Holland America Takes Delivery of Its Biggest Ship Ever

Monday was a big day for Holland America fans as the line took delivery of its biggest ship ever.

The 2,104-passenger Eurodam, the line's 14th ship, is the first of a new class of Holland America vessels that has one more deck than those in the company's last series, the Vista Class, and such innovations as "spa staterooms" that tie into the ship's spa.

The Eurodam will be christened on July 1 in Rotterdam by Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, part of three days of festivities planned for the vessel. Its maiden voyage, a 10-night cruise from Copenhagen, Denmark, is set for July 5.

The ship will spend the summer sailing in the Baltic region of Europe before crossing the Atlantic this fall to sail in Canada and New England. It'll spend the winter in the Caribbean.

Among new venues on the ship is a pan-Asian restaurant called Tamarind; a casual Italian eatery, Canaletto; and a pizza outlet dubbed Pizzeria Slice. Other differences from previous Holland America ships include the addition of a new Explorer's Lounge Bar, a new atrium bar area and an enhanced and reconfigured show lounge with theater-style seating.