Holland America's Eurodam Christened in Rotterdam

In a traditional ceremony yesterday in Rotterdam, Holland America’s newest ship Eurodam was christened by Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands. The christening also marked Holland America’s 135^th year anniversary and was reminiscent of 1873 when the cruise line was founded in exactly the same location, same pier.

"What a day, what an incredibly, marvelous beautiful day," said HAL president Stein Kruse, and he wasn't just referring to the gorgeous blue skies overhead. Kruse paid homage to Holland America’s deep roots in Rotterdam and Holland and the long time seafaring tradition that exists there. Holland America’s offices were in fact situated in what is now the historic Hotel New York nearby for a long period of time.

Eurodam is Holland America’s 80^th ship, the 14^th in Holland America’s existing fleet and the largest to ever sail for the cruise line. Whilst other ships godmothers have been hindered with problems when smashing the champagne bottle against the hull of the ship, Queen Beatrix had no such problem and the magnum smashed with a satisfying soundness.

Eurodam begins sailing regular cruises today and after the taster cruise will celebrate its maiden voyage in the Baltic. Later this summer, Eurodam will venture across the Atlantic, with cruising itineraries in Canada and New England.