Holland America names new ship

Six score and 14 years ago, Holland America sent its first ship, the ss Rotterdam on its maiden voyage from Rotterdam to New York. This week, the cruise line named its 80th passenger ship. Cruisers, meet the ms Eurodam.

The Eurodam will debut in 2008 and will become the largest ship in Holland America’s fleet. The name was chosen to celebrate the company’s European and Dutch heritage.

The new ship will carry 2,044 passengers and will offer all of the line’s “Signature of Excellence” amenities. New features include a topside pan-Asian restaurant and lounge with panoramic views, an Italian specialty restaurant, an enhanced show lounge, and a photography center. Eighty-six percent of staterooms will have windows, and 67 percent of those will feature verandahs.

With a name like the Eurodam, I’d expect this ship to sail itineraries through the waters of the Continent. But Holland America is keeping mum on the ship’s future schedule for now. Stay tuned for more news throughout the next year as Holland America gets closer to debuting its new baby.