By the Caribbean Journal staff

Holland America Line has officially taken delivery of its newest cruise ship, the Nieuw Statendam.

The ship, the 15th in Holland America’s fleet, will make its first voyage Dec. 5 before launching its first full season sailing round-trip itineraries to the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale.

Nieuw Statendam’s naming ceremony will be held in Fort Lauderdale in February.

“Today the Holland America Line family celebrates the addition of Nieuw Statendam to our fleet, and it’s a proud moment for everyone involved,” said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. “Thank you to our partners at Fincantieri and our own team members who worked diligently to deliver the ship looking more stunning than we imagined. Nieuw Statendam represents our continued evolution of adding exciting new experiences while maintaining the hallmarks that have made Holland America Line a leader in premium cruising.”

The ship has a capacity for 2,666 guests, with purpose-built rooms for both families and solo travelers across its 1,377 units.

The ship will include eateries like Rudi’s Sel de Mer, the pan-Asian Tamarind, a sushi bar called Nami Sushi and a the new Club Orange for guests in the line’s premium club, among others.

The ship’s design will largely mirror that of Holland America’s Koningsdam ship, its first “Pinnacle” class ship.

— CJ