NEW YORK -- Holland America Line's newest ship, the 1,380-passenger
Amsterdam, arrived in New York on Oct. 24, following a
transatlantic crossing from Italy's Fincantieri shipyard and a
series of travel agent and media events in Boston, Baltimore,
Philadelphia and other East Coast cities.
The ship will continue sailing south along the U.S. East Coast
until reaching Fort Lauderdale, Fla., from where it will begin
regular service on Oct. 30.
The Amsterdam will offer 10-day Panama Canal cruises between
Fort Lauderdale and Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica, through March
30.
Following a 16-day spring transatlantic cruise, Amsterdam will
offer 12-day cruises in the Mediterranean and northern and western
Europe.
The ship features an all-suite concierge deck with two
penthouses and 50 suites and a lounge, the Neptune Lounge, for the
exclusive use of concierge deck passengers.
The ship also offers an Internet cafe, and 25% of the vessel's
690 staterooms offer private balconies with glass balustrades.
Another distinguishing feature of the Amsterdam is an ornate
clock tower, which is the centerpiece of the ship's three-deck
atrium. The clock includes a carillon in its base and four
different faces, including an astrolabe, world clock, planetary
clock and an astrological clock.