Koningsdam Elevates The Future Of Holland America Line
Koningsdam sets sail in April of 2016. Illustration courtesy of Holland America Line
Change is afoot at Holland America Line.
The line, which has been around since 1873 and has been owned by Carnival Corporation & plc since 1989, recently bade farewell to Statendam and Ryndam after more than two decades in service as “dam ships.” Their exits come at a time when Holland America is preparing to welcome a new ship into the fleet: the 2,650-guest Koningsdam.
Named after Willem-Alexander, the first King of the Netherlands in more than a century, Koningsdam will be the largest ship ever constructed for Holland America Line when she sets sail on her maiden voyage in April of this year. The lead ship of the line’s new Pinnacle Class, she also represents a fairly substantial evolution of the Holland America Line product, with new features, amenities and touches that are designed to appeal to younger cruisers and families alike. This, while still pleasing the legions of loyal past passengers the line has amassed over the decades.
It’s not an easy task – but Koningsdam is up to it, poised to become the most influential ship launched since 2002’s Zuiderdam hit the scene.
A New Look
Koningsdam may look like her predecessors, but there’s a world of difference under the hood. Photo © 2015 Aaron Saunders
At first glance, Koningsdam looks much Eurodam and her sister Nieuw Amsterdam. But look closer and you’ll notice a number of design differences: Koningsdam sports an extra accommodations deck when compared to her predecessors, and her look does away with the dual-funnel arrangement of the Vista Class ships. Instead, Koningsdam’s designers have gone back to basics with a single Statendam-esque funnel that streamlines the new ship’s profile.
Koningsdam’s new solo funnel is reminiscent of the Statendam of 1992. Photo © 2015 Aaron Saunders
Other small changes are afoot, including the removal of the midships glass elevators of her predecessors and a new Promenade Deck layout that favors lifeboats that are flush with the deck level instead of suspended above it by their davits.
New Amenities
Classy Space: The new two-story Queen’s Lounge will offer live music and dancing. Illustration courtesy of Holland America Line
The changes aren’t just reserved for the ship’s exterior appearance. Inside, a whole host of new amenities and public venues have been planned for Koningsdam.
In a nod to catering to cruisers of all ages, Koningsdam will feature the line’s first purpose-built family staterooms. At the other end of the spectrum, solo cruisers will find specially designed single occupancy staterooms that are designed to suit their needs – and their budgets.
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