Explore the Dining Room in Holland America Line's Fifth 'Countdown to Koningsdam' Video

SEATTLE, Feb. 12, 2016 /CNW/ -- Holland America Line debuted the fifth "Countdown to Koningsdam" video in the series that details The Dining Room. The short videos were created to provide updates and share the excitement as ms Koningsdam nears delivery in April 2016.

Hosted by Johnathan Rogers, Koningsdam's inaugural cruise director, the video, "Countdown to Koningsdam Episode 5," features Holland America Line's Senior Vice President of Guest Experience and Product Development Michael Smith, who takes guests inside the ship's primary dining venue.

"The Dining Room is the heart of the culinary experience onboard, and this new 'Countdown to Koningsdam' video enables us to show fans the new innovations and ideas we're introducing in this space," said Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line's president. "The restaurant is an impressive work of art, and it's the perfect venue for our guests to enjoy fine dining with Holland America Line." 

The Dining Room was created by famed hospitality designer Adam D. Tihany, and is where Koningsdam's guests will dine for breakfast, lunch and dinner in a more formal setting. The ambiance of the two-story restaurant is sophisticated and airy, with several impressive new features for a Holland America Line ship.

The bright, modern design creates a unique dining venue while reflecting the ship's overall design theme that was inspired by the architecture of music. The sunny, yellow room features expansive windows that allow for maximum daylight and incredible views of the water. In the evening the color turns to a darker shade of amber, setting the tone for a more elegant evening dining ambience. Structural ribs inspired by the strings of a classical harp connect the first floor to the second floor ceiling and create the sense of a more rounded, curvilinear space. A grand, curved staircase connects the two dining levels.

The centerpiece of The Dining Room is a sculptural champagne gold wine tower designed to appear folded and fluid. This dramatic tower will entice guests to select a special bottle to enjoy with their meal. Flowing over the dining experience are stunning chandeliers made from strings of tri-color, hand-blown glass bulbs.

On the menu will be Holland America Line's signature dishes, classic selections, regionally inspired cuisine and Culinary Council recipes from the world-famous chefs who compose the group, including Holland America Line's Master Chef and Council Chairman Rudi Sodamin and renowned international chefs Mark Best, Jonnie Boer, David Burke, Elizabeth Falkner and Jacques Torres.

'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. The video series is featured on the cruise line's website.

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

"Episode 3" focused on the ship's main theater, World Stage, and featured Holland America Line's Director of Entertainment Bill Prince who took guests on an entertainment extravaganza. The focus of "Episode 4," featuring Deputy Director of Interior Operations My Nguyen, was on the ship's staterooms and suites.

Future videos include Captain Emiel de Vries talking about Koningsdam's recent sea trials; Kuppens discussing crew duties; Prince showcasing the Music Walk entertainment area; and Smith, who will reveal additional details about onboard dining.

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 five 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.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130930/SF88951LOGO

SOURCE Holland America Line