Holland America Line is gearing up for the naming of its newest ship Koningsdam on May 20. Sara Macefield went onboard to check it out.
The launch of Holland America Line’s first new ship in six years will focus attention on the brand’s evolution on the international stage, according to UK and Ireland managing director Lynn Narraway.
She said the unveiling of the 2,650-passenger Koningsdam, which will have a naming ceremony in Rotterdam on May 20, had brought to life new attractions and brand partnerships that would be extended throughout the HAL fleet.
“This is the start of HAL’s bold new story,” she said. “Agents and consumers will be able to see how the brand is evolving and changing, and how we are moving forward.”
With Koningsdam based in Amsterdam for the rest of the summer, HAL chiefs are keen to showcase the ship to as many UK agents as possible.
Around 20 are being flown out for the naming, but more than 300 agency staff will be taken to Holland to visit the ship during the summer. HAL has also partnered with SuperBreak to offer five weekend trips, enabling agents to explore Amsterdam on one day, followed by a day on Koningsdam.
The ship’s cruise calls in the UK are also enabling more agents to visit Portland, Newcastle and South Queensferry, near Edinburgh, with around 150 expected to take up the opportunity.
Narraway said she expected agents to be impressed by the ship. “All the HAL traditional little touches are there, but in an amazing way with a modern twist,” she added.
Meanwhile, Narraway said that while the UK was a key market for the line, there were no plans to base a ship here within the next couple of years.
She added that British passenger numbers were currently holding up well for this year, despite terrorism fears.
“Each year there are challenges, and as an industry we have to stay positive, but we are having to work even harder in years like this,” she admitted.
Sara Macefield offers her take on Holland America Line’s latest addition
Like the instruments that so inspired Koningsdam’s designers, Holland America Line’s latest ship has many strings to its proverbial bow.
It is quite clearly a ship of music. This sets the tone and feel of the interiors with fascinating designs and objets d’art that catch your eye at every turn.
From the cello sculpture that doubles as a graceful sailing ship to intricate musically themed artworks gracing the stairwells, the attention to detail is fascinating. The dining room is a showstopper, with its Venetian hand-blown glass chandelier.
And Koningsdam also debuts an increased selection of speciality restaurants with fine dining in the French-themed Sel De Mer and the not-to-be missed farm-to-table concept dinner in the Culinary Arts Centre.
I initially thought the menu was a little fussy with celery and kale risotto, and steak with roasted parsnip puree – but I ate my words as each dish was delicious.
Koningsdam also stands out for its 12 new solo cabins, snug and comfortable with a double bed, and its new family cabins that can take up to five.
The ship may be showcasing new looks and styles, but it hasn’t forgotten its Dutch heritage with familiar HAL features and its new rather quaint Dutch Cafe serving traditional authentic Dutch dishes. It’s a combination that is sure to strike a chord with new passengers as well as HAL regulars.