HAL’s Koningsdam to Homeport at Port Everglades

Holland America Line’s newbuild, currently under construction at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard in Italy, ms Koningsdam will be homeported at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. following its inaugural Europe season in 2016, the cruise liner said.

The ship is going to embark on its maiden voyage on April 8, 2016. The cruise liner will sail a series of Caribbean voyages and one cruise to the Bahamas from November 2016 through March 2017. Koningsdam’s Caribbean itineraries will be available for booking in late spring.

Ms Koningsdam pertains to the new Pinnacle Class of Holland America Line and at 99,500 gross tons it is the largest ever built for the company. Once completed, the vessel will debut several innovative concepts and new public venues while still featuring popular amenities guests associate with HAL, the company said. 

The ship also will feature the company’s first purpose-built staterooms for families as well as single staterooms among its 1,331 guest accommodations.

Ms Koningsdam was floated out and transferred  from its dry dock to its outfitting dock at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard early March. At the outfitting dock, final construction and interior furnishing will take place until the ship is delivered March 31, 2016.

“We are excited to sail Holland America Line’s newest ship from Port Everglades on the most varied and robust Caribbean itineraries of any of our ships,” said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. “The Caribbean remains among the most popular cruise destinations in the world, and by having itineraries that range from four to 11 days guests will be able to enjoy a vacation that fits their schedule.