MS Koningsdam Crowned with Royal Seal of Approval

Holland America Line doesn’t do things by halves. So when it started the hunt for a godmother for its newest fleet member, we knew she was going to be a high profile lady. The line conclusively delivered, and has now confirmed that Holland’s stunning Queen Máxima will step up to the role.

With the christening ceremony set to take place on May 20th, the event is just days away. Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Netherlands will be on-hand to crack open a bottle of bubbly on the hull, and ensure that the Rotterdam celebrations unfold with a touch of royal refinement. The royal stunner will be continuing a long tradition of stately inaugurations, with members of the Dutch Royal Family launching no less than 11 Holland America Line ships over the years. While this isn’t Máxima’s first experience christening a ship, it is her debut appearance as Queen. In 2010 she launched ms Nieuw Amsterdam, however she was Princess at the time.

Continuing a history of royal launches

Needless to say, Holland America Line President Orlando Ashford is thrilled, and will no doubt be a little spellbound by the blonde beauty.

“We are incredibly honoured that Her Majesty Queen Máxima will carry on the tradition of Dutch Royalty christening Holland America Line ships, which began 87 years ago,” he comments. “We chose Rotterdam as the location for the official ceremony because of the deep historic connection between Holland America Line, the city and the people of the Netherlands. May 20th will be a very special day in our company’s 143-year history as we officially dedicate ms Koningsdam.”

A stately standard of cruising

With a passenger capacity of 2,650, ms Koningsdam sets a new standard of cruising for the Dutch-based line. And what better way to celebrate a new era of cruising than with the royal seal of approval from Queen Máxima herself? Cheers to that!

After winding up an exclusive 13-day Christening Cruise from Rome’s Civitavecchia port, ms Koningsdam will set her sights on Amsterdam. Here, she’ll spend the summer whisking passengers away to a host of outstanding European destinations, including Norway, the Baltics and Iceland.

Find your dream Holland America Line cruise

Want to enjoy world class Holland America Line hospitality, complete with royal esteem from one of the world’s loveliest monarchs? Our team of Cruise 1st experts are always on-hand to help you find your dream Holland America Line cruise, with incredible deals across the entire fleet. Give our friendly sales team a call on 0808 2746 777.

Image via Flickr Creative Commons. Photo credits: Wesley Lelieveld, Roel Wijnants