Holland America names new ship Koningsdam

Holland America has announced that the first ship in its all new Pinnacle-class is to be called ms Koningsdam.

The name is a first for the 141-year old company, which started out as the Netherlands-American Steamship Company in 1873, although it continues to honour its Dutch heritage, according to the line’s chief Stein Kruse.

Koning is the Dutch word for King, a nod to the country’s first male monarch in over a century, His Majesty King Willem-Alexander (pictured).

The 2,650-passenger ship is due to launch in February 2016 and is currently being built at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard.

Koningsdam will also carry the Dutch flag like the rest of the Holland America Line fleet.

“In choosing the name Koningsdam, we are honoring our rich Dutch heritage while reflecting that we’re entering a new era as a company,” explained Kruse, chief executive officer of the Holland America Group.

“This new Pinnacle-class ship will be our largest, most contemporary vessel, and it was only fitting to give it a name that embodies great achievement for the future, while embracing timeless tradition.”