HOLLAND America Line has placed orders with Italy’s Fincantieri shipyard for two 84,000-ton ships for delivery in 2003 and 2004.
The 1,800-passenger vessels, the largest in Holland America’s history, will cost $400m apiece. They will be the third and fourth in the new series of up to five ships launched last autumn. The first two ships are due to enter service in 2002 and 2003. They will feature glass-walled elevators facing the water on the port and starboard sides. Also, 85% of all cabins will face the ocean and 80% of will have balconies.
Holland America’s parent, Carnival Corporation, now has 13 ships worth a total of $5.1bn scheduled for delivery over the next four years.