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Bookings Open for 2016 Caribbean Cruises on Holland America Line's Newest Ship, ms Koningsdam

CCL, CUK | June 24, 2015

Ship to sail seven- to 11-day itineraries roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

SEATTLE, June 24, 2015 /CNW/ -- Guests who have been awaiting the opportunity to book a Caribbean voyage on Holland America Line's newest ship, ms Koningsdam, can now make their reservations. The ship, launching in April 2016, will homeport at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., sailing seven- to 11-day Caribbean voyages from November 2016 through March 2017.

Koningsdam's seven-day Caribbean cruises visit popular ports in the region, while the longer nine-, 10- and 11-day itineraries provide more time for exploring a diverse array of off-the-beaten-path islands.

"Since we began taking reservations for Koningsdam's summer Europe season, guests have been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to book a Caribbean voyage on our beautiful new ship," said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. "Demand for being among the first to experience our latest innovations on Koningsdam is high, so we encourage anyone interested in a Caribbean cruise to book early. It's going to be a fantastic inaugural season."

Beginning in November, the ship will offer nine-, 10- and 11-day Caribbean itineraries. A seven-day and nine-day Holiday cruise departs on Dec. 23 and Dec. 30, respectively. The ship's longer cruises showcase more ports in the region and include unique and lesser-visited islands such as Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Jamaica, Martinique and St. Lucia, to name a few.

Two different seven-day itineraries provide an ideal getaway in winter with six departures in January and February 2017. The first calls at the Turks and Caicos, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line's private Bahamian island. The second route visits Half Moon Cay, Grand Cayman, Mexico and Key West, Fla.

About ms Koningsdam
When Koningsdam sets sail on its Premier Voyage April 8, 2016, the vessel will debut several innovative concepts and new public venues while still featuring popular amenities guests associate with Holland America Line.

Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy fine dining in several alternative restaurants including Sel de Mer, a new French seafood brasserie; a new immersive farm-to-table dinner experience in the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine; a re-designed casual 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 as well as 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. World Stage brings 270-degree LED projection to the main showroom, enabling new concepts for showtime performances and immersing the audience in a panorama of sight and sound.

For more information about ms Koningsdam and Holland America Line, consult a travel professional, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit 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 the Panama Canal. The line currently has a new 2,650-guest ship, ms Koningsdam, on order for delivery in April 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.