Holland America Line Ramps Up Excitement for Newbuild Launch with 'Countdown to Koningsdam' Video Series

SEATTLE, Nov. 17, 2015 /CNW/ -- In anticipation of the launch of ms Koningsdam in April 2016, Holland America Line is debuting a series of short videos called "Countdown to Koningsdam" that will provide construction updates as the ship nears completion. Hosted by Jonathan Rogers, Koningsdam's inaugural cruise director, each video features one of the ship's officers or a Holland America Line executive who will share ongoing developments on board the line's newest vessel, currently being built at Fincantieri's Marghera shipyard in Italy.

"The process of building a ship is fascinating and fast-paced, and we're excited to share the latest updates through the 'Countdown to Koningsdam' video series," said Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line's president. "Anticipation for the ship's launch is gaining momentum, and through the series we will bring our fans along for the journey as this beautiful ship comes together for launch in April, 2016." 

Among those who will share their insights in the "Countdown to Koningsdam" series are Hotel Director Stan Kuppens, who will show off the progress of ship's atrium, talk about his move to the yard and what's coming next for his team; Vice President, Deployment and Tour Marketing Linda Springmann, who will talk about the ship's inaugural year itineraries; Senior Vice President of Guest Experience Product Development Michael Smith, who will reveal more details about The Dining Room; Director, Mariner Society Gerald Bernhoft, speaking about the perks of Holland America Line's loyalty program; and Director of Entertainment Bill Prince, who will take guests on an entertainment extravaganza at World Stage, the ship's theater that surrounds the audience with a 270-degree LED projection.

At the helm of the videos is the ship's Cruise Director, Johnathan Rogers. Cruise Director Johnathan Rogers is thrilled to be able to put his proficiency in six languages (soon to be eight) to good use with the line's international guests and crew. Since embarking on his first voyage as Cruise Director, he has worked on several Holland America Line ships. Rogers holds a bachelor's degree in linguistics from the Universite de Montreal and a master's degree in modern languages from the Universiteit van Pretoria.

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:  Videos as they are released are available at https://www.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 as 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 Cafe, 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 Clubs. 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