Holland America Line took delivery ms Noordam from Fincantieri-Cantieri Navali Italiani S.p.A. at a special ceremony in Venice, Italy. The Noordam will depart Venice on Friday, February 3, for her new homeport, New York City, where she will offer 10- and 11-day Caribbean cruises beginning with her maiden voyage on February 22, 2006. That same day, the official dedication ceremony will take place with Academy Award-winning actress Marlee Matlin serving as godmother.
"The Noordam is the fourth and last of our popular Vista-class ships, which represent the four points of a compass,” states Stein Kruse, president and chief executive officer, Holland America Line. "With this major accomplishment, next we set our sights on the recently announced Signature-class series."
Like her sister ships, the Westerdam, Zuiderdam and Oosterdam, the new Noordam boasts a spacious design for public areas and staterooms. Eighty five percent of her staterooms have ocean views, with 67 percent of all staterooms sporting verandahs. She is the first ship to be delivered with all Signature of Excellence amenities in place, including plush Euro-top mattresses and flat panel TVs and DVD players in all cabins, new dining options, the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine and the pampering Greenhouse Spa and Salon.