ship's fall and winter itineraries will be announced in the coming months.

About ms Koningsdam
Koningsdam represents a new Pinnacle Class of ship for Holland America Line. The vessel will debut several innovative concepts and new public spaces and venues, while still featuring popular amenities guests associate with Holland America Line. 

To bring a fresh vision to Koningsdam, Holland America Line tapped Adam D. Tihany, one of the world's pre-eminent hospitality designers. Tihany joins distinguished maritime designer and architect Bjorn Storbraaten who worked with Holland America Line on ms Eurodam and ms Nieuw Amsterdam. The two firms will create an interior that blends a fresh, contemporary styling in perfect harmony with the line's renowned classic elegance.

For more information about ms Koningsdam and Holland America Line, consult a professional travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (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 15 ships offers more than 500 cruises to 415 ports in 98 countries, territories or dependencies. One- to 110-day itineraries visit all seven continents and highlights include Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; four annual Grand Voyages; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal. The line currently has a new 2,650-guest ship, ms Koningsdam, on order for delivery in February 2016 from Fincantieri shipyard, as well as a second Pinnacle Class ship due for delivery in November 2018.

Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, a commitment totaling more than $500 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, Digital Workshop powered by Windows, 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 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