UK preview for new HAL ship
Holland America Line’s new 2,104-passenger ship ms Eurodam is to previewed in Southampton before being named by Queen Beatrix of Holland in Rotterdam on July 1.
The $450 million new vessel will sail into the UK port for a series of inaugural events over two days prior to the formal naming.
The official naming ceremony will include festivities along Wilhelminakade, Rotterdam’s cruise ship terminal area, in front of the former headquarters of Holland America Line, which is now Hotel New York. The company was founded in 1873 in Rotterdam.
An expected audience of several thousand — including national dignitaries, special guests and the company’s top-selling travel agents — will witness an extravaganza of entertainment, the blessing of Eurodam, and the finale of the traditional breaking of a champagne bottle across the ship’s bow.
Eurodam will feature several alternative dining venues, including a stunning pan-Asian restaurant with panoramic Ocean views.
The popular Explorations Café – powered by The New York Times – will be integrated into the traditional Crow’s Nest.
Other additions include an Explorer’s Lounge Bar, a new specialty restaurant adjacent to the Lido offering traditional Italian food, a new atrium bar area, and an enhanced and reconfigured show lounge with theatre-style seating.
Cabins and suites will include new exclusive, spa-themed and scalloped veranda categories. Cabins also will feature flat panel televisions, DVD players, make-up mirrors, massage shower heads, professional grade hair dryers, fresh flowers and complimentary fruit baskets.
Following its maiden voyage to the Baltic and inaugural Europe season, the ship will sail its first transatlantic cruise, followed by a series of Canada/New England sailings in the autumn before being deployed on Caribbean itineraries for the remainder of 2008.
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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