In anticipation of the launch of ms Koningsdam in April 2016, Holland America Line is debuting a series of short videos called “Countdown to Koningsdam” that will provide construction updates as the ship nears completion. Hosted by Jonathan Rogers, Koningsdam’s inaugural cruise director, each video features one of the ship’s principal officers or a Holland America Line executive who will speak about their area of interest.
In addition to updates and interviews, the series will show the progress of the ship through vivid videos shot at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard in Italy where Koningsdam is under construction.
“The process of building a ship is fascinating and fast-paced, and we’re excited to share the latest updates through the ‘Countdown to Koningsdam’ video series,” said Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line’s president. “Anticipation for the ship’s launch is gaining momentum, and through the series we can bring our fans along for the journey and get a glimpse into the making of this beautiful ship as it comes together.”
Scheduled to share their insight in the “Countdown to Koningsdam” series are Hotel Director Stan Kuppens, who will show off the progress of the ship’s atrium, talk about his move to the yard and what’s coming next for his team; Vice President, Deployment and Tour Marketing Linda Springmann, who will talk about the ship’s inaugural year itineraries; Senior Vice President of Guest Experience Product Development Michael Smith, who will reveal more details about The Dining Room; Director, Mariner Society Gerald Bernhoft, speaking about the perks of Holland America Line’s loyalty program; and Director of Entertainment Bill Prince, who will take guests on an entertainment extravaganza at World Stage, the ship’s theatre that surrounds the audience with a 270-degree LED projection.
At the helm of the videos is the ship’s Cruise Director, Johnathan Rogers. Cruise Director Johnathan Rogers joined Holland America Line in 2014 and is thrilled to be able to put his proficiency in six languages (soon to be eight) to good use with the line’s international guests and crew. Since embarking on his first voyage as Cruise Director, he has worked on ms Veendam, ms Volendam, ms Westerdam and ms Rotterdam. When he goes ashore, Rogers enjoys viewing the local architecture and seeing how it has evolved as a result of the geography and climate. He counts Lisbon, Portugal, as his favorite port of call and would like to move there one day. A Canadian native from Vancouver, British Columbia, Rogers now lives in Portland, Oregon. He holds a bachelor’s degree in linguistics from the Université de Montréal and a master’s degree in modern languages from the Universiteit van Pretoria. With a Dutch mother and an American father, Rogers calls himself “half Holland and half America.”
For more information about about ms Koningsdam and Holland America Line, contact a travel professional, call 1300 987 322 or visit www.hollandamerica.com.au
SOURCE: Holland America Line