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Page 1 of 5 |
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Page 1 of 5 |
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After giving all their cruise ships names that are steeped
in the company's 135 year history, Holland America
Line broke with tradition by naming their latest ship
Eurodam.
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Eurodam at
Hook of Holland, June 29 - Photo © Cees de Bijl |
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In a sun-drenched ceremony in the vessels's homeport of
Rotterdam, Holland America Line proudly showed off their largest
passenger ship to date. A ship that pushes the cruise line into the future without
compromising its unique heritage.
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Eurodam at
Rotterdam |
Holland
America's logo |
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Cruise Line: |
Holland
America Line |
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Built: |
2008 |
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Building Yard: |
Fincantieri,
Italy |
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Gross Tonnage: |
86,700 |
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Length: |
290.0 m (951.4 ft) |
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Beam: |
32.2 m (106.0 ft) |
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Passengers
(norm.): |
2,104 |
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Passengers
(max): |
2,611 |
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Crew: |
929 |
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Service speed: |
21,9 knots |
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The weather
gods are obviously in a good mood on July 1, 2008, the day Eurodam
is named in her home port of Rotterdam. Guests for
the overnight event are welcomed in Holland America's old terminal building.
Around the corner is Hotel New York, built as Holland
America's head quarters. With so many maritime memories around
it is obvious from the very first
minute that this is going to be a very special afternoon!
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Eurodam at
Rotterdam |
Time for the naming ceremony |
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Eurodam at
Rotterdam |
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Close to the
company's original head quarters the stage is set for an elaborate naming ceremony. Holland
America have pulled all stops, inviting 2,500 guests,
including many dignitaries and even some Dutch celebrities!
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The blessing
of the ship's bell |
Guido keeps playing |
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After some
speeches and the blessing of the ship's bell - a time honored Holland
America tradition, all eyes are set for the arrival of H.M. Queen Beatrix
of the Netherlands. And there she is, accompanied by Micky Arison and
Stein Kruse, CEO of Holland America Line. |
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Holland
America's CEO Stein Kruse talks to the Queen |
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Now in her
early seventies, Queen Beatrix officially names the ship Eurodam and
after ringing the ship's bell, a bottle of champagne crashes on her hull. Amidst
cheers, streamers and the overwhelming sounds of
Guido's Orchestra, Eurodam's Godmother is escorted on board
for a quick tour of "her" ship. And after a glass of
champagne in the terminal building, it's time for us to board Eurodam
again for cocktails, dinner and ...
ShowTime!.
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"I name this
ship Eurodam" |
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