Officers and Crew Begin to Arrive at the Shipyard in Holland America Line's Seventh 'Countdown to Koningsdam' Video

SEATTLE, March 24, 2016 /CNW/ -- Holland America Line has released the seventh "Countdown to Koningsdam" video, which takes viewers to the shipyard for the arrival of several of the officers and crew. The short videos in the series were created to build anticipation and share updates as ms Koningsdam nears delivery.

Hosted by Johnathan Rogers, Koningsdam's cruise director, the video, "Countdown to Koningsdam: Episode 7," features Hotel Director Stan Kuppens, who talks about the crew arriving at Fincantieri's Marghera shipyard, loading supplies onboard and preparing the ship for delivery as deck, engine and hotel officers also make their way to Italy.

"The officers and crew are the heart of our ships, and we wouldn't be able to fully prepare for Koningsdam's delivery without their support and dedication," said Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line's president. "The ship is nearing delivery, and we know our fans will enjoy seeing the crew at the shipyard working on final preparations." 

When it sets sail, Koningsdam will have 1,036 officers and crew on board, and approximately 350 of those employees will be at the shipyard in Italy prior to delivery. In addition to loading supplies and helping the ship get ready for delivery, crew members also are assisting with cabin inspections, washing linens and getting fitted for uniforms.

All officers and crew will move on board approximately three weeks before the March 31 delivery and bring the ship to life in anticipation of the April 8 Premiere Voyage.

'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, 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, 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. In "Episode 6" viewers came along on the ship's sea trials with Captain Emile de Vries.

The final videos in the series include Prince showcasing the Music Walk entertainment area and Smith discussing more 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 Seven 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