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

Ship's inaugural master shares a look at Koningsdam sailing and at the bridge

SEATTLE, March 1, 2016 /CNW/ -- Holland America Line has debuted the sixth "Countdown to Koningsdam" video, which takes viewers to the shipyard and shows aerials of the ship's recent sea trials. The short videos in the series were created to provide updates and share the excitement as ms Koningsdam nears delivery in April 2016.

Hosted by Johnathan Rogers, Koningsdam's cruise director, the video, "Countdown to Koningsdam: Episode 6," features Captain Emiel de Vries, inaugural master of the ship, talking about sea trials and his future "office" — the bridge.

"The ship's sea trials were a huge milestone in construction, and we're excited to share video footage of the beautiful Koningsdam sailing," said Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line's president. "Watching the ship move so gracefully across the water really brings Koningsdam to life. The delivery is not far away now, and we're looking forward to officially welcoming Koningsdam to the fleet." 

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

Captain de Vries also provides a glimpse of the bridge, which is still under construction, sharing that it has "the latest and the greatest" technology.

"It was 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 behaved very well."

'Countdown to Koningsdam' Videos Offer Insights
Each "Countdown to Koningsdam" video features one of the ship's officers or a Holland America Line executive who shares ongoing developments on board the line's newest vessel, currently being built at Fincantieri's Marghera shipyard in Italy.

"Countdown to Koningsdam: Episode 1" featured Hotel Director Stan Kuppens, who showed off the progress of the ship's atrium and spoke about his move to the yard and what's coming next for his team. "Episode 2" featured Vice President Deployment and Tour Marketing Linda Springmann detailing the ship's inaugural sailing seasons in the Mediterranean, northern Europe and Caribbean.

"Episode 3" focused on the ship's main theater and World Stage and featured Holland America Line's Director of Entertainment Bill Prince. The focus of "Episode 4," featuring Deputy Director of Interior Operations My Nguyen, was on the ship's staterooms and suites. "Episode 5" featured Holland America Line's Senior Vice President of Guest Experience Product Development Michael Smith, who took guests inside The Dining Room, the ship's primary dining venue.

Future videos include Kuppens discussing crew arrivals and Prince showcasing the new Music Walk entertainment area.

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. 

Guests will enjoy fine dining in several alternative restaurants including Sel de Mer, a new French seafood brasserie; a new immersive farm-to-table concept dinner experience in the Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine magazine; a redesigned Lido Market with themed serving stations; a stunning main dining room; and favorites such as Pinnacle Grill, Canaletto Italian restaurant and pan-Asian Tamarind. The ship also will feature Holland America Line's first purpose-built staterooms for families and single staterooms among its 1,331 guest accommodations.

Onboard entertainment will be taken to a new level, with the energetic Music Walk area featuring all genres of music showcased in venues including Lincoln Center Stage, offering chamber music nightly; Billboard Onboard, where live musicians rock the crowd with chart-topping hits; and the popular B.B. King's Blues Club in the Queen's Lounge, bringing the best of Memphis music to sea. With the 270-degree LED projection at World Stage, new concepts for show-time performances will immerse the 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:  Video Six can be viewed at http://bit.ly/1lZIefv. All videos as they are released are available at cruiseimagelibrary.com/c/qyvq3wud.

Find Holland America Line on Twitter, Facebook and the Holland America Blog.  Access all social media outlets via the Online Communities quick link on the home page at hollandamerica.com.

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.

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SOURCE Holland America Line