Holland America Line's New MS Koningsdam To Homeport At Port Everglades

Following its inaugural Europe season in 2016, Holland America Line's new ms Koningsdam will homeport at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The ship will sail a series of Caribbean voyages and one cruise to the Bahamas from November 2016 through March 2017. Koningsdam's Caribbean itineraries will be available for booking in late spring.

The seven-day cruises visit popular ports in the region, while the longer nine-, 10- and 11-day itineraries provide more time for exploring and include a diverse array of islands with exciting, off-the-beaten-path calls. A four-day cruise to the Bahamas kicks off the Caribbean season. All voyages are roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale.
"We are excited to sail Holland America Line's newest ship from Port Everglades on the most varied and robust Caribbean itineraries of any of our ships," said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. "The Caribbean remains among the most popular cruise destinations in the world, and by having itineraries that range from four to 11 days guests will be able to enjoy a vacation that fits their schedule."

Four-day Bahamas Cruise

Koningsdam begins its inaugural season in the Caribbean with a four-day cruise to the Bahamas departing Nov. 9, 2016. Following an overnight in Fort Lauderdale, the ship calls at Nassau followed by Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line's award-winning private island. The voyage is the perfect way to sample Holland America Line's new Pinnacle-class ship.

Seven-day Caribbean Cruises & Holiday Sailing

Two different seven-day itineraries provide an ideal getaway in winter, when the balmy breezes of the Caribbean beckon. The first itinerary sails Jan. 8 and 29 and Feb. 12, 2017, calling at Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos; San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Half Moon Cay. The second itinerary departs Jan. 15 and Feb. 5, 2017, and visits Half Moon Cay; Georgetown, Grand Cayman; Cozumel, Mexico; and Key West, Fla. The two itineraries can be combined to create a nonrepeating 14-day Caribbean Collectors' Voyage.
For the holidays, the Dec. 23, 2016, departure falls over Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, making it the most festive of voyages. The seven-day cruise will visit Grand Turk, San Juan, St. Thomas and Half Moon Cay.

Nine-day Caribbean Cruises Include a New Year's Option

Guests looking for a slightly longer Caribbean vacation can embark Dec. 14, 2016, for a nine-day voyage that showcases six popular ports. The ship calls at Half Moon Cay; Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Basseterre, St. Kitts; San Juan; and Grand Turk.

Another nine-day voyage departing Dec. 30 rings in the New Year with fun, sun, sand and surf. The ship will call at Falmouth, Jamaica; Half Moon Cay; Grand Turk; Georgetown, Cayman Islands; Cozumel and Key West.
10-day Caribbean Cruises Feature Southern Caribbean

From the turquoise waters of the Dominican Republic to the powdery beaches of the ABC Islands, Koningsdam's 10-day itinerary highlights some of the most beautiful ports in the region. Departing Nov. 13 and Dec. 4, 2015, and Feb. 19 and March 12, 2016, the cruises call at Half Moon Cay; Grand Turk; the exclusive cruise port of Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; Kralendijk, Bonaire; Willemstand, Curacao; and Oranjestad, Aruba.

11-day Caribbean Cruises Offer Blend of Several Ports

The eastern Caribbean takes center stage on the 11-day voyages that depart Nov. 23, 2016, and March 1 and 22, 2017. Koningsdam will visit the ports of Philipsburg; Castries, St. Lucia; Bridgetown, Barbados; Fort-de-France, Martinique; Basseterre; St. Thomas; and Half Moon Cay. Guests aboard also will enjoy scenic cruising in Soufriere Bay and past the famed Mount Pelee volcano.

The inaugural Caribbean season of Koningsdam will be open for booking in April 2015.

Travelore News: Koningsdam Joins Holland America Line

Holland America Line’s MS Koningsdam is due for delivery in February 2016. Now open for reservations, the first sailings of the line’s new flagship will be one seven-day cruise followed by a six cruise series of 12-day itineraries throughout the Mediterranean.

At the heart of the ship, Koningsdam’s central atrium is pure visual drama and soars three decks high.

The atrium is capped by a ceiling that serves as a backdrop for subtly changing high-definition projections. Look up by day to see wispy cirrus clouds floating overhead or perhaps soothing colors of water and light. By evening, the atrium takes on dramatic lighting hues or reflects the clear constellations of the night sky.

The main dining will span two floors and be framed by views of the sea. A bright interior will be inspired by a modern, global design and sets the stage for the exceptional culinary experience to come. Speaking of culinary experiences, the CULINARY ARTS CENTER PRESENTED BY FOOD & WINE® MAGAZINE, a groundbreaking concept blends guests' love for food and entertaining into a unique, interactive experience. Explore regional fresh ideas in food and entertaining while you sail. Discover your inner sous chef or how to choose the perfect wine. Raise a glass to new talents.

At the heart of the Culinary Arts Center is an innovative show kitchen outfitted with multiple plasma video screens to capture fine details close up.

Now spanning two floors, the Queen’s Lounge will host the popular B.B. King’s Blues Club, showcasing the sounds of Memphis performed by an eight-piece brand. By day, the beautiful room hosts presentations, speakers, and other activities, and can also accommodate special entertainment events.

With a sophisticated color palette and the freedom to design from the ground up based on guest feedback, ms Koningsdam’s staterooms and suites feature a host of modern functional details such as bedside USB ports, along with custom casework and frameless glass shower doors that feel luxurious and upscale.

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