Koningsdam, the largest ship of Holland America Line, which is part of the Carnival Corporation & plc group,, was delivered today at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Marghera.

“At 99,800 gross tons, almost 300 meters long, with accommodation for up to 2,650 passengers on board in more than 1,300 cabins, 70% of which with private balcony overlooking the sea, the new unit will not only be a new “Pinnacle” class ship, but also the 15th unit realised by Fincantieri for Holland America Line, complementing its fleet, six years after the debut of Nieuw Amsterdam, delivered in Marghera, also, in 2010,” The Italian shipbuilder said in a statement.

“Koningsdam is characterized by a modern and contemporary style which blends perfectly with the traditional elegance which distinguishes all the ships in the fleet. The design was created by two of the world’s major and prestigious architecture studios, Tihany Design and Yran & Storbraaten, with “the architecture of music” being an inspirational element for the design of many public areas,” Fincantieri said.

It is the first ship in the Holland America Line fleet to exceed the original maximum dimensions of the Panama Canal of 294 metres in length and 32.2 metres in beam. The canal is being significantly enlarged to allow larger vessels to use it.

Koningsdam is the largest ever vessel to enter service with Holland America Line, which was founded in 1873. Carnival Cruise Lines acquired the brand, business and assets of the Dutch company in 1988 in what was the first acquisition of what is Carnival Corporation & plc today. The original Holland America Line remains listed in Amsterdam as HAL Invest and it has stakes in various companies, including the maritime services group Royal Boskalis Westminster.