Highlights feature ship’s progress as April 2016 delivery approaches
Seattle, Wash., Nov. 17, 2015 – In anticipation of the launch of ms Koningsdam in April 2016, Holland America Line is debuting a series of short videos called “Countdown to Koningsdam” that will provide construction updates as the ship nears completion. Hosted by Jonathan Rogers, Koningsdam’s inaugural cruise director, each video features one of the ship’s officers or a Holland America Line executive who will share ongoing developments on board the line’s newest vessel, currently being built at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard in Italy.
“The process of building a ship is fascinating and fast-paced, and we’re excited to share the latest updates through the ‘Countdown to Koningsdam’ video series,” said Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line’s president. “Anticipation for the ship’s launch is gaining momentum, and through the series we will bring our fans along for the journey as this beautiful ship comes together for launch in April, 2016.”
Among those who will share their insights in the “Countdown to Koningsdam?” series are Hotel Director Stan Kuppens, who will show off the progress of ship’s atrium, talk about his move to the yard and what’s coming next for his team; Vice President, Deployment and Tour Marketing Linda Springmann, who will talk about the ship’s inaugural year itineraries; Senior Vice President of Guest Experience Product Development Michael Smith, who will reveal more 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 will take guests on an entertainment extravaganza at World Stage, the ship’s theater that surrounds the audience with a 270-degree LED projection.
At the helm of the videos is the ship’s Cruise Director, Johnathan Rogers. Cruise Director Johnathan Rogers is thrilled to be able to put his proficiency in six languages (soon to be eight) to good use with the line’s international guests and crew. Since embarking on his first voyage as Cruise Director, he has worked on several Holland America Line ships. Rogers holds a bachelor’s degree in linguistics from the Université de Montréal and a master’s degree in modern languages from the Universiteit van Pretoria.
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 www.hollandamerica.com.
Editor’s note: Videos as they are released are available at https://www.cruiseimagelibrary.com/c/qyvq3wud.