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Holland America Line Takes Delivery of New Ship

Dutch flag raising
ms Koningsdam.
ms Koningsdam during sea trials

Today Holland America Line took delivery of ms Koningsdam 2016, officially making it the first Pinnacle-Class ship in the fleet.

The signing ceremony took place at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard in Italy. The Dutch flag was raised on the ship for the first time following the signing since Koningsdam is registered in the Netherlands.

The ship will soon make its way to Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, for its premiere voyage departing April 8. Following a series of premiere Mediterranean voyages, Koningsdam‘s official naming ceremony will take place in Rotterdam on May 20.

“Today is a day of celebration for the entire Holland America Line family, and a milestone in our company history. We all share in this proud moment as we welcome Koningsdam to our fleet,” said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. “Koningsdam looks spectacular, beyond our expectations, and we thank all those involved for their dedication and commitment in bringing our vision to life.”

Fincantieri Shipyard Director Antonio Quintano and Orlando Ashford, president, Holland America Line sign papers for delivery of ms Koningsdam.
Fincantieri Shipyard Director Antonio Quintano and Orlando Ashford, president, Holland America Line sign papers for delivery of ms Koningsdam.

Following the naming festivities in May, the ship will head to its summer home port of Amsterdam and sail a series of northern Europe and Baltic cruises before returning to the Mediterranean in September.

In the fall, the ship will head across the Atlantic Ocean to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where it will homeport at Port Everglades and spend the season exploring the Caribbean.

The 99,500-ton vessel accommodates 2,650 guests and is the ultimate expression of Holland America Line’s brand evolution. Koningsdam debuts several innovative concepts and new public spaces and venues while still featuring popular amenities guests associate with the cruise line.

The ship will feature Holland America Line’s first purpose-built staterooms for families and solo travelers among its 1,331 guest accommodations.

Guests will delight in new fine-dining options at alternative restaurants Sel de Mer–a French seafood brasserie–and an immersive farm-to-table concept dinner experience in the Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine magazine.

ms Koningsdam delivery ceremony
Stein Kruse, Captain Emiel de Vries, Micky Arison, Arnold Donald and Orlando Ashford at the ms Koningsdam delivery ceremony

Grand Dutch Cafe debuts onboard with traditional Dutch treats and European beer, while a redesigned Lido Market with themed serving stations revolutionizes the buffet experience. A stunning main dining room is a focal point of the ship, and favorites return such as Pinnacle Grill, Canaletto Italian restaurant and Pan-Asian Tamarind.

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.

Norwegian Cruise Line Reveals Features of Norwegian Joy

Tranquil open space park aboard Norwegian Joy
Tranquil open space park

Today Norwegian Cruise Line revealed features and amenities for Norwegian Joy  (Xǐ Yuè Hào) — its most innovative and luxurious ship ever — arriving next summer.

Home porting in Shanghai & Tianjin (Beijing), Norwegian Joy was built and styled exclusively for Chinese guests and was designed by the team at NCL to provide “First Class at Sea” experiences.

Built at Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, the ship features German precision engineering to the highest possible standard, all while offering superior customization for the culture and preferences of Chinese guests. Norwegian Joy also has the exciting and innovative features found on NCL’s most recent vessels.

Accommodations

With a capacity of 3,900 guests, Norwegian Joy will deliver on the promise that guests will enjoy “First Class at Sea” experiences, starting with her VIP accommodations.    Norwegian Joy will feature The Haven by Norwegian®, the line’s exclusive, ship-within-a-ship suite luxury complex.

Accessible only by personalized key card, The Haven offers a private respite that features personal butler service, a dedicated concierge, priority access to entertainment and specialty dining, a private restaurant, enclosed courtyard, and 74 spacious and meticulously decorated suites.
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The ultra-exclusive experience in The Haven will also include an all-new observation deck that will feature 180 degree views, the same as the ship’s officers experience from the bridge, with gourmet canapés and premium beverages.

Norwegian Joy will also debut an all new accommodations category: the first at sea concierge level. Guests who stay in the concierge staterooms will enjoy a VIP experience, featuring larger balcony staterooms with luxurious en suite amenities and the services of a dedicated concierge to make arrangements on board–from entertainment to dining. The concierge staterooms will also offer guests an exclusive concierge lounge, with a private bar and refreshments available throughout the day.

The ship features a wide array of mini-suite, balcony, ocean view, and interior staterooms–many with virtual balconies–to fit every traveler’s need.  Accommodation offerings also include staterooms designed specifically for families and a multitude of connecting staterooms for extended families traveling together.

Entertainment & Activities

Norwegian Joy will continue NCL’s long history of innovation in providing engaging, exciting features and amenities for guests of all ages to enjoy. The ship’s top decks will offer a wide-range of never-before-seen at sea experiences.

At the very top of the ship, guests will take the ride of a lifetime on a thrilling two-level competitive racetrack – the first ever at sea.  Cruisers can race family and friends and even share a photo of their first place finish. Afterwards, they can challenge one another to a game of laser tag in the open-air course.

When guests step inside Norwegian Joy’s Galaxy Pavilion, they will find themselves in a world unlike anything they’ve ever seen at sea, complete with immersive virtual reality experiences, thrilling simulator rides, and interactive video walls. Guests can go for a spin with friends or family on exciting hover craft bumper cars or start their engines in a professional single-seat racecar that’s been converted into a state-of-the-art racing simulator.

Three interactive dark ride simulators provide guests with a captivating experience featuring real-time 3D graphics, 360-degree surround sound and multi-sensory special effects, while flight and car simulators will let guests take flight or take to the road.  Movie buffs will be transported to a galaxy far, far away and into an intense battle as they pilot a fighter to take on the forces of the dark side in a Star Wars® battle pods video game, and gamers can partake in a contest of skill at six Xbox® console stations.
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Those guests who enjoy advanced technology will be exhilarated by state-of-the-art virtual optic experiences by Oculus that include designing and then riding a personal roller coaster; soaring to new heights over mountains and oceans; or living on the edge and walking along a cliff or on top of a ten-story building.

Continuing the adrenaline pumping recreation activities on the ship, Norwegian Joy will also feature two multi-story waterslides. Not for the faint of heart, the high-speed Double Aqua Loop free fall slide includes two exhilarating loops — one that extends out over the side of the ship and second see-through loop that stretches down to the deck below. The tandem Aqua Racer slide allows guests to race side-by-side on inner tubes for more than 360 feet as they twist and turn to the finish line.

The top deck of Norwegian Joy will also feature a tranquil open space park, where guests can enjoy a partially covered serene setting designed for relaxation. Offering greenery, a soothing pool, and chaise lounges, it’s the perfect spot to meditate in the fresh air, gaze out to the open sea, or practice tai chi and yoga.

Norwegian Joy  will feature an upscale shopping venue — the largest in Norwegian’s fleet — complete with everything from exceptional duty-free shops to high-end international brands. The shops will offer renowned global luxury brands in fashion, jewelry, and electronics.

Norwegian Joy will also offer bow to stern Wi-Fi connectivity — the fastest in the Norwegian fleet — so that guests can share their exciting “First Class at Sea” experiences and stay in touch with family and friends during their cruise.

Fusing a western cruise vacation with the comforts and preferences that Chinese guests expect–plus the freedom and flexibility that Norwegian Cruise Line offers–Norwegian Joy is a true east meets west experience.

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Norwegian’s Pride of America Completely Renovated

Refurbished library

Norwegian Cruise Line’s US-flagged Pride of America returned to her homeport of Honolulu on Saturday, March 26, as a nearly new ship.

During a three and a half week dry dock, Pride of America received ship-wide enhancements, including newly designed public spaces, brand new venues, and refreshed décor in all staterooms. Pride of Americas extensive renovation is a part of “The Norwegian Edge” program, a $400 million investment that sets a new standard of excellence.

“When guests step aboard the all new Pride of America, they will be amazed by the breadth of this renovation,” said Andy Stuart, Norwegian Cruise Line president and chief operating officer. “This is much more than just a fresh coat of paint and new drapes. Pride of America is now essentially a new ship, and the only one to offer this incredibly unique way to experience the Hawaiian Islands with 100 hours of time in port.”
image004Many of Pride of Americas public spaces — along with several of the ships’ restaurants, bars, and lounges — were refreshed from top to bottom to receive a modern, updated look with new contemporary décor and furniture as well as new lighting and flooring. Every stateroom aboard Pride of America was renovated, receiving new bedding, new furniture, new flat screen televisions, and updated flooring.

Pride of America guests will now be able to enjoy not only refreshed spaces but also new modern venues including the Soho Art Gallery, an expansive venue that features original works of art available for purchase; the new Perspectives Photo Studio, an area for couples, families, and friends to have professional photo memories of their vacation; and Dolce Gelato, Norwegian’s signature gelateria.

Those looking to tie-the-knot while in any of the ship’s enchanting ports-of-call can do so in the ship’s wedding chapel, now in a new location on deck six with new flooring, furniture, and wall fixtures.

The ship’s pool deck underwent a complete refurbishment to create an upscale feel onboard with a refinished pool, new loungers. and Jacuzzis.

Guests looking to enjoy some quiet time can now do so in the completely transformed conservatory, complete with new furniture, flooring, and modern décor.  The library and card rooms received new flooring, furniture, and six computer stations for Internet access.

The Mandara Spa was expanded and revitalized to feature more treatment rooms so guests can enjoy massages, facials, and more. The spa features New Mexican décor including soft, neutral colors and natural elements like stone and wood to provide a tranquil atmosphere.

Dining enhancements for Pride of America include extensive renovations to all of the existing complimentary dining venues.  Most notable is the ship’s Skyline Main Dining Room, which received a refreshed look with new décor including: a new entrance, new carpet design, new furniture upholstery, new window drapes, and new columns throughout the restaurant.
image009La Cucina, Norwegian’s signature Italian restaurant, has been transformed into an elegant and intimate venue where guests can enjoy fine Italian fare. The ship’s specialty restaurants East Meets West, Cagney’s Steakhouse, and Jefferson’s Bistro also received enhancements to upgrade the venues to a modern look with new flooring, reupholstered furniture, new artwork, lighting fixtures, new window treatments, and more.

Beyond hardware upgrades, guests sailing aboard Pride of America can now enjoy new menus in all dining outlets.  With additional choices and à la carte priced items, the menus offer more freedom and flexibility to guests.

Building on the success of the enhanced menus aboard Norwegian’s newest ship Norwegian Escape, Pride of Americas new menus now feature increased variety and have been carefully developed by Norwegian’s culinary team with a focus on balancing popular traditional dishes like prime rib, chateaubriand, rack of lamb, and escargot with current dining trends and heightened guest expectations.

Pride of America is the only ship that sails year-round from Honolulu on seven-day intra-Hawaii cruises. This one-of-a-kind itinerary offers nearly 100 hours of port time and visits Hawaii’s main islands, including an overnight in Kahului, Maui; an overnight in Nãwiliwili, Kaua`i; stops in Hilo, Hawaii, and Kona, Hawaii; as well as an afternoon cruise by the spectacular Nãpali Coast.

 

 

Experience A Hurtigruten Spring

In springtime, it’s possible to experience three seasons on a single voyage.
While it is still winter in the north, as you venture further south the climate change to spring and then summer.
This season is an explosion of life, fragrance, colour and light.

We hope you enjoyed this small taste of Hurtigruten’s unique heritage. They breathtaking nature-based experiences in remote corners of the world. For more information visit them at https://www.hurtigruten.us

Upgrades Completed on Two Hurtigruten Ships

Refurbished cabin

Award-winning explorer cruise line Hurtigruten has been upgrading four of its 11 Norwegian coastal ships after a successful financial turnaround over the recent years.

The extensive refurbishment of the MS Kong Harald and MS Polarlys has been completed, and both ships are receiving rave reviews from their guests.  The makeovers of the MS Nordkapp and MS Nordnorge will be completed in April and November, respectively.

Hurtingruten is also adding its first new expedition ship in 10 years, the MS Spitsbergen, which will be completed in May.

“We are a first mover company, and we are now reinventing the Hurtigruten experience,” says Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam. “By combining tradition, innovation and sustainability, we aim to ensure the position as world leader in nature-based explorer travels in polar waters.”

The new look, aptly named the “New Artic Interior,” includes the replacement of the cruise interior and furnishings typical of the nineties with a modern Scandinavian interior, drawing inspiration from the spectacular nature outside the panoramic windows.

The new design entails a stylish and yet unpretentious feel and affects all of the ship’s common areas — reception foyers, cafes and bistro areas and the aft deck. The colors will be earthy and derived from the coast and the sea, while making use of many natural materials, such as wood, slate and leather. Designs and shapes are expected to bear a resemblance to those found in nature – such as the flow of the waves or the strength of the majestic fjords.

Of equal importance is the ongoing transformation of the restaurants. With more than 100,000 foreign guests sailing annually, Hurtigruten has partnered with dozens of local food suppliers to develop the Coastal Kitchen concept. With seasonal ingredients, often harvested the same day, guests are able to enjoy the freshest and best Norwegian food available.

Refurbished MS Polarlys

A range of fresh pastries from the ship’s own bakeries will be offered and barbeque stands are being added to the outside decks. The bar will be moved to the panoramic lounge, offering incredible views as guests enjoy an afternoon or evening cocktail. And fitness rooms will now have the world’s best views.

In addition, Hurtigruten has purchased and is doing a near-complete reconstruction of the MS Spitsbergen. She was built in Portugal in 2009 at the Viana do Castelo shipyard and is now undergoing adaptation for polar waters; upgrading the cabins, suites, and public spaces for the 320 guests; and adjusting the power plants and emissions so as to meet Hurtigruten’s high standards. The ship will join the fleet along the Norwegian Coastal Voyage route later this spring and replaces the MS Midnatsol, which will join the MS Fram in Antarctica for the 2016/17 season.

Hurtigruten is a world leader in expedition voyages, sailing to the most remote of destinations, including Antarctica, Greenland. and the Arctic’s Spitsbergen, as well as year-round along Norway’s coast and to Europe in the spring and fall.

The company’s fleet of 14 intimate ships, which each carry 100 to 646 guests, allows travelers to enjoy the scenery and culture of the destination in a relaxed atmosphere. For more information on Hurtigruten visit them as www.hurtigruten.us

Craft Brewery Onboard New Carnival Vista

Carnival Vista’s RedFrog Pub & Brewery
Carnival Vista’s RedFrog Pub & Brewery – Inside View

When guests on Carnival Cruise Line’s newest, largest and most innovative ship, Carnival Vista, raise a pint in the RedFrog Pub & Brewery, they will have a choice of three distinctly flavored hand-crafted beers brewed right on board in the first brewery at sea in North America.

Carnival Vista’s RedFrog Pub & Brewery is the result of a unique partnership between Carnival and Miami-based Concrete Beach Brewery.

Concrete Beach is an Alchemy & Science brand, an independently operating subsidiary of The Boston Beer Company. Alchemy & Science is home to other such popular breweries around the country, including Angel City Brewery in Los Angeles and Coney Island Brewing Co. in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Carnival Vista’s RedFrog Pub & Brewery's Exterior
Carnival Vista’s RedFrog Pub & Brewery – Exterior View

Each of these breweries produces beers specifically inspired by and brewed to be representative of their respective locales. The resulting examples include such beers as: Tropic of Passion, a passion fruit wheat beer from Miami; Angel City IPA from L.A.; and Coney Island Mermaid Pilsner from New York.

Similarly, Concrete Beach is working closely with Carnival to create original recipes and to source and select the finest ingredients to produce three distinctive craft beers that will be brewed and served on board Vista: ThirstyFrog Port Hoppin’ IPA, ThirstyFrog Caribbean Wheat and FriskyFrog Java Stout.

 

“We’ve been working for months with these talented partners who have helped us create three exciting and unique craft beers for Carnival Vista, and we anticipate our guests are going to absolutely love them,” said Eddie Allen, Carnival’s vice president of beverage operations.

concretebeach-50Allen noted that the brews were specifically designed with Carnival Vista guests in mind. ThirstyFrog Port Hoppin’ IPA offers aromatic, floral, and hoppy notes with passion fruit and citrus overtones. ThirstyFrog Caribbean Wheat is an unfiltered lager with aromas of bananas and spices. FriskyFrog Java Stout is a take on a traditional stout — rich and creamy with hints of coffee.

“It was an honor to be a part of this one-of-a-kind project, and we feel like we created a great variety that is sure to please guests,” said Jon Carpenter, Concrete Beach Brewery Brewmaster. “It’s common for vacationers to want to test out the local beer, and Carnival Vista has taken the concept of local and applied it.”

The beers to be featuconcretebeach-18red on Carnival Vista build upon a greatly expanded selection of craft beers across the entire Carnival fleet. U.S.-based Carnival ships already serve Concrete Beach Brewery’s Rica Wheat IPA, Angel City Brewery’s Pilsner, Coney Island’s Hard Root Beer, and 1609 Amber. On a regional basis, Carnival ships sailing from Miami feature Concrete Beach Stiltsville Miami-style Pilsner, while Long Beach, California–based ships offer Angel City Brewery IPA, and cruises departing from New York City are stocked with Coney Island Mermaid Pilsner.

The line also offers beers brewed either locally in homeports or within the homeport state on ships sailing from New Orleans, Galveston, Baltimore, and Tampa, as well as ships that sail to Alaska and Hawaii.

Nine Things To Like And One To LOVE About New Harmony Of The Seas

New Harmony of the Seas is a shiny new cruise ship from Royal Caribbean International.  That’s the same people who have offered sailings in their middle name for decades.  Founded in Norway, the company launched the first in an initial trio of ships in 1970.  First was Song of Norway, followed by Nordic Prince in 1972 and Sun Viking in 1978.  From there, Royal Caribbean and its ships have grown to be one of the largest travel companies in the world.  One of the ways they got there was by building unique ships.  Each has a character of its own. Grouped by class, each one has sister ships of roughly the same size.  Still, each is unique.  New Harmony of the Seas is no exception.  Let’s take a look at ten unique reasons to like Harmony of the Seas.

  1. Cruise CompeteLike- Size Matters- Technically an “Oasis class” ship, Harmony of the Seas will weigh in 227,000 tons. Sisters Oasis and Allure of the Seas come in at 225,282 tons. New Harmony of the Seas will technically be the new largest cruise ship in the world.   For cruise travelers who want bragging rights, you’ll need to sail Harmony to keep your badge of honor.
  2. Like- The First Water Slide. Royal Caribbean will be adding water slides to other ships in the fleet.  But Harmony of the Seas will be the first to have one.  New Harmony will also be the first to have the Perfect Storm. That’s actually a set of three slides named Cyclone, Typhoon and Supercell.  Each is three decks high.  All will be towering five decks above the Central Park neighborhood.
  3. Like- Ultimate Abyss is the tallest slide at sea, actually two of them and not a waterslide as guests sit on mats to ride it. At 10 stories high, the slides begin in the Pool and Sports Zone high up on deck sixteen and ends in the Boardwalk neighborhood far below. Sliding at nine miles per hour,  guests will experience sound effects on the way down the 100-foot drop.
  4. Like- Grease- Broadway’s hit musical Grease is the headline show onboard new Harmony of the Seas. The never-before-seen stage production, specially adapted by Royal Caribbean Productions, will boast a soundtrack of crowd favorites such as “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightnin’,” “Look at Me, I’m Sandra Dee,” “Born to Hand-Jive,” “Beauty School Dropout” and more.
  5. Like- Royal Suite Class Experience- The most discerning cruise travelers will enjoy an experience like no other featuring a wide-range of benefits and amenities that they expect from a world-class luxury vacation.  Divided into three levels, Star, Sky and Sea class all add superior service, upgraded amenities, personalized experiences and exclusive access that those in the regular inside, oceanview and balcony accommodations will never see.
  6. Like- Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine will bring Harmony of the Seas guests a chance to experience a unique culinary adventure for the senses when chefs twist their culinary kaleidoscopes in a whimsical setting that challenges the imagination with unique new cuisine.
  7. Like- Enhanced Adventure Ocean Programming- New in Harmony’s Adventure Ocean Theater is Away We Go!, a black light puppet show created by Tony® award-nominated actors and imaginative producers John Tartaglia by and Michael Shawn Lewis.
  8. Like- New Amenities for Central Park and Boardwalk Staterooms-  Interior-facing Boardwalk and Central Park staterooms will get bonus amenities in a move to fill the cabins that are usually priced very nicely in comparison to others on board.  In the more adult-oriented Central Park neighborhood,  guests will get lunch for two at Jamie’s Italian, a bottle of wine upon arrival and special casino perks.  In the more family-friendly Boardwalk neighborhood, it’s lunch or dinner for four at Johnny Rockets, a soda beverage package for two and private time on the 38-foot tall rock wall.
  9. Like- Quantum Features.  Introduced on new Quantum class and brought to new Harmony of the Seas, Wonderland Restaurant grows to a two-story venue and Bionic Bartenders hitch a ride. Working tirelessly, the robot bartenders craft concoctions from 30 spirits and 20 mixers.  Also on Harmony of the Seas, WOW bands to open stateroom doors and pay for stuff not included in the cruise fare.
new harmony of the seas
Image- Royal Caribbean International

New Harmony Feature To  LOVE- It’s Pushy, Perhaps To A Fault

To accommodate Harmony of the Seas at Florida’s Port Everglades, older sister Oasis of the Seas will head north to Port Canaveral, gobbling up as many as 6000 of the cruise travelers sailing from the Central Florida port every week.  That might translate to a fare war of sorts as other lines vie for passengers to fill up their ships as well. Initially priced higher sailing from (harder to get to) Port Canaveral than sailing from (easy access) Port Everglades, look for Oasis of the Seas pricing to drop closer to the ship’s November move. Meanwhile, pay special attention to prices on Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and other Royal Caribbean ships sailing from Port Canaveral.  6000 passengers is a big bite out of the apple.  Still, two things we know for sure: Cruise lines know reducing prices fills ships and those floating hotels can be moved rather quickly if the competition does not yield the desired occupancy levels. Count on both happening, briefly, thanks to Harmony of the Seas.

Flickr cover photo- m01229


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Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse Photo Gallery

Guy's Pig & Anchor
A Plate of Happiness

Celebrity Chef Guy Fieri — whose Guy’s Burger Joints on Carnival Cruise Line ships have earned a reputation as the best burgers at sea — has expanded his seagoing culinary offerings with a new eatery aboard Carnival Magic called Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse.

The casual, open-air smokehouse is located on Carnival Magic’s Lanai on Promenade Deck.   It’s open from noon to 2:30 p.m. on sea days and is free of charge.

The smokehouse offers a wide variety of BBQ favorites smoked right on board over hickory and cherry wood using Guy’s signature recipes, rubs, and spices.

 

Countdown to Koningsdam Episode 7: Crew Arrivals

 

Hosted by Johnathan Rogers, Koningsdam‘s cruise director, the video,  this video features Hotel Director Stan Kuppens, who talks about the crew arriving at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard, loading supplies onboard and preparing the ship for delivery as deck, engine and hotel officers also make their way to Italy.

“The officers and crew are the heart of our ships, and we wouldn’t be able to fully prepare for Koningsdam‘s delivery without their support and dedication,” said Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line’s president. “The ship is nearing delivery, and we know our fans will enjoy seeing the crew at the shipyard working on final preparations.”

When it sets sail, Koningsdam will have 1,036 officers and crew on board, and approximately 350 of those employees will be at the shipyard in Italy prior to delivery. In addition to loading supplies and helping the ship get ready for delivery, crew members also are assisting with cabin inspections, washing linens and getting fitted for uniforms.

All officers and crew will move on board approximately three weeks before the March 31 delivery and bring the ship to life in anticipation of the April 8 Premiere Voyage.

A Game Changer

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 hollandamerica.com.

Princess Cruises Reveals Next Year’s Itineraries and Programs

Crown Princess in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska

Six Princess Cruises’ ships will sail Alaska’s waters next summer offering multiple itinerary options, immersive onboard culinary and cultural experiences, and a variety of “Land & Sea Vacations” for further exploring the state’s vast wilderness.

The line’s signature “Voyage of the Glaciers” itinerary — with its unrivaled glacier-viewing opportunities — will be offered on Coral Princess, Star Princess and Island Princess between Whittier (Anchorage) and Vancouver, B.C.

Cruises through the Inside Passage — with its ever-changing scenery from picturesque shores to quaint coastal towns — will be offered aboard Ruby Princess and Emerald Princess from Seattle and Grand Princess from San Francisco.

While on board, guests will encounter a variety of ways to engage in authentic experiences through the award-winning North to Alaska program.  It features the newest Cook My Catch, an exclusive culinary program allowing guests to return from select Princess fishing excursions to have the chef prepare their very own catch of the day.

Also offered in 2017, the crowd-favorite Puppies in the Piazza, where guests can interact with real Alaskan sled dog puppies that are brought on board. On land, guests will hear first-hand tales from mountain climbers who have conquered Denali as they tell the exhilarating stories of their journey in the new Hudson Theater.

In addition, the cruise line’s “Land & Sea Vacations” will offer flexible ways to delve deeper into the fascinating Alaska frontier. Land tours are combined with a seven-day “Voyage of the Glaciers” cruise and include the company’s premier wilderness lodges, exclusive rail service, plus visits to the top two attractions in Alaska – Glacier Bay National Park and Denali National Park.

All 2017 Alaska cruises and “Land and Sea Vacations” are open for booking.

“Princess continues to offer guests the best of this beautiful state while on land and at sea,” said Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises. “From wilderness and glaciers to fresh salmon and sled dog puppies, the newest North to Alaska experiences truly delivers on our commitment to ensuring our guests come back new.”

Princess’ 2017 Alaska program includes:

Alaska Cruises
With 113 departures from Seattle, San Francisco, Vancouver and Whittier — featuring unique ports and destinations — options abound for exploring Alaska in 2017 aboard Princess ships, including:

  • Voyage of the Glaciers – Princess’ most popular Gulf of Alaska sailings between Vancouver and Whittier features two glacier-viewing experiences on every voyage, with visits to the UNESCO-listed Glacier Bay National Park plus either Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord.
  • Inside Passage This awe-inspiring part of Alaska, known for its lush scenery and pristine fjords, will be featured on seven- and 10-day roundtrip voyages with the option to visit Glacier Bay on select sailings from Seattle, Vancouver and San Francisco.

Alaska Land & Sea Vacations
Princess offers guests more than 20 “Land and Sea Vacations” in 2017, most featuring multiple nights at Princess-owned Wilderness Lodges to experience the grandeur of Denali. Guests will once again be able to purchase a pre-paid meal package for the land portion of their vacation in 2017. Options include:

  • Denali Explorer – As Princess’ most popular “Land & Sea Vacation,” these itineraries feature multiple nights at the line’s Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge and/or Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge.
  • On Your Own – An affordable option for independent-minded travelers, these itineraries offer a flexible way to see the heart of Alaska. Tours follow similar routes as Denali Explorer options but do not include any pre-planned excursions, giving travelers the opportunity to customize their own experience.
  • Off the Beaten Path – These itineraries are designed to take travelers beyond Denali to sought-after, remote regions of the state such as the Kenai Peninsula and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve.
  • Connoisseur – The line’s highest level of service, these tours provide a truly immersive experience. With a professional tour director, most meals included, and enhanced sightseeing, guests experience the best of the great land.
  • Heart of the Rockies Plus Rail – This 14-night cruisetour originates in Calgary and includes daylight Silverleaf rail service on the Rocky Mountaineer. The fully-escorted land tour combines with a seven-day northbound “Voyage of the Glaciers” cruise on Star Princess and includes most breakfasts and dinners.