There’s a lot of buzz on the new ship coming from Holland America in February 2016 – and it will be here before we know it. I had been asking key HAL execs for a while as to details on the new ship, to be named ms Koningsdam - the 1st in the new Pinnacle Class for the line. Now that a few other new ships have been launched and the industry has settled down a bit, it makes sense for HAL to gear up and start providing us with all the info about their new and innovative ship design – the biggest ship ever to be built for them.
ms Koningsdam
First of all I like that this is a totally new name for the brand – no recycled, historic names here but still in keeping with those “dam ships”. As Koning means King in Dutch it is an appropriate and gracious nod to King Willem-Alexander, the 1st Dutch King in more than a century. The other key factor which I think hugely important is that Adam D. Tihany, a remarkable and pre-eminent hospitality designer, has been chosen to bring a fresh vision to this new breed of ship and will work in concert with renowned maritime designer, Bjorn Storbraaten.
Holland America is in an interesting position – they need to keep their very loyal guests happy with this new, 2,650 guest ship and accordingly offer enough of their hallmark features, but they also need to attract a new, younger, more modern guest.
Adam Tihany
Thus we expect the ship will offer, in many ways, a beautiful combination of both – a hybrid perhaps, as some have suggested. Certainly many of the familiar rooms will be on the vessel but it appears that more space will be devoted to them and they will have a brighter look.
The approach taken by Tihany is interesting. He has described a metaphorical approach to his inspiration for the design of the ship as an “architecture of music”. Soaring spaces, re-imagined public areas and rooms with great height will be featured on this ship. Classic elegance will still be a cornerstone but I am hoping and imagining that the ship will also be more contemporary. And, I trust we will get a few bells and whistles too.
Queen's lounge
The cruise line plans to release a number of updates on the ship, cleverly timed to engage and to maximize attention. One of the features we have already heard about is that there will be both single and family accommodations and also verandahs will enhance 912 of the staterooms.
Koningsdam will have 32 family ocean-view staterooms – a clear testament to focusing on a younger audience or at the least a multi-generational audience. And there are 12 ocean-view single occupancy staterooms – probably not enough, in fact.
We also applaud the changes to the pool area with a dual level magrodome and a more inventive approach to the Queen’s Lounge which will be a 2 storey theatre and entertainment venue with a large dance floor (great for all those Dancing with the Stars moments).
Bookings for Koningsdam’s inaugural season opened on December 1st and the 1st sailing will be a 7 day Premiere Voyage from Rome on February 20th, 2016; she will continue her season in the Med with a series of 12 day Premiere Sailings through to early May. Details for itineraries past then are currently being finalised and should be available soon.
Atrium
Holland America Line is a brand rich in its Dutch heritage, is well ensconced in the premium category and has a very loyal guest following. It is a company that values consistency, performs well and is highly regarded. But now it’s time for HAL to step up and out from its safe position. Now is the time for the fresh new design, for a more contemporary and striking new class of ship –and now is the time for them to become more innovative, to surprise us and to delight us. They have the potential, they have the opportunity and we trust and hope that over the coming months we will see a refreshed and re-imagined ship coming together before our eyes. Continue to embrace your timeless traditions but please also give us those forward-thinking ideas and moments.
