SEATTLE, Aug. 26, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Holland America Line celebrated the keel laying of its new 2,650-guest Pinnacle Class ship on Aug. 22 at Fincantieri's Marghera shipyard in Italy. A 680-ton block was lowered by crane into the yard's building dock, marking the official beginning of construction. The 99,500-gross-ton ship is scheduled for delivery in February 2016.

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The event was attended by Holland America Line's Keith Taylor, senior vice president, fleet operations and Cyril Tatar, vice president, newbuild and technical operations.

"The keel laying of our new Pinnacle Class vessel heightens the anticipation for delivery because very soon we'll see the ship begin to take shape," said Stein Kruse, president and CEO of Holland America Line. "As the largest ship ever built for Holland America Line, the vessel features many innovations and new features, and we're excited to see it all come together over the next year and a half."

The ship will showcase decors by leading hospitality designer Adam D. Tihany, based in New York City, and designer and architect Bjorn Storbraaten, based in Oslo, Norway.

For more information about Holland America Line, contact a travel professional or call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

Editor's note: Photos are available at https://www.cleanpix.com/cleanpix/portal/W1106-rWH-7QB.

Find Holland America Line on Twitter, Facebook and the Holland America Blog. Access all social media outlets via the Online Communities quick link on the home page at www.hollandamerica.com.

About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)]
Holland America Line's fleet of 15 ships offers more than 500 cruises to 415 ports in 98 countries, territories or dependencies. One- to 110-day itineraries visit all seven continents and highlights include Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; four annual Grand Voyages; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal. The line currently has a new ship on order from Fincantieri shipyard for delivery in February 2016.

Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, a commitment totaling more than $500 million, that showcase the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine -- a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen where more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and classes -- Explorations Café powered by The New York Times, Digital Workshop powered by Windows, teens-only activity areas and all new stateroom amenities highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-top Mariner's Dream Beds.

World's Leading Cruise Lines
Holland America Line is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Cunard Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises and Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, World's Leading Cruise Lines inspires people to discover their best vacation experience. Together, we offer a variety of exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations. Visit us at www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com.



    CONTACT:                         Sally Andrews

    PHONE:                           800-637-5029, 206-262-5870

    FAX:                             206-262-5934

    EMAIL:                           pr@hollandamerica.com

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SOURCE Holland America Line