TravelPulse is at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Maghera, Italy today for a sneak preview of Holland America Line’s newest vessel, Nieuw Statendam. The second in the Pinnacle Class of vessels is set to debut on December 1.
Our visit comes during a busy time, with only six weeks left before delivery. It’s no surprise then, that workers are bustling about the ship, installing finishes, fixtures and furnishings. After donning protective garb from head to toe, we stepped gingerly across scaffolding, wires, equipment and floor coverings. Nieuw Amsterdam’s interiors still look pretty rough. But, our “tour guides,” (line executives, as well as the ship’s captain and staff captain) are confident that everything is proceeding according to schedule.
Nieuw Amsterdam will spend its inaugural winter season in the Caribbean. She’ll then reposition to Europe for the summer and fall of 2019.
The ship’s official naming ceremony will take place on February 2, 2019, in Fort Lauderdale. Oprah Winfrey will serve as godmother. Prior to the event, Winfrey is hosting a sold-out three-day “Girl’s Getaway” cruise that departs on January 30, 2019, from Fort Lauderdale.
