Holland America’s new Pinnacle class ship Nieuw Statendam completes sea trials

Holland America Line‘s second Pinnacle Class cruise ship Nieuw Statendam has returned to Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard in Italy after successfully completing two sets of sea trials off the coast.

Nieuw Statendam spent two days at sea in early August and was put back into dry dock at Fincantieri’s Trieste shipyard, where the trial’s data was reviewed and standard hull maintenance was performed.

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She then conducted a second more extensive sea trial over four days in mid-August.

During the sea trials, Nieuw Statendam underwent a series of performance tests on the ship’s systems, machinery and engines. The shipyard’s team of nautical officers, naval architects and builders tested the ship’s manoeuvring characteristics and safety systems.

“The sea trials are a highly anticipated milestone for any newbuild because it takes us one step closer to delivery, and we’re thrilled that Nieuw Statendam gave a strong performance out in open water,” said Orlando Ashford, President, Holland America Line.

“There’s a lot of buzz surrounding Nieuw Statendam and the innovations we’re introducing on board. The ship is going to have an exciting debut in early December,” he added.

While much of the ship’s design will be similar to Koningsdam, the first Pinnacle Class ship, Nieuw Statendam will have exclusive public spaces and its own style created by leading hospitality designer Adam D. Tihany and designer and architect Bjørn Storbraaten.

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She is due for delivery on December 1^st, 2018 and will spend her maiden cruise season in the Caribbean through the winter, before repositioning to Northern Europe for the spring and the Mediterranean for the summer.

The 2,666-guest, 99,500-ton ship will reflect the ongoing evolution of Holland America Line with familiar elements that reflect a rich heritage and classic style to state-of-the-art enhancements that reflect the 21^st century nature of premium cruising.

According to Holland America Line, the ship will feature all of the hallmarks of Pinnacle-Class design: grand, light-filled spaces; visual drama; and sumptuous interiors inspired by the fluid curves of musical instruments.

Holland America Line’s first ship to be called Statendam sailed in 1898, and this will be the sixth ship in the company’s history to carry the name.