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Holland America Line's ms Koningsdam Reaches Milestone with Successful Completion of Sea Trials

CCL, CUK | January 21, 2016

Ship sails the open ocean for the first time

Canada NewsWire

SEATTLE, Jan. 21, 2016

SEATTLE, Jan. 21, 2016 /CNW/ -- Holland America Line's ms Koningsdam returned to Fincantieri's Marghera shipyard Saturday, Jan. 16, after successfully completing two sets of sea trials off the Italian coast.

Koningsdam left Marghera Jan. 2 and performed the first set of sea trials over three days before going into dry dock at Fincantieri's Trieste shipyard, where standard hull maintenance was performed. The ship sailed its second sea trials Jan. 10 through 16, making its way back to Marghera, where the finishing touches will be completed.

"Koningsdam is a new class of ship for Holland America Line, so everyone was eager to get the ship out in the open water for the first time on sea trials," said Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line's president. "Koningsdam delivered a strong performance and is now back at the ship yard for the final phase of work in anticipation of the early April delivery."

During the sea trials, Koningsdam underwent a series of performance tests on the ship's systems, machinery and engines.

Captain Emiel de Vries, Koningsdam's master-designate, has not yet taken command of the ship, but he participated in testing the ship's maneuvering characteristics and safety systems together with the shipyard's team of naval architects and builders.

In its inaugural year, Koningsdam will feature a variety of itineraries in the Mediterranean, northern Europe and the Caribbean. The ship's naming ceremony is scheduled for May 20, 2016, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel professional, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.

Editor's note: Photos are available at https://www.cruiseimagelibrary.com/c/nm86fvcb.

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.