Italy: Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard launched the ‘Nieuw Amsterdam’ on October 31 for Holland America Line, a member of the Carnival Group. Delivery is scheduled for June 2010.

The launch was preceded by the customary “coin ceremony”, the laying of a silver dollar on the last deck of the ship. Godmother to the ship was Alice Tinorua, the wife of Pieter Rijkaart, Director of New Buildings for Holland America Line.

At 87,000GT, 285 metres long and catering for up to 2,106 passengers in 1,053 cabins, the ‘Nieuw Amsterdam’ will be the largest vessel in Holland America Line’s fleet.