This month we feature a line and its 15th ship That has been familiar to The Shipboard Cruiser for over 25 years. That was before cruising became the in place to go on your vacation with everything furnished. This line was pleasing cruisers crossing the Atlantic back and forth to Europe before most of us were born. They learned their trade by giving the best service, the best food, the best stage shows and always the cleanest ships. In the early days you went to dinner dressed to the “nines” with waiters who knew their business and made service their life’s work going out of their way to make your trip one to remember. You will be pleased to know that when you cruise Holland America Line today you will still have that same exciting service on the newest member of the spotless fleet , the second ship in the brand new Signature Class…

ms NIEUW AMSTERDAM

    In a gala ceremony rich with Dutch Heritage, Holland America Line named ms Nieuw Amsterdam in Venice, Italy on July 4. Her Royal Higness Princess Maxima of the Netherlands officially named the premium line's 15th ship in front of invited dignitaries, cruise guests and media during the special celebra- tion before the ship embarked on its maiden voyage.

    "We are exceptionally honored to have Her Highness Princess Maxima as the godmother of this beautiful ship and to continue a long and proud tradition of having members of the Dutch Royal Family name out ships," said Stein Kruse, president and CEO of Holland America Line. "The second Signature class ship in our fleet is elegant and the largest passenger ship to sail under the Dutch flag.

    Fifteen fleet captains representing Holland America Line's ships participated in the festivities, welcoming Her Royal Highness as she arrived to the pier. Following the ship's blessing and traditional breaking of a champagne bottle across the ship's bow as the finale, company executives and senior Staff officers led attendees in a toast of the occasion.

    The 2,106-guest Nieuw Amsterdam is the fourth to carry that name for the line and departed on its maiden voyage roundtrip from Venice to nearby Mediterramean ports. After a series of 12-day Mediterranean sailings, the ship embarks on a fall trans-Atlantic crossing to the Caribbean to sail seven-day eastern and western itineraries from November through March 2011.

    For more information and cruise fares, contact your professional travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL or check the Holland America Line's Web site direct link on ShipboardCruiser.com. This will be an exciting year to cruise the ms Nieuw Amsterdam. You will love it. Bon Voyage!!