Completion of Introduction & Naming of Oosterdam!
Ray Goldenberg
I received this press release from Holland America and thought it
would be of interest. If you have missed any of my news' postings,
they are available on my web site.
Best regards,
Ray
LIGHTHOUSE TRAVEL
800-719-9917 or 805-566-3905
http://www.lighthousetravel.com
Holland America Line Completes 10-Day Introduction and Naming of ms
Oosterdam
Nearly 20,000 Agents, Past Guests and Friends Visit Ship
SEATTLE, Aug. 4
To celebrate its 130th Anniversary and dedicate its newest vessel, the
1,848-passenger ms Oosterdam, Holland America Line recently completed
a ten-day introduction of the vessel in Europe, showcasing the vessel
to nearly 20,000 agents, past guests, and potential guests. A
highlight of the inaugural festivities was the three-day special
celebration in the company's original homeport of Rotterdam with Her
Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands naming the ship.
The company's flagship, ms Rotterdam, stood bow-to-bow with the
Oosterdam for the celebration. Later, more than 150,000 watched as
fireworks lit up the night sky over both ships.
"These past days have been among the most memorable moments in the
130- year history of Holland America," said Lanterman. "Seeing
hundreds of thousands of people watch as the ships arrived and then
welcoming thousands more aboard to visit the ships was a great
experience. It has been a magnificent introduction."
The ms Oosterdam introduction events began with activities in
Southampton, United Kingdom, on July 25 and 26, including a travel
agent open house, Mariner (past guest) luncheon and overnight gala
with travel agents, media and local VIPs. Nearly 3,000 visited the
ship in Southampton, generating a flood of interest and bookings at
SeaVacations, Holland America's United Kingdom sales office. The ship
then sailed to the city of Rotterdam to meet up with the company's
flagship ms Rotterdam.
Creating a dramatic backdrop, the Rotterdam and the new ms Oosterdam
stood bow-to-bow on the famed Wilhelminakade, just a stone's throw
from the company's original headquarters. Over the course of the three
days, events included an open house and luncheons for past employees,
retirees and friends of the company; a Mariner past guest luncheon;
and a centennial celebration of the FWZ Maritime Officers Union of the
Netherlands. In addition travel agents from throughout Europe toured
the ships and attended special open houses, seminars, luncheons and an
overnight stay. Thousands more gathered near the quayside to view the
vessels.
In the company's most elaborate naming ceremony ever, thousands
watched as Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet arrived via a red
carpet lined with hundreds of officers and crew to a stage framed by
the five house flags flown on the fleet throughout its rich history.
As Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet cut the traditional ribbon,
the flags ascended to the bridge of the Rotterdam and 130 white doves
were released commemorating the company's anniversary. Next a 6-liter
mathusalem of champagne began its nearly 300-foot decent breaking
against the Oosterdam's name on the ship's hull.
This was followed by the release of a 20- by 30-foot Dutch flag from
the bow of the Oosterdam and a similar US flag from the Rotterdam,
clearly representing the company's name.
Following the naming ceremony, nearly 1,000 participated in a Royal
Maritime Gala at which A. Kirk Lanterman, Chairman and CEO, Holland
America Line, became an Officer of the Order of Orange Nassau, an
honor bestowed by Her Royal Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands.
The highly coveted decoration was presented to Lanterman by Ivo
Opstelton, Lord Mayor of Rotterdam, aboard the Oosterdam during
inaugural festivities. After the presentation and dinner, Her Royal
Highness Princess Margriet blew the ship's whistle to begin an
elaborate fireworks show that lit up the evening sky.
According to local officials, more than 150,000 people lined the banks
of the Maas River to view the fireworks. As the Oosterdam and
Rotterdam departed separately on Wednesday, July 30, on a two-hour
journey from Rotterdam to the Atlantic Ocean a flotilla of vessels
accompanied each ship and included escorts from the coast guard, navy
and police. In addition, the Netherlands Royal Air Force escorted the
Oosterdam for the first several miles on her itinerary to Hamburg,
Germany, for further introduction activities.
The Oosterdam spent two days in Hamburg, the first visit by a Holland
America ship to the river port. In Hamburg, German TV carried the
arrival live, while later a 30-minute show broadcast live from the
atrium of the ms Oosterdam to millions of viewers throughout Germany.
Thousands visited the ship in Hamburg.
On August 3, the Oosterdam arrived at Harwich for her maiden voyage
and a luncheon with 700 past guests. As they arrived, the first cruise
guests of the Oosterdam were welcomed aboard with a concert by the
renowned Royal Marine Band.
The Oosterdam's sold-out "Vikings & Czars" maiden voyage sails from
London to Copenhagen Aug. 3 and calls at Oslo with scenic cruising of
Oslofjord; Arhus, Denmark; Warnemunde, Germany; Visby, Sweden;
Tallinn, Estonia; St. Petersburg, Russia; Helsinki, Finland; and
Stockholm, cruising the Stockholm Archipelago.
About Holland America Line
In 2003, Holland America's fleet of 12, five-star, premium ships will
offer 447 premium cruises on industry-leading itineraries to all seven
continents and will sail from 16 North American home ports. Holland
America excels in service, amenities and special programs. Its ships
have more staff members per guest than any other major cruise line,
and its popular "tipping not required" policy ensures consistent,
attentive service. Spacious staterooms average 25 percent larger and
verandahs twice as large as those on other lines' ships. Menus are
among the most extensive at sea. Dining choices include formal
elegance, alternative specialty dining in the Pacific Northwest-themed
Pinnacle Grill, casual fare and complimentary 24-hour room service.
The winner of the 10th consecutive "Best Overall Cruise Value" award
from the World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society (WOCLS), the line offers
the only trip cancellation program in the industry that offers cash
back for canceling for any reason prior to 24 hours before departure.
For more information, consult a professional travel agent.
World's Leading Cruise Lines
The highest-rated premium cruise line in the world in the 2002 Travel
& Leisure magazine "World's Best" Awards, Holland America is a member
of the exclusive World's Leading Cruise Lines alliance, which also
includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line,
Seabourn Cruise Line, Costa Cruises and Windstar Cruises. Sharing a
passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value,
the member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. The
World's Leading Cruise Lines offer exciting and enriching cruise
vacations to the world's most desirable destinations. Conde Nast
Traveler magazine readers also ranked Holland America Line as the top
premium cruise line in the world in the much-anticipated 2002 Readers'
Choice Awards.