Seattle, May 15, 2001 -- Holland America Line announced that it will rename its recently acquired Seabourn Sun to the ms Prinsendam next June during introduction festivities. In addition, the premium line released early plans for the 38,000-gross-ton ship’s exotic itineraries during its inaugural year of operation.

“One of the most cherished ship names in our 127-year history is the Prinsendam,,” said David A. Giersdorf, senior vice president, marketing and sales. “In a survey of our top selling travel agencies Prinsendam was selected as the favorite name for our next ship. We totally agree.”
Built in 1973, the former Prinsendam sailed Far East and Alaska itineraries through 1980. The regal name translates to “princes” ship, with “dam” being the familiar Holland America passenger ship name suffix.

Holland America receives the Seabourn Sun on April 23, 2002, and will take it into a drydock for planned modifications to the Holland America brand. The newly refurbished ship will be introduced in June to travel agents and consumers along the East Coast of the United States. It then will embark on its maiden voyage from New York to Europe in early June 2002.

“The itineraries we’ve planned for the new Prinsendam are fantastic for the passengers we expect aboard,” said Giersdorf. “They mix the exotic and adventurous with enough time in port so our guests will definitely return home with many personal discoveries and a sense that they’ve made a monumental journey in their well-traveled lives.”
Plans call for 25 itineraries ranging from 10 to 18 days during the first 12 months. Guests also may choose to combine unique itineraries for a longer voyage of 26 to 57 days. For example, Prinsendam guests could sail from Copenhagen, Denmark, across several seas to Mumbai, India, on a 57-day adventure.

Following its 10-day maiden transatlantic voyage from New York to Southhampton in early June 2002, the Prinsendam will sail the British Isles, coast of Spain, Norwegian fjords, Baltic port cities, Russia, and the coast of France on six itineraries through September. She then sails through the Mediterranean visiting southern Europe before heading to Mumbai, India.

From India, the globetrotting Prinsendam will cruise to Asia and the Pacific to offer several cruises exploring Australia, New Zealand, Burma, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Singapore, China and Japan. Retracing her steps, the ship returns to Europe in late spring 2003.
One of the most spacious ships in the cruise industry, the future Prinsendam offers eight passenger decks plus 15 public rooms and boutiques. Ninety-three percent of the 383 staterooms have an ocean view and 40 % of those offer private verandahs.

Aboard ship, public rooms will be renamed to reflect the Holland America tradition and cabin categories will be defined in accordance with the company’s current approach fleetwide. Among Holland America’s classic Dutch art and ambiance, passengers will discover an Explorer’s Lounge, Crow’s Nest, Java Café, Rotterdam Dining Room, an Italian alternative restaurant, and other familiar features known to the Holland America guest.

Any word about her capacity or change from single to double seating dining?

I know a few people who think that they will sail w/ the Sun at HAL prices and are bound to be disappointed.

I know nothing more than "rumours". Thanks

As for adding berths, etc. I don't think we'll see any of that. It is too expensive and takes time. Carpeting and soft furnishings are pretty easily accomplished.

That being said, there are plenty of maritime traditions - some of which I suspect cover the naming of vessels.

Anyone else?

Many people could have died if she hadn't stayed afloat so long. It took 18 hours to evacuate the ship. Many of the crew were off first (like the Andrea Doria). It took some heriocs of the Coast Guard to save people.

This quote was in the press release that started this thread and something about it didn't settle with me. Today I realized what it was. This name has only been used once before and that was in 1973 when the original Prinsendam was built - and it went to the bottom of the sea.

I have a great book called "A bridge to the Seven Seas" and was written by Schapp & Schaap. It is a history of HAL and on page 116 - it lists the names, tonnage and service life of every HAL ship between 1873 and 1973.

There are some other great names that could be resserected: i.e Edam (there were 4 of those), Didam, Leerdam, Dubbeldam, Spaarndam PLUS many other ships with the suffix - DYK ie Maasdyk, Vechtdyk Gaasterdyk - to name a few.

It would seem to me that Prinsendam really isn't a cherished name afterall. I wonder if Mr. Giersdorf knows that?