SEATTLE, Dec. 12 — Norway’s famed fjords and Scotland’s Highlands are highlights of the ms Eurodam’s 10-day maiden voyage of northern Europe, set for July 5, 2008. The 2,104-guest Eurodam, under construction at Fincantieri’s Marghera, Italy, shipyard, will be Holland America Line’s newest ship and the first in the Signature Class series. Holland America Line also is offering two short introductory cruises during Eurodam’s inaugural season. A three-day prelude cruise will sail July 2 from Rotterdam to Copenhagen, calling at Hamburg, Germany, prior to the maiden voyage. President and chief executive officer Stein Kruse is scheduled to sail aboard the prelude cruise. Prior to the start of its Canada/New England season, the ship also will operate a new three-day round-trip New York City preview cruise, departing on Aug. 29, 2008.

“We are pleased to offer two new opportunities for cruisers to experience Eurodam next year,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. “Both can be combined with a 10-day port-intensive cruise in Europe or Canada, or they can be booked separately for an introductory experience aboard our first Signature-class vessel.”

The 10-day round-trip maiden sailing departs from Copenhagen, Denmark, and calls at Oslo, Alesund, Vik, Flam and Stavanger, Norway; Newcastle Upon Tyne, England; and Edinburgh (via South Queensbury), the premium line’s second highest rated port of call, and Invergordon, Scotland. Newcastle, a maiden call for Holland America Line, offers 2,000 years of history and a picturesque backdrop with its location on the left bank of the River Tyne.

Eurodam Expands Premium Offerings

With one more deck than Holland America Line’s 10-deck Vista-class ships, the Signature-class Eurodam will feature three alternative dining venues, including a new pan-Asian restaurant with panoramic views. The Explorations Cafe, powered by The New York Times, will be located on deck 11 on the starboard side of the Crow’s Nest. Other additions are an Explorer’s Lounge Bar, a new specialty restaurant adjacent to the Lido offering fine Italian food, new atrium bar area, and an enhanced and reconfigured show lounge with theater-style seating.

Following its inaugural Europe season, Eurodam will sail its first trans-Atlantic cruise, followed by a series of Canada/New England sailings in the fall before deploying on Caribbean itineraries for the remainder of 2008.