First introduced last March, Holland America and Fincantieri announced to the cruise shipping community that it had signed a contract to construct one of the world's most innovative vessel series that would incorporate keen interior designs, as well as the most up-to-date safety and technical features. The first two members of the vessels series — Zuiderdam and Oosterdam — are well on their way to completion; Zuiderdam is currently afloat at Fincantieri's outfitting dock in Trieste, Italy, while Oosterdam is in the midst of the construction process. Zuiderdam is scheduled for a November 15, 2002 delivery (up from its original December delivery date), followed by Oosterdam in June 2003. The vessels, which will each measure 951 ft.