Fincantieri Predicts Clear Vista For HAL
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.
M/S Zuiderdam: Modern With Elegant Taste
Taking a moment to think back to when Holland America Line (HAL) first announced the formulation of the new Vista Class at the Sea Trade Cruise Shipping Show in Miami, Fla. in March 2001, it is almost as though we are living in a different world. The cruise industry was booming, there was no such thing, as the Office of Homeland Security and the threats of terrorism seemed only real in distant lands. One thing is the same, however, and that is that despite all these obstacles — both financial and political — HAL stood its ground to work with Fincantieri to build a vessel class like no other - both on the technical and design fronts. MR/EN had the opportunity to explore the premiere vessel of this class — MS Zuiderdam —inside and out during its preview cruise this past December.
