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I hope you all had a chance to sneak a peak at the streaming video of the Eurodam christening. Being there in person, I can tell you, a ship christening never tires.
This one was as good as it was billed. As Stein Kruse, president and CEO of Holland America Line, commented: "The weather gods must have been happy." Northern Europe, I don't suspect, ever saw this much sun. The weather for the ceremony was picture perfect--if a tad warm. The christening was held outside, as grandstands hugged the stage with the ship in the background. The event was so popular that you could see people in office buildings across the way with nose to glass.
The London Quartet was a fun start. We thought they were serious singers, decked in tails, and they were seriously great, but added comedy to their routine. Their production of The Beatles' "Penny Lane" was particularly good.
On hand for the event, along with Kruse, were Micky Arison, president and CEO of Carnival Corp., and his wife, Madeleine. They were soon joined by Queen Beatrix of The Netherlands, who performed the christening.
Once on stage, she delivered her lines, "God bless her and all who sail within her," never once wavering from formality. You know, at one of these events I'd love to see the godmother speak extemporaneously. Just once. Is that too much to ask?
Luckily, this time the champagne bottle that was swung toward the ship's bow broke. I say luckily as some of you may recall when the Duchess Camilla named Cunard's Queen Victoria, the champagne bottle hit the hull with a large thud but never splintered.
This summer, Eurodam will sail Northern Europe itineraries, followed by fall spent sailing in Canada/New England. In the winter, Eurodam will operate Caribbean sailings.
Watch our exclusive video of the ceremony:
For those seeking an inside look at Eurodam, Holland America has posted its own blog at www.eurodamnews.com.
Read more about Dave Eisen's journey aboard the Eurodam and his tour of Amsterdam.