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Place the cursor over the photos to read the
descriptions; if you click on any of the thumbnail pictures,
the full-sized photo will open in a pop up screen. Please note
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Page 2 of 8 |
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Page 2 of 8 |
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On Tuesday, July 29th, 2003
at 4:00 PM, Princess Margriet of the Netherlands
officially names
Oosterdam. The
traditional bottle of champagne comes sailing down from a rope that is attached
to the bridge of fleet mate and HAL flagship
Rotterdam, berthed bow-to- bow with
Oosterdam.
As soon as the bottle hits
Oosterdam's
hull, white doves are released, horns blow and the air is filled with confetti.
A new ship is officially born!
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During his Keynote
Address that evening, Kirk Lanterman, CEO of Holland America
(now retired), recalls standing on the bridge of Maasdam
when it first sailed into Rotterdam. When asked why there were
so many people watching the ship from the shores of the Maas
River, the Captain said "They have come to see their ship".
And indeed, the Dutch still feel closely connected to Holland
America Line, even though the company is headquartered in Seattle and
part of the ever-present Carnival Corporation. But all that
doesn't really matter; the huge
crowds lining the quayside during Oosterdam's
christening ceremony prove that. |
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Berthed
bow-to-bow with flagship Rotterdam, Ooster-dam's
name is officially unveiled in a glamorous
ceremony
that includes speeches, blessings, music and a royal
godmother. Princess Margriet also named Rotterdam in 1997
and when she has spoken the words "I name this ship
Oosterdam", a bottle of champagne comes flying down
from the bridge wing of fleet mate Rotterdam. |
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I feel very fortunate being able to witness this event,
standing on one of the forward open decks of the brand new Oosterdam, amidst white doves and confetti,
deafened by the sound of both ship's horns. It is an unforgettable event! And
the party continues once we have changed into our tuxedos. There are more
speeches and music in the Vista Lounge, followed by a Gala
Dinner. Both events are attended by Princess Margriet, who has
changed into a stunning evening gown for the occasion. And when we stand out
on deck after dinner to witness the magnificent fireworks light
up the skies, it is clear that the city of Rotterdam has not forgotten Holland America Line. The line could not
have chosen a better venue for the introduction of
Oosterdam. Happy 130th birthday Holland
America Line! |
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