Queen Máxima of the Netherlands is to christen Holland America Line’s new ship Koningsdam.
The naming follows a long tradition which has seen members of the Dutch Royal Family launch 11 HAL ships.
The 2.,650-passenger Pinnacle-class vessel will be christened at a ceremony in Rotterdam on May 20.
Then-Princess Máxima christened Nieuw Amsterdam in 2010 and previous Queen Beatrix served as Eurodam’s godmother in 2008.
The line’s president, Orlando Ashford, said: “We are incredibly honoured that her majesty Queen Máxima will carry on the tradition of Dutch royalty christening Holland America Line ships, which began 87 years ago.
“We chose Rotterdam as the location for the official ceremony because of the deep historic connection between Holland America Line, the city, and the people of the Netherlands.
“May 20 will be a very special day in our company’s 143-year history as we officially dedicate ms Koningsdam.”
The ship will then spend the summer sailing from the port of Amsterdam on itineraries to Norway, the Baltic and Iceland.
Koningsdam will sail to Fort Lauderdale in Florida, for winter and spring Caribbean cruises.