Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands will name Holland America Line's new Signature-class ship Eurodam in a ceremony in Rotterdam on July 1. The 2,104-passenger ship is being built by Italian shipyard Fincantieri-Cantieri Italiani SpA in Marghera, Italy. "The upcoming naming ceremony of Eurodam will be a very special moment in our company's proud, 135-year history," said Stein Kruse, president and CEO of Holland America. "We are truly honored that Queen Beatrix will name our new ship. This special dedication will take place steps from our historic headquarters as well as our current European head office. Like her mother did 50 years ago for the beloved Rotterdam V, Queen Beatrix will be the godmother and name the largest passenger ship every to fly the Dutch flag."

Holland America has a long and proud relationship with the Dutch Royal Family when it comes to naming its ships. Nine vessels have been launched by members of the Royal Family. The naming ceremony on July 1 will include festivities along Wilhelminakade, Rotterdam's crusie ship terminal area in front of the former headquarters of Holland America, which is now Hotel New York. The company was founded in 1873 in Rotterdam.