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Holland America Line Details Inaugural Season of Newbuild in Second 'Countdown to Koningsdam' Video

CCL, CUK | December 9, 2015

Ship to visit 36 countries in the Mediterranean, northern Europe and Caribbean

Canada NewsWire

SEATTLE, Dec. 9, 2015

SEATTLE, Dec. 9, 2015 /CNW/ -- Holland America Line debuted its second "Countdown to Koningsdam" video on its website with details about the ship's inaugural season Europe and Caribbean itineraries. The video series was created to share product and construction updates as anticipation builds for ms Koningsdam delivery in April 2016.

Hosted by Jonathan Rogers, Koningsdam's inaugural cruise director, the second video, "Countdown to Koningsdam Episode 2," features Holland America Line's Vice President Deployment and Tour Marketing Linda Springmann talking about the ship's inaugural year itineraries. Springmann details Koningsdam's cruises in the Mediterranean, northern Europe and Caribbean, offering itinerary highlights and fun facts about the ship's maiden sailing season.

"Fans keep asking for more Koningsdam details, and these short videos are a great way for us to communicate the latest updates and provide a glimpse into the ship's progress," said Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line's president. "The newest video outlines the inaugural season itineraries which have been very popular. So for those interested in sailing on Koningsdam next year, we recommend booking now."

Each "Countdown to Koningsdam" video features one of the ship's officers or a Holland America Line executive who shares ongoing developments onboard 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 ship's atrium, spoke about his move to the yard and what's coming next for his team. Future videos include Deputy Director of Interior Operations My Nguyen chatting about the ship's staterooms, including the new family and single options; Senior Vice President of Guest Experience Product Development Michael Smith, who will reveal 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 takes guests on an entertainment extravaganza at World Stage, the ship's theater that surrounds the audience with a 270-degree LED projection.

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 redesigned 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 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. World Stage brings 270-degree LED projection to the main show lounge, enabling new concepts for show-time performances and immersing 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 two can be viewed at http://bit.ly/1lZIefv. All 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 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 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 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.